Chapter 1532: Pushing Away
Editor:Â Henyee Translations
Raising his eyebrows, the Deputy Prefect admonished, âYouâre too impulsive. Why didnât you plan meticulously and send just two or three maids? Did you think you could triumph easily? If dealing with Shao Yunduan were so simple, why would His Highness invest so much effort in him? Congratulations, youâve squandered a significant opportunity! How foolish!â
The Deputy Prefectâs wife felt a bit vexed, wondering what mistake she had made. All she wanted was to make a noteworthy contribution. Who could have predicted that these two girls would prove so unreasonable?
Moreover, she had accompanied the magistrateâs wife, thinking that her presence would dispel any suspicion.
Since the prefectural magistrateâs wife held more sway, her entourage naturally deferred to her authority, right?
This should have been a prime chance for her to slip away discreetly!
...
While the couple conversed, someone from the prefectâs wifeâs entourage approached, expressing a desire to discuss matters with the Deputy Prefectâs wife.
Despite the Deputy Prefectâs wifeâs skepticism, she had to oblige, granting her the courtesy. The brief meeting concluded soon after.
Upon receiving the report about the soup from the maidservants, the prefectural magistrateâs wife couldnât help but frown and reprimand them.
Was she out of her mind? Visiting a patient and delivering soup were commendable actions. As long as her intentions were genuine, shouldnât seeing the patient take precedence? Why force an entry into the other partyâs house? What was her rationale?
The maidservants, filled with grievances, could not articulate their defense. They didnât want to engage in such actions, but the Deputy Prefectâs wife insisted that personally kowtowing demonstrated sincerity and care. They couldnât be seen as inferior.
However, the unexpected turn of events left the magistrateâs wife increasingly agitated. When the Deputy Prefectâs wife arrived, she tactfully mentioned the incident. Offending someone was never a good strategy. In the future, she needed to exercise more caution. Good intentions should not provoke resentment. Instead of fostering goodwill, her actions created a standoff, leaving people angry and resentful.
The description of the expression as tactful stemmed from the fact that although the prefectural magistrate held an official position, he was essentially an ordinary landowner who had progressed to his current rank through the Advanced Scholar examination.
On the contrary, the Deputy Prefectâs background differed significantly. As a descendant of a prominent local family, he wielded considerable influence and boasted connections in the capital. Many of the magistrateâs decrees often relied on his cooperation for implementation.
In essence, refusing to give the magistrate due respect and intentionally causing trouble or opposition could jeopardize the magistrateâs tenure in the region. The consequences would be overwhelming, constituting a significant setback.
Because of this delicate power dynamic, regardless of the Deputy Prefectâs wifeâs actions, especially when dispatching servants to visit Qiao Xuan, the magistrateâs wife closely monitored the situation.
Upon hearing the prefectural magistrateâs wifeâs remarks, the Deputy Prefectâs wife responded with disdain and indifference. Her husband held a prestigious position, and she, too, carried a noble status. It seemed inconceivable to take the magistrateâs wife seriously.
She feigned regret and sighed with apparent concern. âSister, youâre absolutely right. The two girls beside Madam Shao are likely quite upset this time. I wonder what theyâll say to Madam ShaoâŠâ
As she uttered these words, the magistrateâs wifeâs heart skipped a beat, envisioning numerous unfavorable scenarios.
She was well aware of the potential impact of slavesâ slander, particularly from personal maidservants, long-serving nannies, trusted butlers, and the like. Their words held significant weight in the eyes of their masters.
The two resentful girls, if inclined to sow discord in front of Madam Shao, might prompt Madam Shao to engage in pillow talk with Lord Shao, leading to various undesirable outcomes.
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