Chapter 1098: Mocking

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Xuan smiled serenely as she addressed the gathering. “The temperature and humidity disparities between the greenhouse and its surroundings can easily affect orchids. These delicate flowers are highly sensitive to such changes, a fact that is quite evident.”

Everyone present.

Indeed, it had not been an effortless journey for her.

“I understand,” concurred Secondary Concubine Shi, nodding graciously. She turned to Madame Shao with a smile and added, “Madame Shao possesses an unparalleled understanding of this subject. Only she can discern such subtleties. We can’t claim to possess such discerning tastes.”

Laughter echoed through the room as the ladies and madames joined in.

Some couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. They dubbed it sheer luck.

In the past, no one paid attention to her. No one laughed at her, looked down on her, or belittled her for her humble beginnings, akin to a mere floral artisan tending to plants and flowers.

But when she rescued the Emperor’s beloved peony, even the court florists were left speechless.

Her clever maneuver earned her favor and countless accolades from the Emperor and the Empress.

No one dared to look down on her anymore. No one dared to mock her. It would be tantamount to defying the entire court.

Suddenly, a young lady blinked mischievously and inquired, her voice laced with a smile, “That’s quite peculiar. The Qiao Family doesn’t seem to possess a natural aptitude for this profession. How did Madame Shao acquire such skills?”

The young lady was a cousin of Tian Shanshan from the Tian Family, accompanied by her mother.

Officer Tian and his family had remained silent, and as relatives, they had no intention of making things difficult for Qiao Xuan on this occasion, for the sake of appearances.

However, the girl’s inquisitiveness couldn’t be faulted.

Everyone present was well aware of the animosity between the Tian Family, Shao Yunduan, and Qiao Xuan.

The whispers of Qiao Xuan’s association with the Qiao Family spread throughout the room, igniting a spark of anticipation among the attendees.

It was a universally known fact that people reveled in gossip and conflicts!

If the Tian Family engaged in a dispute with Madame Shao, it would undoubtedly be a captivating spectacle.

Qiao Xuan smiled in response. “It’s not surprising that others are unaware of this. I had a lot of leisure time at home, so I immersed myself in books and took up some personal gardening projects. Over time, I developed certain insights.”

It was the safest and most indisputable explanation.

Even if others doubted her, what did it matter?

The lady from the Tian Family displayed a look of enlightenment. “Ah, I see! Madame Shao, you possess an exceptional talent for self-learning, despite your young age. I assume you devoted a significant amount of time to this pursuit during your upbringing? It’s quite a remarkable approach!”

She added playfully, “Seems like being overlooked at home can be a blessing in disguise. Who knows what skills one might acquire and how useful they may become in the future?”

With a jesting tone, she turned to Qiao Xuan and continued, “Speaking of which, Madame Shao, you ought to express gratitude to your maternal figure. If it weren’t for her, you might never have had the opportunity to flourish!”

Some couldn’t help but burst into laughter, while others discreetly covered their mouths to stifle their amusement.

Everyone grasped the underlying meaning behind Ms. Tian’s words. She was mocking Qiao Xuan for being neglected and unloved by her mother, insinuating her lack of filial piety. According to her, Third Madame Qiao’s indifference had inadvertently contributed to Qiao Xuan’s success.