Chapter 274 - 274: You Don’t Want It To Happen Again, Right?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As Liu Mei was the worst off among the three siblings, Madam Liu Qiao would give her this and that every few days. Now, Liu Mei was popular in her in-laws’ house.

Mayor Qian had invested a lot in this year’s New Year’s gift. Qiao Mai had saved his son’s life.

The carloads of New Year’s goods were sent to Lucky Garden as if they were free. Qiao Mai did not argue and accepted them all.

Ruyi had also sent someone to send New Year’s gifts. She and her husband would only be back in a few days.

She was pregnant again. Her mother-in-law had been taking care of her in the prefectural city. Only Ruxin had not been heard from, but Qiao Mai did not care.

Surprisingly, the Duke’s estate had also sent gifts. There were two letters attached. One was for Miss Mu, and the other was for Qiao Mai.

The Duke used polite words in the letter. He told her about the Duchess’s recovery and mentioned the two children.

They also hoped to hold a wedding for the children after the war ended. After all, Miss Mu was already 19 years old. They could not delay it any longer.

Qiao Mai immediately asked someone to prepare a gift and pasted talismans under all the baskets. This way, it would be fresh to transport to the capital. She and Miss Mu had both written letters and handed them over to the people who had come to deliver the New Year’s goods. Qiao Mai had even rewarded the Duke’s men with 20 taels of silver each. This mission was worth it. She watched as they all had smiles on their faces.

It was said that the Duke’s family was engaged to a minor official, but look at their in-laws.

Others would do good by giving two or three taels while Qiao Mai offered 20 taels.

Five carts of New Year’s goods were delivered, and Qiao Mai returned the same. It was not inferior to the Duke’s at all.

Miss Mu looked at the five carts of New Year’s goods and felt it was a pity. “Auntie, why did you give them so many? It’s such a pity. Many of them can’t enter my parents’ mouths.”

“Don’t worry. As long as they tried it once, they’ll definitely keep it for themselves the next time I send it over.”

“That’s true. Your family’s food is the best I’ve ever eaten.”

“After you marry, you’ll be in charge of the family’s matters. Can you handle

Miss Mu blushed. “Of course. Otherwise, wouldn’t I have wasted two years in your house?”

“Yes, you have many characteristics young ladies from rich families have, but you also have strong points. No matter how your identity changes, you must remember there is always someone better than you. If you act strong for a moment, an expert will punish you behind your back.” Miss Mu held Qiao Mai’s arm. “My expert is you.”

“If you’re free, learn some self-defense.”

“Can you teach me?”

“You’re from a family of generals. Haven’t you learned anything from your family?”

“My mother won’t let me. She said it’s for crude people.”

At the mention of the Duchess, Miss Mu hurriedly covered her mouth. Qiao Mai glanced at her.

“Don’t worry. As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, she’ll be fine. I won’t do anything to her. She’s been bedridden for almost a year and probably had enough. She probably doesn’t want it to happen again, right?”

“Hehe, my mother has a lot of problems, but she has a good memory.”

“That’s good. It’s good to be friendly in-laws. By the way, do you know any good sisters in the imperial capital? If they have good morals, you can introduce them to Yun’er.”

“Yes, but I wonder what kind of person Brother Yun likes. Everyone has their preferences.”

Qiao Mai smiled happily when she heard her casual words. “Yes, when he comes back, ask Feng’er about it. Although they’re twins, there’s a big difference in their personalities.”

“That’s right. Feng’er is steady. Yun’er is a little jumpy.”

“So you chose Feng’er?”

“That’s right.”

Drinking tea and chatting together as mother and daughter-in-law felt amazing.

Yuan Jiaqi returned home on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month. Being his subordinate was both tiring and enjoyable.

They were tired because they had work but enjoyed life. Yuan Jiaqi gave them a high salary and benefits from time to time. Especially during the new year, each would get ten taels of silver and a basket of specialties from Qiao’s Small Eatery.

Which government office would have such treatment?

