Chapter 4: Condemned by Thousands, Despised by All

Matchmaker Liu choked, feeling a sudden wave of panic. “Your words are too harsh. Madam Wang only wants you to live a life of wealth and comfort—it’s all for your own good!”

“Mr. Dong is older than even you, Auntie,” Yu Tingwan replied coolly.

Matchmaker Liu dismissed her concern. “What does that matter? Men can still be as vigorous as tigers with the right medicine.”

“If you marry him, you’ll become a stepmother. If you bear children, everyone will be happy; if not, there are ready-made ones to raise.”

Yu Tingwan replied coldly, “Let’s not forget his first wife passed away less than a month ago – the white funeral lanterns haven’t even been taken down yet. And what happened to all those concubines he took in earlier years? Within six months, each one was tormented until their bodies were covered in wounds, then wrapped in mats and abandoned in the deep mountains as food for wolves and tigers.”

She asked coldly, “Auntie, we have no grudge between us. Why would you wish me harm?”

Matchmaker Liu’s smile remained unchanged. “Look at what you’re saying. Those women died because their fate was unfortunate; they couldn’t enjoy their blessings. How is that the scholar’s fault?”

Yu Tingwan refused to argue further. “Auntie has arranged quite a few matches over the years, hasn’t she?”

Her tone sharpened. “You’re a despicable person with a glib tongue and no shame. You’ve harmed many people, pushing many good families’ daughters into hell with your shameless schemes.”

“That Wei family’s young master has shed blood on the battlefield. What do you think will happen to you when he wakes up and learns his sister married only to lose her life?”

Matchmaker Liu jumped up, furious. “You dare insult me? Everyone says the Hu family’s niece is nothing but trouble—now I believe it! I’ve been running around tirelessly for whose sake? You ungrateful wretch!”

Now she understood why Madam Wang despised Yu Tingwan so much—this girl was truly unlikeable! Fuming, she turned to leave.

Marriage matters were dictated by parental orders and matchmaker arrangements. With Yu Tingwan’s parents gone, her aunt Madam Wang held the authority.

In her anger, Matchmaker Liu vowed to see this match through!

“If I recall correctly, Auntie has been widowed for three years now,” Yu Tingwan called out, watching her retreating figure with an odd look in her eyes.

Who would have thought this matchmaker would soon be caught in bed with someone, becoming the target of public scorn?

“Auntie has no children, no ties. Why persist in widowhood? Just to have villagers praise your virtue, calling you faithful for not remarrying after your husband’s death?”

Matchmaker Liu halted, suspicious of her words’ hidden meaning.

Sure enough, Yu Tingwan dropped a bombshell: “But they don’t know about your secret affairs with your father-in-law.”

Matchmaker Liu froze.

“I wonder what would happen if I accidentally let slip your dirty secret?”

Despite the biting cold wind, sweat broke out on her back. “You’re talking nonsense!” she screeched.

Yu Tingwan asked with feigned curiosity, “Does your father-in-law take those pills too?”

Yes, to be vigorous as a tiger.

“And at your age, Auntie, why do you still have mandarin ducks embroidered on your undergarments?”

That’s none of your business!

Yu Tingwan tilted her head innocently and asked shyly, “That butterfly-shaped birthmark on your hip—your father-in-law seems quite fond of it. I find it quite charming too.”

Matchmaker Liu nearly fainted. How could Yu Tingwan know such intimate details?

Scanning the surroundings in panic, she stammered, “Stop! Not another word!”

Yu Tingwan merely smiled, showing no trace of threat.

Chills crept up Matchmaker Liu’s spine, half her scalp going numb. How could she dare continue her schemes? With chattering teeth, she forced out, “Your aunt is cruel-hearted and wants to ruin your life, but that’s not my intent. Mr. Dong has one foot in the grave—a young lady in her prime deserves someone outstanding.”

Yu Tingwan glanced at the sky, her mood lightening now that she’d resolved one matter. Her gentle smile remained as she unhurriedly adjusted her disheveled clothes, causing Matchmaker Liu to shudder repeatedly.

