Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1410: I’m Not Prepared

Editor: Henyee Translations

Uncle Qing nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly what I was going to suggest! It’s better to address it sooner rather than later. Lord Shao and Madame Shao are reasonable individuals, and I doubt they will have any objections.”

“Indeed. Procrastination might make us appear insincere, and it could even irk Lord Shao. He may appear gentle, but when angered, he can be quite formidable.”

“Absolutely.”

Zhao Shu responded with a nervous expression. “…”

A tingling sensation ran down Zhao Shu’s spine, and he instinctively contemplated a hasty retreat. He meekly questioned, “Must we discuss it now? I’m not fully prepared yet. How about we wait until Lord Shao returns from Qingdi?”

“Who said it’s not too late?” Aunt Qing remained resolute, offering a warm smile. “By then, it will indeed be too late! Discussing such matters sooner rather than later demonstrates your sincerity. Young Master, why don’t you prepare for it tomorrow? We can converse in two days!”

Zhao Shu. “…”

Uncle Qing cleared his throat. “Young Master, do keep in mind that ‘two may keep counsel, putting one away.’ If Lord Shao and Madame Shao discover this through other channels, the consequences—”

Zhao Shu shuddered and hastily replied, “Yes, yes! Count me in. I’ll certainly discuss it when I visit the day after tomorrow!”

In such a scenario, there was no room for explanation, and Lord Shao might react quite harshly. For some reason, this was his instinctual reaction.

Observing his response, both Uncle Qing and Aunt Qing felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. They continued to offer him encouragement and support as they went on their way.

Once they had departed, Shao Yunduan’s attention wandered for a moment before he turned to Qiao Xuan. “Do you find Zhao Shu and his attendants a bit peculiar?”

Qiao Xuan was taken aback and responded with a smile. “No, why would you think that?”

Shao Yunduan chuckled. “Perhaps I’m overthinking it!”

He sensed that Zhao Shu avoided making eye contact with him, appearing as if he were burdened by a guilty conscience, attempting to win his favor.

Qiao Xuan unwrapped the gift and exclaimed, “This is far too extravagant! Young Master Zhao is wealthy, but he shouldn’t be this extravagant!”

Zhao Shu had offered such a lavish gift as an apology for not returning to Hangzhou before the New Year. Qiao Xuan knew it would be costly, as someone as indolent as Zhao Shu wouldn’t have presented such a gift otherwise. Nevertheless, he didn’t anticipate it being this extravagant.

The gift contained over a dozen pieces of pure gold jewelry adorned with gemstones. The pair of Auspicious Cloud Auspicious Zhi Gold Hairpins featured seven or eight gemstones in varying sizes, with the two largest rubies being even larger than a thumb, pure red and flawlessly transparent without any impurities. A gem of this caliber was valued at a minimum of 20,000 taels of silver. These golden hairpins alone were estimated to be worth 70,000 to 80,000 silver coins. The entire set of jewelry was likely valued at around 200,000 taels of silver.

The gift was truly exorbitant.

Additionally, there was a simple and refined white porcelain flower tea set, worth at least ten thousand taels of silver.

Shao Yunduan was equally surprised.

They exchanged glances.

“Could it be that Young Master Zhao encountered some trouble? Or perhaps he believes we’re overly petty and is upset about his inability to return to Hangzhou in time, so he’s… making amends?”

Shao Yunduan furrowed his brows and shook his head with a smile. “I don’t think so. He lacks understanding and, I believe, so do Uncle Qing and Aunt Qing. Perhaps he is seeking our favor.”