Chapter 1373: Qiao Xuan Was A Little Dumbfounded

Editor: Henyee Translations

Princess Consort glanced at the ten gift boxes and immediately surmised that they must be quite valuable. She didn’t need to examine the rest to estimate their worth.

A sense of sympathy washed over her. Even if they couldn’t be sold, these items were valuable goods that could be stored in the 500 meters warehouse and used for future rewards.

While Lord Shao was undoubtedly the Crown Prince’s trusted confidant, was it really necessary to bestow such lavish gifts all at once? This gift alone was worth at least a hundred thousand taels of silver.

Princess Consort couldn’t quite comprehend why the Crown Prince held Lord Shao in such high regard. Lord Shao was an admirable man, but it seemed the Crown Prince had exceptionally high expectations of him.

“Pack them up and send them over tomorrow,” Princess Consort sighed, not wanting to dwell on it any longer. She felt increasingly stifled after this revelation.

Given the Crown Prince’s instructions, she couldn’t secretly retain the gifts; that was out of the question.

The following day, the generous New Year gift was dispatched to the Shao Residence. Shao Yunduan was absent, leaving Qiao Xuan somewhat bewildered.

Although they couldn’t ascertain the contents of the gift boxes, judging by their size and origin from the East Palace, they were undoubtedly valuable. This was…

It wouldn’t be appropriate to inquire if the East Palace had mistakenly sent such an extravagant gift. Qiao Xuan graciously thanked them while discreetly instructing Lixia to increase the amount in the red envelopes given to the young eunuch and Auntie Liang.

Once Auntie Liang returned to the East Palace, she reported everything to Princess Consort. After a moment’s thought, she added with a smile, “Madame Shao is remarkably generous! She gave me a 50-tael silver tip, and the eunuchs accompanying her each received 20 taels of silver!”

Originally, if the master did not ask about such a small matter, as a servant, the servant did not have to report it.

But Qiao Xuan had given her too much this time, so Auntie Liang thought that it was better to say something.

Fifty taels?

Today, even the coachman was accompanied by three eunuchs, totaling 60 taels, making it a grand sum of 110 taels. This was indeed a substantial amount.

It was worth noting that even on the Crown Prince’s birthday, rewards given to his subordinates typically amounted to only ten taels.

Both Princess Consort and Auntie Fu were taken aback by the generosity of the gift.

Princess Consort let out a scoff. “If it’s meant as a reward, then let them keep it.”

Auntie Liang, with a nod of agreement and a smile, departed.

Princess Consort remarked, “Madame Shao is exceedingly generous; she doesn’t seem to be concerned about spending Lord Shao’s money!”

Princess Consort had expected more from Qiao Xuan. In her view, Ms. Qiao was not adept at managing a household. She was merely inflating her importance at Lord Shao’s expense. Even with the Shao Family’s considerable wealth, Lord Shao wouldn’t be able to indulge her even if he possessed thousands of family assets.

Auntie Fu hesitated for a moment before gently explaining, “I’ve heard that the Shao Family has been making a considerable profit from selling strawberries, so they might have some extra resources to spare. Moreover, Auntie Liang and the others were sent by the East Palace, so Madame Shao is showing her respect for the Crown Prince and you.”

Princess Consort responded, “We ought to make good use of the funds. Lord Shao has many social obligations at the court, and as valuable as those strawberries might be, their selling price can only go so high. But you’re right, at least she’s showing some consideration!”

Auntie Fu smiled and ceased her defense of Qiao Xuan.

Princess Consort may not have known the exact amount the Shao Family earned from their strawberry garden, but she had her sources.

Two taels of silver for a plate of these exclusive fruits. It was rumored that they sold dozens of catties to the teahouses every day. In just one month, they had likely earned a substantial sum…