The esteemed guests, including both madams and young ladies, attended the banquet with evident enthusiasm.
For Qiao Xuan, the occasion presented an opportunity to assess and scrutinize each attendee, a sentiment shared by all present; nobody wished to miss out on such a significant gathering.
Qiao Xuan's adeptness at social interaction put everyone at ease, fostering an atmosphere of conviviality.
Lord Shao's competence and charisma, complemented by Madam Shao's own charm, boded well for both Huaixi and the familial clans.
However, Qiao Xuan was taken aback to find Fan Ruyin and Bai Ruirui among the guests. The presence of the Fan family, with relatives in the provincial capital, explained their attendance.
Fan Ruyin's thinly veiled attempt to flaunt her supposed special relationship with Qiao Xuan irked the latter deeply, eliciting a sense of disdain.
