Chapter 171: Temptation
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qiao Jiqing had been pampered and raised with a silver spoon in her mouth. After she was set up, she had premature labor. The child was born after less than a month of pregnancy. As a result, Ao Heng suspected that Qiao Jiqing had betrayed him even more. In addition, one of them was stillborn, so Ao Heng felt that Qiao Jiqing was a scourge. Qiao Jiqing had almost died after giving birth, but he didn’t pity her. He didn’t even have any affection for Qiao Yanhui, and Ao Heng didn’t verify their bloodline because he didn’t dare to bet on the outcome. If Qiao Jiqing really cheated, he would suffer embarrassment.
Therefore, Ao Heng could only let everything remain a mystery. This way, he could at least save face. As for Qiao Yanhui, he didn’t have any affection for him at all. However, perhaps because he had other concerns, Ao Heng didn’t execute Qiao Yanhui! He also didn’t let him take on the royal family’s surname. He simply let Qiao Yanhui stay with the Qiao family.
Xu Qing really pitied Qiao Jiqing. Because Qiao Jiqing had been in poor health since she was young, her family pampered her and protected her, thinking that their ancestors’ contributions could protect their only daughter. Unexpectedly… Qiao Jiqing had met the wrong person!
Fortunately, Qiao Yanhui didn’t inherit Ao Heng’s genes. Otherwise, Xu Qing would definitely lose it.
When Xu Qing followed the butler to a study in the royal family’s home, she had a complicated expression. She couldn’t understand how there could be such an outrageous man in this world.
Xu Qing sighed. Just as she walked in, the butler behind her retreated and the door was closed.
Xu Qing didn’t understand what Ao Heng wanted to do! She waited for a long time, but Ao Heng didn’t appear. An indescribable smell in the air slowly became stronger, which made Xu Qing have to be vigilant. However, she was puzzled. There was nothing strange about this smell, nor was it poisonous. But why did she feel that this fragrance wasn’t as simple as it seemed?
Just as Xu Qing was about to turn around and leave, a domineering male voice sounded behind her. “Miss Xu, are you prepared to leave?”
Xu Qing suddenly turned around and saw Ao Heng, with disdain in his eyes, slowly walking out of the room in casual clothes.
“Greetings, Your Majesty, from the general’s wife.” Xu Qing bowed in a neither servile nor overbearing manner, but she didn’t kneel. She stood upright and her voice was extremely cold. Since Qiao Yanhui didn’t acknowledge him as his father, she definitely wouldn’t either!
Ao Heng’s expression was ugly, and his demeanor changed.
However, Xu Qing still stood upright without any fear in her eyes.
Ao Heng’s gaze was cold as he shouted, “How dare you not kowtow when you see me?!” This woman was really bold. She didn’t kneel, but called herself a general’s wife! He, the general’s father, didn’t even acknowledge her as the general’s wife. Moreover, even if he admitted it, he couldn’t tolerate a daughter-in-law talking to her father-in-law like this.
Xu Qing still stood upright with a calm look on her face. “I only kneel to my parents… and the dead!” Since he didn’t think of her as a subject, there was no need for her to call herself that.
Ao Heng was instantly enraged, but when he thought of Qiao Yanhui, he endured it! “When did I admit that you’re Qiao Yanhui’s wife?” When he said this, his eyes were filled with anger and killing intent.
Xu Qing said calmly, “It’s enough as long as my husband acknowledges me!”
In the face of the emperor’s intimidation, she was still neither servile nor overbearing! How could he let her marry Qiao Yanhui? It was out of the question even if she didn’t have any power! Moreover, this woman was the disciple of Divine Doctor Bai Xian and Mr. Bei Shu’s good friend. These two people weren’t to be trifled with!
“You have to know that if you don’t enter the royal ancestral hall, you will never be Qiao Yanhui’s legitimate wife!” Ao Heng said coldly.
Xu Qing’s expression darkened. She knew that if she didn’t enter the man’s family tree, she wouldn’t be considered a legitimate wife! Although Qiao Yanhui didn’t take on the royal surname, he still entered the royal ancestral hall. This was because Ao Jie couldn’t reveal his suspicions to the entire world. The only way to snub the Qiao family was to let Qiao Yanhui take the surname Qiao. Of course, Qiao Yanhui was definitely willing to do this.
Xu Qing asked in a low voice, “How can I enter the royal ancestral hall?!” Although Qiao Yanhui should be able to settle this matter, it was obvious that Ao Heng had other motives! She also wanted to know what this goal was.
Ao Heng smiled and said condescendingly, “You’re a smart person! I want you to send all news about Qiao Yanhui to me in the future… I can bestow you the honor of being a princess in the future!”
Xu Qing sneered to herself. What a huge temptation! She could successfully enter the royal ancestral hall and have the honor of being a princess! However, Xu Qing didn’t care. What did she need those things for? She only wanted Qiao Yanhui!