After expressing their gratitude to the neighbors for their impartiality, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan escorted Concubine Du back to the Qiao Family residence.
The Qiao Family's abode was in a state of disrepair, with no noticeable security measures in place. Thus, no one noticed Concubine Du leaving the premises.
The sight of her return took Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan by surprise.
Upon hearing that Lord Shao and Madame Shao had arrived, Third Old Master Qiao was so taken aback that he initially believed they had come to celebrate the New Year.
To his astonishment, before he could even muster a smile, he beheld Concubine Du, bound and gagged.
His welcoming words were caught in his throat, his shock and anger palpable as he stuttered, "What—what's happening here!"
