Chapter 1308: No Harvest

Editor: Henyee Translations

Auntie Fu was inwardly consumed by anxiety, dreading that the Princess Consort might align with the Fourth Princess Consort to pressure Qiao Xuan.

The Fourth Princess Consort, constrained by her position, refrained from taking overt actions but silently cursed Qiao Xuan for her lack of discernment.

However, Qiao Xuan remained resolute in accepting the Princess Consort’s proposal.

The Princess Consort discerned the intentions of the Fourth Princess Consort. Nevertheless, Qiao Xuan was in her company, and Shao Yunduan served the Crown Prince, obliging her to address the Fourth Princess Consort’s inquiry with tact, avoiding causing embarrassment.

Despite her internal frustration, Princess Consort found herself trapped in this predicament.

Every stride taken by her and the Crown Prince was fraught with hardship and constraint; they were denied the freedom enjoyed by others.

Qiao Xuan had perceived the Princess Consort’s dilemma and was reluctant to place such a burdensome decision on her.

When Princess Consort finally spoke, it sealed her fate, and both she and her husband yearned to evade the looming predicament.

“Fourth Princess Consort, there is no need to consult the Princess Consort. This matter falls under my purview, not yours. I humbly request your forgiveness, Fourth Princess Consort.”

Princess Consort breathed a sigh of relief, compelled to speak her piece. She forced a smile and added, “Fourth Sister-in-law, Ms. Qiao is absolutely correct. Ms. Qiao is a timid soul and does not merit any rewards. Fourth Sister-in-law, rest assured.”

“Bah!” The Fourth Princess Consort responded with a derisive scoff.

Internally, the Princess Consort sighed deeply and continued with a strained smile. “This young lady is called Xiang Rui, correct? She possesses a unique and clever disposition. Fourth Sister-in-law, if you permit, I would like to take her under my wing.”

The Princess Consort didn’t genuinely consider anyone from the Fourth Prince’s mansion a significant threat. She merely offered an escape route to the Fourth Princess Consort. In reality, she could easily take this man home and confine him in an available courtyard within the East Palace.

The Fourth Princess Consort’s expression softened momentarily. However, when she pondered how diligently Xiang Rui had been trained, she hesitated to squander her talents in the East Palace.

She forced a smile and dismissed the offer, saying, “Let’s drop the matter! Your establishment is filled with clever individuals!”

This response only deepened Princess Consort’s irritation. She had extended a lifeline, only to have it rejected. This man was truly exasperating!

“In that case, I shall take my leave.”

“Farewell, Princess Consort.”

The Fourth Princess Consort shot a glance at Qiao Xuan and sneered. “Madame Shao, there’s no need for such politeness. We’ll have ample opportunities in the future. I’m confident in my ability to discern right from wrong and won’t cause any trouble for Madame Shao.”

Qiao Xuan averted her gaze, as if she hadn’t heard the comment.

The Fourth Princess Consort regarded her with disdain.

Subsequently, Princess Consort, her daughter-in-law, and Qiao Xuan departed. Others followed suit until they had all departed, leaving an atmosphere of palpable humiliation that discouraged onlookers from remaining.

Princess Consort harbored considerable displeasure toward Qiao Xuan. She instructed someone to inform Qiao Xuan that she was fatigued and that she could head home directly.

Qiao Xuan yearned to distance herself from the Princess Consort and her family.

Upon returning home, she consoled Lixia and inquired about the extent of her injuries. Seeing Lixia’s diminished anxiety, she found some solace.

Initially, Lixia felt tremendous guilt, blaming herself for her carelessness and the humiliation inflicted upon Madame Yuezheng.

Qiao Xuan shook her head gently. “Someone is orchestrating these events against us. We can’t entirely evade them. Try not to dwell on it.”

Lixia remained bewildered for a while, only regaining her composure after some time.

Was this a deliberate trap? She hadn’t sensed it at all.

Her despondency deepened. If she couldn’t evade these schemes, she risked causing problems for Madame Qiao. She resolved to be more cautious in the future.