Chapter 914: Not Hearing

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The Land Officer, Elder Men, and many villagers gathered to bid farewell to Shao Yunduan, offering their well-wishes and blessings.

Their hopes were vested in Shao Yunduan’s success in the intermediate examination. Being from the same family and village, his achievements would bring benefits not only to himself but also to the entire community. With an Advanced Scholar Old Master and an officer within their ranks, neighboring villages would think twice before bullying their villagers.

However, Third Uncle, though present, remained distant and appeared visibly displeased. His lack of involvement was noticeable.

Ms. Ma, who typically enjoyed spectacles, was conspicuously absent, along with Shao Liulang.

Even Third Uncle’s presence seemed solely due to his reputation.

The third section of the family was seethed with anger. Shao Liulang’s failure to pass the intermediate examination had fostered resentment toward the first section of the family. He believed they had let him down.

Shao Liulang had undergone a transformation, striving harder than before. Yet, the presence of Shao Yunduan in the capital still affected him, leading to frequent bouts of irritability and temper tantrums.

Third Uncle and Ms. Ma were deeply concerned about Shao Liulangs state.

One day, Ms. Ma attempted to console Shao Liulang, but before she could mention Shao Yunduan’s name, she was abruptly interrupted by his outburst.

Shao Liulangs frustrations reached a boiling point.

His emotional turmoil escalated as Shao Yunduan drew closer to the capital, rendering him unable to control his own emotions.

Both Third Uncle and Ms. Ma were genuinely concerned and fearful for Shao Liulangs well-being. They tiptoed around any mention of Shao Yunduan or the first section of the family, as if walking on eggshells.

As a result, Shao Liulangs resentment toward the first section of the family grew even stronger.

Additionally, a few days ago, Shao Meizhi and her husband had returned home, proposing a business partnership with the first section of the family. However, the family outright rejected their offer, suspecting them of trying to swindle their money. They were deemed miserly in their response.

This incident further fueled Shao Liulangs animosity.

When the entire and was accounted for, it became evident that Ms. Ma and Third Uncle held a growing aversion toward the first section of the family.

Just wait and see! Ms. Ma believed that her hardworking son would eventually surpass Shao Yunduan in the future. At that point, the Shao Family and Shao Yunduan would have to fear them.

Upon arriving in the county city, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan made a visit to the Qiao Family.

County Magistrate Qiao enthusiastically insisted that Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan should stay at the office for the night.

Having eaten breakfast at home and bid farewell to their family and villagers, they arrived at a location not faraway from the county city, where they would spend the night before continuing their journey to the province.

Although County Magistrate Qiao tried his best to persuade them to stay, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan exchanged a glance and agreed.

Since they were on the same side, there was no need to separate men and women during dinner.

County Magistrate Qiao was in high spirits at the dinner table, wearing a bright smile as he urged Shao Yunduan to drink with him and provided him with advice for the journey ahead.

He even mentioned that he would write a letter that night and hand it to Shao Yunduan the next morning. He assured him that upon reaching the capital, he could rely on the Qiao Family’s support.

Shao Yunduan responded perfunctorily, but in reality, he had no intention of seeking assistance from the Qiao Family.

He found his father-in-law quite intriguing. If County Magistrate Qiao was genuinely willing to offer the letter, why hadn’t he prepared it in advance? Why was he writing it for him that very night?

After dinner, County Magistrate Qiao invited Shao Yunduan to his study, claiming that he would provide more detailed information.

However, Madame Qiao stopped Qiao Xuan before she could join them.

“Shao Yunduan will only have one pageboy to assist him while he is in the capital, and that won’t be sufficient.. Should you assign Lixia or Liqiu to accompany him?”