The midwife kicked her away, lifted her chin, and said,
"That hardworking, ambitious Lord Qiao isn't your biological son, so my wealthy young mistress naturally isn't your daughter-in-law either."
"You tried to poison her. Even if you were her biological mother-in-law, you would still have to pay with your life. Get yourselves ready for your final journey!"
The midwife brushed off her skirts, scoffed, and haughtily turned back into the birthing room.
Left where she was, Madam Qiao felt despair choke the breath from her.
She had been dealt a splendid hand and played it into utter ruin.
Everything was gone!
The Qiao family's bright future, all their money and power-gone!
It hurt-
The pain of regret was unbearable.
Madam Qiao cried until her eyes and heart ached. Finally, a surge rose from her lungs, and she spat out a mouthful of blood.
Her voice gradually failed, and she collapsed, so consumed by regret that her soul seemed to have left her.
"Mother! Mother!"
Steward Qiao regretted it too, of course. After all, Qiao Zhishu's official career had given him an excellent life.
If Qiao Zhishu's wife had even more money, he would have enjoyed still greater wealth and splendor.
But now, there was nothing left!
Watching helplessly as his wife and son fainted from rage, Master Qiao turned to Duke Yan.
"Duke, could we... perhaps..."
"You have committed atrocities and cast aside every shred of conscience. Naturally, I will not spare you. Remember this: some things may be said, and others must never be spoken. Only the dead can keep secrets."
"I will not see you off. Your Qiao family acted out of sheer selfishness. For what you have done, your entire family should have been executed. If you know what is good for you, I can do my