Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1388: Currying Favor

Editor: Henyee Translations

After expressing their gratitude to the neighbors for their impartiality, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan escorted Concubine Du back to the Qiao Family residence.

The Qiao Family’s abode was in a state of disrepair, with no noticeable security measures in place. Thus, no one noticed Concubine Du leaving the premises.

The sight of her return took Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan by surprise.

Upon hearing that Lord Shao and Madame Shao had arrived, Third Old Master Qiao was so taken aback that he initially believed they had come to celebrate the New Year.

To his astonishment, before he could even muster a smile, he beheld Concubine Du, bound and gagged.

His welcoming words were caught in his throat, his shock and anger palpable as he stuttered, “What—what’s happening here!”

Third Mrs. Qiao sneered, “Old Master, can’t you see it? Lord Shao and Madame Shao wield immense power! The Qiao Family is but an eyesore to them, and they can simply take whatever they desire!”

Madame Lady Qiao shot a piercing glare at Qiao Xuan, as if trying to retrieve what Qiao Xuan had supposedly stolen from the Qiao Family.

She was about to unleash a tirade when Shao Yunduan directed a meaningful look at the East Palace guards and suggested, “Why not allow them to explain the situation, so that no one can accuse us of bullying you?”

The East Palace guards represented the Crown Prince of the East Palace, and openly challenging them was not a proposition anyone would dare undertake.

Madame Lady Qiao was taken aback and instinctively held her tongue.

In the end, she didn’t relinquish her hope that the Qiao Family might one day reclaim its former glory. Her eldest and third sons were both officials of the imperial court, and her grandson aspired to pass the imperial examination and attain an official position. She couldn’t risk needlessly offending the East Palace.

Though they were merely guards of the East Palace, they were not individuals the Qiao Family could easily provoke. On the contrary, it was in their best interest to seek favor with them.

Madame Lady Qiao put on a strained smile. “Ah, it’s the East Palace guards. First, Second, Third, please have a seat in the room and enjoy some tea.”

The Qiao brothers were about to agree when Sun Baiyi arched an eyebrow. “No need, we’ll keep it brief.”

He had little patience for dealing with the Qiao Family. Gesturing toward Concubine Du, he recounted the events that had unfolded.

A wave of shock swept through the entire Qiao Family.

Third Old Master Qiao glared at Concubine Du and hastily disavowed any involvement, stating, “I had nothing to do with this! I had no idea that this woman was so audacious!”

Madame Lady Qiao sneered at Qiao Xuan. “You owe a debt of gratitude to Concubine Du, and this is how you treat your benefactor? You’re truly ruthless!”

Qiao Xuan retorted sharply, “If you’re not senile, don’t speak without thinking. Are you ignorant of what kind of person Concubine Du is? Are you unaware of the nature of Qiao Kou? Do you honestly believe that she and her mother will treat me kindly? She bribed a hooligan to create chaos on New Year’s Eve and even tried to take her own life in front of my residence to intimidate me. She may be a devoted mother, but that has nothing to do with me. She’s out to harm me! If you’re so insistent, why don’t you visit the Heavenly Mansion office to clarify the situation? I won’t tolerate being unjustly accused!”

Shao Yunduan added coldly, “We’ve been exceedingly lenient, never resorting to force even when the odds were against you.”

Madame Lady Qiao sneered and was about to retaliate when Old Master Qiao cleared his throat, interrupting her. “Mother, please refrain from further comment.”

In her fit of anger, his mother might not have cared, but he couldn’t permit her to behave recklessly.