Chapter 2382: Too Troublesome
Chapter 2382: Too Troublesome
Most men in this world were unscrupulous, snobbish, and greedy, but Shao Yunduan was different. It was a pity she hadn’t met him earlier, which led to her mistakes and current plight.
Since returning to her former life was impossible, she resolved to move forward. Even if she had to descend into hell, she would drag them down with her…
“Father, don’t worry. I understand now. I won’t be so naïve again! Did I embarrass you?”
Lord Tian’s heart ached. He sighed and replied, “Don’t think that way. You are always Father and Mother’s beloved daughter. Once we return to the capital, leave this behind.”
Tian Shanshan nodded, her eyes darkening with resolve.
Not wanting to delay further, Lord Tian left with his entourage the next day, to avoid any further issues with Shao Yunduan. Shao Yunduan also handed over Old Master Qiao, Madame Qiao, and Qiao Wei to them, ensuring they would be taken along.
Lord Tian was very disgusted, but First Old Master Qiao couldn’t refuse his brother, so he reluctantly accepted him.
As for Shao Liulang, he hated and feared Shao Yunduan so much that he was determined to return to the capital as quickly as possible. He would not stay in this place, not for any reason.
Lord Tian, holding an imperial decree, had planned to negotiate with Shao Yunduan privately. He hoped that if Shao Yunduan agreed to submit, the Emperor would grant him the title of King.
Unfortunately, he never had the chance to meet Shao Yunduan alone. Shao Yunduan avoided private meetings altogether.
Now, even if a chance did arise, Lord Tian was unwilling to offer it. He felt it would be too easy for Shao Yunduan, and he couldn’t bring himself to make it that simple. Why should he?
On the way back to the capital, Lord Tian had been making things difficult for Shao Liulang. Since he couldn’t do anything to Shao Yunduan directly, he took out his frustrations on Shao Liulang.
Shao Liulang had endured considerable hardship along the journey. Looking back, he could only blame himself for being foolish. Had he been wiser, he wouldn’t have volunteered to be the target of public scorn and sought revenge by returning to the capital.
Old Master Qiao’s family also faced humiliation, and Tian Shanshan’s hatred for Qiao Xuan grew even stronger. Despite the strained relations, Qiao Xuan’s family was connected by blood, and it was because of them that Qiao Xuan had married Lord Shao. This only fueled Tian Shanshan’s resentment.
Old Master and Madame Qiao recognized the shift in their situation. Even Madame Qiao, once so assertive, had become subdued. In contrast, Qiao Wei, who had always been proud and haughty, was now both extreme and volatile after her marriage, divorce, and disfigurement. Despite knowing better, she sometimes couldn’t help but clash with Tian Shanshan.
She couldn’t help but retaliate, which only fueled Tian Shanshan’s fury. Determined to exact revenge, Tian Shanshan resolved to use all the methods she had refrained from using on Qiao Xuan.
That evening, Tian Shanshan deliberately summoned Qiao Wei to make her life difficult. Qiao Wei’s period had just started, and after a long and uncomfortable day, she was desperate to rest. But Tian Shanshan had other plans.
Seeing Qiao Wei’s distressed and weary expression, Tian Shanshan’s anger boiled over. She splashed a cup of hot tea on Qiao Wei and, pointing at her, began cursing furiously, “You wretched woman! You wretched woman!” She then ordered her servants to force Qiao Wei to kneel in the courtyard, making it clear she would not be allowed to rise without Tian Shanshan’s permission.