Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

The daughter of a concubine faced a daunting challenge due to her mother’s unfavorable reputation. Finding a good family for her seemed like an improbable task.

Although not Ms. Qiu’s biological child, Ding Qingqing was brought into the Ding Family by Widow Sun, who had previously offended her. Ms. Qiu was the stepdaughter of the Ding Family, and she played a crucial role in determining Ding Qingqing’s marriage. No one dared to question or oppose this arrangement.

Ms. Qiu harbored strong resentment towards Ding Qingqing and her mother-in-law for their unruly behavior, which caused significant trouble for the entire family. Frustrated and unwilling to keep Ding Qingqing any longer, Ms. Qiu sought a solution through her in-law’s family and soon got married herself.

Ms. Fang was well aware of the limited prospects for women born into concubinage and, despite her disdain for Ding Qingqing and her mother, she felt a karmic connection to her own family. Selling Ding Qingqing off would reflect poorly on her reputation, so she couldn’t simply stand by and watch. To avoid any association with such actions, Ms. Qiu chose not to treat Ding Qingqing as a concubine but rather married her off to a distant, less fortunate man.

She remained hidden from their sight, and whatever their future held would have no direct connection with her.

After Ding Qingqing’s departure, Widow Sun lost all hope and refrained from causing any further trouble. The senior members of the clan cautioned Ms. Qiu not to go too far, as any unfortunate event leading to a tarnished reputation could jeopardize the entire village’s standing, especially with the progress made through Mr. Primus’s efforts and the establishment of the school.

The village had a Mr. Primus, and the school was built, and classes were starting. Everything was developing in a good direction, so reputation was very important.

Ms. Qiu’s treatment of Widow Sun was widely known, as she would boast about it openly, and some considered it excessive. It was evident that even a person as seemingly insensible as a clay figure might harbor resentment and retaliate if pushed to the extreme.

Before becoming a concubine, Widow Sun was not an easy person to handle, and it was expected that she wouldn’t remain in such a state indefinitely.

Ms. Qiu was not convinced, but she did not dare to do that any more and tried to restrain herself.

But Widow Sun was still not having a good life.

As long as Ms.Qiu did not cause too much trouble, the clan would turn a blind eye.

Their family’s bad debts could be settled behind closed doors.

Ms. Fang informed Qiao Xuan about the situation, reminding her to be cautious and not let Shao Yunduan fall into a trap.

Qiao Xuan acknowledged Ms. Fang’s advice and realized the gravity of the situation. She had already been concerned, but now she understood that she needed to be even more vigilant in the future.

The capital was not a peaceful place, and the risks were high.

The next morning, Qiao Xuan and her companions departed.

Ms. Fang and the others reached the village’s entrance without arousing anyone’s suspicion.

Qiao Xuan waved at them from a distance, and as the wagon turned the corner, she sighed inwardly, knowing the risks that lay ahead.

Upon reaching the county city, Qiao Xuan sent a gift to the County Magistrate’s wife, explaining that she couldn’t visit due to time constraints and had to head directly to the province. She understood that the County Magistrate had family responsibilities to attend to, and that was their priority.

As a woman herself, she empathized with the County Magistrate and his wife, comprehending why they couldn’t pay her a visit given their obligations and circumstances.