Chapter 1945: Another Banquet Chapter 1945: Another Banquet Editor: Henyee Translations In Anze Province, the realization that their hometown was within easy reach, just a few days’ journey away, brought a sense of closeness that narrowed the perceived distance in their hearts.
No longer did they feel the overwhelming loneliness of being isolated at the edge of the world; instead, they found solace in this newfound proximity.
This sense of ease was palpable, offering genuine fort to their hearts.
As parents, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan found themselves immersed in numerous social engagements during the Spring Festival, leaving them with little free time.
Fortunately, no affluent family in Anze Province dared to challenge the authority of Lord Shao and Madam Shao.
Consequently, Qiao Xuan was finally able to relish the happiness of being the wife of a local government official.
While Qiao Xuan harbored no grudges from the past, First Madam Fan extended an invitation for her to attend a banquet.
With a gracious smile, Qiao Xuan accepted, despite her lingering aversion toward the Fan family.
As the wife of the Prefect, she understood the importance of maintaining decorum and refrained from letting personal preferences dictate her social interactions.
Remarkably, the once influential Fan family now adopted a more subdued approach.
While they traditionally hosted the first spring banquet, this year they chose to schedule it for the 12th of the first month, almost at the conclusion of the Spring Festival.
The scale of the banquet hosted by the Fan Clan this year was notably smaller pared to previous years.
In truth, the Fan family was currently in a state of embarrassment and humility.
The prospect of hosting a banquet seemed daunting, given the stark contrast in their status.
They would feel ashamed even if they attempted to treat their guests lavishly.
Nevertheless, they had no choice but to extend an invitation to Lord Shao.
The consequences of not inviting him would only pound their embarrassment further, as rumors and speculations from outsiders would likely exacerbate their predicament.
Fortunately, Qiao Xuan found no reason to decline the invitation, demonstrating her willingness to visit, much to the relief of the two patriarchs and the two matriarchs of the Fan Family.
Madam Shao’s visit signaled Lord Shao’s leniency toward the Fan Family and the bandits.
Despite this, the Fan Clan remained cautious, maintaining a low profile.
When Qiao Xuan arrived as the Prefect’s wife, it was expected that Old Lady Fan would personally wele her and extend polite greetings, demonstrating the Fan Family’s sincerity.
However, due to her advanced age, Old Lady Fan hesitated to subject herself to such disfort.
Instead, she chose to remain secluded within her courtyard, feigning illness as an excuse to avoid the social interaction.
Fan Ruyin, likewise, struggled with the situation.
Despite her reluctance to lower her status in front of Qiao Xuan, her daughter persistently urged her to reconcile with Madam Shao to secure her attendance at the banquet.
Unable to dissuade her daughter, Fan Ruyin had no choice but to agree.
Bai Ruirui took great care in preparing for the occasion, meticulously selecting attire and jewelry while inquiring about Qiao Xuan’s preferences, as well as those of her maids.
This gesture both pained and gratified Fan Ruyin.
While she couldn’t shake the remorse for past events that had led to her daughter’s suffering, she found solace in Bai Ruirui’s maturity and willingness to shoulder the family’s burdens.
On the day of the Fan Family’s banquet, Qiao Xuan, as customary, invited Mrs.
Jia to acpany them.
Upon their arrival, the women of the Fan family and the early-arriving guests eagerly went out to wele them.
The two matriarchs of the Fan family greeted them with careful smiles as they all proceeded into the reception hall and took their seats.
As pleasantries were exchanged, gifts were presented, and tea was served by the Fan Family’s maids, the atmosphere gradually warmed with laughter and conversation.
However, Fan Ruyin remained reticent throughout the proceedings, fearful that speaking might lead to an outburst of anger towards Qiao Xuan.
It was a struggle she couldn’t avoid, as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
Thus, she chose silence as her refuge.
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