Chapter 1073: Guilty!

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

Auntie Ling grew increasingly annoyed by Qiao Xuan’s words.

“Why are you doing this?!”

Qiao Xuan sneered, “You’ve already done it, so why are you suddenly afraid of me? When did you become so timid? That’s not like Madame Qiao!”

Auntie Ling was left even more speechless.

Qiao Xuan sarcastically remarked, “What did Madame Qiao do back then, and why did I end up in the water? Auntie Ling, do you think I know or not?”

Auntie Ling’s expression changed. “Second Miss, don’t spout nonsense. Madam has never harmed you!”

Qiao Xuan smiled even brighter. “When did I say she harmed me? By the way, I’m starting to suspect that you’re feeling guilty.”

“I’m just angry that you let your imagination run wild and falsely accused Madam. Second Miss, you’re just shifting blame! Forget it, forget it. I can’t force you to acknowledge it. I’ll have Old Master and Madam personally invite you later! See if you can bear that.”

“They’re the ones who disowned their own bloodline, so why can’t I accept it?” Qiao Xuan said curiously. “Also, don’t just focus on the benefits my husband and I have received. The Tian Family is a formidable force. Have you forgotten about them?”

“The Emperor has commended and made decisions for me. I saved the Emperor’s peony flower, and both the Emperor and the palace have praised and rewarded me. Even if the Tian Family despises us to the core, they won’t dare to lay a finger on us for at least a year or so. But if they find out about the Qiao Family—hehehe, guess who the Tian Family will direct their anger towards? Can you handle that?”

Auntie Ling’s expression slightly changed. Her eyes flickered, and she lowered her head in silence.

Of course, the Qiao Family had considered this possibility, but they didn’t dwell on it too much.

Hearing Qiao Xuan’s words, Auntie Ling couldn’t help but feel a tinge of fear…

Qiao Xuan’s eyes were filled with disdain. She knew that they were all cut from the same cloth—people who only cared about their own benefits and refused to share any risks. It wouldn’t be so easy to deal with them.

She smiled. “Go back. Don’t forget that Qiao Hongxi owes us 4,000 liang! My husband and I have spent a lot of money lately, so we’re in a tight spot financially. We’re truly dest.i.tute, so we can’t afford to be indifferent about our reputation. It just so happens that my husband is at Hanlin Academy too. When we see Qiao Hongxi, it’ll be convenient to ask him about it!”

Apparently, Auntie Ling was aware of the 4,000 liang debt as well. She clenched her teeth and said, “You’re cunning, aren’t you!”

“It takes one to know one,” Qiao Xuan replied with a smile. “I learned from the best, didn’t I? How did you treat me in the past? And now you want me to be grateful? What a joke!”

Auntie Ling was left speechless, and she departed in a sorry state.

When she arrived home, she didn’t want to tell Madame Qiao the truth, fearing that it would aggravate her illness. However, Madame Qiao was astute and didn’t take the matter lightly. Auntie Ling couldn’t conceal anything during the interrogation. Eventually, she couldn’t bear it any longer and revealed the whole story.

Madame Qiao leaned against the couch, gasping for breath. “That wretched girl! I deeply regret it! Why did I let her get married? Why didn’t I eliminate her?”

“Madam, please lower your voice. You can’t say such things…” Auntie Ling’s eyelids twitched as she hastily cautioned her.