Chapter 228 - 228: This Guy Came for Food

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“This is mv subordinate. Mentor Liu!”

“This subordinate pays respects to Master Yuan and Madam Yuan.”

He then placed the gift box he held on the table at the head of the room.

Qiao Mai smirked, “Just call me Madam Qiao. It’s more fitting. My husband married into my family, so he should take my family name, not the other way around.”

County Governor Zhu had to cover his mouth to suppress a laugh; Madam Qiao was entertaining. Yuan Jiaqi didn’t seem offended either.

“My wife is correct. According to Ming Dynasty laws, it should be this way. I willingly married into the family.”

They explained it formally, making County Governor Zhu a bit awkward. “Alright, Mentor Liu, please give red envelopes to the children.”

The children immediately stepped forward and bowed. “Happy New Year, uncles!”

“Oh, your children are all so handsome and charming, especially this little girl. She’s like a fairy. Their future is limitless.”

Qiao Mai couldn’t help but roll her eyes; County Governor Zhu was so generous he seemed to be throwing money around.

Yuan Jiaqi courteously suggested, “Since Governor Zhu is here, would you like to stay for lunch?”

Governor Zhu chuckled, “Sure, sure. I’ve heard your meals are better than the wealthy households in the capital. I’d be foolish to refuse.”

Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi exchanged glances, their lips twitching. Governor Zhu seemed to be more interested in the food than anything else.

As the flow of guests continued, County Governor Zhu took the initiative to leave for another room to greet Mayor Qian. They couldn’t avoid some additional pleasantries.

The Qiao residence was buzzing with activity, with almost everyone from the town coming to pay their respects.

Luckily, Qiao Mai had prepared plenty of red envelopes, and the children received as much as they gave.

The last group of visitors consisted of Yuan Jiaqi’s subordinates from the nearby county who served under him.

They were visiting for the first time and were amazed by the Qiao residence.

It was comparable to the houses in the county town and even some of the wealthier ones in the capital.

“We pay our respects to Mr. Yuan and his wife, wishing you a happy New Year filled with joy, health, and prosperity.”

They greeted formally, demonstrating their preparations for the occasion.

Qiao Mai responded graciously, “Happy New Year to all of you! You’re welcome to visit our home. Why not stay for lunch?”

“Thank you for the invitation, but we came here today to pay our respects. We must return home; we’re on duty during the New Year. The more festive the season, the more trouble we encounter.”

Understanding their situation, Qiao Mai instructed the housekeeper to fetch several baskets of food from the pantry and offered it to them to take home. This gesture left the subordinates feeling grateful and embarrassed.

After these visitors left, the maids in the Qiao residence wanted to close the main gate, thinking the guests were finished for the day. However, an unexpected guest arrived.

A carriage pulled to the gate, and a young lady and two maids stepped out.

The gatekeepers frowned, wondering, “Could this be one of the master’s romantic interests? There seem to be plenty of them these days. The boss will surely be upset.”

One of the gatekeepers inquired, “May I ask who you are looking for?”

“I’ve come to pay my respects to Mr. Yuan and his wife.”

“May I ask who you are?”

“I’m a local affluent figure from County She, and I have a good relationship with Mr. Yuan.”

With most of the guests having come and gone, Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi instructed the maids to prepare lunch in the kitchen.

As they walked away, a servant came rushing. “Master, Mistress, there’s a young lady at the gate who insists on paying her respects. She seems determined to meet you.”

Qiao Mai glared at Yuan Jiaqi and said, “Please let her in!”

They returned to their seats. Qiao Mai took a sip of tea to clear her throat.

On the other hand, Yuan Jiaqi had an annoyed expression as he glared at the approaching guest, curious to know who dared to disrupt his time with his wife.

When the couple saw the guest, Yuan Jiaqi lost his composure, standing up and pointing at her angrily.

“Haven’t I made it clear? You’re not welcome here. Why do you persist in bothering me?”