“Auntie, though your character may be lacking, you should consider the consequences of becoming condemned by thousands and despised by all, shouldn’t you?”

Being skilled at reading people, the matchmaker understood the implied threat. Suppressing her fear, she whispered, “What do you want me to do?”

*

The weather was bitterly cold, with thick ice covering the river. Snow had fallen for three consecutive days, blanketing everything in bone-chilling white. Each step sank deep, soaking shoes and socks through.

After falling out with Madam Wang, Yu Tingwan showed no intention of reconciling. Since she’d stopped helping, Madam Wang had been overwhelmed these past days, yet dared not ask her pregnant daughter-in-law for help, fearing harm to her precious unborn grandson.

Seeing Yu Tingwan appear again with her bowl at mealtime, Madam Wang’s fury surged—she wanted to devour this little wretch whole.

Patience, she told herself. The Dong family’s reply would arrive soon.

The meal was bean porridge, with hardly any grains of rice. The yellow beans were hastily soaked and cooked without oil, making it nearly impossible to swallow.

Yu Tingwan expressionlessly spat out a small stone—the third one she’d found.

But hunger drove her to continue, despite her furrowed brows.

Xiao Xu poked at her food with chopsticks. She missed Yu Tingwan’s cooking, which was at least edible. But Yu Tingwan was untouchable now, so she dared not suggest it.

She carefully glanced at Yu Tingwan. Living under someone else’s roof meant knowing your place.

If she were Yu Tingwan, she would have already knelt and begged Madam Wang for forgiveness.

Previously, Yu Tingwan might not have tried to please Madam Wang, but she had shown respect. Even when Madam Wang made things difficult, she never caused a scene.

Who knows what’s gotten into her these days?

“Sister-in-law, why are you looking at me?”

To see you courting death! But Xiao Xu, wary, only said, “Nothing.”

Yu Tingwan nodded seriously. “Oh? Does Sister-in-law think Auntie’s cooking tastes like pig slop?”

Xiao Xu tensed: ??

You noticed that too?

Madam Wang: !!

Yu Tingwan frowned. “Yes, aunt’s cooking skills aren’t great, but sister-in-law, ask around – which mother-in-law busies herself taking care of her daughter-in-law? In such cold weather, aunt doesn’t want to freeze her hands washing beans, and reuses the soaking water directly in cooking, leading you to find stones. Even if it’s not to your taste, can’t you just endure it?”

“Sister-in-law, don’t be foolish. It doesn’t matter if you don’t eat, but what if you starve the child?”

Seeing guilt flash in Xiao Xu’s eyes, Madam Wang’s breathing grew labored.

Conflict between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law was ancient tradition.

She clearly knew Yu Tingwan was sowing discord, but she couldn’t help overthinking! She stared hard at Xiao Xu, cold laughter escaping her lips

“So what if it’s not clean? It won’t kill you!”

“You think I won’t discipline you just because you’re pregnant?”

Xiao Xu trembled. “Mother, I didn’t mean that. I just have no appetite.”

Madam Wang wouldn’t believe her. Jabbing a finger, she snarled, “Who do you think you are?”

“I let my eldest son marry you, and after you give birth, I can just as easily make him divorce you! His younger brother has a promising future – would he have trouble finding a wife?”

Xiao Xu turned pale as snow.

Yu Tingwan knew the truth clearly—back then, the Hu family had no money for their eldest son’s marriage because they were spending money on Hu Yaozhu’s studies.

Then came the drought, when many starved to death.

Xiao Xu had been exchanged for a mere bag of rice by Madam Wang.

Hu Dalang had always despised her looks, though he didn’t dare show it.

But this was just the beginning.

Yu Tingwan hid her mockery, speaking slowly: “Enough, Auntie. What are you saying? Sister-in-law carries the Hu family’s flesh and blood—don’t frighten her.”

“Look how pale she’s become. If my elder cousin saw this…”

Yu Tingwan smiled, speaking the brutal truth.

“Oh, he wouldn’t care.”