RPAGF Chapter 254 Family Banquet
Chapter 254 Family Banquet
Time flew by and it was already the end of the year; this was their first New Year in the capital.
The Xiao family also took it very seriously, so they held a small family banquet, and Xiao's eldest and youngest aunts, as well as Grandma Lin's family, all came.
They had originally planned to invite Shen Junru, who was quite lonely as he was the only master in his family. However, they did not expect that Emperor Zhou would also hold a palace banquet on New Year's Eve, which all officials of the fourth rank and above were required to attend.
Xiao Qinian also went to the palace that night.
Everyone gathered in the front hall, each with a happy smile on their face.
As the patriarch, Grandpa Xiao sat at the head of the table.
"Haha, today is our first New Year in the capital. I'm not good with words, so let's raise a glass to celebrate that we've finally settled down in the capital." Old Master Xiao stood up, raised his glass, and looked at the others with a hearty smile on his face.
"Although we haven't been in the capital for long, each of you has already established your own businesses. I won't say much more, I just hope that you can have a better life in the future."
Everyone raised their glasses and toasted Old Man Xiao.
Over the past few months, everyone's initial excitement upon arriving in Beijing, followed by bewilderment upon witnessing the city's prosperity, has now turned into joy.
Uncle Xiao also opened two hot pot restaurants in Beijing. Due to their unique flavors and the cold weather, the hot pot restaurants were very popular. Uncle Xiao and Xiao Siqi were both busy and happy every day.
At Aunt Xiao's house, Uncle Xiao has found a place at an academy to continue his teaching career. Su Le'an is also busy with his transportation business, and he now has his own team of people. In addition to transporting items for Xiao Siyue's study, he also takes on other businesses, and his business is thriving.
Aunt Xiao's smile is much more genuine now. They have moved out of the Xiao residence and rented a small courtyard to live in. Presumably, it won't be long before they have their own house in the capital.
Needless to say, Xiao Xiaogu's family also enjoys a stable business thanks to the daily supplies from the hot pot restaurant.
Moreover, once when someone from Xiao Xiaogu's alley went to eat hot pot, they discovered that the bean products inside were from the tofu shop next door. After returning home, they spread the word, which made the tofu shop's business even better.
The Xiao family is thriving and developing steadily.
After setting down his wine glass and picking up a piece of food with his chopsticks, the others also started eating.
The Xiao family did not have the custom of not speaking while eating or sleeping. Seeing that everyone had almost finished eating, Old Master Xiao put down his chopsticks and said:
"After the New Year, there are two things to do in our family. First, Sizhe will be taking the imperial examination. Although we hope that another top scholar will emerge from our family, Sizhe, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just do your best." Old Man Xiao looked at Xiao Sizhe with affection, afraid that Xiao Sizhe would push himself too hard because of his words, which would affect his performance.
"Grandpa, I know, don't worry, I won't put too much pressure on myself." Xiao Sizhe immediately stood up to express his opinion. He was in a good mood. Even if he didn't get the top score, he was sure he would be in the top three.
This confidence comes from his knowledge; Xiao Sizhe is very confident, but not arrogant.
"That's good," Old Man Xiao said with a smile, stroking his beard and nodding in a good mood.
"The second thing is Siyuan's wedding. The date has been set for next May." Old Man Xiao was very happy that another grandson was getting married. Seeing their children and grandchildren settle down and start their own families was their greatest wish.
He didn't know how many more years he and his wife would live, but he still hoped to see all his grandsons get married and have children.
She hopes her granddaughter can find a husband who truly loves and cherishes her.
Upon hearing Old Master Xiao's words, everyone's gaze fell upon Xiao Siyuan.
Facing the gazes of everyone, Xiao Siyuan was a little embarrassed, but the thought of marrying the woman he loved next year filled him with sweetness.
"Although our family isn't as well-off as the Xi family, we still need to make sure the wedding is respectable. If you don't know anything about the betrothal gifts, ask around. We can't be stingy. Eldest son, do you hear me?" Old Master Xiao said very seriously to Uncle Xiao and his wife.
Although their family wasn't poor, they weren't from the capital and didn't know much about the customs there. It wouldn't be good if they didn't understand and people laughed at them.
Especially regarding the betrothal gifts, they must be generous enough to show the Xi family their sincerity and that they will not mistreat their daughter after she marries into their family.
"Father, we've noted everything down. You can rest assured about this matter," Aunt Xiao said with a smile. As soon as the marriage between the two families was confirmed, she began to inquire. Being a talkative person, she had already found out most of the details over this period of time.
As for who to ask, it was naturally Xiao Siyuan's matchmaker, the wife of the Minister of Rites. No lady in the capital knew etiquette better than her.
Moreover, she herself was very satisfied with this future daughter-in-law. She possessed the composure of a well-bred lady, as well as the liveliness and charm of a young woman. She liked her very much.
The betrothal gifts will naturally not be taken lightly; some have already been prepared, and each item has been carefully selected by myself.
Of course, she wouldn't neglect her eldest daughter-in-law just because of her good family background. In recent years, as the family's financial situation has improved, she would occasionally give her eldest daughter-in-law some things.
So even though everyone is discussing how generous the dowry will be for the soon-to-be bride, Qu Yin isn't jealous, because she has already received it, and she believes her mother-in-law won't mistreat her.
Xiao Siyue was listening intently to everyone's conversation when her eyes suddenly fell on Xiao Yichen sitting next to her, and she secretly reached for her wine glass.
"Chenchen, what are you doing?" Xiao Siyue asked in a low voice, holding Xiao Yichen's small hand.
"Auntie, I didn't do anything," Xiao Yichen immediately shook his head in denial.
"Children shouldn't drink alcohol, you know?" Xiao Siyue flicked Xiao Yichen's head lightly.
Xiao Yichen quickly covered the goose's head with both hands and looked at Xiao Siyue with a wronged expression: "Auntie."
It shouldn't hurt, she didn't use any force.
"Ahem, Chenchen, you're still young, drink this." Xiao Siyue coughed twice and placed a cup of milk tea in front of Xiao Yichen.
"Thank you, Auntie." Xiao Yichen happily hugged the milk tea and sipped it.
Kids are so easy to please; give them something nice to eat or drink and they'll be happy immediately.
Xiao Siyue continued listening to the group's conversation.
A simple family dinner brought the Xiao family closer together, and the Xiao family members all share a spirit of unity and progress.