Chapter 998: Pretending

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Xuan smiled in response. “Indeed, a good wife should refrain from speaking nonsensically and avoid causing unnecessary trouble. It is often the tongue that creates problems. Engaging in idle chatter is not worth the trouble. That’s the wisdom I’ve acquired, isn’t it?”

Her words caught everyone off guard, and the expressions on three or four individuals’ faces changed abruptly. They exchanged bewildered glances.

They had marginalized Qiao Xuan and spoken ill of her, believing she was meek and foolish. In their eyes, she had merely put on a facade of composure. Little did they know that within her, she was already crumbling.

As they looked down upon her, their envy grew.

How could Primus Shao, who had spurned the prestigious Tian Family and rejected Elder Miss, choose such a timid and foolish concubine’s daughter?

Unexpectedly… she had been pretending to be weak all along!

Each word she uttered cut like a sharp blade.

Madame Qin, known for her temper and seniority, seemed to a.s.sert her dominance. She sneered and aggressively addressed Qiao Xuan, “That’s not a trivial matter, Mrs. Shao! Your modesty has surprised us all. But couldn’t you speak with a bit more decorum? You should show respect to the host, shouldn’t you? Madame Lin has been so gracious to us, and you wouldn’t want to spoil the atmosphere and dampen everyone’s spirits. What could be the reason behind your behavior?”

“I know your husband is highly capable, and the Emperor supports him! However, that doesn’t give you the audacity to disregard others’ feelings, does it? I speak my mind freely, and I’m not even afraid if you get angry and report me!”

They exchanged glances, surprised by Madame Qin’s obstinacy.

Most of the other madames were aware of Madame Qin’s hot temper and her penchant for putting on airs. She always sought praise wherever she went and enjoyed lecturing others with a sense of righteousness.

Due to her husband’s position as a fifth-ranked Scholar, the second-in-command at the Hanlin Academy, everyone accorded her respect. Over time, her arrogance only grew.

Unexpectedly, Madame Qin was causing a scene once again.

The other madames felt a mix of nervousness and excitement—how would Mrs. Shao respond?

Qiao Xuan was taken aback. Yes, she had been mocking Madame Qin—what was wrong with that? After all, they had all been mocking her!

She could sense that Madame Lin must have been influenced by the Tian Family. Some of the attendees had ties to the Tian Family or harbored jealousy towards her.

Qiao Xuan smiled calmly. “I thought Madame Qin was praising me, but apparently that’s not the case. However, I am uncertain as to what I have done wrong. Please enlighten me, Madame Qin.”

Madame Qin’s face contorted in anger. It had been years since anyone had contradicted her so boldly in public.

She cast a disdainful look at Qiao Xuan and sneered, “You don’t even understand your own actions. It’s because you’re slow-witted, despite having read so many books. I am not obligated to teach you anything. You don’t need to teach me anything either. Xiang…”