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Chapter 1076: Sigh

Furthermore, Shao Yunduan displayed great generosity, offering a fine selection of wines.

The dishes were presented one by one, and Shao Yunduan smiled, exchanging a few polite words with his guests. They all raised their glasses in gratitude and eagerly began savoring the delicacies.

As scholars, they maintained an elegant dining etiquette, yet they wasted no time in savoring each delectable bite.

Regardless of their refinement, after spending years in the intermediate office of the Hanlin Academy, one could maintain an air of elegance and detachment as long as their family had the means to support them.

Most of them had endured arduous lives, and when given the opportunity to enjoy a high-class banquet, they wouldn’t decline in the name of preserving their reputation.

Midway through the feast, when everyone had nearly finished their meal, Shao Yunduan stood up and offered a toast to each individual.

As the host and a newcomer, it was customary for him to express his respects through toasting.

The guests regarded him as a congenial person—humble and respectful towards his seniors. It was a commendable quality.

Shao Yunduan also extended an invitation to Qiao Hongxi to join the banquet.

Qiao Hongxi initially harbored anger, but the thought of the 4,000 liang left a bitter taste whenever he encountered Shao Yunduan. He had no desire to dine with him at all.

However, if he chose to abstain, he would appear petty. Additionally, considering the sum of 4,000 liang had been taken from him, it would be a waste not to attend.

Hence, Qiao Hongxi begrudgingly attended.

In response, Shao Yunduan showed him due respect.

“Brother Qiao, please join us!” Shao Yunduan clinked glasses with him and sighed with emotion. “Before Madame Lady Qiao, old master, and the eldest son severed ties with us, we were still in-laws. Brother Qiao, you are my brother-in-law. Though we may not be related by blood, that is the extent of our connection!”

“Oh, yes, I’ve heard that Brother Qiao’s parents have returned to the capital. How are they doing? The Qiao Family no longer wishes to accept my wife, and Brother Qiao’s parents are no longer my father-in-law and mother-in-law. My wife and I will no longer trouble you. We simply wish you good health!”

The words hung in the air, catching everyone off guard as they realized the implications.

Qiao Hongxi was equally taken aback. “What…?”

He knew his family desired Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan’s return, but they had made it clear they didn’t want to comply. However, a sense of unease began to creep over him.

He couldn’t simply offer a welcoming response. His family had warned him against getting close to them, fearing it might anger the Tian Family.

Yet, he couldn’t agree with Shao Yunduan either, or he would be unable to reverse the situation.

Before he could formulate a reply, Shao Yunduan let out another sigh, gently patting Qiao Hongxi’s shoulder with a smile. “Let’s drop this topic. It’s for the best. We are all safe and sound!”

They all forced smiles, raising their glasses in an attempt to shift the focus away from the uncomfortable conversation.

“Yes, there’s no need to dwell on that. Let’s drink!”

“Cheers!”

“Editor Shao knows how to lighten the mood. Come, let’s have another toast!”

Due to censorship concerns, news of the incident spread discreetly. The Qiao Family looked down upon Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, and before Shao Yunduan achieved the rank of Intermediate Advanced Scholar, they had visited Qiao Xuan at the doorstep, only to be met with a violent rebuff, resulting in the dissolution of the engagement.

However, since the Emperor did not hold Shao Yunduan accountable for being unfilial, no one dared to spread rumors that might incite his wrath.