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Chapter 1079: Third Old Master

Determined to get to the bottom of the situation, Third Old Master felt a surge of annoyance as he made his way to Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan’s residence. However, he hesitated to approach them openly, fearing the repercussions from the Tian Family. Instead, he discreetly hired a carriage and arrived at the Shao Family’s home, hoping that Shao Yunduan had returned from the Hanlin Academy.

Upon seeing him at the door, Songshi, who recognized Third Old Master, was taken aback but didn’t give him a hard time. In fact, he greeted him politely, saying, “Old Master Qiao!” He then invited Third Old Master inside and informed Fifth Young Master and Madame of his presence.

As Third Old Master, who had previously held the position of County Magistrate Qiao, glanced around the yard, he noticed the standard four-part architecture with well-maintained east and west wing rooms. In the middle stood the main room, facing north and south, along with three wing rooms, creating a spacious and broad layout.

The courtyard boasted a large patio with greenish-gray floor tiles, neatly arranged and adorned with sweet osmanthus, magnolia, crabapple, and other flowers and trees. A path led to the backyard, indicating its existence.

The courtyard wasn’t overly large, but it wasn’t small either.

Third Old Master couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy. He inwardly sighed at their good fortune—Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, newcomers to the capital, managed to afford such a house, an impressive feat.

Deep down, Third Old Master also believed that Qiao Xuan had provided them with the money to purchase the house.

He had initially anticipated that they would face humiliation and encounter obstacles at every turn, giving him the opportunity to lecture them. However, reality proved otherwise.

This left him speechless.

Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan didn’t find it unusual that Third Old Master Qiao had come to visit.

They treated him as an ordinary guest, lacking the familial warmth he had hoped for.

Qiao Xuan no longer addressed him as “father” but rather politely greeted him as “Third Old Master Qiao.”

The same was true for Shao Yunduan.

Third Old Master’s heart ached. “Xuan…”

“Third Old Master Qiao, it doesn’t seem appropriate for you to address my wife in that manner. After all, our families are no longer connected, and it’s important that we maintain some dignity between us,” Shao Yunduan interjected calmly.

Third Old Master couldn’t bear it any longer. He accused Shao Yunduan of ingratitude and heartlessness.

With a smile, Qiao Xuan inquired, “My husband achieved the rank of Cultivated Talent through his own abilities and received education from a highly esteemed teacher. Young Master Xie, a Provincial Champion and Primus, has imparted his vast knowledge to him. What does that have to do with you, Third Old Master Qiao? Did you teach him? How can he be expected to feel grateful?”

Shao Yunduan added, “Third Old Master Qiao, if you wish to discuss this matter further, please leave. I don’t owe you anything, and neither does my wife. Madame Qiao tried to harm my wife, yet she’s still alive and well, isn’t she? Since you never treated my wife as your daughter, why don’t you uphold your reputation? Are you attempting to be a benevolent father, or is there something else you’re aiming for?”

“You!”

“I don’t need to explain myself to you. You know what you should do.”

Third Old Master Qiao had come to express his concern and demonstrate his affection, hoping that they would feel guilty and regard him highly.

Instead, he was met with mockery.

Guilt and kindness were absent.

He had misjudged them completely!