Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2311: Change Place to Stay

The Qiao Family had taken the courtyard that was promised to Lu Min and the other three families. While they were not pleased, they decided it was just a place to stay and opted to keep their distance.

They planned to reconsider their options upon arriving in Hangzhou City.

Seeing Lu Min’s half-smile, the other two lords were curious about the dynamic between County Magistrate Qiao’s family, Madam Shao, and Lord Shao. However, Lu Min kept silent, unwilling to divulge anything.

He knew better than to discuss how Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan treated the Qiao Family; it wasn’t the right time to speak out.

While County Magistrate Qiao and Madame Qiao were currently assertive, Lu Min sensed they would face repercussions upon reaching Hangzhou City.

Suggesting they move to another inn, the other two lords readily agreed.

The next morning, they woke early, had a quick breakfast, and departed before County Magistrate Qiao and Madame Qiao were even awake.

Fortunately, they left early, as Madame Qiao later proposed they travel together with Lu Min and the others, suggesting mutual support on the journey ahead.

County Magistrate Qiao thought it was a favorable idea to travel with Lu Min and the others. Being Qiao Xuan’s father, he knew his presence would carry weight, and they would certainly try to ingratiate themselves with him.

This arrangement also served as a form of publicity, potentially enhancing his status upon arrival in Hangzhou City.

Promptly, County Magistrate Qiao instructed his steward to summon Lu Min and the others.

The steward assumed Lu Min and the others were still lodged in the same inn from the previous day, so he instructed the shopkeeper accordingly. However, the shopkeeper was perplexed and unaware of their whereabouts.

Upon inquiry, the steward learned that Lu Min and the others had not stayed at the inn the previous day at all. This revelation caused him immediate concern.

“Why aren’t they here? Where did they go?” the steward asked urgently.

The shopkeeper, flustered, could only respond, “I don’t know where they went. It’s not my place to keep track of their movements.”

Reflecting on the previous day, the shopkeeper recalled how he had tried to convince Lu Min’s group to stay, even offering discounted rooms. However, they had insisted on leaving, much to the relief of the inn’s staff who had endured unpleasant treatment from County Magistrate Qiao’s family, including verbal abuse and physical altercations with waiters.

Clearly, no one was eager for their prolonged stay.

The steward realized his question was futile and shot a glare at the shopkeeper before hurrying to report to County Magistrate Qiao.

Madame Qiao, furrowing her brow, snapped, “Well, what are you waiting for? Go and find them! Lishui City isn’t that large, and they have a sizable entourage. Check all the major inns and locate them!”

The steward nodded quickly, assembling a few servants to start the search immediately.

Madame Qiao continued with a hint of bitterness, “I should have gone to them yesterday!”

Her tone turned mocking, “They left as soon as we arrived. They chose to find another place rather than stay here. Ha! They clearly know we’re here, yet they didn’t bother to greet you. They obviously don’t take you seriously at all!”