Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

A flicker of anger passed through He Zhiqing’s lowered gaze. She looked up with a smile and said, “Fifth Mrs. Shao, are you here to admire the fish as well? Please enjoy. I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait a moment, Miss He.” Qiao Xuan smiled at Taotao. “Taotao, go back to the pavilion and find Chunyu. I’ll send Xiaoman over as well. It will be time for lunch soon.”

Taotao was puzzled, but she always followed Qiao Xuan’s instructions, so she nodded with a smile and obediently left.

Qiao Xuan directed a sharp gaze at He Zhiqing.

Initially composed and gentle, He Zhiqing slowly grew increasingly irritated and embarrassed. She asked in a gentle tone, “Fifth Mrs. Shao, what’s with that look in your eyes? I am unaware of how I have offended you.”

Qiao Xuan stated, “Taotao did nothing to offend you, Miss He, so why did you try to trip her just now?”

“Fifth Mrs. Shao, be cautious with your words!” He Zhiqing retorted indignantly. “I didn’t do such a thing. You must have seen it incorrectly!”

Qiao Xuan smiled. “There is no one else present, so there is no need for pretenses, Miss He. I saw it clearly, so I am not mistaken.”

“Fifth Mrs. Shao, you need evidence to support your claims! If you continue to slander me like this—”

“You can deny it, but I have a habit of getting to the bottom of things. Since you refuse to speak the truth, I can only bring this matter to Eldest Young Master Xie’s attention. I believe someone as astute as him can address my concerns.”

Qiao Xuan discerned that He Zhiqing was quite calculating, and so was Xie Jingrong.

In other words, He Zhiqing was skilled in manipulating the emotions of Madame Yuezheng, the other madams, and the ladies, but she would find it difficult to manipulate someone like Xie Jingrong.

Qiao Xuan was merely attempting to intimidate her. She mentioned Xie Jingrong because he was the person she was most familiar with in the mansion and was known for his intelligence. She had no intention of blowing this minor incident out of proportion.

However, for some reason, He Zhiqing’s expression changed upon hearing those words.

Despite returning to her composed demeanor, Qiao Xuan still observed He Zhiqing closely.

“You’re accusing me falsely. Cousin isn’t present, so why are you using him as a basis to criticize me?”

Qiao Xuan chuckled. “Oh, I understand him quite well, and he is remarkably intelligent. As I mentioned before, I can’t afford to overlook any details. It doesn’t sit well with me if I don’t have a clear understanding of everything. I genuinely want to know what my sister-in-law has done to offend you. It would be easier to make amends if I know the reason, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I haven’t done anything of the sort!”

“Miss He, I’m not blind.”

He Zhiqing unconsciously tightened her grip on the embroidered handkerchief in her hand, seething with anger.

This was why she disliked engaging with individuals from smaller families who lacked proper etiquette. They were shameless and ignorant of their boundaries.

Any other young miss or young madam would be left speechless in such a situation without any evidence. No matter how indignant they felt, they could only endure it.

However, this impudent person didn’t care about such norms.

A person like her was capable of anything, solely concerned with her own happiness while disregarding everything else.

Since Qiao Xuan had made that statement, He Zhiqing believed that she would indeed follow through.

She had been keeping a close eye on this cousin, which allowed her to learn that he was on friendly terms with the third son of the Yue Zheng Family and the Primus of the Shao Family. Moreover, he had visited the Shao Family multiple times, making him quite familiar with Qiao Xuan.