Chapter 1607: Claiming Illness
Qiao Xuan feigned illness, experiencing dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue, as she rested in bed.
Princess Consort was infuriated!
She refused to believe that Qiao Xuan was genuinely unwell. It seemed like a deliberate act of defiance against her authority.
As the Princess Consort, she had taken the initiative to extend kindness, but it felt like Qiao Xuan was now throwing it back in her face.
“That woman is insufferably arrogant! Lord Shao must be blind!”
Auntie Fu, though also displeased, attempted to calm Princess Consort down. “Should I go and talk to Madam Shao?”
Princess Consort sneered, dismissing the idea. “No need! I won’t lower myself to beg her! Let her revel in her arrogance and ruin Lord Shao’s future! What good can she possibly achieve? She’ll come to me in tears one day!”
Auntie Fu sighed inwardly, suspecting that there might be more to Madam Shao’s actions than she knew.
However, Princess Consort kept her silence, leaving no room for further inquiries.
Determined to engage in a prolonged conflict with Madam Shao, Princess Consort pondered the uncertain future.
The Crown Prince, displeased by Qiao Xuan’s presumed airs, resolved to fulfill Officer Shao’s wish.
He had already severed ties, so why bother retaining him?
Upon the Crown Prince’s eventual release, Shao Yunduan felt a sense of relief and gratitude.
Looking ahead to the New Year and Spring Festival, they anticipated departing the capital.
Observing Shao Yunduan’s apparent lack of reluctance, the Crown Prince’s discontent deepened. He started questioning whether the loyalty he had experienced before was merely an illusion.
These thoughts left the Crown Prince disheartened, prompting him to decide to ignore Shao Yunduan henceforth.
Shao Yunduan was unfazed by the Crown Prince’s indifference. Upon arriving home, he excitedly shared the positive news with Qiao Xuan.
Their joy was palpable.
Qiao Xuan, in particular, was thrilled, sporting a radiant smile.
They envisioned a prosperous life as local leaders.
Amused yet sympathetic, Shao Yunduan gently caressed her shoulders, his eyes filled with a fond smile. “Had I known leaving the capital would bring you such happiness, I would have suggested it sooner.”
Qiao Xuan replied with a grin, “It’s never too late, and the capital is good too. We’ve experienced life here before; it’ll be even better elsewhere.”
Shao Yunduan chuckled, “You’re right!”
Sharing an affectionate gaze, they hooked eyes, and Shao Yunduan, with a playful gesture, lifted her chin, leaning in to kiss her lips.
Shao Yunduan’s new appointment was soon confirmed—he would serve as the Prefect of Anze Province in Huaixi.
This location, however, was less than ideal.
Anze Province, situated on the border of Huaixi, Yuzhang, and Northern E provinces, was renowned for its rugged landscapes. It featured towering mountains, winding rivers, vast wild forests, and expansive desolate swamps.
This natural setting made it a haven for outlaws, bandits, and thieves, granting them a protective haven where they could act with impunity.
Local officials dared not interfere, going so far as to offer discreet gifts to influential gangs during festive occasions to prevent them from causing trouble. This tactic aimed to safeguard political achievements and avoid retribution from higher authorities.
Although the Imperial Court had conducted large-scale bandit suppression operations a decade ago, the outcomes were less than satisfactory. Small-time offenders were caught, while the major players remained at large and unscathed.
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