NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1259 - 1529: Arrangement
Chapter 1529: Arrangement
Editor: Henyee Translations
The two of them exchanged glances. While their instinct was to search for Madam, a lingering fear persisted that the other party might be attempting to lure them away and create a diversion. Thus, they couldn’t afford to let their guard down.
Shao Yunduan then issued a directive to Ah-Ye. “Tomorrow, you and Mianmian will escort Qiao Wei to Madam’s side. Lixia and Liqiu alone won’t suffice. Keep a close watch on Qiao Wei. Don’t allow her any chance for deceit or subterfuge.”
‘Yes, Lord.’
Shao Yunduan harbored suspicions that someone was involved in this matter. If they had succeeded in some plot, they would likely take actions to reveal the fact that his wife was missing. Lixia and Liqiu might not be equipped to handle such a situation.
That night, although the intermediate station appeared calm and ordinary, secret arrangements were being made…
The next day, news circulated that Qiao Xuan had caught a cold, necessitating the entire team to stay temporarily at the station.
Upon hearing the news, the prefectural magistrate’s wife, accompanied by the Deputy Prefect’s wife and the two strategists’ wives, paid a visit.
With Qiao Wei present, she had to extend greetings to the magistrate’s wife.
Mianmian and Lixia were also present, while Liqiu remained with Qiao Xuan to attend to her.
Qiao Wei wasn’t naive. She had pondered the situation throughout the night and suspected that something serious had happened to Qiao Xuan, beyond a mere cold.
The abrupt kick from Shao Yunduan in the middle of the night only strengthened her conviction.
Thinking of the kick, a dull pain pierced her chest, making her slightly anxious. Yet, an undercurrent of excitement and satisfaction surged within her.
Finally, something had befallen that woman. It must be a significant event, and she believed she deserved it!
Internally pleased, she refrained from entertaining any thoughts of mischief, especially after Shao Yunduan’s kick.
During the visit of the magistrate’s wife and others, she maintained a facade of politeness, asserting that Qiao Xuan was indisposed and not receiving visitors.
Had it not been for Shao Yunduan’s threat, she would have likely been less forthright. Even if she didn’t openly express it, she might have dropped hints or made veiled insinuations.
In contrast to her current honesty, when the Deputy Prefect’s wife expressed deep concern and repeatedly expressed her desire to personally visit Madam Shao, Qiao Wei had no option but to express genuine gratitude and politely decline.
When the prefectural magistrate’s wife proposed hiring a local doctor with exceptional medical skills, Qiao Wei endured her irritation and politely refused.
The missed opportunity to stir up trouble irked Qiao Wei to the point of near exasperation. She couldn’t seize the chance right in front of her due to fear and had to cover up for Qiao Xuan.
At noon, the prefect’s wife and the deputy prefect’s wife returned. Accompanied by three maids and two servants, they brought soup for Qiao Xuan.
A servant cheerfully called out, “Miss Lixia, Miss Liqiu!” With an air of ease, they ascended the stairs with their offerings. The servant smiled and remarked, “What a coincidence. Both our Madam and the Deputy Prefect’s Madam have instructed the kitchen to prepare this soup. We’re here to deliver it to Madam Shao!”
“This soup contains ginseng and wolfberries. It’s highly nourishing!”
Lixia and Liqiu promptly intervened.
“The magistrate’s wife and the Deputy Prefect’s wife are too gracious. Leave the soup with us. Our mistress has just taken her medicine and is currently asleep. We cannot disturb her. We’ll inform her upon waking.”