Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Officer Qiao held significant influence in the county, and if he conducted some discreet arrangements and distributed benefits to the strategists, administrators, guards, as well as lower-ranking government officials, nobody would dare oppose him.
The officer had amassed a substantial fortune, and he couldn’t help but feel delighted about it. He owed this success in large part to Shao Yunduan’s suggestion to eliminate the Zhao Family, a decision he wouldn’t have made without his input.
As a gesture of gratitude, Officer Qiao instructed Madame Qiao to select fine jade, porcelain vases, exquisite jewelry, and 300 liang of silver to present to Shao Yunduan. This was intended to foster a closer relationship between them.
Madame Qiao, however, wasn’t particularly pleased about it. She believed that they had acquired their fortune through their own abilities, so why should they share it with the two “bastards”?
“Yunduan and Quan are already quite well-off. They have established a close relationship with the Yuezheng Family and lack nothing. Xuan’s jade bracelets alone are worth more than ten thousand liang!’
Officer Qiao’s expression turned sour.
He had been coveting Qiao Xuan’s bracelets for a while. He had even made up his mind to claim them for himself once he returned to the capital, making them his own prized possession.
However, after successfully toppling the Zhao Family, he had secretly acquired more than 10,000 liang in addition to the confiscated properties, and he had completely forgotten about Qiao Xuan’s bracelets. He didn’t want to provoke any animosity with Shao Yunduan or give Qiao Xuan a reason to despise him.
Officer Qiao had never been particularly kind to Qiao Xuan, and he knew that if they continued to shower her with favors, she would suspect ulterior motives or even suspect a setup. Women were often suspicious and had a tendency to harbor grudges. What if she whispered something to Shao Yunduan? That would certainly complicate matters.
Officer Qiao continued, unfazed by Madame Qiao’s discomfort. “She can indeed have her own properties, but it’s important to show our generosity. We are fortunate to be wealthy now, so what harm is there in sharing some with them? Let’s not be stingy. Yunduan is destined for a bright future, and it’s crucial to establish a good relationship with him from the beginning. Otherwise, our gratitude may lose its value if we’re even slightly late.”
Madame Qiao couldn’t help but feel even more uneasy upon hearing her husband’s remarks about Shao Yunduan. After all, she had chosen Shao
Yunduan as her son-in-law.
“Very well, Old Master,” Madame Qiao reluctantly agreed. “But please, Old Master, let’s not exaggerate the virtues of our son-in-law. The spring examination has yet to take place, and we can’t predict the outcome. Our county is small, and people from humble origins often have narrow perspectives. In any case, he is not superior to our own son, is he?”
“Old Master, please don’t hold such high expectations too soon. You may end up disappointed,” Madame Qiao cautioned, maintaining her stance. While her words held some truth, Officer Qiao couldn’t shake off his discomfort. He furrowed his brows and retorted, “Are you determined to contradict me? Let me make it clear: stop scheming. Shao Yunduan has no other support. Our task is to win him over and ensure his unwavering loyalty. Don’t be so narrow-minded!”
Madame Qiao felt a surge of irritation, but she forced a smile and reluctantly agreed. They proceeded with the preparations for the gifts, but to their surprise, Shao Yunduan outright refused to accept them. He stood firm in his decision.
He made it clear that he wanted no association with the properties or assets seized from the Zhao Family. He even declined any involvement with the stores and fields that were acquired through their confiscated possessions. As a Recommended Mandidate, he had the privilege to purchase land without going through the standard procedures.
Shao Yunduan was adamant that the Shao Family should have no ties whatsoever with the Zhao Family, even in the slightest sense.
County Magistrate Qiao was left puzzled by Shao Yunduan’s motives. Consequently, his respect for the man deepened, accompanied by a tinge of guilt in his own heart.. This son-in-law of his was certainly not ordinary!