Chapter 1379: Save Me from the Qiao Family
Chapter 1379: Save Me from the Qiao Family
Editor: Henyee Translations
They were under no obligation to assist Qiao Xuan.
Not only had they refrained from aiding Qiao Xuan, but they had also gone out of their way to curry favor with Third Lady and Qiao Wei. Particularly Qiao Kou, who acted as Qiao Wei’s confidante and strategist, had provided Qiao Wei with numerous ideas to demean and belittle Qiao Xuan.
Their misfortune was entirely self-inflicted. Qiao Xuan had already been remarkably lenient by merely observing their predicaments without intervening.
Assisting them was an unimaginable prospect.
If Concubine Du were to actually take her own life in front of the Shao Family residence after being refused, it would undoubtedly trigger an outcry, potentially branding them as heartless and callous individuals.
In such a dire circumstance, no matter how innocent they might be, blame would inevitably fall upon them.
Furthermore, given the longstanding enmity between the two families, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for others to assume that Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan harbored ill intentions towards Concubine Du. Many would readily believe it.
“I speak the truth! I would never deceive Lord Shao and Madame Shao!” Liu Yan asserted earnestly.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan exchanged glances, their anger still simmering but not overwhelming their senses.
They contemplated the possibility that Liu Yan’s words might hold some truth, but they also recognized it as merely one potential scenario.
Liu Yan served the Qiao Family, and her servitude was under the dominion of Third Madam Qiao. There was no way to ascertain whether she had acted independently or if she was a pawn manipulated by the Qiao Family to set a trap.
It was widely known that the Emperor strongly disapproved of disturbances during the New Year. The individuals who had come to the Shao Yunduan residence seeking assistance had already taken a considerable risk.
After a moment of reflection, Qiao Xuan spoke in a composed tone, “Whether this is true or not, time will reveal the reality. Your kindness in coming here is appreciated. However, it’s getting late, and it’s best for you to return home now to avoid any trouble. Lixia, give her with 50 taels of silver.”
“Of course, Madame!”
Liu Yan’s anxiety reached a breaking point as she knelt and implored, “Madame Shao, I don’t want the money. I beg you, could you please help me leave the Qiao Family? I’ll be devoted to serving Madame Shao and will never betray you. I can’t endure staying in the Qiao Family any longer! Please, I beseech you, Madame Shao!”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Shao Yunduan responded with cold detachment, “We have no shortage of servants, and even if we did, we would not consider anyone from the Qiao Family. Do not bring this up again. Lixia, fetch two hundred taels of silver, enough for her to secure her freedom and depart from the Qiao Family.”
“But, sir, I—” Liu Yan began.
“Lixia, Liqiu, escort her out,” Shao Yunduan commanded.
“No, no, Lord Shao, please take me in! Madame Shao, have mercy!” Liu Yan pleaded, her terror and desperation evident as tears streamed down her face. She cried and begged relentlessly.
Lixia and Liqiu struggled to move her due to her emotional state.
Qiao Xuan, growing increasingly irritated, snapped, “Enough! You’re being insufferable. Don’t assume you can make demands just because you’ve come here with information about us. We have no obligation to grant your request. We won’t involve ourselves further with the Qiao Family, and you’re a part of them. If word gets out, it won’t reflect well on us. Who knows what people will say?”
Liu Yan hastily proposed, “Madam, I can return to Shaoding Village! I promise not to leave before I reach Shaoding Village. I won’t cause any trouble for you. When you have the opportunity, please send me back to Shaoding Village. I can serve Old Madame Shao. Please, Madame!”
Tears welled in Liu Yan’s eyes, and though she wished to cry, fear kept her from doing so. She trembled and couldn’t help but whimper.