Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
But Qiao Xuan’s innocence had been tarnished due to her connection with the man who rescued her from the water. County Magistrate Qiao grew furious and blamed Qiao Xuan for bringing trouble to the family.
As he reflected on the situation, even County Magistrate Qiao couldn’t shake the feeling that it all seemed too coincidental. He even began to suspect that his wife might have been involved in orchestrating these events.
Furious, County Magistrate Qiao shot a cold glare at Madame Qiao.
Qiao Xuan spoke calmly, “Madame Qiao accuses me of being unfilial. But I would like to ask, what have I done to deserve such a label? Did 1 break any contracts? Did I steal from my in-laws’ family to benefit my own family?” County Magistrate Qiao and Madame Qiao were both taken aback by her words.
Indeed, their actions had been forcing Qiao Xuan to steal from her in-laws’ family to help her own. Qiao Xuan had been unwilling to comply, and she could not be considered unfilial.
The realization struck them both. It was Shao Yunduan who stood before them, witnessing everything.
Forcing Qiao Xuan to engage in such behavior right in front of her husband suddenly seemed incredibly wrong.
Qiao Xuan felt a strong sense of displeasure. She was a married daughter, spending time with her in-laws’ family. As long as she didn’t disrespect or mistreat County Magistrate Qiao and his wife, she should never be labeled as unfilial.
After all, Qiao Xuan, as a married daughter, was not bound by the fate of her family’s exile and imprisonment. She was no longer a member of the Qiao family, and the notion of manipulating her with the concept of filial piety seemed absurd.
Shao Yunduan sneered with disdain, firmly holding Qiao Xuan’s hand. “Darling, let’s go! Officer Father-in-law, unless you provide a clear explanation of the injustice my wife has endured, we will not attend any further summons from you!”
Qiao Xuan chimed in, “Father, be cautious of your wife. She is capable of deceit and treachery!”
With those words, the couple departed, arm in arm.
Madame Qiao and County Magistrate Qiao were left in a state of shock, unable to utter a word.
Suddenly, a loud bang broke the silence, jolting Madame Qiao from her daze.
County Magistrate Qiao glared at her coldly, his voice filled with accusation. “Is what she said true? You…
But he couldn’t bring himself to utter the words. His legal wife had attempted to harm his daughter, regardless of her status as a concubine’s daughter. She was still his daughter!
“No, Old Master, please!” Madame Qiao pleaded, sounding as if she had been unjustly accused. “Qiao Xuan set me up! She was trying to sow discord between us! Old Master, don’t fall for her ploy! She’s trying to divert your attention from our demands!”
County Magistrate Qiao was caught in a whirlwind of confusion. He couldn’t help but find his legal wife’s words somewhat reasonable. Qiao Xuan’s accusation seemed like a diversion to avoid discussing their demands.
“But you must be aware of how you have treated her!”
Madame Qiao wiped away her tears. “Old Master, she is merely the daughter
of a concubine, a product of the woman who betrayed me by sleeping with you! Old Master, 1 too have emotions. How could I ever develop any fondness for her after what happened?”
“But I have never mistreated her! I provided her with food, clothing, and daily necessities. While she might not have felt particularly well-treated, the truth is, if I truly harbored such hatred towards her, I would have put an end to her existence long ago.”
“As for how she ended up in the water…”