Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1610: Kindness

The couple excitedly discussed and joyfully planned their approach to Anze Province when Zhao Shu arrived.

Upon seeing Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, Zhao Shu couldn’t help but express his concerns, “Fifth Brother, Sister-in-law, why persist in being officials? It’s too much! We have enough money, why not just relax and enjoy life? Why subject ourselves to such a destitute place overrun by bandits? Let’s abandon this pursuit! Just give the word, and I’ll handle everything.”

As long as the funds were in place, Zhao Shu believed this matter could be resolved. He found the idea of venturing to that undesirable location absurd. To him, it seemed like a ploy to send one’s own head willingly. A poor official with no status or background from an obscure lineage might have no choice, but the Shao family had alternatives.

Upon learning the news, Zhao Shu was on the verge of infuriation. Wasn’t it said that the Crown Prince highly esteemed Fifth Brother? Clearly, that wasn’t the case. Pushing him into such a challenging situation, it became evident that the Crown Prince was heartless and deliberately creating obstacles for him. In essence, he wanted Fifth Brother to remain in the capital to exploit him fully. In that case, they might as well not play along!

Shao Yunduan shot him a glance but refrained from commenting. Zhao Shu’s audacity was apparent. She wasn’t sure when he started addressing Shao Yunduan as Fifth Brother, as if insisting on his rank. However, Shao Yunduan didn’t bother to correct him. It was almost amusing to see Zhao Shu’s thinly veiled intentions.

Why else would he label him as stupid and discourage him from going to Anze Province? If it were truly an unbearable place, Shao Yunduan would naturally find a way to return.

He refrained from any action, implying that he possessed the strength to confront challenges.

Such thoughts were shared not only by Shao Yunduan but also by his wife. Could it be that their perspectives were inferior to his? The absurdity of it all warranted silence; making noise would only risk becoming a source of mockery.

Yet, there he was, panicking and squawking like a chicken. Why would Taotao like someone like him?

Indeed, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan had inquired about this matter by sending a letter to their family before departing for Qingdi. Songshi handed them the letter upon their return to the capital.

Reading the contents, Shao Yunduan, despite his frustration, had to reluctantly accept the reality. Objectively speaking, this person seemed fine—no apparent flaws. If he ever mistreated Taotao, handling him wouldn’t pose much difficulty.

However, Shao Yunduan didn’t harbor much affection for Zhao Shu. The fact that his brother fancied the man who had kidnapped his sister bewildered him. That aside, Qiao Xuan even teased him, suggesting that finding a son-in-law might be a challenge if they had a daughter in the future.

Dismissing the notion, Shao Yunduan was confident he could find suitable candidates. In response to Zhao Shu’s concerns, Qiao Xuan playfully replied, “Rest assured, my husband and I have devised our own plans. You continue your travels between the south and the capital. Occasionally, check on the properties we’ve left behind in the capital.”

Shao Yunduan added with composure, “Don’t interfere in other people’s affairs. Don’t delude yourself into thinking you’re clever enough to gather information about the court. It’s not a realm you can easily navigate.”

Whether the Eastern Palace or the various princes, none were entities to be taken lightly.