Chapter 1555: Forced
Editor: Henyee Translations

“Do you believe the Qiao Family has plunged into a state of decline? Allow me to elucidate what it truly means to be in such a predicament! The entire household subsists on porridge, struggling to procure enough clothing to adequately cover their bodies. Care to experience it for yourself?”

Old Master Qiao berated indignantly, “Who do you think you are? You’re attempting to intimidate me!”

Shao Yunduan responded icily, “You are well aware whether I am issuing threats or not. I have never sought favors from the Crown Prince. Do you believe he would rebuff me if I did? Can you honestly claim that you’ve never engaged in discreet activities since assuming your official post? If you can assure me of that, I might relent and let you off. Are you willing to make such a declaration?”

Old Master Qiao was left speechless.

Being an upright official was not in his nature. How could he possibly make such a bold assertion?

While he refrained from being openly arrogant in the capital, he had certainly mistreated those beneath him. Undoubtedly, he had accepted bribes.

Shao Yunduan sneered, “Depart expeditiously and instruct your successors on proper conduct. Perhaps the Qiao Family might produce a few more dependable court officers in the future!”

His implication was clear – with the Qiao Family now thoroughly corrupt, any prospects of improvement were futile.

Old Master Qiao seethed with anger but dared not argue with Shao Yunduan.

What good would stubbornness achieve?

Might was right!

Shao Yunduan remained unperturbed by the pale hue of Old Master Qiao’s face. He declared coldly, “I expect the Qiao Family to be absent from the intermediate state within ten days. Should you refuse to comply, I’ll employ some tactics to hasten your departure!”

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Old Master Qiao maintained a stoic silence.

Shao Yunduan shot him a contemptuous glance before rising to depart.

The Qiao Family thrived on exploiting the vulnerable, cowered before the formidable, and reveled in underhanded ploys. They readily abandoned their principles in pursuit of personal gain–truly a cohort of contemptible individuals.

Despite severing ties, the fact remained that they were blood relatives, preventing him and Qiao Xuan from resorting to mass killings.

Preserving their reputation was still imperative.

It seemed those who manipulated the Qiao Family were excessively confident, repeatedly stirring up trouble.

Given the circumstances, Shao Yunduan decided to expel them from the capital, asserting no room for compromise this time.

After a prolonged absence, Old Master Qiao exhaled laboriously, gazing ahead with a vacant expression. Eventually, a cold smile played on his lips, betraying the undercurrent of anger coursing through him.

Yet, he lacked the courage to confront Shao Yunduan, and the aristocracy paid little heed to such trivial matters.

Frustration surged within him, but resistance felt futile.

Isolated in contemplation, Old Master Qiao rose after a prolonged period and made his way home.

In under ten days, the Qiao Family discreetly departed the capital, drawing minimal attention amidst the many similar households.

Their exit went unnoticed, as the Qiao Family, not currently of use, evoked no interest from the Fourth Prince’s residence or the Tian Family.

A sense of relief washed over Shao Yunduan upon learning that Old Master Qiao had submitted his resignation the next day. Swiftly, he sought retribution from the Crown Prince against the Fourth Prince.

Having almost suffered complete annihilation, he could not let this transgression go unaddressed.

If the Crown Prince were amenable to assisting, he would express profound gratitude. In the event that the Crown Prince declined, he was prepared to take matters into his own hands. His wish was solely for the Crown Prince to provide him with the support of Sun Bai and Sun Qian and, if necessary, overlook his subsequent actions.