Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
What if Shao Yunduan had the dumb luck and made it to Advanced Scholar and ranked high again?
What if he became recognized by some important figure in the capital?
What if… well… you never knew…
He couldn't help feeling uncertain about his past treatment of Shao Yunduan. He had never been kind to him.
Now he could understand why Shao Yunduan might have kept his talents hidden from him. It seemed perfectly reasonable that he would conceal such a secret.
Thinking about these, County Magistrate Qiao suddenly felt less saddened.
He spoke up, "Let's not dwell on the past. Instead, we should focus on the future and treat our family well. When they come to visit, we should welcome them with open arms. As for Xuan, she calls you mother and you should guide her properly, so that she knows I am her father and can work for me. This would benefit her and her family in the long run…"
Madame Qiao felt a wave of disgust wash over her.
That bitch was calling her mother… she did not deserve a thing of it!
She had previously tried to sabotage her own marriage with a promising fiancé, but now Shao Yunduan had become the Provincial Champion! What if… just what if he went on to become the national champion as well? No, that seemed far-fetched. How could she even consider such a preposterous idea?!
Shao Yunduan had no wealth to go further than this. The most he could do was to reach the level of Advanced Scholar!
But even if he was an Advanced Scholar, that was still a blow on them.
And her husband was paying attention to them now, which was totally unacceptable!
Madame Qiao smiled kindly and replied, "Of course, Old Master. I will make sure to treat them well and give them good instructions!"
"I trust your judgement!" Officer Qiao felt very gratified and satisfied.
"Oh, I've noticed that Xuan's wardrobe is a bit lacking. We should provide her with some nice garments and accessories to show her that we appreciate her new position," said Officer Qiao.
Madame Qiao's anger boiled inside her, but she kept a calm exterior.
She was seething with rage inside – good ornaments and garments for that woman? She didn't deserve any of them! And didn't her husband remember that she had already sold off her good garments and ornaments for money?
"The few ones I have right now are all my precious ones. Why should I give them away to Qiao Xuan for free?" Madame Qiao thought to herself.
"Old Master, I think it might be better to wait until after the spring examination before we do that. What do you think?" She suggested, trying to delay the decision.
Madame Qiao was not convinced. She tried to overturn the suggestion.
Officer Qiao replied. "No, no, that would be too late! It is the right time now!" Madame Qiao cursed to herself inwardly.
But she had to force a kind smile. "Yeah, right. I will arrange everything."
"Okay," Officer Qiao smiled. "l will have our strategists spread the news and ask them to join us the day after tomorrow. You should get ready for the reception! Let the kitchen prepare plenty of dishes and arrange a courtyard for them to rest comfortably."
Madame Qiao almost felt like throwing up blood. She clenched her hands around her handkerchief and forced a smile through gritted teeth. "Okay, Old Master," she said through the forced smile.
Officer Qiao got really satisfied, finally.
Once he was gone, she couldn't contain her rage any longer and took it out on the nearby tea cups, shattering them into pieces, panting heavily in anger..