Zhao Jinfeng frowned and pondered for a moment.

“It’s not impossible to hold a banquet after you pass the imperial examination, but Chang Geng and the others have only passed the county-level examination. Are you sure you can all pass the imperial examination?”

Aren't you afraid that if we don't hold a banquet for them now, they'll feel uncomfortable?

Especially the little ones at home, they're so immature and always comparing themselves to others. How can you bear to let them feel inferior?

Huang was convinced, "My cousin's thinking is indeed comprehensive."

Zhao Jinfa didn't say anything, he just drank his tea.

In the end, Madam Huang decided to hold a banquet.

We invited the teachers from the academy, and only invited a few familiar classmates; those who wanted to cause trouble or make sarcastic remarks were excluded.

The arrangements for the in-laws are left to the wives to decide.

Then there's Magistrate Qiu, Madam Wang, Wang Guangzong's family, and the managers of Wangyuelou.

As for the pig that Zhao Jinfeng mentioned the village would offer, the Zhao family refused it.

Let's save the money from buying pigs to give the patrol team some extra food.

Having learned from their previous experiences, the Zhao family held their banquet this time in the courtyard in front of the ancestral hall.

The area here is large enough to accommodate all the guests, including everyone from Zhao Family Village.

Every household brought out their own tables, chairs, dishes, and utensils. This gathering was primarily hosted by families.

There's enough rice and vegetables; everyone can have a meal.

The entire village was mobilized for this work, and the workshop was shut down for a day.

The other guests invited by the Zhao family were provided with all their belongings by the Zhao family.

To prevent people from the surrounding villages from taking advantage of the situation,

The Zhao family specially prepared several large pots at the entrance of the village and threw the bones, which had little meat, into the pots to make soup.

Add some radishes and cabbage inside.

Sure enough, halfway through the banquet, people from other villages actually came with bowls to share in the joy.

The broth in the big pot is the best thing.

We can't expect people to travel ten or twenty miles just to not even get a sip of soup.

Giving each person an extra steamed bun made of mixed grains was already a generous gesture from the Zhao family.

The Zhao family's banquet went relatively smoothly overall, with no one trying to cause trouble.

When they saw off the last group of people, the Zhao family members were all exhausted.

"I will resolutely stop holding banquets in the future. It's enough for family members to have a good meal in private. I've never seen anything so tiring."

As Zhao Qianci walked, he rubbed his aching lower back.

"Heh, are you sure you can convince your cousin?"

Are you sure you won't give the clan elders face? Are you really willing to crush their little schemes of showing off?

Huang said with a smile.

Zhao Qianci was speechless.

"That's true. Just like this time, if I didn't hold a banquet, it would seem like I had made a big mistake."

It's estimated that apart from the few babies in their arms, no one in the Zhao family is having an easy time.

Many female relatives came this time, all brought by their brothers or elders, forcing Zhao Qinglin and the other girls to work as entertainers.

The Zhao family only entertained these young ladies once; it was too much of a hassle.

Not to mention anything else, there's Wang Niangzi's niece from her maternal family, who's quite a nuisance.

The Zhao family held their banquet in front of the ancestral hall.

Naturally, a rain shelter was set up. The tables and chairs for them were also custom-made by the Zhao family.

Even though the wood isn't expensive, the craftsmanship is excellent and the design is novel. It won't lose its value anywhere.

Even more, there were cushions and pillows on the chairs.

It was very comfortable to sit in, and Madam Qiu was quite at ease. However, Wang Niangzi's niece, Yun Fengqiao, covered her nose with a handkerchief as soon as she got off the carriage.

"Ugh, what's all this smelling like?"

Aunt, didn't you say the scholar's family was hosting a banquet?

Why is it displayed outside? Doesn't this show a complete disrespect to your aunt?

"My aunt is the wife of a county magistrate, how can she sit with these peasants?"

Clearly, this girl has become arrogant, thinking that her wealth has increased along with her uncle's position as county magistrate.

They then stopped taking people seriously.

Madam Wang brought her niece over with the intention of letting the Zhao family see her, in case she took a liking to the young man from the Zhao family.

Marrying into the Zhao family is like falling into a paradise.

The Zhao family has a good family tradition and upbringing, as well as good prospects for the younger generation.

Unexpectedly, her niece pulled this stunt on her as soon as she got off the carriage.

"Shut up," Madam Wang whispered.

Yun Fengqiao pouted.

"Aunt, if you ask me, you didn't need to come."

As the wife of a dignified county magistrate, there is no need for her to lower herself to visit a scholar's home.

This is giving them a huge favor. Look, they've arranged for us to sit here, without even a screen in the middle.

"They clearly don't respect you, the county magistrate's wife."

Madam Wang's face was as black as the bottom of a pot.

"When did you stop respecting scholars? What is your father's status, and what is your brother's status?"

What makes you think you're superior to others?

I brought you here with good intentions. I wanted to introduce you to a promising young man.

Since you don't like it, let the driver take you home first.

Anyway, I'm going to stay here with your cousins ​​for the banquet before I leave.

After saying that, Madam Wang led her children to the table for receiving gifts and handed over her family's congratulatory gifts.

After presenting the gifts, Wang Niangzi and her family were led to the shed prepared by the Zhao family.

The usually mischievous Wang family boy felt comfortable sitting in the chair prepared by the Zhao family.

Upon meeting Madam Qiu, Lady Wang began chatting with her.

“When I came to the Zhao family’s banquets before, I was always arranged to sit inside. I always wondered what it would be like to sit outside.”

What a coincidence! This time, the arrangement was right here outside, watching the rice seedlings and paddy fields, feeling the breeze, and enjoying the scenery—it's quite a unique experience.

Lady Wang said.

Madam Qiu nodded.

"Yes, especially with a sip of this plum juice, the taste is even better. I just wonder what delicious dishes the Zhao family has today."

I've been craving their food for a long time.

I've tried many dishes at restaurants, but I've never tasted any that taste better than Zhao's.

The two ladies sat together and chatted happily.

Yun Fengqiao noticed that his aunt was ignoring him.

One person, however, kept a straight face and found a seat closest to his aunt.

The reason is simple: my cousin didn't take the closer spot.

The little guy was happily munching on some fruit from the table.

"Hey cousin, the pastries your family makes are the most expensive in town, and you don't even like them? What's so great about these country things?"

Seeing her cousin enjoying his food, Yun Fengqiao wanted to eat too, but was too embarrassed to take a bite. She figured if she didn't eat, no one else could either, lest she lose face.

As a result, my little cousin swallowed the snacks and fruits in his mouth.

"Cousin, help yourself to the food, don't disturb me from eating."

The food from the Zhao family is delicious! If you don't try it, you'll miss out—you're missing out!

After saying that, he didn't forget to slip a piece into his younger sister's hand. Seeing that his sister liked it too, the little one ate even more happily.