Chapter 9

“You mean, Brother-in-law stayed here last night?” Mrs. Zuo asked uncertainly.

She was indeed too shocked.

After childbirth, when a woman is still in her confinement period, most men can’t stand being near due to the postpartum discharge. They prefer to keep their distance. How could Brother-in-law willingly stay here?

Suddenly, Mrs. Zuo remembered the disgusted look her husband gave her after her childbirth, and her heart ached.

She couldn’t understand why Mrs. Zuo was so fortunate!

Mrs. Qiao noticed the undisguised jealousy on Mrs. Zuo’s face, feeling a mix of sadness and satisfaction.

She felt sad because she had truly misjudged people and almost brought calamity upon the Qiao family.

She felt satisfied because she no longer needed to deal with such a treacherous person in the future. She no longer needed to carefully hide her husband’s favoritism towards her for the sake of maintaining her sister-in-law’s dignity.

“Yes, he did. He organized the mansion yesterday and declared that he would never take concubines or accept any other women. So, my sister-in-law doesn’t need to worry about me,” Mrs. Qiao said.

As soon as Mrs. Qiao finished speaking, there was a cracking sound from Mrs. Zuo’s hands. She had broken her armor due to intense jealousy.

Seeing this, Qiao Jiaojiao couldn’t help but remark, “Oh, she can’t hold it anymore. Her true colors are showing!”

Mrs. Qiao maintained her smile, appearing calm as if she hadn’t noticed.

If it weren’t for being blinded by familial affection, Mrs. Zuo’s status would be nothing in her eyes.

Mrs. Zuo realized she had lost control and quickly composed herself, awkwardly saying, “Sister, you must restrain yourself. Men have no bounds, so don’t hurt yourself.”

Mrs. Qiao giggled and said, “What nonsense are you talking about, Sister? The reason my husband stayed last night was simply to take care of me when I got up at night. You can’t drive him away even if you try.”

Mrs. Zuo’s hands shook violently, as if she had heard some incredible story.

Take care of her at night?

How could there be a man in the world willing to do such a thing?

Mrs. Qiao had never said these things to Mrs. Zuo before. Now, she spoke without reservation, like sharp needles, piercing Mrs. Zuo’s heart.

Mrs. Zuo adjusted her handkerchief and felt an extreme resentment welling up inside.

She knew how her brother behaved and how much she suffered. Yet, today, he was flaunting their marital bliss. What was this? Did she want to see her suffer?

Mrs. Qiao continued to smile, but there was a cold gleam in her eyes.

Just a few words had hurt Mrs. Zuo. When you inflicted harm on my entire family, did you ever think about how much pain we endured?

Qiao Jiaojiao cheered for her mother’s fighting spirit.

“Wow! Mom, you’re flaunting it just right. Look at Mrs. Zuo, her face is twisted, haha! It feels great to see her get crushed!”

“Ah, if only we could find a way to drag this aunt out of the Duke of Yan’s mansion.”

“I remember before this aunt married my uncle, she had a childhood sweetheart who worked under King Jing. He was the one who arranged the false evidence of treason. What was his name again?”

“Sigh, I can’t remember!”

Qiao Jiaojiao shook her head in frustration.

Mrs. Qiao’s eyes flashed with determination. She gently shook Qiao Jiaojiao, hoping she wouldn’t think too much about it.

These things could be investigated as long as there was determination.

If Mrs. Zuo was truly disloyal to her brother, she wouldn’t be able to stay in the Duke of Yan’s mansion for long!

Seeing that Mrs. Zuo hadn’t mentioned the marriage matter, Mrs. Qiao took the initiative to ask, “Why didn’t you bring Ning’er over today?”

Mrs. Zuo’s mind suddenly snapped back to reality, remembering she still had important matters to attend to.

“That child has been studying diligently recently, preparing for the poetry gathering in six months,” she said.

Mrs. Qiao nodded understandingly. The poetry gathering was a major event in the capital circle. She had met her husband at such an event years ago.

At this moment, Mrs. Zuo brought up the old topic again.

“Sister, have you talked to Brother-in-law about what I mentioned before? In my opinion, our families couldn’t be closer!”

Mrs. Qiao shook her head hesitantly. “Sister, I’m afraid it’s not feasible.”

Mrs. Zuo’s face darkened at her response. “What, do you think Ning’er is not worthy of the Scripture?”

Qiao Jiaojiao’s heart skipped a beat.

[Here it comes! Mom, crush her! Let her never show her face again!]

In the past, Mrs. Qiao would have comforted Mrs. Zuo with a smile if she turned cold. But now, Mrs. Qiao remained seated on the couch, unmoving.

She calmly replied, “Sister, don’t be angry. It’s just that Brother-in-law has other plans.”

Mrs. Zuo laughed angrily when she heard this, “Since ancient times, parents have ordered matchmakers. No matter how the child has his own ideas, aren’t you the ones who have the final say on the marriage?”

Mrs. Qiao remained composed. “I can’t force the children into anything.”

Mrs. Zuo instantly laughed angrily, “What does my sister mean by this, is Ning’er worthy of the scriptures, or is she reluctant to accept the scriptures?”

Mrs. Qiao retorted blandly, “That’s what you said. I don’t have such intentions.”

Mrs. Zuo stood up abruptly, her face turning livid. She mocked, “You’re acting so high and mighty now. Everyone in the capital says the Qiao family is thriving, favored by the emperor. Perhaps you’ll even marry into the royal family!”

Mrs. Qiao’s expression suddenly turned cold, her phoenix eyes fixed on Mrs. Zuo.

“Sister, don’t spread baseless rumors. My family is loyal and patriotic. We dare not entertain such thoughts.”

“As for Ning’er’s marriage, if you’re anxious, I’ll ask my husband to pay attention to eligible young men. The young ladies of the Duke of Yan’s mansion won’t be wronged.”

This was the first time Mrs. Qiao had shown her authority as the mistress of the house in front of Mrs. Zuo, and her imposing manner subdued Mrs. Zuo.

“You… you…”

Mrs. Zuo hesitated for a moment before angrily retorting, “I’ll take care of Ning’er’s marriage myself. I don’t need your help, Mrs. Qiao!”

Hearing this, Mrs. Qiao leaned back against the pillow, her face cold. “If you’re in charge, then everything will be perfect.”

Mrs. Zuo’s face contorted with rage. “Consider today as if I never came. I can’t reach the Qiao family’s threshold anymore!”

She refused to believe that Mrs. Qiao would really confront her.

But Mrs. Qiao just patted Qiao Jiaojiao gently and said, “Sister, there’s no need to see her off. Take your time.”

Mrs. Zuo’s face twisted suddenly, and after giving Mrs. Qiao a deep look, she stormed out in a fit of anger.

Qiao Jiaojiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

[Good riddance! Good riddance! She’s probably really upset now. We need to prevent her from doing anything desperate, but King Jing hasn’t woken up yet, so she doesn’t have the capital to act!]

[Ah, Mom is mighty and majestic! In her eyes, this kind of petty feud is nothing!]

Mrs. Qiao affectionately touched Qiao Jiaojiao’s forehead. Today, she had truly seen through her sister-in-law.

Thank goodness for Jiaojiao.

Thank goodness, there’s still time.