Chapter 1342: Arranged Clearly

Editor: Henyee Translations

The following day, Shao Yunduan remained on duty at the court, but Qiao Xuan found herself in a rather pitiable state. She was deeply immersed in her slumber, devoid of any energy or vitality. As the morning sunlight gently streamed through the window, she briefly stirred awake, only to soon close her eyes and drift back into peaceful slumber.

Her plan was to indulge in this restful slumber until noon, at which point she would rise from her bed. Upon waking, she intended to luxuriate in a warm bath, easing the tension in her muscles and bones, followed by a hearty lunch.

The evening held special promise as they intended to celebrate. Shao Yunduan was determined to revel in the festivities, even if he couldn’t make it home. Their grand plan involved crafting a rich, simmering pot of beef bone soup, accompanied by an assortment of delectable ingredients such as fishballs, shrimp balls, beef slices, lamb slices, egg dumplings, mushrooms, potato slices, winter melon slices, yam slices, and more—all destined for a sumptuous hot pot.

The beef bone soup, enhanced with mountain fungus, promised a delightful and fragrant flavor that would be nothing short of comforting with each sip.

Simultaneously, Shao Yunduan instructed Lixia to rise early the next morning and prepare noodles. The intention was to employ the flavorful beef bone soup to craft a delectable morning meal.

Sated after her meal, Qiao Xuan retired to bed early, with no intention of waiting up for Shao Yunduan that night, not even if he were to return and call for her. She was determined to feign ignorance.

For that man was recklessly relentless; his self-control was nonexistent. Her pleas and tears were in vain as he pressed his impetuous kisses upon her lips—an infuriating aspect of his character.

Qiao Xuan had her day planned meticulously.

However, to her astonishment, before noon, a reward arrived from Princess Consort’s quarters, a gesture she hadn’t anticipated. The fact that it came from the East Palace took her by surprise, leaving her wholly unprepared. As the emissaries from the East Palace arrived, Qiao Xuan, Lixia, Liqiu, and Qingyan were all left in a bewildered and anxious state.

Lixia mustered a strained smile and stuttered, “Auntie, please, just a moment. My wife, um… She wasn’t feeling well yesterday and hasn’t awakened yet. I’ll call her right away!”

Auntie Liang found herself at a loss for words. She wasn’t naive, and the anxiety displayed on the faces of these three servants didn’t escape her notice. She couldn’t possibly buy into such a cliché excuse from Lixia.

Internally, Auntie Liang pondered how Madame Shao seemed to do as she pleased, disregarding protocol as the wife of an official. She’d never witnessed any lady sleeping at such an hour. Lord Shao, on the other hand, struck her as a refined, meticulous, and reserved gentleman. How could he tolerate such behavior from his wife?

While these thoughts swirled in Auntie Liang’s mind, she also considered how long it might take for Qiao Xuan to rise, freshen up, and apply makeup. She simply didn’t have the time to wait around, recognizing her own lack of significance in this scenario.

With a polite smile, she addressed Lixia and the others, “Since Madame Shao isn’t feeling well, please don’t disturb her. Allow her to rest properly, especially in this weather. These are rewards from the Princess Consort, and Madame Shao has rendered valuable services. She will certainly be well-treated.”

“Kindly inform Madame Shao once she awakens.”

Lixia and Liqiu breathed a collective sigh of relief and quickly expressed their gratitude, accepting the rewards with due respect. After Auntie Liang departed, they decided not to disturb Qiao Xuan’s slumber.

“Now that everyone from the East Palace has left, we can wait until Madam wakes up and assess the situation,” they concurred.