Chapter 932 - Chapter 932: The Qiao Family’s Fall
Chapter 932: The Qiao Family’s Fall
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
On that particular day, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan spotted Qiao Hongxi leaving his residence. They discreetly followed him in a rented wagon, driven by a man named Songshi. Renting the wagon allowed them to maintain a low profile, returning it in the afternoon and renting it again the following day, ensuring they left no traces behind.
Qiao Hongxi’s daily routine typically involved working at Hanlin Academy without venturing elsewhere. However, today was different as he set off in the morning, indicating that it was his day off. This caught the couple’s attention.
They trailed behind Qiao Hongxi until he reached a street known for selling antiques. Exiting the wagon, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan discreetly followed him into one of the stores.
Qiao Hongxi was dressed in a bamboo-green Confucian robe, donning a square pacifier on his head, and holding a folding fan in his hand, adhering to the standard attire for scholars. However, they knew that they had no connections to noble families and that the Qiao Family was facing financial difficulties.
Observing the store Qiao Hongxi entered, Qiao Xuan realized it was an ordinary establishment on the street. It seemed that Qiao Hongxi couldn’t afford anything more upscale.
With only 50 liang in his pocket, Qiao Hongxi aimed to purchase a good jade pendant. He had heard rumors that this store offered excellent quality items at affordable prices, fueling his desire to try his luck there.
Unbeknownst to Qiao Hongxi, he had become the unwitting target of Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan’s surveillance. Despite being followed for a few days, he had failed to notice their presence.
While Qiao Hongxi carefully selected his jade, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan observed his actions intently.
Qiao Hongxi had set his sights on a jade pendant, but the store manager asked for 88 liang, an amount he simply couldn’t afford. He began to negotiate, but before he could make any progress, Qiao Xuan abruptly interrupted the conversation.
“88 liang is a fair and reasonable price. If you don’t want it, just put it down. I want to buy it!” Qiao Xuan declared confidently, drawing the attention of both Qiao Hongxi and the store manager, who had been haggling over a price of 40 liang.
Qiao Xuan raised her eyebrows proudly and shot a disdainful glance at Qiao Hongxi. Turning to Shao Yunduan, she remarked, “Darling, this jade is absolutely beautiful. I adore it!”
Shao Yunduan adopted a magnanimous expression and chuckled. “Then let’s purchase it! 80 liang is not expensive at all. It’s even too cheap!’
The store manager’s face lit up with joy. Smiling at them, he exclaimed, “You have excellent taste! Our goods are definitely worth the price!”
Qiao Hongxi seethed with anger, his face turning green. He retorted, “l was here first!”
Qiao Xuan rolled her eyes and replied, “Can you afford it?”
Qiao Hongxi.
“If you genuinely want to buy it, why do you keep bargaining?” Qiao Xuan continued, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You don’t seem serious about purchasing it at all. If you have no intention of buying, why can’t someone else purchase it?”
Shao Yunduan chimed in, “My wife is right. If you don’t want it, please put it down. Perhaps you can find something worth 40 liang instead.”
Qiao Xuan chuckled and added, “Indeed, I’m sure there are other pieces worth 40 liang in this store. You can ask the manager about them.”
Qiao Hongxi’s face flushed with anger and then turned pale. He trembled with rage. “You…”
It was too much!
He was a proud man, but the financial struggles of the Qiao Family had been weighing heavily on him. Every day, he fretted over clothing and accessories. He had managed to save up 50 liang, hoping to purchase a fine piece of jade, but now he faced such misfortune..