Chapter 2319: Threatening
Qingyan hesitated when he heard that.
Madame Qiao, as the legitimate mother, could potentially have some insight into the situation. What if her decision inadvertently caused delays? The responsibility would be too great to bear.
Most importantly, Madam’s current standing and reputation were critical. Any damage to them must be avoided at all costs.
“I will report your concerns to Master. Please wait here,” Qingyan said.
Madame Qiao looked satisfied. “Very well, go ahead.”
Qiao Wei sneered and added a veiled threat. “We’ll be waiting for your response. If you take too long, and if any unpleasant rumors start circulating, it won’t reflect well on you.”
Qingyan’s patience was wearing thin. “Madame Qiao, Elder Miss Qiao, let me remind you that this is Hangzhou City. Our Lord and Madam have the final authority here. If you speak out of turn, it could cost you dearly or lead to unforeseen trouble.”
“What do you mean?” Qiao Wei exclaimed, her voice rising. “How dare you threaten us!”
Qingyan inwardly rolled his eyes, thinking, Is it really fair for you to accuse us of threatening when you’re the ones making threats? You’re not the only one who can make demands.
Clearly, this couldn’t be Madam’s biological sister. If she were, she would surely act with more respect and understanding.
“I wouldn’t dare.” Qingyan smiled and bowed. “I’m just telling the truth and reminding you out of kindness…”
“You!”
“You are underestimating us!” Madame Qiao patted Qiao Wei’s hands and said in a gentle and unquestionable tone. “Go and tell them!”
“I’ll take my leave!”
Qingyan turned and walked away, giving the servants in the courtyard a pointed look to ensure they kept a close watch on Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei.
He wasted no time and hurried to Shao Yunduan to report the situation.
After listening, Shao Yunduan considered the matter carefully. He was not concerned that Madame Qiao and her husband could pose a real threat to his wife. Based on their temperament and behavior, as well as the history of the Qiao Family, if they had something incriminating, they would have used it long ago instead of waiting until now.
During the Crown Prince’s time, the Qiao Family had been notably influential in the capital and had caused numerous issues. If they had leverage against him, he doubted they would have been patient enough to keep it under wraps.
Nevertheless, caution was still necessary.
Shao Yunduan decided, “Tell them that they will be able to meet her when the time is right.”
Madame Qiao was overly optimistic if she thought that they would panic and yield to her demands.
“Yes, Lord!”
Qingyan bowed respectfully and said, “Lord, Elder Miss Qiao is quite sharp-tongued. Should I teach her a lesson to keep her from speaking out of turn?”
Shao Yunduan sneered. “No need. The more she speaks, the more satisfying it will be when she faces the consequences. If she wants to dig her own grave, I’m not going to stop her.”
“Understood, Lord,” Qingyan replied, though he didn’t fully grasp the strategy behind his master’s decision.
Upon returning to the inn, Qingyan found Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei both visibly disbelieving and embarrassed.
“Did you really deliver our message?” Qiao Wei sneered. “She won’t cry until she’s faced with reality. Let’s see if she regrets it!”
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