Chapter 999: Apology

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

She stood up and declared, “Inform Madame Lin that I am taking my leave!”

Giving Qiao Xuan a disdainful glance, Madame Qin made it clear that she had no desire to a.s.sociate with her.

Madame Lin happened to be in the kitchen, and Xiaoxiang nodded before leaving to deliver the message.

The other madames became anxious, attempting to dissuade Madame Qin.

“Madame Qin, please reconsider. It’ll be so dull without you!”

“Yes, it’s such a rare gathering. Isn’t it enjoyable to chat and laugh together?”

“Mrs. Shao is still young and inexperienced. Madame Qin, you possess magnanimity. Please calm down.”

Mrs. Zhou turned towards Qiao Xuan. “Mrs. Shao, apologize to Madame Qin!”

Smugly, Mrs. Han chimed in, “Indeed, just apologize, and Madame Qin will forgive you. Don’t you want to preserve the harmony of this gathering?”

Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Han, both envious of Shao Yunduan’s equal ranking with their husbands, were eager to seize this opportunity.

The rest of the madames nodded in agreement, expecting Qiao Xuan to offer an apology.

It appeared as though Qiao Xuan was the one in the wrong!

In that moment, Madame Lin arrived, wearing a smile. “Mrs. Shao, Madame Qin is a senior figure whom we should respect, isn’t that right? Apologizing to Madame Qin would be the appropriate course of action. It would be regrettable if she were to leave.”

Qiao Xuan felt a surge of disgust, as though she had swallowed a fly.

Were these the wives of the Hanlin Academy? What were they thinking?

She found herself being pressured to apologize, with even the host, Madame Lin, speaking up.

Respecting the host was necessary, wasn’t it?

Qiao Xuan began to make an a.s.sumption.

If she were to apologize, it would imply that she was immature, unruly, and lacked understanding of what was appropriate. It would be seen as her first guest appearance resulting in offense, raising concerns about her morality.

If they chose not to apologize, they would be perceived as ignorant and obstinate, unaware of what was good for them. Their husbands being Primus gave them a sense of arrogance and ent.i.tlement, making them unreasonable and disrespectful towards their seniors and even the host.

In essence, whether she apologized or not, she would be labeled as a person of questionable character. Even Shao Yunduan wouldn’t be spared from that judgment.

Qiao Xuan struggled to contemplate her next move, but tears wouldn’t come. She covered her face and sobbed. “What have I done wrong? I simply expressed that as wives, we shouldn’t engage in idle gossip like market women. What harm would it cause our husbands? What’s so wrong about that? Madame Zhou and Madame Han keep insisting I’m in the wrong, but I fail to understand why!”

She turned to Madame Lin, grasping her sleeves, and lamented, “Madame Lin, you are the judge! Tell me, am I wrong? If you dare to say I’m wrong and consult my husband about this, let it be known that I will come to your doorstep and beg for forgiveness!”

Everyone present.

Some astute individuals began to feel a sense of caution – Mrs. Shao was not someone to be taken lightly. It was no wonder even the Tian Family had faced her wrath.

They concluded that it would be best to steer clear of her in the future.

Madame Qin pursed her lips, growing even more infuriated.