Chapter 166 - 166: Wishful Thinking
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation | Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Jiaru blushed and hurriedly came to support her husband, “Cai Yun, Zhui Yue, quickly bring some sobering soup for your lord.”
Qiao Mai walked to the door, turned back with a smile, and walked out. She carried a chair to the courtyard and found a seat.
The moon was round, as the people say.
This auspicious date chosen by the royal family had a special meaning.
She crossed her legs and cultivated in the courtyard, unaware of what was happening inside the bridal chamber. All she knew was that the moon was gradually moving westward above her.
The commotion inside the bridal chamber had also subsided significantly, indicating that the newlyweds had probably gone to rest.
Outside Prince Shunqin’s residence, she could sense hostility converging towards this place. It seemed that tonight was destined to be eventful.
Those who were not content had sent people here to assassinate the bride.
Even if they couldn’t succeed in killing her, they wanted to disturb Wang Jiaru.
Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted as they encountered her tonight.
Qiao Mai carried a chair and placed it by the bridal chamber’s door. When she saw Cai Yun and Zhui Meng dozing off, she nudged them gently.
“If a fight breaks out later, don’t panic. Protect yourselves.”
They widened their eyes, frightened but obediently replied, “Yes, Madam!”
The three remained vigilant, watching the surroundings and the roof. Before long, dark figures appeared. The hidden guards took action, and the battle began.
The black-clothed figures leaped from the roof and rushed straight towards the bridal chamber. Cai Yun and Zhui Meng, seeking redemption for their previous mistake, stood their ground at the door.
Qiao Mai held a handful of pearls that emitted a soft light in the moonlight. With a flick of her hand, one pearl shot towards the foremost black-clothed figure.
The black-clothed figure fell to the ground without making a sound. Cai Yun and Zhui Meng, who were watching, could see a black hole in the center of his forehead, blood slowly trickling out. They covered their mouths, afraid to make a sound and disturb the newlyweds.
Just as they were scared, another black-clothed figure fell to the ground. They were charging toward the bridal chamber.
Qiao Mai didn’t care whether it was the prince’s guards or Wang Zongsheng’s guards. Anyone who dared to charge at her with a weapon was considered an enemy.
One pearl took one life. At this moment, Qiao Mai’s face was as cold as ice. She seemed possessed, killing without hesitation but remaining as steady as a mountain.
When the sun rose, the battle on the roof finally ended.
There was not a single living black-clothed figure left in the courtyard. The guards on the roof, protecting the prince and Wang Jiaru, were not fools. They saw the enemies falling and knew a skilled expert protected the newlyweds. They only needed to block the intruders.
Qiao Mai couldn’t help but curl her lips. The wedding night was indeed exhausting. Even with such chaos outside, those inside were still sleeping soundly.
Finally, it was almost dawn. The steward of Prince Shunqin’s residence arrived, instructing people to dispose of the bodies quickly. The courtyard returned to calm.
Qiao Mai stood up from her chair. “It’s time to offer tea. Notify your prince and lady. I’m leaving; I won’t accompany them any further. The rest is up to you.”
She said this and walked straight to the courtyard gate, leaving the Wang residence and returning to Bichun Garden.
As she expected, after Jiaru’s wedding festivities concluded, the Wang family had fulfilled their obligations to the minister in terms of pride and interest.
However, Old Master Wang had some words to say to the minister.
“About what happened today, whether your Wang family had premeditated them, we will no longer owe you anything. From now on, we will go our separate ways. After Jiaru returns in three days, she will come straight to Bichun Garden. We won’t trouble you guys anymore. Farewell!”
After saying this, he left with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and Qiao Mai’s family and returned to Bichun Garden.
Even Madam Wang’s belongings left in their place were quickly packed and taken away.
The next day, after breakfast, Old Master Wang instructed his son.
“Zongsheng, send a servant to tell Jiaru that when she returns in three days, she should come here. Starting today, our family’s income will no longer be shared with the main branch.”
“Yes, Father!”
