Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1376: Liu Yan

Editor: Henyee Translations

The advantageous aspect of this was that people became increasingly wary of offending Shao Yunduan.

Prince of Qingdi, for his part, was quite interesting. He even attempted to pay a visit to Shao Yunduan, but Shao Yunduan firmly declined the offer.

“Are you serious?”

After all, Prince of Qingdi held a sensitive position as the Prince of Qingdi and was a confidant of the Crown Prince. Accompanying the Prince of Qingdi to the capital for official business was one thing, but allowing him into his home as a guest involved a personal relationship.

Becoming personal friends with a prince? What intentions did he have, and what were the Crown Prince’s plans…

Shao Yunduan, naturally, would not entangle himself in such matters that could potentially give others an opportunity to exploit and create issues.

Moreover, if Prince of Qingdi were to visit as a guest, Shao Yunduan’s wife would have to cook for him. Shao Yunduan couldn’t bear the thought of that.

He was also concerned that Prince of Qingdi might develop a penchant for free meals.

After all, his wife’s cooking was exceptional!

Following the minor Lunar New Year, this year’s weather was exceptionally favorable. The snow had ceased, and temperatures had even risen slightly, sparking the citizens of the capital’s enthusiasm.

Agricultural work in the fields and farms had long been suspended. Songshi had returned to the Shao residence, and along with Qing Yan, he was busily accompanying the two masters on shopping trips and to deliver New Year’s gifts.

Of course, he also received numerous silver rewards.

On the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month, with all offices closed, Shao Yunduan had some free time and stayed home with Qiao Xuan. They took advantage of the pleasant weather to venture out of the city and inspect their farm.

However, upon their return home, as Shao Yunduan assisted Qiao Xuan out of the wagon, a timid voice called out from behind them. “Second Miss, Second Master…”

Both Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were taken aback. It had been a long time since they had heard these titles, so they momentarily spaced out.

Qiao Xuan felt that the voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t immediately place it.

Turning around, they saw a maidservant wearing a coarse, faded cotton robe. She trembled as she stood not far away, her face pale, and her hair somewhat disheveled. She appeared apprehensive, perhaps due to the cold weather.

The maidservant mustered her courage and approached, then knelt down to kowtow. “Second Miss, I-I’m Liu Yan! Second Miss, do you still remember me?”

“It’s you!” Recognition lit up in Qiao Xuan’s eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Shao Yunduan frowned, casting a sharp glance at Liu Yan.

The Qiao Family had tried to exert control over them through their seniority, but they couldn’t gain the upper hand. Qiao Hongxi had even lost his official position and left the capital alone. A series of family troubles had befallen Qiao Wei and Qiao Kou. Third Lady of the Qiao Family was filled with anger and resentment, but she was powerless to change anything.

The other two branches of the Qiao Family had become more cautious and dared not entertain any ulterior motives, knowing that their actions could potentially jeopardize Old Master Qiao’s position.

As Shao Yunduan gained prominence, the first and second branches of the Qiao Family regretted their actions. In their frustration, they directed their anger towards the third branch of the family, causing difficulties for the Third Master and Third Lady of the Qiao Family.

The third section of the Qiao Family was enduring a difficult period. Third Old Master Qiao had long regretted his decision. If he had known the outcome, he might have remained a local official.

What had led him to expend so much effort and resources to return to the capital?

But none of this had any direct bearing on Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan. When the Qiao Family had faded from their lives, they had simply moved on.