Chapter 1987: Things Are No Longer the Same

The uncle of the Zhao Family shot Zhao Di a warning glance, then swiftly changed the subject, steering the conversation towards the upcoming wedding day.

Despite refraining from vocalizing it, Zhao Di couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. The Shao Family seemed to possess a veritable treasure trove–abounding with tea mountains, gold mines, and a son who had risen to prominence as a Primus. Moreover, the members of this family didn’t appear to be ignorant or simple-minded.

It became clear why Zhao Shu was adamant about marrying into this family.

They had gathered to celebrate a joyous occasion, not to indulge in mockery directed at Zhao Di. If he persisted in making unwarranted remarks, he risked offending the Shao Family and incurring Zhao Shu’s wrath. Even if Qiao Xuan chose to overlook his behavior, Zhao Di couldn’t expect leniency or favor in the future.

While others might underestimate the Shao Family, Qiao Xuan, being an official’s wife, possessed keen discernment. Despite Zhao Di’s thinly veiled sarcasm, he couldn’t outsmart her.

Action needed to be taken.

Though seething with anger and resentment, Zhao Di dared not defy the elders of his clan. He could only clench his jaw in frustration and keep his thoughts to himself.

The circumstances had changed drastically.

Their family had fallen from grace, relegated to a small town far from Yangzhou. They now had to eke out a living tending to meager farmland and a handful of struggling shops. Who cared about these pretentious elites and highbrow individuals in the clan anymore?

Now, they were all scrambling to ingratiate themselves with that despicable Zhao Shu!

Even the impoverished peasants of the Shao Family were shamelessly trying to win their favor.

Once again, Zhao Di harbored resentment towards his father. Why did he ever agree to let Zhao Shu be adopted? Why did he consent? If not for that decision, Zhao Shu wouldn’t hold such sway today!

With Zhao Di refraining from stirring up trouble, the two families conversed amiably.

Auntie Hua offered guidance, while Qiao Xuan facilitated the discussion. Everything proceeded smoothly, and the Zhao Family was thoroughly impressed by the Shao Family’s thorough preparation.

With the plans settled, there was little cause for concern. All they had to do now was await the wedding day.

After the discussion, Ms. Fang and Eldest Uncle extended an invitation for lunch, which the Zhao Family graciously accepted.

Ms. Fang promptly arranged a room for their guests to rest in and instructed Ms. Xu to escort them there to relax. She assured them she would summon them when lunch was ready.

Following the lengthy deliberation, the Zhao Family grew weary. They expressed their satisfaction with Ms. Fang’s considerate arrangements and conveyed their gratitude with warm smiles.

In the designated rest area, hot tea accompanied by an array of fruits and snacks awaited them.

While the tea remained Supreme-Grade Purple Fragrance, the snacks appeared to be standard fare, likely procured from the county city. However, the freshly peeled and sliced peaches, juicy oranges, diced dragon fruits, pears, cantaloupes, washed blueberries, and honey-drenched pineapple were exceptionally enticing.

Some of the fruits were unfamiliar to them, leaving them intrigued.

Learning that these fruits hailed from the Shao Family’s orchard only heightened their admiration and stirred their emotions further.

Upon sampling the fruits, they were met with a burst of fragrance, freshness, and sweetness. Impressed, they showered the offerings with praise, acknowledging their exceptional quality and refraining from underestimating them in any way.

What the Shao Family possessed, they lacked, leaving no room for disdain…

Lunch was served with separate seating arrangements for men and women, each group seated in the dining hall and the flower hall respectively. Despite the segregation, the meal consisted of identical fare–twelve dishes and a soup.