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Chapter 1096: Unwilling

He Zhiqing harbored a sense of resentment towards Qiao Xuan.

Deep down, she believed that Qiao Xuan must have divulged something to Xie Jingrong. How else could it be so coincidental that Qiao Xuan encountered them on the first day, only to drive them away on the next?

Since being sent away, she had realized that she and the Xie Family cousins would never be together.

However, upon witnessing the splendor of the Xie Family, He Zhiqing lost interest in pursuing connections with any other family. Instead, she resolved to venture into the capital and establish a close relationship with the Fourth Prince, leveraging the reputation of the Xie Family and the items granted by Lady Qiao.

She was even willing to become one of the Fourth Prince’s concubines.

Why not?

The Fourth Prince, born to the Emperor’s favored Honored Princess Mei, held a unique position. Although there was a Crown Prince in the Qin Dynasty, his mother had already passed away. Despite being renowned for his talents, the Emperor had never treated him favorably.

According to He Zhiqing, the more praise the Crown Prince received from the subjects, the more discomfort it caused the Emperor.

The future was unpredictable, and it was impossible to determine who would ultimately hold the greatest fortune.

Who could say that it wouldn’t be the Fourth Prince?

He Zhiqing envisioned herself as a revered figure, unwilling to settle for a peaceful life with a spouse from a respectable background.

That simply wasn’t acceptable to her.

The Fourth Prince desired to suppress Shao Yunduan, and Qiao Xuan possessed expertise in peonies. He Zhiqing saw an opportunity to be of assistance in that regard.

If Qiao Xuan were to become aware of the current circumstances, perhaps she could let go of the grudges from the past. After all, present benefits held greater importance.

However, if Qiao Xuan remained unaware of the situation, it couldn’t be blamed on He Zhiqing.

He Zhiqing couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. Without her skills, no one would have shown any interest in Qiao Xuan. She was merely putting on airs!

Soon, they reached the autumn house. The wide flat land halfway up the mountain provided a breathtaking view. Positioned next to the mountainside, it offered a sweeping vista of more than half of the side yard. Maple trees were scattered throughout, their red leaves more vibrant than fire, creating a truly enchanting sight in the advanced stages of autumn.

He Zhiqing and Qiao Xuan approached Secondary Concubine Shi, who greeted them with a warm smile and offered them seats. Curiosity gleamed in her eyes as she assessed Qiao Xuan, eliciting a chuckle. “I’ve heard from Mother and Princess Consort about Madame Shao. They all praise your ability to know when to advance and when to retreat. Now, seeing you in person, it appears to be true.”

Over ten madames and ladies were present as guests, hailing from noble families or holding prominent positions. Qiao Xuan was a new face to them, inciting their curiosity. Their gazes unabashedly examined her.

Qiao Xuan didn’t appreciate their direct and unscrupulous stares. However, this wasn’t the first time she had faced such scrutiny, nor would it be the last.

Having previously encountered the Princess Consort and the Empress, she harbored no fear. She offered a polite smile. “Your flattery honors me, Consort Qiao.”

Secondary Concubine Shi beamed. “Madame Shao, please don’t be so modest. You truly deserve the accolades.”

Madame Zhan, the wife of the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Architecture, chimed in. “Indeed! We were just discussing Madame Shao and her profound knowledge of flowers. We can’t hold a candle to Madame Shao!”

They all laughed.

Another Madame pointed at the pot of orchids on the advanced table and asked with a smile, “Madame Shao, take a look at it, do you know what kind it is? What is the problem?”