Chapter 1981: You Can Brag When That Happened

Ms. Ma smiled coldly. She was not satisfied and couldn’t help but boast. “By the way, our Liulang is on track to become a high-ranking official. He’s likely to pass the intermediate exam this year! Serving as an official in the capital is far superior to staying local!”

Ms. Ma wanted to tout her son’s potential to become the Primus, but Shao Liulang had cautioned them multiple times against such presumptuousness, so Ms. Ma had to restrain herself.

Ms. Fang smiled indulgently. “You can boast once you’ve hit the mark!”

Ms. Ma grew annoyed. “You–”

“Alright.” Ms. Fang rose from her seat and signaled to Qiao Xuan that it was time to leave. “I’m afraid Anan will wake up soon, so we should head home as well. And don’t forget to come help us during the wedding.”

She couldn’t bear to witness Ms. Ma’s conceited behavior. Shao Liulang was merely going to the capital for an exam. Those unfamiliar with the situation might think he had already passed the intermediate and was on the verge of becoming an official!

Each year, countless scholars journeyed to the capital. Shao Yunduan’s upcoming venture there filled them all with trepidation. He lacked Ms. Ma’s and her husband’s confidence in such matters. Hearing their boastfulness, he feared they might face embarrassment.

Ms. Ma snorted dismissively. “We’ll see about that.” Then she turned to Qiao Xuan and asked, “Have you made up your mind, sister-in-law? The Zhao Family is wealthy and has strict customs, unlike us, a humble countryside family. Any misstep during the wedding could bring ridicule and scorn upon Taotao.”

“You needn’t worry. I might not understand everything, but Ms. Qiao does! The First Madame of the Lezheng Family has sent her trusted housekeeper to accompany Ms. Qiao, so she can provide assistance.”

Ms. Ma’s eyes widened in surprise, then she scoffed. “Ms. Qiao is young. What could she possibly know about such matters? The Yuezheng Family isn’t even here. How can we entrust Taotao’s wedding to a mere servant?”

Qiao Xuan couldn’t contain her frustration any longer. “Third Aunt-in-law, you’re mistaken! Auntie Hua, who serves Elder Aunt, is her right-hand woman and is incredibly knowledgeable. She’s no ordinary servant; her family owns hundreds of acres of land. With her guidance, Taotao’s marriage will be secure. And if anyone dares to interfere behind her back, I won’t stand for it!”

Ms. Fang grew irritated by Ms. Ma’s remarks and retorted sharply, “Auntie Hua is merely offering her assistance. What’s wrong with that? Do you think I can’t trust the housekeeper appointed by the First Madame of the Yuezheng Family and instead rely on a landowner’s wife? Taotao’s affairs won’t be meddled with by an outsider!”

Ms. Ma could only watch them leave and spat after a while, muttering, “Ungrateful wretches!”

Ms. Fang also vented her frustrations to Qiao Xuan.

In a neighboring village, there was a local squire whose son had attempted the Cultivated Talent examination multiple times without success. The squire hoped to gain favor with the first section of the family, wishing for Shao Yunduan to intercede with the Lord to help his son advance to the intermediate examination.

When the squire’s family approached them, Ms. Fang promptly declined the offer and distanced herself from them, despite their persistent attempts.

Fortunately, Eldest Uncle was discerning and made no commitments.

But the squire’s family persisted. With Taotao’s impending marriage to Zhao Shu, they assumed the Shao Family was unaware of their connections and sought to enlist Ms. Ma’s aid, offering her inducements to act as a middle-person.