Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“What? You invited them to spend the day together?” The three women’s expressions instantly changed. Qiao Wei reacted the most fiercely, her anger bursting forth without any hesitation.
First Madame observed their reactions and sneered inwardly, perplexed by their distress. Why did they care so much about her treating Qiao Xuan kindly? Why were they reacting so miserably, especially Elder Miss Qiao? She appeared as though she had been struck.
First Madame couldn’t comprehend it at all. It was true that the entire family disliked Qiao Xuan and had never treated her well. But she had openly invited Qiao Xuan and her family to visit, with no intention of hiding her actions. She smiled and explained, “l have always held great admiration for Xuan, and I genuinely like her. Her husband and my son have established a good relationship, so when they came for a visit, I invited them to join us for dinner to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.”
Qiao Kou found satisfaction in Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei’s displeasure.
However, upon hearing First Madame speak so highly of Qiao Xuan, she also felt annoyed. She smiled and inquired, “So, the Second Sister was here? Where are they staying? My sisters and I have missed her terribly.”
Madame Qiao forced a smile and requested, “Please, do tell us.”
She felt extremely irritated. However, she couldn’t blame First Madame for inviting Qiao Xuan and her in-laws to dinner while excluding them. Madame Qiao wasn’t in a position to voice her displeasure, nor did she dare to do so.
Before First Madame could respond, Qiao Wei interjected, “The Second Sister is always so selfish. She only cares about herself and not others. We discussed coming to the province together, but she arrived first without informing us. We don’t even know where to find her.’
First Madame’s expression faltered upon hearing Qiao Wei’s words. She forced a fake smile and remarked, “l admire her strong-willed personality. She’s a remarkable young woman, and I appreciate her assertiveness. Elder Miss Qiao, perhaps you have misunderstood her?”
Madame Qiao, quick to defend her daughters, interrupted Qiao Wei, saying, “They are close sisters and have always been carefree with each other. That’s what Qiao Wei meant!”
First Madame smiled and nodded, saying, “Of course…”
Auntie Hua finally found an excuse and said, “First Madame, the housekeepers from the southern abbey are here waiting to see you. They have an urgent matter and need your attention before they leave, so…”
First Madame gave a regretful smile to Madame Qiao and said, “l apologize, but I must attend to this matter. Perhaps we can continue our conversation next time, Madame Qiao?”
Madame Qiao, accustomed to being treated with respect and courtesy due to her association with County Magistrate Qiao, felt a surge of irritation. It had been years since she had been dismissed as a guest. Maintaining the family’s reputation was crucial in business circles.
Feeling her frustration mounting, she couldn’t bear it any longer. She stood up, forced a smile, and bid farewell, “Very well, then. Goodbye!’
First Madame also rose from her seat and saw them off with a smile. Maids quickly stepped forward and escorted them out of the premises..