Chapter 1169: Happy Now

Editor: Henyee Translations

Third Old Master and Third Madame of the Qiao Family were deeply distressed by the unfortunate turn of events. Despite their son no longer being an officer and his future prospects being ruined, he was still their only child.

Madame Lady Qiao was thoroughly disgusted with the mocking and sarcastic remarks made by the first and second sections of the Qiao Family. These comments only served to further aggravate Third Old Master and his wife.

Unfortunately, their financial situation made it impossible for them to use money to save their son’s position. They had no choice but to raise the required funds themselves, which nearly depleted their private savings of 1,000 liang.

Third Madame felt heartbroken, wondering why they had ever looked forward to returning to the capital when nothing but misfortune awaited them. Their son’s failure to get promoted and earn a decent income not only affected him but also led to their daughter losing her marriage prospects. It felt like a great tragedy and an unforgivable sin.

Third Old Master was infuriated, but he found himself unable to disobey the governmental order. So, begrudgingly, he took the 1,000 liang and personally handed it over to Shao Yunduan, expecting him to have some sense of shame and not demand such a hefty sum.

However, to his dismay, Shao Yunduan accepted the money without uttering a word of thanks.

Third Old Master’s annoyance was evident as he sneered, “Are you satisfied now, Shao Yunduan? I misjudged you, and I deeply regret it!”

Despite Third Old Master Qiao’s denial of any regret, Shao Yunduan could discern his true feelings.

He must be regretting marrying Qiao Xuan to me.

Responding to Third Old Master’s accusations, Shao Yunduan maintained his composure and said, “I am satisfied with the compensation; nobody should ignore being falsely accused. However, I assure you that I have not wronged you, and I don’t agree with your accusations.”

Frustrated, Third Old Master glared at him, attempting to counter his claims, but he found himself unable to articulate a compelling argument.

In retrospect, neither Third Old Master nor the Qiao Family had supported Shao Yunduan’s endeavors to become an intermediate Cultivated Talent, Provincial Champion, or Primus.

After Qiao Xuan got married, her own family never gave her no any benefits.

But Shao Yunduan could not change that just because he did not want to admit it.

But he was his father-in-law, his senior!

Why was he so unfilial?

Third Old Master’s annoyance lingered, and he couldn’t help but blame his mother and two brothers for breaking off the relationship with Qiao Xuan. If they hadn’t done that, things might not have turned out this way. However, he knew it was too late to change anything now.

Attempting to regain his composure, Third Old Master couldn’t resist taunting Shao Yunduan, “You may feel proud now, but you still have a long way to go! Just wait and see, your ending won’t be a pleasant one!”

Shao Yunduan raised an eyebrow but chose to ignore the provocation.

Having received the 1,000 liang, Shao Yunduan couldn’t help but think of his wife. He knew she would be delighted to be back, as she always enjoyed receiving money from the Qiao Family. He regretted letting her go home in the first place.

While everyone believed the matter was settled, including the Fourth Prince, Honored Princess Mei, and her son, who decided not to take any immediate action, Shao Yunduan had other plans.

He made the decision to resign.

Claiming that he had not anticipated such jealousy arising from Minister Old Yun’s guidance, he suspected that an evil scheme was concocted to tarnish his reputation. While his reputation might recover, he couldn’t bear the thought of Minister Old Yun being implicated in the process.