Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The lineal mother only sought an outlet for her anger, regardless of how baseless and ridiculous that excuse might be.
However, it was evident that the old tactic wouldn’t work this time.
First Madame and Ms. Fang were determined to prevent Qiao Xuan from being wrongly accused. Even Madame Qiao couldn’t exert control over these two women.
Qiao Kou felt a mix of envy and bitterness. Qiao Xuan seemed to be protected by an impenetrable shield, stronger than her own.
Inwardly sneering, First Madame decided not to press Qiao Kou further. She let out a sigh and said emotionally, “The child must have been frightened.
Let’s leave her be. Elder Miss Qiao, it’s your turn.”
Qiao Wei had been eagerly awaiting her moment. She glared at Qiao Xuan and asserted, “It must have been Qiao Xuan who framed us! I don’t know… I don’t know how she did it, but it must have been her! Why else would we all fall? It was her doing!’
Yuezheng Ting chimed in with a gleam in her eyes, “Sister Qiao Wei is absolutely right! Qiao Xuan must have set us up!’
Qiao Xuan sneered in response, “I’m genuinely curious about that as well. But you’ve given me a reminder! I didn’t plan on mentioning this, but your maids actually pushed me from behind! I’m not sure how you fell, but maybe it was because you weren’t accustomed to the mountains, and in your confusion, you tripped each other and fell as a group. Doesn’t that seem plausible?”
“Sister, your absurdity knows no bounds! Are you suggesting that I should be wrongly convicted regardless of whether I’m guilty or innocent?” Qiao Xuan retorted.
‘Qiao Xuan, how dare you defy me!” Qiao Wei snapped angrily.
Qiao Wei had always been the dominant figure in the family, thanks to Madame Qiao’s excessive doting. She believed that her words held absolute authority. Even if she claimed that the sun was square, both Qiao Xuan and Qiao Kou would have no choice but to nod in agreement, rather than challenge her.
For a long time, Qiao Wei had been adept at manipulating Qiao Xuan and Qiao Kou to bend to her will.
But now, Qiao Xuan had slipped from her grasp.
Qiao Xuan staunchly contradicted her, exposing her humiliation for all to see.
Furious and ashamed, Qiao Wei couldn’t tolerate it any longer.
Yet, Qiao Xuan remained unafraid. She openly countered, “What do you mean? You accuse me of something I didn’t do, and I’m not allowed to defend myself?”
“That’s enough!” Madame Qiao’s voice quivered with anger. She was seething inside, but it was unclear whether she regretted raising Qiao Wei to be such an unreasonable girl.
“Wei, you’re frightened and confused today. Stop this behavior now. Second Lady Yuezheng, please make the final decision for us.”
Madame Qiao’s face contorted in frustration. Qiao Wei’s actions were completely irrational and bothersome. She couldn’t even trust her daughter’s words, let alone expect others to do so.
On the other hand, Qiao Xuan was remarkably composed and logical. Madame Qiao couldn’t help but regret allowing this troublesome girl to survive. Why hadn’t she taken care of her from the very beginning?
First Madame continued to provoke her. She furrowed her brow and spoke icily, “Elder Miss Qiao, your words sound utterly ridiculous! Setting someone up requires a motive; otherwise, it’s nothing more than a joke!”
Ms. Fang wiped her tears and sighed deeply.. “My daughter-in-law is being bullied!”