Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1624: The Open Gambit

Qiao Xuan and her servant engaged in conversation until a maid arrived. Casting a stiff glance at them, she declared, “Madam Shao, please come with me!”

Returning the look with a smile, Qiao Xuan replied, “Then please lead the way.”

Assuming that decorum would prevail in the Fourth Prince’s mansion, the maid proudly guided them, raising her chin with an air of superiority.

Lixia, feeling indignant, sought solace in her Madam’s gaze.

Qiao Xuan, shaking her head with a smile, signaled for Lixia not to be bothered. Lixia pursed her lips and lowered her eyes, resigned to the snobbish attitude.

Upon arriving at the hall where the guests had congregated, the opulent and spacious room teemed with people.

With Qiao Xuan and her servant being the last to arrive, the madams and young ladies, engaged in cheerful conversations, collectively turned their attention toward them. A smile adorned their lips, and their eyes sparkled with anticipation—a clear indication that they were eager for a spectacle.

Once a figure of envy and glory, Madam Shao now found herself the object of their gloating pleasure. The sudden intrusion of someone who did not originally belong to their social circle, now seizing their coveted position, fueled their delight.

In their eyes, it seemed normal for this turn of events.

Furthermore, they collectively concluded and sighed: “This is the consequence of lacking a foundation. Everything is superficial, and chaos is inevitable!”

Princess Consort’s expression soured the moment she laid eyes on Qiao Xuan. Subconsciously clenching her fists, embarrassment painted her face.

Why was she here?

Princess Consort harbored no desire to see Qiao Xuan at all.

Observing Princess Consort’s reaction, the Fourth Princess Consort was taken aback. She had deliberately invited Qiao Xuan to surprise Princess Consort, who was known to dislike her. However, Princess Consort’s response appeared to be more extreme than expected.

Qiao Xuan, a perfect match for the Crown Prince’s hypocritical and pretentious demeanor, displayed composure, contrasting sharply with Princess Consort’s overt displeasure. The revelation hinted at a strained relationship between Shao Yunduan and the East Palace.

“Greetings, Crown Princess Consort! Greetings, Princess Consorts!” Qiao Xuan approached, bowing respectfully.

Despite her tense demeanor, Princess Consort maintained a dignified tone. “No need to stand on ceremony.”

“Thank you, Princess Consort!”

A lady in attendance remarked with a half-smile, “Madam Shao, you are so audacious! Princess Consort and the other princes and princesses are here, and Madam Shao arrives late!”

The other ladies quickly chimed in agreement.

“That’s right. Her rudeness is unacceptable!”

“Heh, lacking manners is in her nature. You can’t expect more!”

“You can’t excuse her behavior. She should respect her seniors and adhere to proper etiquette! This is unacceptable!”

“If you are ignorant, it’s better to stay home and avoid embarrassing yourself!”

“Heh, she’s only here because she won’t have another chance in the future!”

“Hehe, that’s the truth!”

“…”

Princess Consort’s displeasure deepened, and she glared disapprovingly at Qiao Xuan.

Her sense of disgust was palpable.