This confidence doesn't come from her husband, a fifth-ranked county governor, but from herself.
Qiao Mai placed one hand behind her back and made a welcoming gesture with the other.
She sat tall in the main seat, receiving them as the hostess. Her demeanor alone demanded respect.
The Duke of Zhenguo humbly took a seat below her. He promptly gestured for his children to approach and pay their respects. Qiao Mai glanced at them briefly and gave a slight nod.
The Duke signaled to his attendants in the background, and a stretcher was brought in.
Qiao Mai asked with a cold face, "Is this the Duchess?"
The Duke thought, "You're pretending, aren't you? You've been at my house for God knows how long. You've turned her into this, and now you act like you don't know?"
But he replied, "Yes."
"Tell your people to leave, leaving only our two families."
