Chapter 2419: Preparing to Have a Flower Appreciation Feast

He had to be cautious.

Shao Yunduan didn’t want to be used as legal or political cover for anyone. He didn’t want others to benefit from their hard-won victories.

It would take at least ten years for the former dignitaries and their new generation to fully accept their new status.

Qiao Xuan planned to host a flower-viewing banquet at court, inviting all ladies of the fourth grade and above. While the presence of many eyes and mouths could be advantageous, it also brought potential risks.

With so many people, there would inevitably be attempts to stir trouble amidst the crowd. Both Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were confident in handling overt disruptions, but they were wary of hidden threats.

When Qiao Xuan mentioned the Flower Appreciation Banquet to Shao Yunduan, he expressed his concerns. “None of these people are easy to deal with. Perhaps we should consider holding the party later in the year?”

He was worried about her safety. He had already faced a few challenges in court, but fortunately, they had been manageable, and he had quickly countered them.

But Shao Yunduan didn’t want Qiao Xuan to face any unpleasantness.

Qiao Xuan smiled. “That will take too long. Don’t worry; it’s happening now. I wasn’t afraid of them before, and I’m not now.”

Shao Yunduan laughed. “I’ve asked Ah-Ye to stay at court. He, along with Mianmian and Ding Xiang, will be with you. He’ll keep a discreet watch.”

Ah-Ye, the leader of their personal guards, was highly skilled in kung fu and very perceptive. Both Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan felt more secure with him around.

Qiao Xuan considered this and nodded with a smile. It was reassuring to know her husband cared so much, though she felt confident in her own abilities.

The date for the Flower Appreciation Feast was set for seven days later, giving the madams and young ladies enough time to prepare.

Even if someone intended to cause trouble, seven days would be ample time to plan.

The Tian Family received an invitation as well.

Madam Tian was resentful. She tossed the invitation aside and cursed silently but remained unhappy. Despite the Tian Family’s precarious position as the Fourth Prince’s maternal family, a series of unlikely events had protected them. Tian Shanshan’s marriage to Shao Liulang, Shao Yunduan’s cousin, ensured they were left alone.

A few days after Shao Yunduan’s arrival in the capital, rumors about the Tian Family began circulating. Shao Yunduan responded decisively, stripping the Tian Family’s marquis title, removing their official positions, and demoting them to earls with no heirs allowed.

Shao Yunduan was quite magnanimous to have allowed the Tian Family to retain their status as earls, despite their connections with the previous emperor and their lack of loyalty to him and Qiao Xuan.

The Tian Family had never done anything to support Shao Yunduan or Qiao Xuan. Shao Liulang’s position was the primary reason they avoided a harsher fate. Although Shao Yunduan despised Shao Liulang, as his cousin, he had to demonstrate restraint publicly.

Tian Shanshan had not anticipated such a turn of events when she sought out Shao Liulang out of spite.

Ultimately, the Tian Family had escaped more severe repercussions, but human nature often drives people to test their luck. Shao Liulang’s standing within the Tian Family had significantly increased due to his connection to Shao Yunduan.

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