Chapter 931: Dealing with the Qiao Family

Translator: Henyee Translations    Editor: Henyee Translations

Shao Yunduan, Lu Min, and Gu Zhiyou chose not to involve themselves in such matters.

While Emperor Xuan had a fascination with Daoist Shangzhen and alchemy for longevity, the imperial examination held utmost importance in the country. With so many people watching, no one dared to stir up trouble. The consequences of any misstep would be exile and annihilation of the entire family.

Unless the dynasty was utterly corrupted, the scholars partic.i.p.ating in the imperial examination would not dare to cause any disturbance in the presence of the Emperor.

Furthermore, the Crown Prince, known for his steady and virtuous nature, commanded great respect. No one would dare to act against his favor.

Hence, there was no need to pay attention to the exaggerated tales and rumors.

Qiao Xuan understood that she needed to maintain her composure and focus solely on answering the examination questions.

This was not the time to get entangled in such matters.

Xie Jingrong also warned Shao Yunduan about the numerous instances where wealthy and influential individuals in the capital’s intermediate section attempted to swindle money from others.

Shao Yunduan believed that such incidents might occur this year as well.

Once they were settled, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan began dealing with the affairs of the Qiao Family.

Deep down, Qiao Xuan did not consider herself a true member of the Qiao Family, nor did she desire any a.s.sociation with them.

However, due to her wretched father and the ties of blood, it was not easy to sever the connection completely. Thus, she had to address these matters.

If Shao Yunduan were to succeed in becoming an Advanced Scholar, the Qiao Family might not release them so easily. It was crucial to resolve these issues as soon as possible to avoid potential problems in the future.

Realizing that their own reputation and career would be tarnished if they allowed the Qiao Family to persistently trouble them, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan decided to take action.

They initiated inquiries about the Qiao Family and their current situation.

Unfortunately, Qiao Xuan’s father had initially planned to provide Shao Yunduan with a letter of introduction, but due to the unfortunate circ.u.mstances surrounding his betrayal and indifference, the letter was lost.

They were uncertain about the specific location of the Qiao Family’s residence in the capital, but they sought a.s.sistance from Xie Jingrong, who was able to provide them with the necessary information.

Thus, they kept a watchful eye on the Qiao Family, particularly focusing on Qiao Hongxi.

Qiao Hongxi was Madame Qiao’s legitimate son and Qiao Xuan!s brother. According to the information obtained from Xie Jingrong, Qiao Hongxi was described as proud, conceited, with a false sense of superiority due to his limited knowledge, and possessed a narrow-minded, stingy, and jealous nature.

He was merely an Advanced Scholar who had not achieved remarkable academic achievements.

Although Qiao Hongxi’s father had been an earl, he lost his t.i.tle when it came to his children and grandchildren. However, the imperial court still maintained a friendly relationship with him, granting him the t.i.tle of Advanced Scholar.

Unbeknownst to Qiao Hongxi, his inflated self-perception led him to believe he was exceptionally talented. Despite not being a top-ranked scholar, he was ostracized by influential officials, only managing to become an Advanced Scholar through mere perseverance.

These were precisely the kind of individuals they were looking to confront if trouble arose.

Luck was on their side, as an opportunity presented itself after two days of observation..