Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“She’s lying! 1 have never done anything of the sort!” Madame Qiao vehemently denied the accusations.
While she could acknowledge that a lineal mother might not hold affection for a concubine’s daughter, she refused to accept responsibility for any attempt on Qiao Xuan’s life.
County Magistrate Qiao found himself growing increasingly perplexed by his wife’s words. He sensed that she was not lying, but Qiao Xuan appeared resolute in her claims. He found himself torn between whom to believe.
However, his growing aversion towards his wife was becoming undeniable.
“Old Master, I understand that I cannot alleviate your suspicions, and 1 won’t defend myself any further. But Qiao Xuan firmly believes that I have done this to her, and she will harbor resentment. She won’t show us any respect, including you. She might even grow to hate you!’
County Magistrate Qiao’s expression stiffened.
He had no interest in her demeanor. He needed Shao Yunduan’s stance.
And Shao Yunduan had already made his position clear.
County Magistrate Qiao couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. “It’s all your fault! ”
Madame Qiao lowered her head, concealing her inner sneer. She was well aware of the deep grudge Qiao Xuan held against her.
She had always believed that Qiao Xuan was easily manipulated, and she had been confident in her ability to control her.
Madame Qiao’s anger grew as she realized that Qiao Xuan had been deceiving her all along, putting up a facade. She felt a deep sense of betrayal and vowed to view Qiao Xuan as her enemy from now on.
“Old Master, it seems that Xuan has developed a deep-seated misunderstanding of me, and it will be difficult to dispel it. However, if Shao Yunduan continues to rise in his career…
County Magistrate Qiao let out an angry snort.
His head throbbed with pain.
Shao Yunduan had achieved the title of Provincial Champion, and it was not something that could be easily revoked. Attempting to remove his title could potentially ruin County Magistrate Qiao’s own career.
He dared not take such a risk.
“l am his Father-in-law! He wouldn’t dare defy me unless he wants to jeopardize his own career!”
“But he won’t take your side, ever!”
“l have an idea. Would you like to hear it?”
“Old Master, what if we find a stunningly beautiful, talented, and charming young woman and present her to Shao Yunduan as a gift?”
Qiao Xuan shouldn’t be the only one standing by Shao Yunduan’s side. If they could have a spy working for them, close to Shao Yunduan, it would be a great advantage.
Though it was despicable to manipulate someone to steal their own daughter’s husband, the couple seemed to have no qualms about it.
Officer Qiao was somewhat convinced. “Where can we find such a person? I can tell that Shao Yunduan is not attracted to ordinary women!”
If they could find a girl who possessed both gentleness and beauty, along with talent, scholars like Shao Yunduan would find it hard to resist such charms!
People in power often sought to have beautiful women by their side to enhance their image and status.
Madame Qiao smirked. “If you trust me, I can take care of that.”
Officer Qiao had no other choice but to rely on her.
He gave a cautious glance to Madame Qiao and whispered, “Keep this a secret.
No one, including Wei and Concubine Du, should be aware of our plans..”