Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
If Qiao Xuan were to heed the words of the two maids and hand over the hairpin and bracelet to Qiao Wei, it would imply her willingness to abide by Madame Qiao's advice, regardless of her personal agreement with it.
However, Qiao Xuan had never been in alignment with Madame Qiao's viewpoints.
While she understood the intention behind those words, she couldn't bring herself to concur.
Qiao Xuan retorted, "Sister possesses an abundance of fine possessions and does not require mine. These were originally bestowed upon me by First
Madame, and I cannot bestow them upon anyone else. Mother's excessive indulgence towards you emboldens you to utter such words!"
Yuzan and Ruyi exchanged a bewildered glance, their confusion evident.
Madame Qiao's once warm smile faltered, replaced by a rigid expression. Her gaze locked onto Qiao Xuan, penetrating her eyes with intensity.
"Leave immediately! "
Yuzan and Ruyi, too, sensed the overwhelming tension in the room, prompting them to bow their heads and swiftly depart, sensing the need to withdraw from the daunting atmosphere.
"Qiao Xuan, there is no need for pretense when there are no prying eyes. Allow me to enlighten you: your animosity should not be directed towards me, but rather towards your mother. She repulsed me by engaging in an affair with the Old Master while I was carrying a child, and you deserve the treatment I bestow upon you!'
"What I've just revealed holds true: men are never dependable. The more elevated their status, the less trustworthy they become! Do you believe your life will improve once Shao Yunduan achieves greater success in the future? You are utterly mistaken!"
"If he remains stagnant at his current position, you can lead a peaceful existence. However, should he rise even higher, what will you have to offer him to maintain his respect? Without our assistance, you possess nothing that commands his admiration!"
"Do you truly believe it is wiser to become an adversary rather than an ally of the Qiao Family? Don't be foolish!"
Madame Qiao possessed the ability to adapt her thinking to the circumstances at hand. She acknowledged that Shao Yunduan had the potential to achieve success, a development she could neither hinder nor control. However, she could engage in a conversation with Qiao Xuan, hoping to earn her respect and garner her support instead.
In the future, when an opportunity arose, she could eliminate her. Nevertheless, by earning Qiao Xuan's respect, she might secure a stronger position within the Qiao Family.
There was nothing for her to lose.
"l respectfully disagree with you. Why should the children bear the blame? None of us chose to be born into this situation. How can you justify that what 1 receive from you is what I deserve?"
Qiao Xuan was unaware of the conflict between her mother and the concubines. She had not witnessed the events and therefore could not offer any insight. Qiao Xuan had no recollection of her deceased mother and was at a loss for words regarding her.
Moreover, the original host was not an enemy of Madame Qiao. If Madame
Qiao disliked her, she could simply remove her from sight. There was no need for her to resort to more drastic measures such as causing her harm or even death.
Qiao Xuan found herself compelled to defend her own innocence.
"l am uncertain whether I can retain his affections. Equally unknown is whether your assistance would be of any use to me. Let us observe what unfolds.'
"You!" Madame Qiao sneered. "You do have your own plans! Don't wager everything!
"l believe I won't!" Qiao Xuan smiled. "If my husband's achievements do not surpass this level, you will naturally disregard me. However, if my husband attains significant success… you will undoubtedly seek me out, won't you?" Although she had no need for their involvement whatsoever.
Madame Qiao was consumed with anger, nearly on the verge of fainting. She glared fiercely at Qiao Xuan and nodded, her voice laden with resentment. "l have underestimated you all these years. You have been deceiving me!"
Realizing that she had underestimated the daughter of this concubine, Madame Qiao felt a sense of being manipulated and toyed with. She found it difficult to catch her breath, her chest heaving.
Qiao Xuan, however, calmly responded, "On the contrary, you have overestimated me. After all, you orchestrated this situation, didn't you?"