“Whether they strip you of your official position or whatever else, you must not harbor resentment. Our family won’t have any dealings with them. Even if you spend the rest of your life as a magistrate in Wei City, I won’t be disappointed in you.”
“This magistrate’s position suits me just fine. I don’t want to go to the capital and deal with all the drama there.”
“Yes, and give thirty percent of the profit to Prince Shunqin’s mansion. If they don’t treat our daughter well, we can always take it back.”
At that moment, Qiao Mai entered the room.
“Even if the Emperor dares to mistreat Jiaru, I won’t let him off easily.” “Oh, you’re back?”
“Yes. Last night, there was a group of assassins, and the fight lasted until dawn.”
“Is it resolved?”
“Yes, but we can’t let our guard down during this period.”
“I’ve sent ten guards to protect Jiaru, and the Wang family also has their guards. There shouldn’t be any major issues.”
“In that case, I’ll rest easy.”
“You haven’t slept all night. Go back and rest now. The children are doing well and playing in your courtyard.”
After Qiao Mai left, the members of the Wang family looked at her departing figure with a sense of gratitude.
“If it weren’t for Madam Qiao, Jiaru would have been in trouble. We owe her so much.”
“Let’s not talk about that for now. We don’t know whether it’s good or bad for Jiaru to be in the prince’s mansion.”
“She’ll have to endure it. She brought this upon herself by sneaking into the mansion to eat. Let her suffer a bit; it might be good for her. We’ve spoiled her too much.”
Old Mistress Wang glared at Wang Zongsheng. “She’s not spoiled; she’s just childish. I think this girl is quite good. Otherwise, how could she make such good friends? Our family has benefited from her association.”
Wang Zongsheng, ever the dutiful son, agreed.
“Mother is right.”
“You should count yourself lucky, son. Your father didn’t take any concubines, and you are our only child. Even in your generation, you have only one son and one daughter. We don’t wish for a large family; we hope for a peaceful and harmonious life.’
“I understand, Father.”
Suddenly, Zihao came forward and took Old Mistress Wang’s hand. “Grandmother, don’t be sad. I will be filial to you. You won’t have to worry anymore.”
Everyone turned to look at him, almost unable to believe that this little guy would say such heartwarming words.
“Zihan?”
“Yes, Father, Mother.”
“You?”
“What about me?”
Madam Wang suddenly hugged him and burst into tears. “Zi Han, have you recovered?”
“What do you mean by ‘recovered!?”
Madam Wang looked at everyone in confusion and explained.
“Madam Qiao gave him a bottle of medicine. She said it’s good for the blood lump in his head, and Jiaru has been feeding him one pill daily. It seems that the medicine is effective.
The family was moved. “If that’s the case, it’s excellent. Heaven bless our Wang family!”
Old Master Wang was delighted but reminded his son.
“Add ten percent of profits. Jiaru will get thirty percent, and Madam Qiao will get twenty percent. Anything less would not show our sincerity.”
“Yes, Father!”
Jiaru returned in three days, bringing the prince with her to Bichun Garden instead of going to the minister’s residence.
Fortunately, Li Longji was not interested in the minister’s power but genuinely loved Jiaru. They looked harmonious together.
On this day, she wore the Horse-faced skirt Qiao Mai had given her, the hairpin and earrings sent by Qiao Mai, and a top-quality emerald bracelet from her mother-in-law.
These three days with Prince Shunqin must have gone very well for her.
Upon seeing this, Old Mistress Wang and Madam Wang finally relaxed. The young couple paid their respects to the old couple, and the prince did not put on airs. The family was happy together.
“Where is Sister Qiao?”
“I heard she’s busy in the kitchen.”
“I’ll look for her.’
Jiaru left with her maids while Li Longji watched her back with a doting expression.
“That day, I treated Jiaru’s sister as a servant. I feel embarrassed about it now.”
“She wasn’t planning to go, but Jiaru nearly got switched out. She couldn’t rest easy, so she decided to go with her.”
“I heard from our guards that night. If Jiaru’s sister hadn’t been there, the consequences would have been unimaginable. She’s capable..”
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