Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

But Princess Consort had indeed given them those instructions.

Qiao Xuan had initially planned to inform Shao Yunduan about this matter. She believed that if Shao Yunduan knew about it, he would be equally perturbed. Perhaps it was the Fourth Princess Consort’s strategy, and it might not be worth the effort. Consequently, she decided to maintain her silence and observe the Fourth Princess Consort’s intentions closely.

She was determined to discern the Fourth Princess Consort’s motives.

Qiao Xuan refrained from disclosing the actual situation and instead informed Shao Yunduan that the Fourth Princess Consort had extended an invitation for her to visit the mansion for a flower-related event.

Anticipating that the Fourth Princess Consort would inevitably invite the Princess Consort to the banquet, Shao Yunduan instructed Qiao Xuan to seek the Princess Consort’s support.

Given her role as the hostess, the Fourth Princess Consort would not risk any harm befalling Qiao Xuan while at her mansion.

Qiao Xuan responded with a smile.

Meanwhile, at the East Palace, Auntie Fu couldn’t help but express her disapproval to the Princess Consort, saying, “You shouldn’t have agreed to the Fourth Princess Consort’s proposal today. It’s quite humiliating. She invited Madame Shao, and the next invitation should rightfully go to her. How can it be like this…”

The Princess Consort smiled indifferently and replied, “Who would have anticipated that we would encounter her at court today? Initially, I believed she had no intention of inviting Madame Shao, but she brought it up, and considering she’s my sister-in-law, I couldn’t refuse such a trivial request. That would be too stingy!”

Auntie Fu fell silent for a moment before suggesting, “But Madame Shao is the spouse of an esteemed officer, and Officer Shao is highly regarded by the Crown Prince. The Fourth Princess Consort clearly doesn’t hold Madame Shao in high regard. We could issue one more invitation…”

Auntie Fu was about to suggest that arranging an additional invitation would be a simple matter for her.

However, the Princess Consort hesitated. “Aunt, that might not be appropriate. Madame Shao and Officer Shao could misinterpret our intentions. Besides, Ms. Qiao is Ms. Qiao, isn’t she?

In all fairness, I feel sorry for Officer Shao! Sister-in-law, even without mentioning her explicitly in the invitation, you’ve already expressed a high regard for her. I’m sure she’ll be quite pleased. Do you think she’d pity herself instead?”

Princess Consort cast a disdainful glance; she believed Madame Shao was ill-suited for the occasion.

Auntie Fu was left momentarily speechless but then smiled. “Madame Shao may not be accustomed to such affairs. Princess Consort, it’s essential for you to look after her when we visit the Fourth Princess Consort’s mansion tomorrow. Remember, if she were to embarrass herself, it would reflect poorly on you as well, and that wouldn’t bode well for Officer Shao.”

Princess Consort nodded with a hint of distaste. “You’re right. She’s accompanying me, so her actions do reflect on me. Tomorrow, you’ll be responsible for ensuring she doesn’t make a spectacle of herself.”

As for herself, she had too many other matters to attend to. That’s what Auntie Fu was there for, and Princess Consort acknowledged it with a nod and a faint smile.

Princess Consort gave Auntie Fu a meaningful look and added, “If she behaves inappropriately, don’t hesitate to reprimand her. If she doesn’t heed your advice, just inform her that it’s my directive.”

Auntie Fu replied, “Yes, Princess Consort.”

The following morning, Shao Yunduan chauffeured Qiao Xuan and Lixia, while Qingyan handled the wagon.

As Qiao Xuan boarded the wagon with assistance, Shao Yunduan couldn’t resist squeezing her hand. She responded with a warm smile, and Shao Yunduan reciprocated with a smile of his own. Once she was settled in the wagon, he headed to the Ministry of Revenue’s governmental office.

Qiao Xuan arrived at the East Palace ahead of time, and the Princess Consort joined her later.