Chapter 1971: Punishment

Madam Shao was so persistent that Concubine Yan was going to suffer.

First Madam Lu took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, “Madam Shao is right, Concubine Yan should be punished! She should be slapped twenty times and grounded for a month…”

Qiao Xuan did not say anything.

Seeing that, First Madam Lu gritted her teeth and said, “Thirty slaps and three months ground!”

Qiao Xuan said with a smile, “You are a concubine after all, so that is fine. Please go ahead.”

He was going to watch Concubine Yan get slapped.

First Madam Lu was helpless. Ignoring Concubine Yan’s protests, she had no choice but to order the maids to slap her.

With Qiao Xuan staring at her, the maid did not dare to conserve her energy. She was just following orders, and Second Old Master would not blame her for what happened afterwards. But if she saved her energy, Madam Shao might say something, and she would be the unlucky one…

Concubine Yan was very capable and beautiful. Although she was over 30 years old, Second Old Master Lu still liked her. She lived a luxurious life, and her skin, especially the skin on her face, was white and tender.

The force of the slaps was like striking tender tofu, yet despite the brutality, Concubine Yan’s once flawless complexion was now marred by red welts and tears.

As her cries echoed through the room, her disheveled appearance and anguished wails drew the attention of countless servants who had been clandestinely observing the scene unfold.

First Madam Lu, her skin crawling with discomfort, exchanged anxious glances with Qiao Xuan, realizing the potential ramifications of her actions. With a sinking feeling in her gut, she gritted her teeth, knowing that her decision might incur the wrath of her husband, Second Old Master Lu.

Regret gnawed at her conscience. If she had foreseen this outcome, she would have prevented Lu Xianyun from leaving and kept her by her side.

Despite Concubine Yan’s tearful pleas, the punishment continued unabated under the watchful eye of Madam Shao. Thirty resounding slaps left her cheeks red and swollen, her once immaculate appearance now disheveled and marred by tears and sweat.

Qiao Xuan regarded her with a mixture of pity and exasperation. “You’re just a concubine. Can’t you live peacefully? Why invite trouble with your words? Spreading rumors only brings punishment upon yourself!”

She then turned her attention to the broader consequences of Concubine Yan’s actions. “Consider your daughter. With a mother like you, her prospects as a concubine’s daughter will only diminish. Who would want to marry into a family plagued by such scandal? Your irresponsibility condemns her to a life of misery!”

Concubine Yan stared up at Qiao Xuan in shock, her realization dawning slowly.

First Madam Lu, feeling the weight of Qiao Xuan’s words, ordered assistance for Concubine Yan, cursing her own misfortune at being provoked in such a manner.

Qiao Xuan’s final words held a mix of reproach and recognition. “Punishment for mistakes, reward for contributions. That’s how a family should operate. You, First Madam, are indeed decisive and admirable!”

Upon hearing the compliment, First Madam Lu felt a surge of frustration that threatened to overwhelm her. She clenched her teeth to suppress it. “Madam Shao… your praise is too kind.”

Qiao Xuan offered a serene smile. “No, you truly deserve the title of First Madam Lu.”

First Madam Lu seethed inwardly. She had been outmaneuvered. It was best to remain silent.

“First Madam Lu, refrain from harboring any more ill intentions or spreading baseless rumors. Remember, trouble often arises from careless speech.”

First Madam Lu’s heart skipped a beat as she exchanged a glance with Qiao Xuan.

With a final smile, Qiao Xuan departed with Lixia and the others.