Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Madame Qiao’s expression darkened. “Auntie Ling, speak clearly and tell me everything! ‘
She needed to inform Old Master about this situation and understand what was truly happening.
Auntie Ling continued, “When I arrived at the house, only Shao Dalang and his wife were present. I asked them about Second Miss going to the province, but Ms. Xu claimed she had no knowledge of it. She mentioned that she was occupied with taking care of the children and had no idea about Second Miss’s plans. In fact, she suggested that I ask Second Miss directly…”
Madame Qiao realized that this was part of the plan Qiao Xuan had discussed with Ms. Xu. No matter who from the Qiao Family came asking, Ms. Xu was instructed to respond with “l don’t know” and nothing more.
Ms. Xu also had reservations about engaging with Auntie Ling, concerned that she might be drawn into something. Therefore, she followed Qiao Xuan’s instructions and consistently maintained that she had no information. Ms. Xu used the excuse of being busy at home to deflect Auntie Lings probing and ultimately dismissed her.
Auntie Ling, seething with anger, couldn’t believe that she had been dismissed by a rural woman. However, she reminded herself that Ms. Xu was, in fact, her younger sister-in-law, and as an elder, she shouldn’t pry too much into her affairs. Reluctantly, Auntie Ling made her way back home.
Madame Qiao was equally frustrated. “Qiao Xuan must have deliberately done this!”
Qiao Wei chimed in with a sneer, “Of course. Mom, she puts on a facade of kindness in front of father, but deep down, she’s not on our side. She still holds a grudge against us. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have kept those precious ornaments a secret from us!”
Qiao Wei couldn’t help but feel envious, especially when she thought about the luxurious bracelets adorning Qiao Xuan’s wrists. She had never seen such extravagant jewelry before, and she couldn’t help but wonder how Qiao Xuan had obtained them.
Madame Qiao sneered in agreement and promptly ordered Auntie Ling to bring County Magistrate Qiao to her room. She needed to discuss this matter with him and find out the truth.
County Magistrate Qiao, initially assuming that Madame Qiao had brought up the matter to deliver some greetings from Qiao Xuan, was taken aback by her angry outburst. He asked in a cold tone, “Is there a misunderstanding between
Madame Qiao let out a sigh and replied, “Old Master, Auntie Ling personally went to Shaoding Village. There’s no room for misunderstanding. It seems that Xuan still holds a grudge against us…”
County Magistrate Qiao’s expression darkened further. After a brief pause, he said, “Perhaps… but no… the first section of the family went to the province together, right?”
“That explains it.” County Magistrate Qiao suddenly felt a sense of relief. “The Shao Family went as a large group, so it might have been inconvenient for them to travel together. It’s nothing to worry about. You can stick to the original plan and travel as scheduled tomorrow. You can contact them once you arrive.”
Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei were left stunned by County Magistrate Qiao’s response.
Qiao Wei screamed. “Dad, Qiao Xuan doesn’t think you and mom are important. She doesn’t like us and you are still defending her!”
“Shut up! What do you know anything?” County Magistrate Qiao shouted. “Don’t suspect your sister. She is kind and she doesn’t want to cause anyone trouble. She is apparently trying to save us trouble and you are not only ungrateful, but also lecturing at me? Wei, you have to improve your personality! ”
“Old Master is right.. Wei, no more talks!”