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Chapter 1078: Trapped

However, no one could guarantee that the Emperor’s peony would remain problem-free in the future. Consequently, no one dared to lay a hand on Ms. Qiao, knowing the potential consequences.

In any case, Shao Yunduan’s return home with his colleagues strengthened their bond of friendship.

Upon hearing about the banquet, Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but laugh, finding it quite satisfying. “That’s truly gratifying! If the Qiao Family ever approaches us again, we won’t have to entertain them. Even if they have the audacity to shamelessly seek our help, we can openly refuse!”

Qiao Hongxi, however, had a completely different perspective.

When he returned home, he hesitated for a moment before approaching his father to share the incident.

Third Old Master was utterly flabbergasted upon hearing the news. “What are you saying?”

Initially, he had wanted to scold his son, but he soon realized that he couldn’t. Even if he had been present, he wouldn’t have been able to defend himself against Shao Yunduan’s unexpected actions.

Angrily, Qiao Hongxi exclaimed, “Dad, Shao Yunduan is so disrespectful! He’s your son-in-law, yet he doesn’t show any regard for you!”

Third Old Master furrowed his brows. He didn’t appreciate his son’s words.

While he hadn’t believed it at first, he now couldn’t find any excuse to continue deceiving himself.

“Very well, you may go and rest,” Third Old Master Qiao said, feeling disheartened. He sighed. “Hongxi, when you have free time, strive to work hard and read more books. You need to succeed in the future! I am relying on you for the remainder of my life!”

Third Old Master Qiao had anticipated that upon his return to the capital, he would secure a fifth-ranked officer position. However, to his dismay, his Elder Brother only managed to secure him a seventh-ranked position in the Ministry of Architecture, which held little prestige within the capital.

Adding to his frustration, the Ministry of Architecture was one of the least esteemed governmental offices among the six ministries, offering minimal opportunities for advancement. Realizing this, Third Old Master felt a surge of anger, almost causing him to vomit blood at the thought of the exorbitant amount of money they had spent.

But what was the use?

When his wife coerced him into asking his Elder Brother for money, not only did he fail to retrieve a single tael of silver, but he was also scolded by his Elder Brother. His Elder Brother claimed to have invested so much effort and begged him for help, yet Third Old Master’s request for money left him dissatisfied.

It was a disheartening experience.

To make matters worse, his mother somehow discovered the incident and reprimanded him for his lack of compassion. She focused solely on money and failed to acknowledge the efforts his Elder Brother had made on his behalf.

Left with no choice, Third Old Master reluctantly consoled his mother, feeling annoyed by the situation.

At his age, he realized that making progress in his own life was unlikely. He could only hope that his son would achieve success.

Despite having a daughter and a son-in-law, the situation remained stagnant. Qiao Hongxi unconsciously clenched his fists and declared, “Dad, don’t worry. I will undoubtedly rise to the top! Shao Yunduan is nothing! Just wait and see, he doesn’t even deserve to shine my shoes!”

Third Old Master offered solace and nodded with a smile. “I know you have ambitious goals!”

The following day, Third Old Master discreetly hired a carriage and made his way to Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan’s home.