Chapter 1309: Grievance

Editor: Henyee Translations

Shao Yunduan arrived home earlier than usual, his brow furrowed with concern as he glanced at Qiao Xuan.

Qiao Xuan greeted him with a warm smile. “Darling, you’re back early today!”

Shao Yunduan gently embraced her. “Did you have a difficult day?”

Qiao Xuan pondered how to express her day’s events, then looked up at him, her eyes blinking thoughtfully. “I encountered some individuals who tried to intimidate me, but I stood my ground, so I don’t feel aggrieved.”

A trace of guilt crossed Shao Yunduan’s face. “You shouldn’t visit those places anymore.”

He wished they could spend time with familiar acquaintances, but he was wary of the palaces and residences of princes, kings, and monarchs.

Qiao Xuan offered a reassuring smile. “I thought you might want me to be present there.”

Working for the Crown Prince, she assumed he’d appreciate her visits to these prestigious mansions.

Shao Yunduan clarified, “Not unless there’s a special occasion with a distinguished guest.”

“Alright, I won’t go then,” Qiao Xuan agreed.

Shao Yunduan smiled warmly. “If anything like this happens again, I’ll stand up for you.”

“That’s reassuring,” Qiao Xuan replied as they both took their seats. “I feel like I’ve helped you eliminate some undesirable connections.”

Shao Yunduan was taken aback and quickly said, “No, that’s not true! If you’ve heard anything suggesting otherwise, someone must be trying to sow discord between us.”

Qiao Xuan was torn between laughter and tears. “I never suspected you. I just didn’t explain myself clearly. Earlier today, when we were leaving, something happened involving the Fourth Princess Consort…”

Qiao Xuan proceeded to recount the entire incident, including how tea had been accidentally spilled on Lixia and the persistent actions of the maid named Xiang Rui.

Shao Yunduan scowled. “The Fourth Princess Consort is truly insufferable!”

Qiao Xuan reluctantly accepted the proposal, realizing that this man was a persistent source of trouble that couldn’t be easily shaken off.

She put on a brave smile. “I turned down their offer directly, but it might make me seem jealous. Darling, if anyone speaks ill of me, you must come to my defense.”

“We should have declined their offer. We have no real connection to the Fourth Prince’s mansion, and accepting such gifts for free would be improper. My dear, you have no reason to be jealous, it’s simply a matter of propriety. I’ll be the first to reject anyone who dares to speak ill of you!”

“Really? Don’t forget that promise, my love!”

Shao Yunduan grinned. “I won’t forget! I won’t let anything harm Xuan, even if it means serving the Crown Prince!”

Qiao Xuan felt a warm rush of affection. Her husband remained the same caring and protective man she had always known, which brought her comfort.

Some things couldn’t be compromised, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

The more Princess Consort contemplated this situation, the more irritated she became.

Once the maids had been dismissed, and only Auntie Fu remained to attend to them, Princess Consort couldn’t contain her frustration any longer. She slammed her hand on the table and vented her anger. “Ms. Qiao is incredibly foolish! She’s just a servant, and Shao Yunduan has no interest in Tian Shanshan. He won’t be ensnared by a mere maid! What’s the point of her taking her back home? Our estate is far too grand for her to reside in!”

“And to humiliate the Fourth Princess Consort right in front of me! Didn’t she realize how embarrassing that is for me?”