Chapter 1598: Mrs. Shao Is Reasoning
Chapter 1598: Mrs. Shao Is Reasoning
Editor: Henyee Translations
The situation remained unchanged. Pride emanated unabated, and her words lacked any semblance of courtesy.
Princess Consort seemed to be seething with anger from the previous day, as evidenced by Auntie Liang’s unapologetic revelation. Employing both gentle persuasion and coercive tactics, she made clear the repercussions if Qiao Xuan failed to prevent Shao Yunduan from departing the capital—his career would crumble, and Qiao Xuan would bear the blame.
Auntie Liang spared no criticism, accusing Qiao Xuan of pettiness, selfishness, and callousness. Despite being unscathed, she insisted on feigning distress, jeopardizing her husband’s future. In Auntie Liang’s eyes, she was nothing more than a foolish and unruly woman.
Infuriated by these words, Qiao Xuan scoffed, retorting, “My well-being is a result of my own capabilities, not someone else’s mercy! Why shouldn’t I prioritize myself? While my life may not hold the same value as Princess Consort’s own grandson, I still value it!”
Auntie Liang’s response was icy, “You should refrain from discussing such matters in front of your superiors. Madam Shao has resided in the capital long enough to grasp this basic principle.”
Despite her shorter tenure in the capital, Qiao Xuan shot back, “I’ve heard of the principle that a prince and a commoner face equal consequences. Have you not? Your emphasis on seniority doesn’t grant the authority to take another’s life. Dare you assert that publicly, Auntie Liang?”
“Why bother with the Ministry of Justice, Great Justice Temple, and the Heavenly Mansion? If superiority is the only measure, disputes could be resolved by determining who is more eminent!”
Auntie Liang erupted, “Madam Shao, you are being unreasonable!”
Dismissing her with disdain, Qiao Xuan retorted, “I stand on the right side of reason. What about you? Besides hounding me, what else do you comprehend?”
“…..”
Auntie Liang trembled in response.
Qiao Xuan exuded an air of arrogance. She raised the corner of her eyes, narrowing them at Auntie Liang. “Auntie Liang, do you have anything else to say? If not, please leave!”
“No! Even if I did, explaining it to Madam Shao would be futile!” Auntie Liang sneered, locking eyes with Qiao Xuan. “I will report everything you said to Princess Consort.”
Qiao Xuan nodded, unwavering. “Then, Auntie Liang, you must keep your promise!”
Auntie Liang found herself at a loss for words.
Too arrogant! Unbearably arrogant!
How could she—
Qiao Xuan remained composed. “Avoid exaggeration, stick to the truth. Any deviation is on your conscience.”
Unable to endure any longer, Auntie Liang snorted heavily and left, wearing a furious expression.
Qiao Xuan paid her no mind. Once Auntie Liang departed, she gathered Lixia, Liqiu, Mianmian, and Ah-Ye and set off for Zheng Sangge’s residence in the north of the city.
Having received the address from Zheng Sangge and the others, locating their destination wasn’t challenging. However, as the road grew dirtier, bumpier, and more disorderly, and the surroundings turned increasingly dilapidated, Qiao Xuan was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated such squalor beneath the emperor’s jurisdiction.
This served as a stark reminder that the past and present shared similarities. Regardless of a city’s development and prosperity, impoverished individuals persisted in the lower classes, and the areas where they congregated often went overlooked.
Not only was the locale unkempt and chaotic, but the roads were also in terrible condition, resembling a maze. Ramshackle, short shanties dotted the landscape, highlighting the stark disparity within the city.