It wasn't until she returned to the Qiao Family that she realized the shortest period she had ever lived was during her stay with the Shao Family in Shaoding Village.
The atmosphere within the Qiao Family had grown increasingly dismal and stifling. She found herself yearning more and more for those past days.
She had harbored the temptation for a long time, often contemplating how wonderful it would be if the Elder Miss didn't insist on sending her back to the Qiao Family but instead assigned her to serve the Second Miss.
This time, overhearing the clandestine exchange between Concubine Du and the elderly woman had finally emboldened her to take the first step.
She understood that this was her singular opportunity, one that wouldn't come again.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan had not anticipated her request.
Qiao Xuan responded, "We can discuss this later. You can leave now. We need time to think."