Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
As long as the plants managed to survive the winter this year, the following year wouldn't pose a problem either.
Rather than relying solely on supernatural powers, she sought assistance from Yuezheng Xiao to gather a significant amount of straw. This way, when the temperature dropped, she could cover the tree roots with straw to keep them warm. Additionally, she planned to create smoke in the vicinity to protect the fruit trees from frost damage.
Qiao Xuan had meticulously prepared for this situation.
A day prior to the Double Ninth Day, when Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were exploring the city with their families, the First Madame received a letter from Madame Qiao.
In the letter, Madame Qiao acknowledged herself as Qiao Xuan's mother and expressed gratitude to the First Madame for taking care of him. The First Madame couldn't help but chuckle.
"Madame Qiao is quite an interesting character…"
Auntie Hua found this revelation equally surprising. She smiled and remarked, "l wonder if she's aware that Mrs. Shao and her entire family are already present in the province."
The First Madame entered a contemplative state.
Qiao Xuan had never mentioned anything about Madame Qiao's visit, and the
First Madame had displayed no interest in meeting her.
The Yuezheng Family held considerable influence and had no need to associate with a County Magistrate.
Madame Yuezheng, as the esteemed guest of a high-ranking official's wife, surpassed Madame Qiao in every aspect.
The First Madame had the choice to either receive her visit or decline it.
"Auntie, would you mind visiting Xuan and inquiring about her thoughts on the matter?"
Essentially, this meant that if Qiao Xuan desired any form of retribution, the
First Madame would support her.
Auntie Hua replied and personally went to speak with Qiao Xuan.
Qiao Xuan smiled and said, "l forgot to inform Auntie about this. My lineal mother did suggest that I visit Auntie together with her, but I chose not to and ignored her request. I never expected them to arrive so quickly…"
"Thank you for your concern, Auntie. It holds no significance for us. If Auntie wishes to meet them, she may do so. If she prefers not to, that's perfectly fine as well. I know what I need to do.'
Qiao Xuan had already thought about what to say to Madame Qiao when she inquired why they weren't traveling together.
Her intention was to demonstrate to Officer Qiao that they were not mere puppets controlled by his strings, obligated to obey his every command. If Officer Qiao couldn't tolerate it, Qiao Xuan secretly wished for a confrontation.
If Officer Qiao could endure it, then she would have to put in even more effort to strengthen their relationship.
Auntie Hua understood Qiao Xuan's point. She nodded and asked, "What will you say if she asks whether you're here?"
"Auntie, you can tell her whatever she wants to hear. Just make sure not to disclose our whereabouts or reveal our business dealings with Young Master Yuezheng," Qiao Xuan instructed Auntie Hua.
Auntie Hua comprehended the situation and nodded before taking her leave. In the guesthouse, Madame Qiao had mixed feelings upon hearing the response.
The First Madame provided a diplomatic answer, stating that they were occupied with numerous engagements on the Double Ninth Day and proposed visiting Madame Qiao the following day.
This effectively prevented them from spending the day with the Yuezheng Family.
Furthermore, while Madame Qiao mentioned Qiao Xuan, the First Madame made no mention of her in the reply, which surprised Madame Qiao.
Qiao Wei found this unsurprising and sneered, "That girl must be lying! If she truly had a good relationship with the First Madame, why wouldn't the First Madame mention her?"
The First Madame would have answered this question by stating that they never inquired about Qiao Xuan in the first place..