Chapter 285: What Could Happen?
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“What can she do? This is not an illness; it’s Rul er’s problem. She has made a mistake in her character, and it’s not something that can be solved by taking medicine.”
“If you don’t go, I will. I can’t just watch Ruler be ruined like this.”
“She’s ruining herself. Who can she blame?”
“No, I am her mother. If there’s any way, I must try.”
Madam Wang hurriedly went to Yuexian Residence. Qiao Mai wasn’t surprised when she saw her. She asked Madam Wang to sit down and poured her a glass of water.
Madam Wang didn’t drink; she immediately described the pitiful scene of seeing Rul er today to Qiao Mai.
Qiao Mai kept her head down and listened without expressing any opinion. Finally, Madam Wang knelt in front of her.
“Madam Qiao, I know about your abilities. Please save Ruler.”
Qiao Mai sighed gently and helped her up. “Sit first, Madam Wang.”
Madam Wang was stunned; this address felt unfamiliar. Qiao Mai’s expression was cold.
“How do you want me to save her? Tell me. Should I kill the young prince, the Old Prince, or the Old Consort? Should I slaughter the prince’s family, leaving only her and her children in the prince’s mansion to dominate?.”
Madam Wang’s lips trembled, “I… I haven’t thought about that.”
“Then what do you want me to do? I am neither an immortal nor the one on the dragon throne. I have no power. Apart from having higher martial arts and obtaining rare things, I can’t do anything else. Are you overestimating me?”
Looking at Qiao Mai’s cold eyes, Madam Wang shivered, realizing her mistake immediately.
“Madam Qiao, I’m sorry. I was too anxious.”
“It’s not your fault, Madam Wang. I can understand your feelings. However, when seeking help, there should be a limit. What you’re asking for is beyond my capabilities. Please don’t trouble me with it.”
“It’s Aunt’s fault.’
Madam Wang got up, feeling dejected, and left. Shortly after, Old Mistress Wang came and held Qiao Mai’s hand.
“I’m sorry. My daughter-in-law indulges that girl too much. She loses control whenever it comes to Ruler.”
“It’s okay; I don’t mind. But what she’s asking for, I can’t do.”
“I understand. That girl is too wayward; she can’t see the situation. We are also angry. Alas-”
“If she doesn’t realize her mistake, let it be. As long as the Wang family continues to provide silver to the prince’s mansion, they will maintain Ruler’s position as the princess consort. Her two children will always be legitimate.
With time passing, her problems should be cured.”
The New Year in the South differs significantly from the North, but for the Qiao family, it’s the same.
They have always prepared according to northern customs, but due to Wang
Jiaru’s situation, the atmosphere in Lucky Garden has been somewhat gloomy. Qiao Mai was angry; for such an unworthy person, the whole family was bothered.
She didn’t want to see Madam Wang’s resentful face, so she instructed the kitchen to send meals to each courtyard separately. There was no need to gather.
This instruction, undoubtedly, was a slap in Wang Zongsheng’s face. He knew he was in trouble with his wife.
But persuading her was difficult; she was always crying, making Wang Zongsheng at a loss.
Their family is spending the New Year at someone else’s house. What kind of appearance is that to cry every day? It infuriates Old Mistress Wang, making her want to drive the family of three to Bichun Garden.
If it weren’t for the fact that they hadn’t prepared any New Year goods there, they might really do that.
Except for greeting Old Master and Mistress Wang in the morning, Qiao Mai spent the whole day in her Yuexian Residence.
She asked the children to come to her yard for lunch and dinner unless there were social engagements.
The children could feel something, rarely going to the Wang family. They occasionally visited Zihan but avoid meeting Madam Wang.
On the morning of the first New Year’s Day, after everyone had greeted each other, they had a meal together.
Then they dispersed. Yuan Jiaqi, who rarely got a break, took his wife and children to stroll around the capital.
They didn’t go anywhere else, only to the Duke’s mansion. After all, they are future in-laws; this New Year’s visit can’t be considered as currying favor.
They only stayed at the Duke’s residence for a short while before leaving. Now, the family can enjoy strolling around the capital.
Although the brothers have been in the capital for a long time, they haven’t seen much. Ling’er just arrived and needs to explore and familiarize herself so as not to get lost.
Nanny Jin is relatively familiar with the capital. She has been with the family to see whatever they want.
There is not much in the capital. Apart from ancient architecture, there are only buildings. In Qiao Mai’s eyes, there is nothing worth seeing.
But the children like it, so she patiently accompanies them. Moreover, it’s a rare opportunity for the family to go out.
At noon, the family had a meal in the private room of the largest restaurant in the capital, Wangyue Pavilion.
This is where wealthy people often come, but because it’s the first day of the lunar new year, there are not many people. It suits Qiao Mai’s preference.
Quiet and peaceful is good. They ordered a full table of dishes. Yuan Jiaqi, Ling’er, and the three brothers picked up food for Qiao Mai.
At this moment, the door of the private room rang, and Feng’er went to open it.
At the door stood a woman in her thirties, still charming, followed by a girl. Two maids stood behind the girl.
Feng’er’s brows furrowed. He arched his hands to the woman.
“Madam, whom are you looking for?”
“I am the Minister of War’s wife, and this is my youngest daughter. Seeing Madam Yuan, I wanted to say hello.”
Feng’er stepped back and looked at Qiao Mai with hesitation. Qiao Mai stood up and walked to the door.
“Hello, Madam. Today is our family gathering. It’s not convenient. Let’s talk another day?”
“Choosing a day is not as good as hitting the day.”
“Let me repeat myself. Today is inconvenient. Your daughter is unmarried, and our family has several young men. Don’t prominent households follow strict rules?”
“In broad daylight, what could happen?”
“Sorry, you might not care, but we do.”
Qiao Mai detested such women the most, considering them as annoying as sticky plaster. She promptly shut the door with a bang.
The woman, unwelcomed, was so furious that she wanted to explode with curses. However, seeing other guests around, she suppressed her anger and left with her entourage.
Watching his angry wife, Yuan Jiaqi couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“That woman is merely a concubine of the Minister of War. On such a big day, the lady of the house usually entertains guests at home. How could she bring her daughter out like this?”
“Is she interested in you or Yun’er?”
“It should be Yun’er.”
Qiao Mai ate while she looked at Yun’er. “I say, do you have your marriage settled? If not, we will help you decide.”
“I’ll follow your decision as long as she looks good and is filial. Then I’ll be content.”
“What are you saying? She will spend her whole life with you, so you have to like her. On that note, I’ll state the ugly truth upfront.”
“Mother, please say.”
“You can only have one wife. Whoever dares to imitate other men and bring in concubines, don’t blame me for not recognizing you as a son. The consequences are also beyond what you can bear.”
The brothers stood up together and promised to Qiao Mai.
“Mother, rest assured. We will only have one wife and will never take concubines.”
“Harmony in the family brings prosperity. I don’t want my home to be messed up.”
Chuan’er raised his hand. “Mother, I will also not take concubines.”
“Haha, good!”
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