“Has anyone ever told you that you’re not a virtuous woman? Perhaps I should suggest to the Emperor to send Lord Shao some beauties from Jiangnan when I return home. The beauties there are known for their grace and charm. No man can resist them.”

The more Consort Su pondered her idea, the more pleased she felt with herself. She couldn’t help but smile proudly, casting a pointed glance at Qiao Xuan. “That settles it then. I’ll bring it up to the Emperor when I return!”

Qiao Xuan smiled calmly. “Very well, thank you, Consort Su.”

She didn’t see the need to argue. Whether Consort Su’s words held any truth was inconsequential.

If it was a bluff, there was no point in challenging it. If it was genuine, it made little difference. Should such women be sent, Qiao Xuan would never allow them to marry Lord Shao’s subordinates. Who knew if they were spies sent to sow discord?

If they were indeed dispatched, they would be secluded in another manor, hidden from the world and carefully nurtured. Should they wish to marry, they could conceal their identities and return to their hometown in Jiangnan, marrying freely without causing upheaval in Huaixi province.

Consort Fu had anticipated Qiao Xuan’s objection but was surprised to see her smiling instead.

Observing Qiao Xuan’s indifferent and disapproving expression, Consort Fu instantly grasped the situation.

Meanwhile, Consort Su felt triumphant, believing Qiao Xuan was intimidated by her.

Of course, receiving favor from the Emperor was a privilege. Wasn’t there a saying? Everything bestowed by the Emperor was his favor! Regardless of its nature, one must graciously accept and express gratitude!

In due course, Consort Su planned to select a few young, beautiful, and charming girls for Lord Shao, eager to see how Qiao Xuan would react.

“This is the Emperor’s benevolence. Madam Shao, you must treat these girls well when they arrive, as it would be disrespectful to the Emperor otherwise!” Consort Su asserted proudly.

Qiao Xuan simply replied, “Okay.”

Consort Su frowned slightly, sensing something amiss, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

Asserting herself, she declared proudly, “You better understand this is the Emperor’s favor!”

Qiao Xuan nodded agreeably. “Yes, you’re absolutely right.”

Despite her attempt at confidence, Consort Su couldn’t shake a sense of unease. Despite her supposed satisfaction, she felt strangely unsettled, as if she had been manipulated.

After pondering for a moment, she dismissed her doubts as overthinking and decided not to dwell on it.

Glancing at Qiao Xuan, she changed the subject. “We’re here on the Emperor’s orders, but Lord Shao isn’t present. When will he return to Huaixi province?”

Qiao Xuan was adept at handling such inquiries and replied with a smile, “It’s hard to say. Lord Shao is currently on an inspection tour, moving from place to place. It depends on how smoothly the inspection progresses. Besides, he wouldn’t involve me in such significant matters. If Your Majesties have anything to discuss, you can address it with me.”

Consort Su scoffed. “The Emperor holds Lord Shao in high regard, sending him to Jiangning to receive honors!”