Chapter 1988: He Has No Good Intentions

Aware of their guests’ origins from Jiangnan, Qiao Xuan instructed the preparation of light dishes for lunch.

The spread included steamed mandarin fish, tea-flavored shrimp, white-cut chicken, white meat with garlic paste, and sea cucumber with scallions, among others.

As they were about to commence the meal, Zhao Di was conspicuously absent. He had purportedly gone for a stroll in the village, prompting Shao Dalang and Shao Sanlang to retrieve him for dinner.

Upon locating Zhao Di, Shao Sanlang found him engaged in conversation with Fifth Grandma Ding, who appeared animated and pointedly addressing him. Aware of the strained relationship between their families, Shao Sanlang refrained from intervening, simply escorting Zhao Di back home.

Throughout the journey, Zhao Di exhibited an air of smugness, as if he held something over Shao Sanlang. He stole several furtive glances at him along the way.

Upon reconvening for dinner, the Zhao Family was taken aback by the sight of the sumptuous spread before them. However, reflecting on the Shao Family’s extensive teahouse, they surmised the source of the lavish meal.

With a teahouse boasting a vast supply of Supreme-Grade Purple Fragrance and Golden Sprout, it was only natural for the Shao Family to present a table laden with exquisite dishes.

The unexpectedly delectable flavors further heightened the Zhao Family’s satisfaction.

Following the meal, the Zhao Family departed contentedly, both parties parting ways on amicable terms, eagerly anticipating the upcoming wedding.

Before bidding farewell, the Shao Family graciously bestowed gifts upon the two aunts of the Zhao Family, who received them with heartfelt gratitude.

As for Zhao Di, he was not seen off as an elder, for he did not hold such a status.

Ms. Fang harbored no fondness for this particular young master of the Zhao Family, finding him incessantly vexing and prone to causing trouble. Yet, she hesitated over the decision to exclude him.

However, Qiao Xuan reassured her with a smile, urging her not to fret.

The gift, traditionally given out of filial respect, held little significance if omitted by ordinary individuals.

Qiao Xuan was keenly aware of the underlying motives.

She was certain that Zhao Di hadn’t been part of the planned visit; rather, he had surreptitiously trailed them here.

His intentions were far from noble!

Given the circumstances, why should they tolerate his presence, let alone extend the courtesy of a gift? They wouldn’t offer him so much as a single blade of grass.

Trusting Qiao Xuan’s judgment implicitly, Ms. Fang felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Once inside the carriage, the two aunts of the Zhao Family eagerly unpacked the gifts.

Inside the larger box were two jars of tea leaves–one containing Supreme-Grade Purple Fragrance and the other Golden Sprout–each weighing approximately 500 grams.

The smaller box contained two lipsticks.

The two aunties were elated at the gifts.

While lipsticks were available in Jiangnan, they were in high demand and carried a hefty price tag of 50 taels of silver each. Such luxury items were beyond their means, even with their modest income from the farm.

Although they were no longer in their prime and couldn’t make use of the lipsticks themselves, they knew their daughters would be thrilled to receive such coveted items.

The uncles of the Zhao Family shared in the joy, marveling at the quality of the tea. They couldn’t help but admire the Shao Family’s generosity.

Observing their effusive praise for the Shao Family, Zhao Di seethed with jealousy and irritation.

After all, the Shao Family hadn’t presented him with a gift.

Not that he cared about such trivialities, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of discontent over being excluded from the gesture.

Zhao Di couldn’t contain his frustration, muttering, “They’re just country bumpkins. How dare they be so stingy? A mere teahouse with a few thousand mu of land? They’re deliberately treating us differently! Even though I’m not destitute, they clearly don’t take the Zhao Family seriously!”