"If you wish my demise, so be it. Lord Shao has attained the rank of Intermediate Primus Scholar. Do you not grasp such a simple principle? So what if it’s Huaixi province? Hmph, the Emperor governs the entire realm!"
Observing Consort Su’s vehement outburst, Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but reflect on the stubbornness of those who clung to the traditions of the Qing Dynasty long after its collapse. They deluded themselves with nostalgic dreams, refusing to face reality. The world had drastically changed, yet they persisted in speaking of the past.
It was absurd to invoke obsolete ideals to pass judgment and instill fear in others.
Qiao Xuan chose not to point out the existence of the Three Emperors. Instead, she simply responded with a nonmittal "oh."
Consort Su huffed, teeth clenched, and emphasized once more, "The world belongs to the Emperor! There is only one Emperor in Great Qin!"
Qiao Xuan glanced at her, choosing not to dignify Consort Su’s words with a response.
However, witnessing Consort Su’s behavior today, Qiao Xuan finally realized the extent of her irrationality. This woman truly behaved like a brigand—her tongue wagged more than a market shrew’s, and she seemed prepared to escalate matters.
Qiao Xuan had initially planned a banquet to introduce Consort Su to the ladies of Huaixi Province, but now she doubted the wisdom of such an event. There were too many unpredictable variables at play.
Who could anticipate what new folly Consort Su might embark upon?
Deciding it best to confine them to the inn, Qiao Xuan chose to abandon thoughts of their departure.
Seeing Qiao Xuan’s silence, Consort Su smirked once more. "Madam Shao, have you lost your voice?"
Qiao Xuan smiled faintly. "You’re speaking nonsense, so let’s not dwell on it."
Consort Su sensed Qiao Xuan’s words might be directed at her.
Yet, upon reflection, she couldn’t be certain. Qiao Xuan hadn’t specifically singled her out, had she?
She pressed her luck further, declaring, "I’m glad you understand! Lord Shao is the Emperor’s vassal and should serve him faithfully. Where is Lord Shao now? Summon him back and have him draft a loyalty memorandum. I will present it to the Emperor on his behalf! With Lord Shao’s loyalty assured, he will be duly rewarded, and the Emperor will treat him well!"
Qiao Xuan grew irritated by Consort Su’s insistence. "It’s not my concern, nor is it Consort’s. There’s no need to fret, Your Highness. The people will determine who rules the world, so your words hold no sway."
"You..."
"Huaixi Province is modest and lacks grandeur. There’s no noteworthy scenery to entertain esteemed guests like yourselves. When do the two of you plan to depart for Jiangning?"
Consort Su bristled at Qiao Xuan’s apparent dismissal. "Madam Shao, are you dismissing us? Since I’m here and unable to meet Lord Shao, I should at least engage with the prominent ladies of this region. Surely you understand how to arrange such matters?"
"My apologies." Qiao Xuan lifted her gaze slightly. "The ladies are occupied and unable to attend any gathering."
"Do you expect me to believe that, Madam Shao?"
"I do."
"How dare you!"
"..."
Consort Su seethed inwardly, repeating in her mind a hundred times, "If this were in the palace..." There, she could have done as she pleased long ago. She would have felt so empowered! Why was she now hesitating?
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