Chapter 762: Stingy

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Officer Qiao held significant influence in the county, and if he conducted some discreet arrangements and distributed benefits to the strategists, administrators, guards, as well as lower-ranking government officials, n.o.body would dare oppose him.

The officer had ama.s.sed a substantial fortune, and he couldnt help but feel delighted about it. He owed this success in large part to Shao Yunduans suggestion to eliminate the Zhao Family, a decision he wouldnt have made without his input.

As a gesture of grat.i.tude, Officer Qiao instructed Madame Qiao to select fine jade, porcelain vases, exquisite jewelry, and 300 liang of silver to present to Shao Yunduan. This was intended to foster a closer relations.h.i.+p between them.

Madame Qiao, however, wasnt particularly pleased about it. She believed that they had acquired their fortune through their own abilities, so why should they share it with the two b.a.s.t.a.r.ds?

Yunduan and Quan are already quite well-off. They have established a close relations.h.i.+p with the Yuezheng Family and lack nothing. Xuans jade bracelets alone are worth more than ten thousand liang!

Officer Qiaos expression turned sour.

He had been coveting Qiao Xuans bracelets for a while. He had even made up his mind to claim them for himself once he returned to the capital, making them his own prized possession.

However, after successfully toppling the Zhao Family, he had secretly acquired more than 10,000 liang in addition to the confiscated properties, and he had completely forgotten about Qiao Xuans bracelets. He didnt want to provoke any animosity with Shao Yunduan or give Qiao Xuan a reason to despise him.

Officer Qiao had never been particularly kind to Qiao Xuan, and he knew that if they continued to shower her with favors, she would suspect ulterior motives or even suspect a setup. Women were often suspicious and had a tendency to harbor grudges. What if she whispered something to Shao Yunduan? That would certainly complicate matters.

Officer Qiao continued, unfazed by Madame Qiaos discomfort. She can indeed have her own properties, but its important to show our generosity. We are fortunate to be wealthy now, so what harm is there in sharing some with them? Lets not be stingy. Yunduan is destined for a bright future, and its crucial to establish a good relations.h.i.+p with him from the beginning. Otherwise, our grat.i.tude may lose its value if were even slightly late.

Madame Qiao couldnt help but feel even more uneasy upon hearing her husbands remarks about Shao Yunduan. After all, she had chosen Shao

Yunduan as her son-in-law.

Very well, Old Master, Madame Qiao reluctantly agreed. But please, Old Master, lets not exaggerate the virtues of our son-in-law. The spring examination has yet to take place, and we cant predict the outcome. Our county is small, and people from humble origins often have narrow perspectives. In any case, he is not superior to our own son, is he?

Old Master, please dont hold such high expectations too soon. You may end up disappointed, Madame Qiao cautioned, maintaining her stance. While her words held some truth, Officer Qiao couldnt shake off his discomfort. He furrowed his brows and retorted, Are you determined to contradict me? Let me make it clear: stop scheming. Shao Yunduan has no other support. Our task is to win him over and ensure his unwavering loyalty. Dont be so narrow-minded!

Madame Qiao felt a surge of irritation, but she forced a smile and reluctantly agreed. They proceeded with the preparations for the gifts, but to their surprise, Shao Yunduan outright refused to accept them. He stood firm in his decision.

He made it clear that he wanted no a.s.sociation with the properties or a.s.sets seized from the Zhao Family. He even declined any involvement with the stores and fields that were acquired through their confiscated possessions. As a Recommended Mandidate, he had the privilege to purchase land without going through the standard procedures.

Shao Yunduan was adamant that the Shao Family should have no ties whatsoever with the Zhao Family, even in the slightest sense.

County Magistrate Qiao was left puzzled by Shao Yunduans motives. Consequently, his respect for the man deepened, accompanied by a tinge of guilt in his own heart.. This son-in-law of his was certainly not ordinary!