Chapter 1973: Deal

With this arrangement, the Mei Family pledged their unwavering support to Lord Shao. Regardless of his actions, they would stand by him.

Essentially, it was a transaction.

In this exchange, the Mei Family sought a powerful ally. With their backing, Lord Shao would undoubtedly gain advantages. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Of course, Lu Xianyun was the daughter of a concubine. Given that Madam Shao had already borne Lord Shao’s eldest son, and Lord Shao was not one to favor concubines over his wife, there was no need for concern.

If Madam Shao felt that Lu Xianyun had erred, she could reprimand her.

She even proposed to Lord Shao that if he did not accept Lu Xianyun, they could find another suitable candidate…

First Mrs. Mei’s words seemed forthright and sincere, as though she was merely discussing matters of wealth and influence.

But Qiao Xuan found the whole conversation repugnant.

Then, without hesitation, she turned down the offer.

Though she valued her reputation greatly, being the wife of an official demanded it, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy when First Mrs. Mei proposed the alliance.

Because only a jealous woman would reject such an advantageous offer, one that could benefit her husband without posing any harm!

Only a woman consumed by jealousy.

Qiao Xuan seethed at the thought of how the Mei Family was attempting to manipulate her into jealousy.

She was not about to give First Mrs. Mei any satisfaction.

“If I say no, then it’s no. My husband has no need for such connections. Spare your efforts and don’t approach him. Even if he were to consider it, I would never agree! And if I don’t agree, no woman will enter the Shao Family. Do you understand?”

“Nevertheless, my husband genuinely desires to govern Anze Province in harmony with its inhabitants. Any family, so long as they conduct themselves properly, adhere to the law, and refrain from underhanded activities, need not fear him. He will support them wholeheartedly. You can rest assured!”

First Mrs. Mei’s attempts at persuasion fell flat.

Old Master Mei took matters into his own hands and approached Shao Yunduan directly, but the outcome was no different.

Upon returning to the east yard, Shao Yunduan relayed to Qiao Xuan, “Deputy Prefect Jia hinted that there might be something off about the Mei Family.”

Qiao Xuan was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Shao Yunduan sighed with a bitter smile. “I’m not sure either, and Deputy Prefect Jia couldn’t quite put his finger on it either. But there’s definitely something peculiar going on; otherwise, the Mei Family wouldn’t be acting this way. It’s out of character for them.”

He sensed that something was awry. Jia Heming’s reminder had sparked a realization within him.

But the exact nature of the situation remained elusive.

Unable to decipher the mystery, Qiao Xuan smiled and said, “We needn’t dwell on it. Whatever their intentions are, they’ll reveal themselves in due time.”

Shao Yunduan nodded, gently grasping her shoulders. “I’ve already instructed Zheng Sangge to discreetly investigate. Just to be safe, you should avoid going out these days. And if you must, ensure you’re accompanied by additional guards.”

Qiao Xuan chuckled. “I’ll be cautious, don’t worry.”

The trauma from her abduction by the Fourth Prince’s men would linger for a lifetime. Qiao Xuan empathized with him deeply…