As soon as County Governor Zhu received the letter, he felt sick. Before the New Year, he came to visit with gifts.

There were no outsiders, only him and Yuan Jiaqi.

“I said, Brother Yuan.’

“Ah, Brother Zhu. Please speak?”

“Can you not do those things for your staff and make it difficult for me?”

“It’s not me. My wife sent it to them. She said my county is too poor, and our family has opened a workshop. The officials worry too much. It’s the end of the year, so she wants to express her gratitude.”

“It’s causing the officials on my side to have a problem with me.”

“Then you should do the same. It’s not like your wife doesn’t have any assets.”

“How can it compare to your house? I’m here today. Can you at least let me bring some back?”

Qiao Mai lifted the curtain and walked in. “Don’t pretend if you’re incapable. I earned all this. What has it got to do with you?”

“Didn’t I bring a New Year’s gift?”

Qiao Mai glanced at the small pile of pitiful things on the table. “If you respect me, I’ll respect you. Do you want to take a big shot back with this small pile?

Dream on.”

“Madam Qiao, you’re the richest in County Yi.”

“Others give it to me too.”

County Governor Zhu looked like he was about to cry. “Then give me some?”

“You can eat by yourself. I don’t care about your subordinates. Whoever owns them should take care of them.’

On the 29th of December, County Governor Zhu took a cart of New Year goods from the Qiao family and left. He did not give any to his subordinates and ate them all himself.

Yuan Jiaqi and Qiao Mai shook their heads when they heard this. The two knew that this would happen. They could only blame the Qiao family for eating too well. It was not easy for them to get a cart full of food. Share it? That was impossible!

This guy came to the Qiao family every year to get something. He would not return empty-handed.

Every family took pride in receiving New Year’s goods from the Qiao family. Qiao Mai knew this; she was teasing County Governor Zhu for fun.

It was just a cart of New Year’s goods. It was nothing. She was joking with him because she had nothing to do.

If it weren’t for the teahouse added this year, where they could listen to operas and stories, New Year would indeed feel quite boring.

Chuan’er and Ling’er began setting off fireworks. The two spent the whole day making their faces look covered in confetti.

Qiao Mai never demanded her children to be well-behaved in this aspect; as long as they were happy, she was satisfied.

Especially this year, with the absence of the twin brothers, the New Year atmosphere was lacking.

Miss Mu had a beautiful New Year with the Qiao family. Qiao Mai even prepared a complete set of New Year clothes for her daughter-in-law. Miss Mu was so pleased that she didn’t want to take them off.

She returned to the Duke’s mansion on the sixth day. When she left, Qiao Mai searched the house and gave her several carriages of food, all her favorite treats.

Well, she didn’t dislike anything. Whatever she saw, she wanted.

Finally, Miss Mu returned to the Duke’s mansion, content and satisfied. Seeing her mother walking like before, she joyfully hugged her and burst into tears. “Mother, it’s your daughter’s fault for letting you lie in bed for a year.”

“If you feel guilty, break up with that boy.”

“That’s impossible, Mother. Your daughter belongs to Yunfeng, whether alive or dead. If you want me to create a tragedy, I’ll die for it.”

“You…”

“Mother, accept it. Feng’er is a good person. He’s good-looking, and I heard he has made great contributions on the border. He’ll be back in court soon. With the Emperor’s temperament, he’ll give him an official title. The men in the Qiao family don’t take concubines. I’m not worried about that aspect of the women.”

The Duchess had a grim face, knowing that persuasion would be futile. She could only nod in agreement with the decision.

In March, there were reports of victories from the southern and western borders, where invaders had been repelled, bringing great joy to the Emperor.

In mid -March, the border’s defending general returned to the capital with a letter of surrender from the invaders. The Emperor rewarded the achievements.

The Fengyun brothers risked their lives to infiltrate the enemy’s camp and capture their leader. This led to the enemy’s submission. The Emperor was pleased and granted the two young men the highest honors for their deeds..