The post-wedding banquet was, of course, sumptuously unmatched.
Three days after returning from the banquet, the Xu family had to start preparing for the old master's birthday. This time, everyone decided not to listen to the old master's wishes; they were determined to put on a grand celebration.
Jinghan, having nothing else to do because she couldn't contribute to matters concerning needlework, remembered Xiaojuan's plight. On the fifth day after the New Year, Jinghan saw Xiaojuan when she returned to her natal family. At that moment, Jinghan was stunned; Xiaojuan's former self was nowhere to be seen. She had become so thin that she was skin and bones, and she seemed utterly spiritless. Xiaojuan's daughter was equally thin, trembling with fear at the sight of strangers.
Feeling helpless, Jinghan gave Xiaojuan some silver and brought various foods and goods for the child. But how much of it could actually reach the mother and daughter was uncertain.
