“That’s a huge favor! Madam Shao, please tell Lord Shao to go to Jiangning after a while.”

Qiao Xuan nodded. “I will tell him.”

As for whether her husband would go or not, it was not her business.

Consort Su, however, did not understand what Qiao Xuan was trying to say. She thought that Qiao Xuan was saying yes, so she got even more proud.

She couldn’t help but feel smug.

She started to lecture Qiao Xuan non-stop.

Qiao Xuan listened with a smile, nodding occasionally to affirm Consort Su’s assertions, which only heightened Consort Su’s smug satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Consort Fu, keenly observant, subtly sneered into her tea. She saw through Consort Su’s naivety, understanding that Qiao Xuan had deceived her. It amused Consort Fu that despite Qiao Xuan’s promises, she would still maintain control once Consort Su departed.

As Consort Su continued speaking, she revisited the events of the previous day.

“…It’s time to discipline Madam Shao’s subordinates! How dare they be so rude to me yesterday? They deserve punishment–perhaps even death! I’m certain Madam Shao is unaware of what happened yesterday, correct?”

Consort Su assumed Qiao Xuan remained oblivious. After all, she appeared submissive and agreeable in Consort Su’s presence. If Qiao Xuan knew of the servants’ insolence, she would surely take swift action against them.

Regret gnawed at Consort Su. If only she had known sooner, she would have summoned Qiao Xuan immediately to reprimand her. She wouldn’t have endured such disrespect!

Qiao Xuan continued to listen to Consort Su’s tirade, silently giving her a bemused glance.

However, Lixia was her trusted confidant. Moreover, the havoc wreaked yesterday, and the subsequent demand for restitution, couldn’t have slipped her mind overnight.

Qiao Xuan sighed inwardly once more. Fortune truly favored her. Were it not for the formidable influence of her father and brothers, Consort Su might have faced dire consequences in court.

Indeed, with such powerful familial backing, not even the Third Prince’s consort in the imperial harem would dare cross her easily.

“It was this woman yesterday!” Consort Su pointed accusingly at Lixia, who stood behind Qiao Xuan, and sneered. “She must have abused her authority to mistreat others. Madam Shao, I demand to punish her severely!”

Qiao Xuan glanced at Consort Su and replied calmly, “Are you referring to yesterday’s incident? In fact, I am fully aware of everything that occurred at the inn. I instructed Lixia and the stewards accordingly.”

Consort Su was stunned, staring at Qiao Xuan in disbelief. “What?”

Qiao Xuan continued evenly, “Remember, Consort, we are in Huaixi province. Your visit here is for pleasure, but your assumptions are mistaken.”

“How dare you!” Consort Su erupted, now even more furious, feeling deceived by Qiao Xuan.

“I am the Emperor’s consort! I hold his favor! Who do you think you are? What if I order your execution?”