Chapter 282: Crippled

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation     Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Qiao Mai listened to their shameless conversation and sneered. “Alright, after losing a shameless crown prince, there’s another prince who relies on his status as a member of the royal family. He wants to seize the properties of his subjects. Good, he has provided me with an excuse to plunder their family wealth.”

“Since you don’t want me to live, then I don’t need to leave you any room to maneuver,” She thought.

“To everyone sitting here, I’m sorry, but you must die.” She exerted her imposing pressure on the table.

How could ordinary people withstand it? Immediately, they fell to the ground unconscious.

Afterward, Qiao Mai took advantage of the situation, ransacking the homes of those present. Although it couldn’t compare to the Crown Prince’s house, every bit counted.

Especially that advisor, who dared to send people to burn her forest. She used a wind blade directly, relocating his head.

The newly appointed county governor and the people at the table were dead.

Upon receiving the report, Magistrate Wang immediately rushed over.

He promptly adjudicated the case, stating that the county governor had worked with the local gentry, scheming for something, but was coincidentally discovered and dealt with by someone skilled.

This skilled person? Magistrate Wang couldn’t help but think of Qiao Mai.

After investigating, he found out that on the night of the incident, someone had deliberately set fire to the forest. Further inquiries with the workshop staff revealed that the county governor had tried to get involved in their business without contributing anything.

Magistrate Wang was mad, his mustache twitching. Damn it, a mere county governor, relying on the support of a prince, dared to harbor thoughts of others’ properties and even attempted to set fire to the forest as a warning. He didn’t even bother to consider whose property it was.

Did he think he could act recklessly because a prince was backing him? Little did he know that the Qiao family had support from the Wang family, the Qian family, and the Duke. More importantly, the formidable figure was Madam Qiao.

This reckless fool only knew how to stir up trouble on his turf. It served him right to meet his demise.

He inspected the incident in the morning, and by the afternoon, he had already closed the case. Magistrate Wang determined that the county governor had provoked someone on the streets and was assassinated.

There were too many gangs on the streets. Whoever wanted to investigate could go ahead, as he couldn’t find anything.

Magistrate Wang dared to handle the situation this way, indicating his genuine anger.

He promptly drafted a report detailing the incident and submitted it to the Emperor for a final decision.

Upon reading the report, the Emperor frowned and immediately summoned the Golden Dragon Guards, instructing them to conduct a thorough investigation on the Second Prince. Is someone taking advantage of the prince’s influence, or is he directing his subordinates to seize the properties of others? Clarity on this matter was deemed essential.

At the same time, several other magistrates along the route from the capital to Tianshui Town also filed reports.

They reported that someone indiscriminately killed innocent people in broad daylight, and the Emperor dispatched the Golden Dragon Guards to investigate.

The results of the investigation made him particularly angry. They attempted to steal someone else’s horse, but instead of succeeding, they were kicked to death by the horse. Yet they accused the other party of murdering in broad daylight. What a group of incompetent officials.

Immediately, he dismissed the officials who made false accusations, and replacements were promptly sent.

Why was the Emperor so decisive? It was obvious that corruption was at play. Otherwise, who would act in such a manner?

Either they didn’t conduct a thorough investigation or feared implications for themselves. They casually labeled someone as a murderer.

Officials like these were unneeded. Thanks to Qiao Mai, officials in the northern regions were once again purged, bringing relief to the people.

Magistrate Wang was wealthy and influential, wholeheartedly dedicated to the well-being of the people. Regardless of what others thought or did, he remained steadfast in his position.

Although aware of Magistrate Wang’s capability, the Emperor believed it was more beneficial to have him work at the local level, managing the daily affairs of the people.

Just as in the beginning, when Yuan Jiaqi achieved merit, he only elevated his status without summoning him to the capital. The people needed good officials.

As for those corrupt officials, he preferred to keep them under his watchful eye. This way, they would refrain from wrongdoing and effectively carry out their duties.

The Emperor was not a fool. However, he could discern the differences within the Qiao family.

For example, their thriving snack shop, workshop, and the new wheat variety were not accomplishments of an ordinary scholar.

Rumor had it that Yuan Jiaqi showed unwavering devotion to his wife, indicating she must be extraordinary.

Indeed, experience matters. What others couldn’t see, the old Emperor could. It was not easy.

As the weather gradually chilled, Lucky Garden in the capital remained refreshing under Qiao Mai’s talisman. The large brick bed provided warmth, and there were no signs of pests.

Yuan Jiaqi and the others lived comfortably there. Old Master and Mistress Wang even sent a letter to their son, stating they would reside in the capital from now on.

This decision puzzled Wang Zongsheng. Why didn’t they come back for the New Year? Was life over there better?

Thinking about their residence in Tianshui Town, how would their house in the capital look like, if better?

The family of three decided to spend the New Year in the capital, taking the opportunity to visit their new residence and check on their disobedient daughter.

Although she hadn’t been deposed as the Princess Consort, she was still under house arrest.

Prince Shunqin’s parents had no choice. After Wang Jiaru behaved for a while and was released, she reverted to her old ways—indulging in worldly pleasures day in and day out, comparing lifestyles.

So, the Old Consort confined her again, making it clear that she would remain in the prince’s mansion until she changed. If not, she would be confined for life.

If it weren’t for the annual silver sent by the Wang family to honor them, Wang Jiaru would have been deposed long ago.

She was infuriating, even to the patient Old Prince and Princess Consort.

During the upcoming New Year, they planned to visit and have a serious talk with Jiaru.

Their plan seemed doable, but they knew it was impossible. Even Old Master and Mistress Wang hadn’t visited during their stay in the capital. They knew it would be futile and would only lead to frustration.

They decided to be more open-minded. People live their lives; they might as well go with the flow and not dwell on things that won’t change. The first snow of winter in the north fell on November 28.

It was substantial and swift, resembling falling paper.

In Tianshui Town’s Lucky Garden, people were well-disciplined. Under the guidance of Shopkeeper Niu, Qiao’s Small Eatery remained popular. During idle moments, Qiao Mai had asked Shopkeeper Niu.

“Old Niu.”

“At your service.”

“You’ve worked so hard, managing my shop so well. Is there anything you want?”

Shopkeeper Niu was taken aback. “Boss, there’s nothing I want. At my age, I don’t want to get married again. If someone can take care of me in my old age, that would be enough.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. For all you’ve done for the Qiao family, I

will naturally provide for your retirement.”

“In that case, I don’t need anything. Following you, eating well, dressing warmly, being bullied by no one, I’m happy every day. That’s all I’ve ever wanted in my life.”

“Well, if you need something, just let me know. I’ll do what I can if it’s within my means.”

“Yes, Boss.’

As December approached, the manager from County She came to settle the accounts. Qiao Mai carefully reviewed the accounts, instructed the manager, and arranged everything for the New Year. Red envelopes were distributed, and rewards were given. She was not stingy and let everyone have a good year. The manager smiled, and all the Qiao family employees were delighted.

Working for the Qiao family was a pleasure!

Knowing that she would return to the capital for the New Year, Mayor Qian had prepared her New Year gifts early, as did others, afraid of being impolite.

Qiao Mai accepted them with a smile and didn’t take anything too extravagant.

She had prepared return gifts for each one.

This time, she brought five maids and two cooks from home—people she was accustomed to and didn’t want to replace.

Nanny Jin, Ling’er, and Qiao Mai had packed their things in mid-December.

On the sixteenth day, two carriages for passengers and ten cargo carriages set off together for the capital.

The maids sat in the back carriages while Nanny Jin, Ling’er, and Qiao Mai shared a carriage..

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