The Mistress of Metaphysics Watches the Drama Unfold Chapter 59

Chapter 59: If You’re Punished, What Does That Have to Do with Me?

This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation

“When the young won’t listen, it’s best to tell their elders or husbands. There’s no need to lower your standards because of her,” Yu Zhi Yi said, her voice calm and steady.

Madam Yao nodded, her anger slowly fading. “You’re right, Zhi Yi. Those without manners ought to be properly disciplined by their families.”

Madam Yao knew well enough that since the true daughter of the Yu family, Yu Jiao Jiao, had married into the Duke Courage’s household, her life had been far from easy. Zhang Tian Shun, her husband, was a scoundrel, always bringing different women into their home. He’d even created a scandal by getting a concubine pregnant before his wife.

The Duke Courage’s family had tried to cover it up, but rumors still spread among the upper class. And the Duchess herself had never had a stellar reputation either.

Thinking of this, Madam Yao felt her anger completely dissolve.

Yu Jiao Jiao, her face flushed with rage, glared at Yu Zhi Yi. “You despicable woman!”

Yu Zhi Yi smiled, her voice soft but firm. “If standing up against someone’s schemes to protect those I care about makes me despicable, then so be it.”

Madam Yao clutched her chest, her heart pounding as if it would leap out. In that moment, Yu Zhi Yi seemed almost to glow with a holy light. No one had ever defended her so steadfastly.

Even her husband, Chancellor Du, and her own mother had often asked her to compromise for one reason or another. Her good-for-nothing son was even worse, constantly opposing her because of some woman.

But this daughter-in-law stood firmly by her side, declaring to the world, in her gentle yet unwavering voice, that she was willing to bear the stigma of being despicable to protect her mother-in-law!

It was indescribable how she felt. All she knew was that, from this moment on, she was willing to stand against the world for her daughter-in-law, even if it cost her everything.

At that moment, Du Zi Heng returned, holding his examination results in his hands. He had overheard Yu Zhi Yi’s words, and his feelings were complicated. Earlier, You Bing Yue had been pressuring him to leave the Du household, using his supposedly “good” exam results as an excuse.

But that so-called “good result” was only third place—not the top scholar, nor even second place. For others, such a rank might be commendable, but for him and Chancellor Du, it was disappointing. And You Bing Yue hadn’t noticed his frustration, only chattered on excitedly about the life they’d have after moving away—a life without his parents.

She didn’t even want to face his parents with him. He sighed deeply, feeling as though something had shifted inside of him.

Yu Zhi Yi was the first to notice his return. “Husband, you’re back?”

Madam Yao and Yu Jiao Jiao both turned to look at him. Hatred flared in Yu Jiao Jiao’s eyes, but no one paid her any attention.

Madam Yao eagerly approached her son. “Well? How did it go?”

Just as Du Zi Heng was about to answer, Yu Jiao Jiao interrupted impatiently, “What else? Look at his face—he must’ve failed!”

Madam Yao’s face twisted with anger. “Madam Zhang, I’ve tolerated you because your father-in-law is the Duke, and your father is the Minister of Revenue. But if you keep talking nonsense, don’t blame me for being rude!”

Yu Jiao Jiao hesitated for a moment, but her hatred for her enemies drove her on. She spoke with a sharp tone, “Ridiculous! I’m just telling the truth. Why are you being rude to me?”

“Can’t we juniors even speak the truth? He failed! He failed! He failed! If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself!”

Madam Yao, who trusted Yu Zhi Yi’s judgment, grew anxious when she saw how sure Yu Jiao Jiao seemed. She looked at her son cautiously. “Zi Heng, is what she says true?”

Du Zi Heng cast a cold glance at Yu Jiao Jiao. He couldn’t understand where her malice came from, but her rudeness and attitude made him dislike her instantly. Turning back to his mother, he said gently, “Mother, I placed third. The messengers should be arriving soon.”

Even if it was just third place, it was still a pass—though he wasn’t satisfied with the result.

Madam Yao’s face lit up with joy. “I knew my son was talented! You did it!”

Yu Jiao Jiao let out an enraged scream. “Impossible! You couldn’t have passed! You’re lying!”

This time, there was no need for Madam Yao, her son, or Yu Zhi Yi to refute her—others would do it for them.

A clamor arose from the front gate, and soon a celebratory procession arrived at the Du residence. A government official dressed in red stepped forward, respectfully saluting the trio before turning to Du Zi Heng. “Congratulations, Master Du! His Majesty has personally named you the third-ranking scholar. Soon, His Majesty will bestow upon you the ceremonial flower. Congratulations!”

Madam Yao was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered, instructing her maid Aunt Wen to reward the messenger generously. She kept her composure in front of outsiders, hiding any dissatisfaction.

Yu Jiao Jiao looked like she’d gone mad. “Third place? How is that possible? How?!”

She couldn’t understand where things had gone wrong. Even after changing marriages, her life was still full of misfortune, while the “scoundrel couple” Yu Zhi Yi and Du Zi Heng seemed to have everything going their way.

In her previous life, Du Zi Heng hadn’t passed the exam at this time!

Though third place was indeed less prestigious than being the top scholar, in this era, one’s future career wasn’t guaranteed just by achieving the highest rank. It was difficult for those from humble backgrounds to rise high because, even if they succeeded academically, without support at court, advancement was nearly impossible.

The government was controlled by noble families and the royal family. Those in high positions were all sons of nobility or royalty. For scholars from humble origins, their most glorious day was when they paraded through the streets adorned with the ceremonial flower and plume. Their future success depended not on their abilities but on whether they could latch onto a powerful patron.

Therefore, Du Zi Heng’s third-place rank was actually more valuable than being the top scholar. With Chancellor Du’s support in court, he would quickly make a name for himself!

Meanwhile, in her previous life, at this point, Zhang Tian Shun had already won a minor battle at the border. But now, he was still a useless parasite, doing nothing but squandering his family’s wealth and indulging in women.

Yu Jiao Jiao felt like she was losing her mind.

Ignoring her madness, Yu Zhi Yi ordered the servants from the Chancellor’s residence to escort Yu Jiao Jiao back to her carriage. She instructed the coachman to relay everything that had happened today to the Duke Courage’s household.

She knew that by doing so, Yu Jiao Jiao would undoubtedly be tormented by her overbearing mother-in-law, who had a tight grip on her son. But…

What did that have to do with her?

She still remembered when Yu Jiao Jiao had falsely accused her of mistreating servants, causing her to be locked in the woodshed by Madam Yu. She had questioned Yu Jiao Jiao then, asking if her conscience didn’t hurt for doing such things.

At that time, Yu Jiao Jiao had replied smugly: “If you’re being punished, what’s it got to do with me?”

 

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