Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1532: Pushing Away

Editor: Henyee Translations

Raising his eyebrows, the Deputy Prefect admonished, “You’re too impulsive. Why didn’t 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, you’ve squandered a significant opportunity! How foolish!”

The Deputy Prefect’s 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 magistrate’s wife, thinking that her presence would dispel any suspicion.

Since the prefectural magistrate’s 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 prefect’s wife’s entourage approached, expressing a desire to discuss matters with the Deputy Prefect’s wife.

Despite the Deputy Prefect’s wife’s 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 magistrate’s wife couldn’t 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, shouldn’t seeing the patient take precedence? Why force an entry into the other party’s house? What was her rationale?

The maidservants, filled with grievances, could not articulate their defense. They didn’t want to engage in such actions, but the Deputy Prefect’s wife insisted that personally kowtowing demonstrated sincerity and care. They couldn’t be seen as inferior.

However, the unexpected turn of events left the magistrate’s wife increasingly agitated. When the Deputy Prefect’s 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 Prefect’s background differed significantly. As a descendant of a prominent local family, he wielded considerable influence and boasted connections in the capital. Many of the magistrate’s 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 magistrate’s tenure in the region. The consequences would be overwhelming, constituting a significant setback.

Because of this delicate power dynamic, regardless of the Deputy Prefect’s wife’s actions, especially when dispatching servants to visit Qiao Xuan, the magistrate’s wife closely monitored the situation.

Upon hearing the prefectural magistrate’s wife’s remarks, the Deputy Prefect’s 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 magistrate’s wife seriously.

She feigned regret and sighed with apparent concern. “Sister, you’re absolutely right. The two girls beside Madam Shao are likely quite upset this time. I wonder what they’ll say to Madam Shao…”

As she uttered these words, the magistrate’s wife’s heart skipped a beat, envisioning numerous unfavorable scenarios.

She was well aware of the potential impact of slaves’ 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.