Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

1389  How Disgusting

Shao Yunduan's remarks led Third Old Master Qiao to abandon any thoughts of exploiting the situation. Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan had refrained from seeking vengeance on the Qiao Family, and if they were provoked to retaliate, it could jeopardize his position.

Moreover, life for the Qiao Family in the capital would become even more arduous.

The Qiao Family lacked the confidence to challenge Shao Yunduan.

Madame Lady Qiao glowered at Qiao Xuan, her dissatisfaction palpable, but she had to yield to the wishes of her eldest son.

She then directed her glare at Concubine Du once more.

In her view, this inept woman didn't even know how to end her own life. If she had successfully taken her own life in front of Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan's residence, the Qiao Family could have demanded justice on her behalf. But instead, she had survived, with someone capturing her and returning her home, causing immense embarrassment.

Madame Lady Qiao wasn't concerned about Concubine Du's reputation; her primary aim was to humiliate Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan. She suggested, "If this woman is so malicious, the Qiao Family can't possibly shelter her any longer! Since she has offended Lord Shao and Madame Shao, please remove her from our premises! We will deal with Lord Shao and Madame Shao as we see fit!"

Her proposition was utterly repugnant.

Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan couldn't simply take Concubine Du with them. Doing so would only create more problems.

Shao Yunduan chose to disregard Madame Lady Qiao's words and turned to Third Old Master. "Officer Qiao, I have a few inquiries for you. May I proceed?"

Hearing his former son-in-law address him as "Officer Qiao" in such a detached and businesslike manner, Third Old Master Qiao's heart ached.

A reprehensible individual had triumphed. A reprehensible individual had triumphed!

He had not acted in this manner in the past!

The East Palace guards fixed their gazes upon him, rendering it impossible for Third Master Qiao to disregard Shao Yunduan. This situation needed resolution, as these individuals wouldn't depart otherwise. The longer the deadlock persisted, the more detrimental it would be.

Furthermore, with their current predicament, they couldn't afford to slight Shao Yunduan.

Could he afford to flaunt his father-in-law's status in such circumstances?

Reluctantly, Third Old Master Qiao walked over.

Madame Lady Qiao signaled to her husband and her brother-in-law, and they followed her lead.

However, Sun Bai reached out to halt them, stating, "Please wait. Lord Shao didn't request your presence."

The two Old Masters of the Qiao Family seethed with anger. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

What did he mean by "Lord Shao didn't request your presence"? Who did he think he was?

Though they muttered silently, they dared not provoke the East Palace entourage. All they could do was stop with a resentful expression.

"Yun Duan, I truly—"

"Officer Qiao, would you prefer to relocate somewhere else?" Shao Yunduan interrupted.

"What?"

Third Old Master Qiao was left dumbfounded.

Shao Yunduan cast a meaningful look in his direction and spoke slowly, "Officer Qiao, if you're considering relocating somewhere else, I might be able to assist you."

Third Old Master Qiao was immediately stirred by this proposition.

Regrets had haunted him for a long time.

Initially, he had harbored high hopes that his return to the capital would yield rapid advancements and a flourishing career. Little did he anticipate that, after squandering a considerable sum of money, he would only deteriorate further. Moreover, it appeared that he would never attain a higher position again in his lifetime.

His mother, siblings, and in-laws held him accountable, even though he hadn't been the one to sever all ties with Qiao Xuan – they had initiated the estrangement.

His children had become the subject of endless jests.

He felt a deep sense of shame when mingling as a guest.

How he yearned for the freedom to depart the capital!

As a local government official, he held a position of leadership and could lead a life of liberty. Why should he remain in the capital and endure such suffering?