CHAPTER 607: 235 VENOMOUS SNAKE EMERGES FROM ITS HOLE

Wei Lai left Four Seasons Manor and returned to the Yu family’s old residence in the city center.

He first went to report to Madam Wei Zhuhua.

"Keke said she originally wouldn’t last these two days, but her medical expertise is quite good. She stayed to take care of them, and at the very least, they’ll make it through the New Year."

When Wei Zhuhua heard they could endure for another month, a sense of relief eased her heart.

Making it through the New Year would suffice.

"Keke?"

Wei Lai quickly explained, "She’s my distant niece, a graduate of Mingren Medical College, skilled in traditional medicine. Naturally, for those two’s treatment, it’s essential to find a trusted person from within the family. Therefore, I took the liberty to ask my niece for help. I hope Madam won’t mind."

"Mingren Medical College? That indeed cultivates promising talents."

Wei Zhuhua seemed to think of something. "Find an opportunity to bring her to meet me."

Wei Lai’s face lit up with joy, and he quickly agreed.

After Wei Lai left, Wei Zhuhua gazed out at the cold night beyond the window with a forlorn expression.

On New Year’s Eve, when families reunite, her husband could not return home.

Throughout the year, the chances to see him even once could be counted on one hand.

The world often praises her position as the esteemed Madam Yu, envying the life of luxury she supposedly leads. In truth, only she understands the bitterness within.

Back then, the Yu family originated from humble beginnings, mere commoners. They couldn’t blend into the aristocratic circles of Jingzhou. While people flattered them for their power to their faces, behind closed doors, they ridiculed them endlessly. Thus, Old Madam Yu thought of arranging a marriage.

The Wei family was an established aristocratic lineage, holding significant influence in Jingzhou’s elite circles. Old Madam Yu set her sights on a Wei family lady.

The Wei family didn’t dare decline, and so she, a young lady of marriageable age, was pushed forward for the alliance.

Even though her heart belonged elsewhere, she ultimately had to sacrifice her lifelong happiness for the benefit of the family.

Marrying Yu Fusheng wasn’t inherently bad—he was handsome, considerate, and successful...

But can a handsome face fill an empty stomach?

His consideration was nothing more than a facade of hypocrisy.

As for his success, how much blood and bones did the Yu family tread on to achieve their glory?

When was the last time she saw him?

Oh, during Qingming Festival this year, when they paid respects at the ancestors’ tomb. He stayed home for one night, and as she was tidying his clothes, she saw a lipstick stain on the collar of his shirt.

A typical wife might have caused an uproar, demanded answers, but she simply cleaned the shirt calmly, pressed it neatly, and hung it back up.

Without hope, there is no disappointment.

Without love, naturally, there can be no hatred.

She didn’t have grand desires to humbly beg for a pitiable man’s so-called affection, transforming herself into a completely unrecognizable person.

Maintaining surface-level dignity, raising her daughter, and granting her freedom to the extent of her abilities—this was enough.

In this deep mansion, on one side was the unreasonable grandmother even harsher than a mother-in-law, and on the other was the spoiled and domineering sister-in-law. With her husband absent, she was utterly isolated. Many times, she chose not to fight, but she understood that she couldn’t afford to continue sitting idle.

Recalling the conversation between Liu Qingdai and her grandmother earlier in the day, she gripped the scripture roll tightly in her hand.

"Grandmother, look at Ruohuan. Once she’s outside, she’s like a bird set free in the forest, never yearning to return. Even for an important holiday like New Year’s Day, she doesn’t come back to accompany you. I think when girls grow up, their hearts go wild. In the end, don’t let her be seduced by unruly men outside, bringing disgrace to the name of the Yu family."

The old lady, dressed plainly and holding a string of Buddha Beads, remained unperturbed as she listened.

"Speak plainly."

Mei Qingdai’s eyes darted around cautiously before she replied, "I think the best approach would be to settle a marriage for her, so she can calm down. A young lady’s proper path is to manage a household and raise children."

The old lady raised her eyelids slightly. "And in your opinion, what kind of husband should we choose for her?"

"Ruohuan has been brought up personally by you, Grandmother. Her looks and character are unmatched, even among the most elite young women of Jingzhou. Any promising young man would suit her, but if you ask me, Jun Zhe is the best candidate."

Mei Qingdai took a glance at the old lady, noting her lack of reaction, before continuing to push forward. "Look, Jun Zhe has been raised in front of our eyes and stands out among the aristocratic youth. Moreover, he’s the only son of the Mei family passed down for three generations. As they say, ’Don’t let your treasures go to outsiders.’ Isn’t that right, Grandmother? Besides, if Ruohuan marries Jun Zhe, you know my sister-in-law’s temperament—it’s wonderfully kind. She would never let Ruohuan suffer. When all factors are taken into account, Jun Zhe is undoubtedly Ruohuan’s best choice."

The old lady, who in her youth was but a street-begging vagrant, might have died on the streets long ago had Master Mei not shown kindness, feeding her and imparting to her a skill to survive. Without that, there would have been no chance for the opportunities that later came.