Chapter 2342: Dream on

Due to Old Master Qiao’s prominent status, what began as a straightforward case became more complicated.

Zhang Wenshu, understanding the gravity of the situation, decided not to pass judgment immediately. Instead, he ordered the Qiao family—along with their stewards and key servants who were accomplices—to be brought back to Hangzhou for a thorough review. This matter required the direct involvement of Lord and Madam Shao.

As they departed, the three members of the Qiao Family, previously terrified and desperate, found a glimmer of hope. Officer Qiao felt a surge of relief. He knew Qiao Xuan was a stubborn girl, but surely, as her father, he could not be so easily dismissed. This seemed like an opportunity for him to seek redress.

With the situation having escalated, staying in Nanyue was no longer viable. Although Jiangnan was an option, Hangzhou City seemed preferable.

After the turmoil, Officer Qiao appeared aged and disheartened, having resigned himself to the loss of his official status. His primary concern now was reuniting with his family.

Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei shared his hope. Both mother and daughter exuded a sense of hostility and discontent.

What they feared most was the lack of opportunity. As long as they had a chance, they believed they could make a comeback. They were convinced that as long as Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were out of the way, everything would be theirs.

This time, they needed to be patient and wait for the most opportune moment to act. Whether through poisoning or assassination, their goal was to eliminate their enemies.

Outwardly, the mother and daughter appeared to comply with Old Master Qiao’s directives, nodding agreeably to his instructions. However, privately, they harbored intense resentment and continued to voice their anger against Qiao Xuan.

They felt that Qiao Xuan had caused them too much trouble to ever forgive her.

It was baffling that Old Master Qiao failed to see his wife’s and daughter’s true nature. He had expressed shock and anger at Madame Qiao’s actions, but now he seemed reassured. He believed that they had genuinely acknowledged their mistakes and repented, thinking that the lessons they had endured would lead to their reform.

This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. At least, if things went well, the family might eventually find a way to reconcile and live together harmoniously.

Old Master Qiao’s optimism was touching but somewhat misguided.

Upon their arrival in Hangzhou City, Old Master Qiao and his family were relieved to be there, only to be promptly thrown into prison.

The three of them were stunned.

Qiao Wei, bewildered, asked, “Why are we locked up here? Where is Qiao Xuan? Why isn’t she here?”

Old Master Qiao, trying to maintain composure, turned to the warden with a forced smile and asked, “Excuse me, has Lord Shao, Madam Shao, or Lord Shao said anything about when we might be able to see them?”

The prison head raised an eyebrow and regarded them with a hint of amusement. “Are you joking? How would I know what they want? They’re like clouds in the sky to me. You’re still dreaming if you think you’ll get special treatment. Just stay here quietly!”

“Impossible!” Qiao Wei shouted, her voice filled with disbelief. “Qiao Xuan can’t do this to us! It’s unthinkable!”

“Be quiet!” The prison head’s demeanor hardened. “How dare you speak of Madam like that? If you keep shouting, I’ll have to take further action.”

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.