Chapter 1020: Home Party

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After the long-awaited banquet finally came to an end, the Shao Family let out a collective sigh of relief. Everyone was overjoyed, yet completely exhausted. It had been a challenging journey, but they could finally bask in peace and tranquility, allowing themselves to rest properly.

The banquet had attracted not only the villagers but also numerous relatives, friends, local dignitaries, former classmates, and others who came to extend their congratulations. Even the newly appointed County Magistrate Yu made a special appearance, accompanied by his Grandmaster, to personally convey his good wishes.

Impressed by the occasion, Shao Yunduan requested the County Magistrate to escort them to the county, generously offering him a gift of 300 liang. The Shao Family’s humble abode was not spacious enough to accommodate such a large gathering, and Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan preferred to spend the next few days in the company of their family, rather than amidst the crowd. Furthermore, there was little to do in the village, leaving them with a sense of boredom.

The sum of 300 liang would sustain them comfortably in the county office for well over a month. Grateful for the newfound serenity, Ms. Fang urged Qiao Xuan to organize and arrange all the presents that had been bestowed upon them during the event. Although these gifts were meant for Shao Yunduan, Ms. Fang refrained from interfering, allowing Qiao Xuan to make the decisions herself.

Ms. Fang’s selflessness was evident, as she had no intention of claiming anything for herself. These were rewards earned by her son, and as his mother, she wholeheartedly supported his rightful ownership. Qiao Xuan acknowledged her mother-in-law’s sincerity and felt a deep conviction in her trustworthiness. In any other scenario, someone might have seized the opportunity for personal gain. However, Ms. Fang’s integrity and maternal love made it impossible to resist her intentions.

Qiao Xuan smiled in response and, with the assistance of Taotao, Liqiu, and Lixia, dedicated an entire day to sorting through the gifts and meticulously recording each one.

Then, Qiao Xuan invited Ms. Fang to take a look at the gifts. The total sum amounted to an impressive 8,688 liang, consisting of eight screens, each with its unique characteristics. One was made of exquisite rosewood, another intricately carved with crystal, and the third adorned with embroidered six jade halls.

Among the presents were also 80 pieces of silk and satin, each distinct in its design and texture. Additionally, there were porcelain items, jade artifacts, purple copper, wood carvings, and an array of various decorations. Not to forget, there were calligraphy and paintings as well.

Perplexed, Ms. Fang smiled and remarked, “As farmers, we have no need for these items. Even if we were to select the most suitable ones, we couldn’t possibly make full use of them. Choose some valuable ones from the province and bring them along to the capital. They may come in handy there! Give a portion of the remaining silver as taxes to the government, and keep the eight thousand taels. You’ll find plenty of use for the silver when we reach the capital!”

Qiao Xuan nodded in agreement and proceeded to enlighten Ms. Fang about the value of the various items, ensuring she wouldn’t make any mistakes when presenting gifts in the future.

Afterwards, Qiao Xuan requested 6,000 liang from Shao Yunduan. Shao Dalang, San Lang, Taotao, and the others also received their share. Although Qi wasn’t present, his portion was set aside, while the rest was added to their shared savings.

Following a discussion with Ms. Fang, Qiao Xuan carefully selected some clothes, packed them up, and distributed them to Shao Dalang, Shao Sanlang, Qi, Taotao, and others. Taotao’s gift was particularly valuable and exquisitely crafted, making it suitable to be preserved as a future dowry.

The servants had worked hard these few days, so they were rewarded heavily as well.

This time, everyone was happy.

It was a family dinner tonight, and Qiao Xuan was going to cook a good meal for everyone.

That made everyone so happy that they took the initiative to help Qiao Xuan as if it were the new year.

While they were happy, everyone could not help but think of Qi and sigh sadly.