Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

It didn’t matter whether or not she was aware; she had made up her mind to tell the truth.

Otherwise, there was a chance that people would come knocking on her door, urging her children to sample the fruits to avoid causing offense.

How many times could she continue to afford this? Refusing might leave people dissatisfied.

Why did she find herself in such a situation?

Moreover, Qiao Xuan had no intention of breaking the habit of feigning ignorance about the strawberries’ value.

Aunt Qiao had not anticipated Qiao Xuan’s lack of deference. She felt somewhat embarrassed and put off.

However, when Qiao Xuan offered candied fruits to the child, who was joyfully munching away, Aunt Qiao couldn’t press the issue further. She forced a smile and commented on how fortunate they must be to have made a fortune selling strawberries. It was truly enviable!

Qiao Xuan had no interest in idle gossip and simply smiled without responding.

Nevertheless, Aunt Qiao was known to be quite the chatterbox in the neighborhood.

Undeterred, Aunt Qiao approached Qiao Xuan with a smile. “Madame Shao, how much money did you make selling those strawberries?”

Qiao Xuan remained silent, seemingly taken aback.

It appeared that her close relationship with Shao Yunduan had made her a subject of greater interest to their neighbors.

A minor official like herself wouldn’t typically face such inquiries. They had always kept a low profile, and the neighbors only knew that Shao Yunduan had been promoted and enjoyed favor with the East Palace. However, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan had maintained their usual demeanor, leading everyone to overlook them.

She had once thought that it was just a rumor, that the East Palace held her in high regard. But it seemed that was all it was—a rumor!

The residents of the imperial city differed from those in smaller towns. They didn’t fear officials, having encountered princes, kings, young scions of nobility, and monarchs’ heirs on the streets. Their composure was evident.

Otherwise, the aunt wouldn’t have persistently inquired about strawberries and Qiao Xuan’s earnings.

“I don’t make much, just enough for a modest living. I only need to make two sets of clothes a year!”

“Really? That seems too modest!”

“That’s the truth!”

Observing Qiao Xuan’s unwavering smile, the aunt realized she wouldn’t glean any more information. She pursed her lips, muttered a few words, and departed with the child in tow.

Later that afternoon, they encountered another aunt who mentioned that her son was searching for a better job. The whole family contemplated asking Qiao Xuan for a few kilograms of strawberries to present to the messenger, hoping to make a favorable impression.

Fortunately, Qiao Xuan didn’t offer any.

Qiao Xuan was left bewildered.

In reality, if the aunt had been straightforward and expressed a willingness to pay, Qiao Xuan might have sold her strawberries at a reasonable rate of 6 qian per 500 grams, perhaps even offering a discount. But she had no intention of providing freebies.

Yet, these situations continued to arise.

After dinner, Qiao Xuan recounted the day’s events to Shao Yunduan. He didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh at his wife’s predicament—she dealt with trivial matters daily at home, after all.

After a bit of conversation, Shao Yunduan contemplated and suggested, “Honey, what if we buy another house and move out?”

Shao Yunduan was the only government official in their vicinity, while the others were ordinary people entangled in various mundane matters. Such nuisances were inevitable.

In another district where officials congregated, people were more mindful of preserving their privacy and exhibited better decorum.