Chapter 1075: Treat

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

However, he couldn’t guarantee that the Tian Family wouldn’t hold the Qiao Family responsible, despite his brothers’ assurance.

In the end, he had to align with his two brothers and feign ignorance about Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan’s return.

Madame Qiao grew increasingly frustrated upon hearing this.

However, she held no authority over the main mansion and couldn’t act as she pleased.

Even though she was the mistress at the Qiao Family’s mansion in the capital, she was the most unfamiliar and powerless mistress. No one cared about her opinions.

The following day, Auntie Ling returned the 4,000 liang to Qiao Xuan.

That night, when Shao Yunduan returned home, Qiao Xuan greeted him with a smile. “Let’s skip dinner tonight and celebrate at a fine restaurant!”

Shao Yunduan chuckled. “Darling, you have excellent taste. We’ve stumbled upon a windfall, and we should celebrate!”

Thus, the two of them, accompanied by Lixia, Liqiu, and Songshi, headed to a pavilion renowned for its roasted whole lamb and bull head meat.

They had a splendid time, spending 200 liang without feeling like they had splurged.

After all, the money was acquired effortlessly.

Qiao Xuan astutely understood that the Qiao Family had chosen not to respond to Auntie Ling’s visit. With a hint of disdain, she remarked to Shao Yunduan, “Darling, the Tian Family remains silent whenever we mention them. They have unknowingly done us a tremendous favor!”

Shao Yunduan smiled, intentionally avoiding any mention of the Tian Family.

He had no intention of bringing up the Tian Family.

After pondering for a moment, he spoke slowly, “However, they can’t have everything their way. I should treat Qiao Hongxi and his colleagues from the Hanlin Academy to a meal.”

Qiao Xuan blinked, perplexed by Shao Yunduan’s words. “What do you mean?”

Shao Yunduan smiled, turning to Qiao Xuan, whose eyes glistened with excitement. She beamed, “Darling, you know how to treat your colleagues to a lavish feast. Let’s go to an even better restaurant, without worrying about saving money. We can’t possibly spend all 4,000 liang!”

Shao Yunduan laughed. “Darling, you’re absolutely right!”

Indeed, 4,000 liang was far more than Qiao Hongxi could handle. It would surely make him feel overwhelmed.

The next day, Shao Yunduan courteously informed his colleagues and selected members of the Hanlin Academy about his plan to treat them to a meal. He invited over 20 individuals and reserved a large private room, spacious enough to accommodate two tables.

Shao Yunduan chose Chunxi Restaurant, an upscale establishment in the intermediate range. A sumptuous banquet at a single table cost around 100 liang, excluding drinks.

Most of the Hanlin students were financially strapped, unable to afford meat on a daily basis. Some could only afford porridge, pickles, and steamed buns by the end of the month. The idea of dining at a restaurant like Chunxi was beyond their wildest dreams.

Even when invited by colleagues, they would typically settle for small budget-friendly hotels where a meal cost 2 or 3 liang. The majority had never experienced dining at a place like Chunxi Restaurant.

When Shao Yunduan announced his intention to treat everyone at the restaurant, excitement surged through the crowd, instantly endearing him to them.

No one complained about Shao Yunduan’s proposal.

Having recently received a reward from the court before returning to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors, Shao Yunduan had amassed a considerable sum of money. It was only fitting that he used it for this purpose.

If they all partook in this meal, they might have the fortune to experience such a delightful occasion again in the future.