Chapter 1182: One Step at a Time

Editor: Henyee Translations

By that time, his followers would not be able to do anything good. However, things had already developed to this point, and there was no turning back.

Qiao Xuan hesitated. Would she pester Shao Yunduan to betray the Crown Prince? The thought troubled her deeply.

On the other hand, Shao Yunduan wasn’t willing to accept her, and the consequences of betrayal were uncertain.

Who should they turn to after the betrayal? This question weighed heavily on their minds as they knew that betraying the Crown Prince would offend many, leading to potentially dire consequences.

Moreover, bad luck seemed to loom on the horizon, casting a dark shadow over their decisions.

Qiao Xuan let out a heavy sigh. Emotionally torn, she decided to take it one step at a time. She acknowledged that the pictures she had seen might not reveal the whole truth, leaving room for doubt.

In any case, she hoped that things might turn around. Even if something had truly happened, they could plan ahead and stay vigilant. The option of slipping away if they sensed danger provided a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

She was able to protect herself and Shao Yunduan with her superpower, which brought some comfort amidst the uncertainty.

Additionally, Shao Yunduan wasn’t a highly significant figure, and he could simply leave after resigning. The new emperor might not resort to killing them all, but it was crucial for him to assess the situation and determine his options.

Qiao Xuan managed to calm herself down as she considered this perspective.

Two days later, the family of three from Lord Anping Manor departed from the capital quietly, avoiding unnecessary attention.

Qiao Xuan refrained from visiting or bidding them farewell, but she entrusted Songshi to keep a watchful eye on their departure.

The news of their departure saddened her deeply. The uncertainty of when they would meet again weighed heavily on her heart.

With nothing else to do, she waited for Shao Yunduan to return home. As the days grew colder, she found herself longing for his company.

Unexpectedly, Shao Yunduan’s governmental officers and women began visiting her almost daily, disrupting the solitude she had expected.

Madame Lin and the others from the Hanlin Academy were all present, displaying polite and friendly attitudes towards Qiao Xuan. Some of them seemed cheerful and lively, exuding a passionate aura.

Qiao Xuan felt compelled to reciprocate their friendliness and treated them in a similar amiable manner. However, she understood that their visits were primarily for Shao Yunduan’s sake and, more accurately, for the influence of the Crown Prince behind him.

Sucking up to the Crown Prince was a privilege not granted to everyone, especially for middle-class officials who favored connections with the lower class. For some low-ranking officers, their entire lives in the governmental office might not lead to a meeting with the Crown Prince.

Given the opportunity to associate with Shao Yunduan, they wouldn’t let it slip away. Though they might not immediately gain substantial benefits, they saw potential advantages in the future.

As Qiao Xuan observed them, she noticed their enthusiasm, yet she struggled to find someone she genuinely connected with. Her amicable behavior was merely a facade, as she felt the lack of true companionship among them.

Madame Su and Madame Lin stood out as the most intriguing cases. They had never treated Qiao Xuan kindly in the past and had been openly hostile towards her. Their reappearance at her door made them appear somewhat embarrassed by their past behavior.

Qiao Xuan could sense their jealousy towards her and Shao Yunduan.

True, not many people in this world could compare to First Madame and the Princess Consort of the Prefecture Lord.

Finally, Shao Yunduan returned home.

In the afternoon, while Qiao Xuan was chitchatting with Liqiu and Lixia on the heated kang, Songshi’s surprised voice rang out. “Fifth Master is back! Fifth Madame, Fifth Master is back!”