Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“l believe Qiao Xuan is being completely reasonable. Let’s maintain a respectful tone, shall we? There are numerous monks present who can serve as witnesses, if needed,” Ms. Fang interjected.
Madame Qiao, unable to counter the arguments of First Madame and Ms. Mi Junior due to their higher social status, felt a surge of anger and shame. Her face turned sour as she replied, “l am simply teaching my own daughter a lesson. What is the meaning behind all of this?”
Ms. Fang snorted in response, “Qiao Xuan is my daughter-in-law, and I am defending her. Before you attempt to teach your daughter a lesson, perhaps you should learn the complete truth first. You initiated everything without knowing the full story!’
“Madame Qiao, please calm down. Let’s hear the entire account first. I warn everyone that any interruptions will result in removal from this discussion.”
Madame Qiao struggled to contain her anger. Though furious, Ms. Mi Junior refrained from provoking any further.
Both women glared coldly at Qiao Xuan, awaiting her testimony.
Qiao Xuan lowered her gaze and began recounting the events, starting with Yuezheng Tings invitation, their meeting in the temple and back mountains, her fall from the mountains, and waking up to witness the recent incident. Qiao Xuan provided a detailed account of the events, leaving no stone unturned.
First Madame couldn’t help but cast a disapproving look at Qiao Xuan. This child was quite audacious. Despite being aware of Yuezheng Tings dislike for her and her sisters’ mischievous nature, she still decided to attend their gathering alone. Such boldness!
Ms. Fang also furrowed her brow at Qiao Xuan, clearly showing her disapproval of the decision.
“Are you injured?” both ladies asked simultaneously, turning their attention to Qiao Xuan.
Feeling touched by their concern, Qiao Xuan smiled and shook her head slightly. “My left arm is a bit sore, but other than that, I’m fine…”
“I’ve already sent someone to fetch a doctor. They should be here soon. Just wait for a little while,” First Madame assured her.
First Madame sneered and shifted her gaze towards Qiao Kou. “Now, it’s your turn. Do you have any objections to what Xuan has said?”
Qiao Kou was taken aback.
Qiao Kou felt the piercing gaze of her lineal mother on her. She wondered if it was just her imagination, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling of impending doom.
She was certain that she was doomed.
Although something had happened to Qiao Wei, she was unscathed. How could she ever defend herself against the accusations that she hadn’t taken good care of her younger sister? Her lineal mother would not believe it was a mere accident and would blame her for negligence.
Qiao Kou had no grounds to refute Qiao Xuan’s account. It was true that they had invited her to their home and proposed a visit to Lingyuan Temple. Yuezheng Ting had arranged for lunch and a clean yard for their rest.
They had attempted to conceal their ulterior motives by pretending it was a pilgrimage to pay tribute to the Buddha.
But those arrangements served as evidence that they had invited Qiao Xuan for this visit. They couldn’t deny it.
Moreover, Qiao Xuan had fallen off the mountain first. That was a fact.
Apart from this, Qiao Xuan didn’t provide any further details. She didn’t even mention being pushed off the mountains.
Qiao Kou trembled, her head hung low as she sobbed. “l don’t know, I truly don’t know anything!’
She couldn’t tarnish Qiao Xuan’s reputation or set her up. She didn’t dare to do so, and she couldn’t claim ignorance either. Their current circumstances were different.
She wouldn’t be able to unjustly frame or falsely accuse Qiao Xuan because their biological mother wouldn’t allow her to defend herself..