The young lady smiled and lowered her head respectfully. “Qu Rui pays her respects to Mr. and Mrs. Yuan. I wish you both a Happy New Year.”

“Miss Qu, Happy New Year. Please have a seat,” Qiao Mai said, showing no signs of pressure.

“Mrs. Yuan, you’re much better!”

Qu Rui sat in a guest chair, maintaining a polite smile throughout the exchange.

Yuan Jiaqi was puzzled by the situation. Qiao Mai gestured toward the main seat.

“Husband, please, sit. I’m sure Miss Qu has something to say, right?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, go ahead.”

“You’re not worthy of Mr. Yuan!”

“Many people have said I’m not worthy of him, but he’s so fond of me. I can’t help it. I also wanted to live freely, but he keeps clinging to me, right, husband?”

Yuan Jiaqi nodded in agreement, “My wife, you’re absolutely right. Without you, I can’t go on with my life.”

The two continued their affectionate display of a married couple’s love in front of Qu Rui, who was nearly biting her lip in frustration.

“For his sake, you should leave him. My family in the capital has connections that will greatly benefit his future career.”

“You’re mistaken. I’m doing it for his sake. If I were to leave him, what if he dies of lovesickness? Then his prospects of promotion and wealth would be gone. Isn’t that right, husband?”

Qiao Mai gave Yuan Jiaqi a flirtatious look, and he quickly nodded in agreement.

“My dear, a day without you feels like a year. I belong to you in life and death.”

Qiao Mai couldn’t help but curse inwardly. They had taken their act so far that, if Qu Rui had self-awareness, she would have left in tears. Yet here she was, still sitting there with such thick-skinned audacity.

Qu Rui could barely contain her frustration and anger, “You two can continue pretending. I’m not afraid. From the moment I laid eyes on Mr. Yuan, I’ve been captivated. I will only marry him in this lifetime.”

Qiao Mai nodded, “After I pass away, you can marry him.”

Yuan Jiaqi held her hand and said, “My lady, when you leave this world, I’ll follow you. I can’t live without you.”

As this drama unfolded before her, Qu Rui seethed in anger and stood up.

“You have gone overboard!”

Qiao Mai snorted coldly, “Overboard? I think it’s Miss Qu, an unmarried woman who has set her sights on a married man. We’re living happily together, but you insist on interfering.”

“In this world, it’s common for men to have multiple wives and concubines. My family holds influence. You, an inept village woman with neither beauty nor virtue, should quickly roll off your position as the rightful wife. Otherwise…”

Qiao Mai’s hand swiftly moved through the air, delivering a resounding slap that sent Qu Rui flying into the courtyard like a pancake. She landed with a thud.

Two maids rushed over, “Miss!”

Qu Rui struggled to get up from the ground, “Go and teach that village woman a lesson!”

The maids thought, “You’re truly possessed. This is someone else’s territory, and you’re causing a scene. Do you want us to be the ones to start a fight? We’re not foolish enough to seek our death.”

Qiao Mai emerged from the house, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity.

What’s going on here?

Qiao Mai looked down at Qu Rui, who was glaring at her. “Look at you, with

skin as rough as dough. I feel like I’m hurting my hand just slapping you. What do you think you are? The Emperor wanted to appoint my husband as a marquis, and he didn’t agree. Yet, you dare to utter such arrogant words. Who do you think you are? A noble princess or a palace lady? Sinking so low as to be this shameless.”

“You… Just wait for it!”

“I’m waiting. As long as my man doesn’t desire to leave, I won’t let him go. And anyone who tries to harm him will meet their end at my hands. Go home and take a good look in the mirror. Your shoulders can’t bear any burden, and your hands can’t carry any weight. You can’t make any contribution to the country or benefit the people. Someone like you, who merely knows a bit of poetry and songs and thinks you can reach the heavens, my husband won’t even spare you a glance. Get lost!”

“You, you, you wicked woman! I’ll settle this with you!”