Chapter 1498: No Other Choice
Editor: Henyee Translations
In their perception, she seemed destined for demise from the very beginning to the end. Who would have the patience to engage in conversation with someone they considered already departed?
A chill ran down Qiao Wei’s spine, and her eyes welled up with tears.
Lixia’s voice cut through the air, cold and stern, “Do you prehend now? Your actions have brought significant trouble to our lord and lady! Those individuals may not be inclined to let you off lightly. Madam has declared that from today onward, Mianmian and Ah Mian will be your constant panions. However, they are not at your beck and call; you cannot mand them!”
Qiao Wei remained silent.
She understood that Qiao Xuan had instructed them to safeguard her life, but ultimately, Qiao Xuan showed no concern for her own well-being. The protection extended only to herself and Shao Yunduan.
...
Gratitude eluded her; she only felt the bitter irony of the situation.
Never had she imagined such a day in her relationship with Qiao Xuan.
Having spoken her piece, Lixia exited the room with Liqiu.
Mianmian stayed behind; Ah Mian would join later.
Meanwhile, Ah-Ye failed to apprehend Qiu He alive. Cornered with no escape, Qiu He chose immediate suicide by poison.
Fortunately, the courtyards were currently vacant. Ah-Ye swiftly reported the incident, and Sun Qian discreetly ordered someone to handle Qiu He’s remains.
A missing maidservant would draw no attention.
After some time, two kitchen servants arrived in Qiao Wei’s quarters. They shifted the table and arranged two dishes along with soup.
Terrified and indignant, Qiao Wei couldn’t fathom consuming anything. The sight of the dishes and soup intensified her sense of humiliation.
Despite their seemingly immaculate appearance,
She refrained from eating, and Mianmian refrained from urging her. Instead, Qiao Wei sat there, toying with her fingers, exuding a delicate and graceful aura.
Qiao Wei seethed with anger. The impulse to reprimand Mianmian and release her frustration was strong, yet fear held her back.
It was mon knowledge that Mianmian was under the protection of Ah-Ye, an imposing figure with formidable strength and skills. Ah-Ye was stationed nearby, and any ill intentions towards Mianmian would undoubtedly incur his intervention.
However, when Ah-Ye disciplined her, Qiao Xuan remained uninvolved.
Hatred consumed Qiao Wei. How had her life spiraled into such despair?
The banquet concluded promptly. Given Shao Yunduan and the others’ fatigue, local officials showed understanding and did not prolong the event.
Upon learning of Qiu He’s demise, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan expressed no surprise. The Fourth Prince was evidently confident enough to orchestrate her downfall right under their noses. Capturing Qiu He alive had always been a daunting task.
But Qiao Wei posed a significant challenge.
Her safe arrival in the capital was imperative.
Qiu He had strategically chosen the opportune moment for her assault. Qiao Xuan’s longstanding conflicts with her turned out to be a silver lining. With her second scheme thwarted, Qiao Wei could now put it behind her.
Ding Xiang and Qiao Xuan shared laughter in the parlor. Meanwhile, in the temporary study, Shao Yunduan and Meng Wanfu sat across from each other, brewing and savoring tea. Their outward posure masked the gravity of their thoughts.
Amidst the intense power struggle between the Crown Prince and the princes, even those not directly involved in the northern military affairs held their own insights. However, as the exposed relationship between Meng Wanfu and Shao Yunduan unfolded, Meng Wanfu found himself without alternatives.
Both of them were keenly aware of this reality.
Originating from the same village, Shao Yunduan, Qiao Xuan, and Ding Xiang shared a mon bond. Qiao Xuan had rescued Ding Xiang, and in turn, they had collectively safeguarded Meng Wanfu. Even if Meng Wanfu aligned himself with the other princes, trust would remain elusive, shadowed by lingering suspicions.
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