Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2045: We’re On The Same Side

Shao Yunduan’s eyes glinted with mockery as he regarded Tang Fanghua. He now understood the true nature of Qi’s “savior.”

Despite her role in saving Qi, Shao Yunduan vowed never to allow such a person to linger by Qi’s side, bringing trouble upon him.

Qiao Xuan, smiling at the sudden interjection, shot a meaningful glance at Tang Fanghua.

Tang Fanghua flushed hot with embarrassment, feeling exposed under Qiao Xuan’s penetrating gaze. She seethed with shame and resentment, her fists clenched tightly.

Despite his usual obliviousness, even Qi sensed that there was more to the situation. “Fifth Sister-in-law, how do you know Miss Tang? What’s the connection?”

Qiao Xuan couldn’t fault Qi for saving her life.

Liqiu, devoid of emotion, recounted the events of the previous day.

Both Shao Yunduan and Qi erupted in fury simultaneously.

Qi fixed a piercing glare on Tang Fanghua. “Miss Tang, care to explain this?! Fifth Sister-in-law, Fifth Brother, I apologize—”

“Don’t!” Qiao Xuan interjected, smiling warmly at Qi. “We’re family, and your Fifth Brother and I would never hold our own family accountable for the mistakes of outsiders. While they may be your friends, friends remain distinct from family. We stand together as one, capable of distinguishing right from wrong.”

Suppressing his anger, Shao Yunduan added, “Your Sister-in-law speaks wisely. Let’s refrain from further unfounded accusations.”

Qi nodded, chastened. “Yes, Fifth Brother, Fifth Sister-in-law.”

Tang Fanghua, feeling the weight of Qiao Xuan’s words, hurriedly spoke up, “Madam Shao, I wasn’t aware it was you and—”

“It wouldn’t matter if it weren’t us,” Qiao Xuan interjected icily. “Your insinuations are distasteful, Miss Tang. Are you suggesting that your actions hinge on the identities of those involved? That you’d treat ordinary people with callous disregard? Are we to be casually bullied without reason?”

Tang Fanghua shook her head frantically. “No, no, that’s not what I meant! I was out of line. It’s entirely my fault…”

Lvying, equally terrified, dropped to her knees. “Madam Shao, please forgive me! I didn’t intend harm! I was overwhelmed in the moment. It’s not my usual demeanor! I was in a haze! This was unrelated to my master’s wishes! Please, forgive me, Madam Shao! General Shao, I beg of you, please!”

Qi’s voice cut through the tension, dripping with cold disdain. “Consider yourself fortunate that you’re not bound to me as a slave. Otherwise, I’d have disposed of you long ago!”

He had yearned to meet his nephew, only to discover that the child had suffered at the hands of this contemptible servant. The mere thought of it gnawed at his heart.

Yet, despite her transgressions, this servant dared to plead for mercy.

Qi had harbored suspicions about Tang Fanghua’s character from the start. Nonetheless, out of gratitude for saving his life, he had turned a blind eye to her misdeeds, as long as they didn’t cause significant trouble or lead to legal action.

But now, her indulgence of her maid’s cruelty toward his nephew shattered any semblance of tolerance he had left.

Tang Fanghua was consumed by remorse.

She had been apprehensive, uncertain if Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan would accept her. If they favored her, perhaps she could appeal to them. Qi held his Fifth Brother and Sister-in-law in high regard; their support might pave the way for her marriage with Qi.