Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1390: Hard to Guard Against

Editor: Henyee Translations

Third Old Master Qiao was overjoyed and found himself developing a more favorable view of Shao Yunduan. He spoke with a friendly smile, “Yunduan, you still care for me.”

Shao Yunduan responded, “Officer Qiao, please just address me as Lord Shao. Your words are quite misleading.”

Third Old Master Qiao had believed that Shao Yunduan was aware of his struggles in the capital and had come to his aid. Even though Shao Yunduan hadn’t explicitly mentioned it, he sensed a degree of concern from his former son-in-law.

Just as he was about to exchange a few more warm sentiments, a figurative bucket of ice-cold water was metaphorically dumped on him.

Shao Yunduan couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the expression of shock on Third Old Master Qiao’s face.

Where had he found the audacity to think that this was done for his benefit?

“Officer Qiao, please don’t misinterpret my intentions. I simply believe that it would be advantageous for my wife and me if you were to depart the capital.”

With the third branch of the family relocated elsewhere, particularly Third Old Master Qiao, there would be no prior connections between the first branch of the family, the second branch of the family, and Qiao Xuan. Since there was no familial bond, no one could manipulate the Qiao Family to potentially cause them any distress.

Shao Yunduan was informed about the Third Lady of the Qiao Family but remained uncertain whether she would resort to such extreme measures as Concubine Du.

You could never predict what would transpire next.

Third Old Master Qiao seethed with anger and responded stiffly, “Let me consider this…”

Shao Yunduan didn’t tolerate his dithering. “Officer Qiao, you should contemplate it now. I won’t wait for you if you take too long.”

Third Old Master Qiao was further incensed, torn between the desire to restore his dignity and the worry that he might not succeed.

Ultimately, he couldn’t resist the allure of such an opportunity and admitted somewhat begrudgingly, “I suppose it’s better to serve as a county magistrate and contribute to the Imperial Court. I can become a magistrate in either Shandong or Jiangnan!”

Shao Yunduan glanced at him, her disbelief palpable. He truly had no reservations!

Prefectures in Shandong and Jiangnan? He was genuinely bold!

“Only Fujian County Magistrate. Officer Qiao, do you accept?”

“What!”

Third Old Master Qiao retorted indignantly, “This is unreasonable!”

Shao Yunduan replied, “That’s the only option available.”

Hearing these words, Third Old Master experienced a blend of anger and consolation. It wasn’t that Shao Yunduan had no intention of providing him with a more prestigious role or a better location, but he lacked the capability to do so himself!

When he considered it carefully, no matter how much he spoke with the Crown Prince, he remained relatively young and inexperienced. Consequently, his influence wasn’t particularly substantial.

This realization eased his frustration somewhat, and he implored, “Fujian is truly quite distant. Could we consider another location?”

Shao Yunduan shook her head, affirming, “Fujian is the sole option.”

Naturally, the location couldn’t be altered.

Lu Min was also situated in Fujian, so Third Old Master Qiao could still be monitored from there. While Gu Zhiyou resided in the northwest, Qi was also in the northwest. This ruled out the possibility of allowing Third Old Master Qiao to relocate there.

The primary objective was to keep as much distance as possible from the Qiao Family.

Though Third Old Master Qiao’s anger flared intermittently, he found himself restrained by his circumstances.

Nonetheless, he desperately yearned to leave Beijing!

“Very well, I accept Fujian!”

As a County Magistrate!

After all, he was an official, and this represented a substantial improvement over remaining in the capital.

Shao Yunduan remarked, “Then it’s settled. Officer Qiao, if you work diligently, you may find yourself transferred to a more desirable post someday.”

It was best to let him dream!

One dose of punishment followed by a promise of future reward.

With hope to guide him, he would be more tractable.