Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1651: Too Bully

Qiao Xuan instructed Liqiu, “Summon Caiyun, Caiyue, Ms. Song, and Ms. Miao. Inform them to halt their work. Let them know that I have a fondness for these flowers and want to keep them for my enjoyment. Anyone daring to defy will be subject to punishment and expulsion.”

“Understood, Madam!”

Liqiu swiftly turned on her heels and sprinted away, fearful that the flowerbeds might be uprooted if she delayed.

The flowers and trees were well-established, with deep roots that had likely grown for numerous years. Eradicating them all would be a formidable task.

When Liqiu and the others arrived, the four maids had not yet started clearing the roses. Liqiu rushed to the rose garden and reported to Qiao Xuan. The maids hesitated, reluctant to take action.

The Prefect’s wife held a higher status than the Deputy Prefect’s wife. How could they dare to defy the Prefect’s wife’s orders?

However, each Prefect’s tenure in this place was short-lived. The longest stayed for less than three years, while the briefest departure occurred in less than half a year.

On the other hand, the Deputy Prefect’s wife and her husband had resided in this region for a decade.

If they obeyed the Prefect’s wife now, who would bear the consequences when she departed, and the Deputy Prefect’s wife sought retribution?

One maid, with a forced smile, said to Liqiu, “Miss, this is Mrs. Guan’s directive. If we go against it, it won’t end well. Miss, why don’t you speak to Mrs. Guan yourself…”

Liqiu glanced at them, showing no intention to make things difficult.

“Of course. I’ll inform Mrs. Guan immediately. You may leave now!”

“Thank you for your understanding, Miss!”

“Thank you, Miss!”

The four maids felt relieved but remained standing hesitantly at the side.

Liqiu led Caiyun and Caiyue to the west yard, while Ms. Song and Ms. Miao stayed behind, engaging in conversation with the four maids.

Despite being newcomers, they had no intentions of staying within their own boundaries. Since there were no servants in the east courtyard, they saw no reason not to socialize.

With Qiao Xuan’s pregnancy, the east yard was off-limits. However, if they were to establish a presence in the west yard, building relationships with the existing staff was essential.

Liqiu, maintaining a polite tone, stood in front of Mrs. Guan. Yet, the very fact that she was here made Mrs. Guan so infuriated that her facial expression seemed distorted.

Inwardly cursing, Mrs. Guan pondered how Qiao Xuan had boldly contradicted her earlier. She had even reprimanded her servants. Now, she couldn’t even remove the flowers she had planted? She was obliged to stay because Qiao Xuan liked them?

This felt like bullying to Mrs. Guan, an unbearable injustice.

Mrs. Guan harbored animosity towards all the Prefect’s wives, considering them intruders who had assumed her husband’s position. She despised this place, so why did they come here? Their disdainful expressions were irksome.

Yet, of all the Prefect’s wives, it was the current woman she loathed the most.

“How considerate of you to let us keep them if Madam Shao likes them,” Mrs. Guan said through gritted teeth, attempting a smile that almost broke two of them.

Internally seething, Mrs. Guan thought, “What else can I do? I’m only the wife of a Deputy Prefect. She’s the superior official and can crush people. How can I reject someone who sends such brazen words through her servants?”

Liqiu, grinning, responded, “Thank you, Mrs. Guan! Our Madam will surely be delighted!”

Mrs. Guan almost retorted with a sarcastic “Bah!”—she refrained, wondering why she should care whether Qiao Xuan was happy or not.

Liqiu and her companions returned to the garden, instructing the four maids to replant the roses that were about to be uprooted and distribute them.