Chapter 1627: Revenge
Chapter 1627: Revenge
The Second Young Madam Tian had been enjoying the support from those defending her, feeling a sense of pride. However, Qiao Xuan’s cutting remarks infuriated her to the point of outburst. “Who do you think you are? If you can’t teach me, I’ll be the one teaching you, given how highly you think of yourself! You’re becoming increasingly audacious!”
Qiao Xuan looked at her and remarked, “Second Young Madam Tian, your manners and etiquette are truly admirable! I’m truly impressed!”
“You!”
“Forget it, forget it!” Someone quickly intervened, pulling Second Young Madam Tian aside and offering soft advice. “Why stoop to the level of someone like her? Let it go; you’re magnanimous. Don’t say too much…”
Just then, Princess Consort and Fourth Princess Consort sent someone to inquire about the situation.
Attempting to downplay the matter, everyone put on smiles, eager to avoid further complications. Most importantly, they were well aware that they were in the wrong.
Being unreasonable was one thing, but challenging Qiao Xuan was another matter entirely—they knew they couldn’t win. The embarrassment was palpable.
While they suspected the Fourth Princess Consort might take pleasure in seeing Qiao Xuan face adversity, they hadn’t wronged her before and felt too awkward to voice their opinions.
The person seeking information wisely chose not to delve into the matter. It was the first month of the lunar calendar, a time for harmony and auspicious celebrations. Stirring up trouble was ill-advised.
Consequently, the group proceeded ahead, deliberately ignoring Qiao Xuan this time. They quickened their pace and maintained a distance from her and Lixia.
Lixia, seething with anger, whispered to Qiao Xuan, “Madam, these people are intolerable. Despite their claims of having manners, is this how they treat others?”
Qiao Xuan smiled and shared with Lixia, “They treat people differently from us. We value treating people well, but they prioritize wielding power.”
Lixia was taken aback, covering her mouth as she chuckled.
Qiao Xuan joined in the laughter.
The silly girl had a generous heart, and that pleased Qiao Xuan.
“Is your face okay?”
Lixia shook her head hastily. “I’m fine. It’s my fault for involving you…”
“Don’t be silly. It’s not about you. What happens to me has nothing to do with you. Don’t be upset. These people will face consequences.”
Lixia nodded, finding solace in Madam’s reassurance.
Little did she know that “retribution” would come sooner than expected.
With the theater arranged, everyone took their seats. The prince’s concubines engaged in lively conversations, choosing scenes for themselves. The madams of higher status also selected scenes. The troupe promptly began performing according to the script.
Qiao Xuan cast a glance at the trees in the yard outside the opera house, a cunning smile flickering across her eyes.
Having developed and evolved persistently, she could now control plants to a certain extent without direct contact. Although the range of this control was smaller without direct touch, it proved convenient. While an outdoor setting would yield a better effect, the indoor theater was sufficient for Qiao Xuan’s purposes.
Engrossed in the unfolding performance on stage, everyone’s attention was captivated. Even the maidservants and older women standing behind, at the sides, and along the corridor outside craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the stage.
Unbeknownst to anyone, the previously bare and gray branches of a crabapple tree in the West Mansion courtyard, with a diameter exceeding 20 centimeters, were gradually sprouting visible buds. These buds expanded, transformed into delicate pink blossoms, and slowly opened, revealing their vibrant hues, one by one.