Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1515: Result

Editor: Henyee Translations

Upon their return to Huning City, Zhou Chong and the others recounted the events in Shaoding Village to Ding Xiang. She smiled joyfully and expressed regret, “What a pity. It would have been even more interesting if I had seen it with my own eyes!”

Learning of Ding Erzhu and Ms. Zhou’s well-being and their unwavering support, Ding Xiang contemplated when she would go back. This realization meant that, in the couple’s hearts, their daughter held greater importance than the scornful family they left behind.

Anticipating the likely tantrum from her original host’s grandparents after receiving the numerous gifts, Ding Xiang envisioned her father compromising. Once he acquiesced, these gifts would symbolize the final fulfillment of her filial piety. Henceforth, she planned to sever all ties and never look back, harboring no interest in encountering them again.

The prospect of her original host’s parents facing hardship due to the old woman’s oppression no longer concerned her.

Ding Xiang found solace in the fact that her father could withstand the turmoil and pressure from the elderly couple.

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As for Qiao Xuan, Shao Yunduan, and the others, they departed Huning City and lodged in an inn within a small town for the night. Shao Yunduan, in consultation with Sun Bai and Sun Qian, urged them to remain vigilant on their journey to the capital.

Acknowledging that the potential danger persisted until they returned to the capital, Shao Yunduan emphasized the need to swiftly conceal all traces. By the time the capital reacted and dispatched investigators, any evidence would be elusive.

While others might find safety in such actions, for Shao Yunduan, Qiao Xuan, and even Qiao Wei, this marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Sun Bai, Sun Qian, and the dozens of elite guards from the East Palace remained vigilant, shielding Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten days had passed, and everything proceeded smoothly. With another ten days until the potential return to the capital in late September, anticipation filled the air, sparking excitement among the group.

Even Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan found a sense of relief.

One evening, they arrived at Yanzhou. The local magistrate, informed in advance, organized a banquet to welcome them. Simultaneously, the magistrate’s wife arranged a gathering in the backyard, inviting local ladies to accompany them, extending a special invitation to Qiao Xuan and Qiao Wei.

The women concluded their festivities early, fatigued from the journey. They returned home to freshen up, and Qiao Xuan, mindful of her husband’s exertion, sent Lixia and others to rest while she sought reprieve herself.

Reflecting on her concerns about the strain her husband endured on the way back to the capital, Qiao Xuan pondered the toll such events took. While a small town might offer respite, a state or county residence often led to grand banquets.

It would be manageable if they were aware of their imminent travels the next day, but sometimes they encountered hosts eager to prolong the evening, organizing elaborate performances, and encouraging prolonged revelry. Such well-intentioned yet tiring gatherings often involved drinks, dance, and fervent wishes to keep the festivities alive until dawn.

As Qiao Xuan contemplated these thoughts, a sense of foreboding crept over her. Before she could discern the cause, a sudden, intense pain and dizziness overwhelmed her. Her vision darkened, and she slumped to the ground, losing consciousness.

Upon regaining awareness, Qiao Xuan found herself bound and gagged, a cloth stifling her cries.