Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“l told you not to offend Qiao Xuan any more! She is not part of the Qiao
Family, and she won’t give you any barriers. She is Provincial Champion’s wife and offending her doesn’t help you!’
“You know, life is unpredictable. We never could have imagined that Qiao
Xuan would rise to such prominence. It’s important not to antagonize her. Who knows, if Shao Yunduan secures a position in the governmental office, you being her sister might come in handy. You may find yourself in need of her support one day.” Concubie Du sighed.
Qiao Kou snorted and threw a disdainful look at Concubine Du.
This woman knew nothing but kept talking about how to depend on others. What was the point?
“You think it had been my intention?”
“Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei told me to follow the order, and what else could I do to object to that?”
Concubine Du was at a loss for words, feeling the weight of Qiao Kou’s predicament. She knew that going against the orders of Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei was not an option for Qiao Kou. They were both stubborn and difficult to sway, making it challenging to please them.
Frustration welled up within Concubine Du, and she clenched her teeth in anger. “This life is truly unbearable. Once we return to the capital, I will find a way to secure a good match for you, so you can get married…”
Qiao Kou glanced at her, her expression filled with a mixture of skepticism and resignation. She no longer believed in Concubine Du’s promises or held any high expectations.
She had experienced disappointment before, and she was determined not to let herself be disappointed again.
There was little trust left between them, and Qiao Kou knew she had to rely on herself to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.
She was determined to find a suitable suitor on her own; she didn’t need Concubine Du’s assistance. The constant nagging from Concubine Du became background noise to Qiao Kou, as if mosquitoes were buzzing in her ears.
Claiming exhaustion, she declared her need for sleep and managed to silence Concubine Du’s prattling.
The next day, Madame Qiao and Qiao M/ei left to make the apology, leaving Concubine Du and Qiao Kou behind. It was evident that Madame Qiao didn’t want them present for Qiao Wei’s humbling encounter with Qiao Xuan.
Meanwhile, Shao Yunduan was at home. Madame Qiao took the opportunity to remind everyone of the Qiao Family’s noble status in the capital and their past service to the Emperor. She emphasized their valuable connections, including Qiao Wei’s engagement to a Duke’s mansion. Madame Qiao expressed her intention to support Shao Yunduan once he was in the capital, leveraging their influence to help him progress. She proposed that they put the past behind them, forgive each other, and continue socializing as before.
Shao Yunduan firmly rejected Madame Qiao’s offer. “l have my own plans, Madame Qiao. You don’t need to worry about me. My wife cannot be bullied !”
Madame Qiao sneered, ready to mock Shao Yunduan’s naivety. Without influential connections in the capital, a poor scholar like him would never succeed. It would take him decades to achieve even a minor position, perhaps becoming a low-ranking officer in the Imperial Academy if luck was on his side.
However, she realized it was not the appropriate time to voice her doubts.
Qiao Wei was unwilling and filled with remorse. She didn’t want to be here apologizing. This infuriated Ms. Fang, who couldn’t contain her frustration and lashed out at Qiao Wei, pushing her to the brink of explosion.
Madame Qiao, anxious and angry, intervened and insisted that Qiao Wei make the apology.
The whole situation felt like a farce, a meaningless charade.
In the end, Madame Qiao promised to provide immediate compensation of 10,000 liang, with the remaining four to be repaid in the future..