Zhao Xirui, Xiao Feng's wife, added coldly, "Second sister-in-law, if you find this banquet beneath you, feel free to leave."
As soon as the two said these words, Su iling's face turned pale with humiliation then turned red with anger. As for her husband, he just glanced at them and smiled as if the one being criticized was not his wife but a stranger.
After a mont, Xiao Jun, the second son of Grandpa Xiao, finally said, "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, I apologize for my wife's rude words. But what she said is not entirely false."
Before the tension could escalate further, Xiao Yun, the youngest son, stepped in and said, "Elder Brother, Second Brother, why don't we try the dish first? This is the first ti I have seen cold noodles served at a wedding banquet."
Hearing her husband's words, Wei Qingyue understood his intention and nodded quickly. She began serving everyone while saying with a smile, "Ah Yun is right. Let's give it a try."
To maintain the family's reputation, Xiao Feng and Xiao Jun reluctantly stopped their argunt and agreed to try the noodles.
The mont they took the first bite, surprise and amazent flashed on their faces. The noodles, though simple, were exquisitely made.
The freshness of the vegetables paired with the chewy noodles was delightful, and the addition of shredded chicken and a spicy sauce created a perfect balance of flavors that awakened their appetites.
Unfortunately, the portion was small, and the bowl was empty before anyone could have their fill.
Xiao Yun sighed as he set down his empty bowl and said with pity, "I never expected the cold noodles to be so delicious, but the portion was too small. I barely had enough before it was all gone."
As if on cue, the servers returned with more dishes. This ti, they brought large bowls of soup to each table, swapping out the used bowls for fresh ones to enhance the dining experience.
Zhao Xirui glanced at Su iling and remarked pointedly, "It seems the Pan family's banquet has its own unique style. This is the first ti I have seen a wedding banquet served in courses, like a Western dinner."
Feeling curious, Fu Wenli picked up the nu placed on the table. After scanning it, she said, "Ah, so this paper lists the dishes. This soup must be herbal chicken soup."
Xiao Jun stirred the bowl with a ladle, revealing a whole chicken. He looked at his daughter-in-law and asked, "Eldest daughter-in-law, how many dishes are on the nu?"
Fu Wenli counted before replying, "Father, there are ten dishes, including fruit soup."
Hearing this, Su iling's face burned with embarrassnt. Just minutes ago, she had mocked the banquet for serving only one dish. Now, learning there were ten in total, she felt as though she had been slapped in public.
Irritated by the embarrassnt, she turned to glare at her daughter-in-law and snapped, "You really talk too much."
Ignoring the tension, Xiao Feng served his wife a bowl of soup, adding a chicken drumstick.
He placed the bowl in front of his wife and said, "Wife, I heard this nu was prepared especially for you. Jiajia found out you had a fever recently and asked her sister-in-law to prepare sothing nourishing."
Zhao Xirui's face lit up with happiness the mont she heard this. Her doting and pampering for Pan ijia over the years has not been in vain. Despite being busy preparing for the wedding, the girl still cares about her.
She took a sip and exclaid, "This soup is delicious! The flavor is rich but not greasy, and the herbal taste is light and refreshing. It's nothing like the herbal chicken soups I have had before."
"Since you like it, you should eat more," Xiao Feng said with a smile.
Although the others were eager to try the soup, they waited for Xiao Feng to finish serving himself and his wife. In the Xiao family, hierarchy and respect were paramount, and as the eldest brother at the table, Xiao Feng held the highest status.
As they began eating, Su iling noticed the chicken tasted different from what she was accustod to. The at was tender and juicy, unlike the dry texture typical of overcooked chicken. She found the texture so soft that the at easily separated from the bone.
Seeing her devour the soup with enthusiasm, almost forgetting her table manners, Zhao Xirui smirked faintly.
She dabbed the corners of her lips with a handkerchief and said with a smile, "Second Sister-in-law, eat slowly. If you didn't have enough, there is still more in the bowl. I have a small appetite and can't finish it. You can eat the rest."
Although her words sounded polite, they ant humiliation. When Zhao Xirui said this, she ant that she was used to eating these delicacies, but Su iling could only eat them here. That's why she was generous and allowed her to eat more.
All eyes turned to Su iling, who realized her lips were shiny with chicken soup and her lipstick had worn off. Embarrassed by their gazes, she put down her spoon and wiped the oil stain on her lips while gritting her teeth.
Both of them are daughters-in-law of the Xiao family. Who gives her the right to humiliate her every chance she gets?
Wei Qingyue lowered her head to stifle a laugh. The Xiao family had strict etiquette training for their daughters-in-law before they got married into the family, and it was rare to see one of them lose composure like this.
Xiao Jun frowned at his wife and said sharply, "Pay attention to your manners."
Stunned by her husband's reprimand, Su iling lost her appetite and set her spoon aside. She glared at Zhao Xirui, ready to find fault with her. But before she could retort, the third dish was served.
This ti, the servers brought a basket of stead pandan rice, a small brazier, and an earthen pot. The sight of the setup drew gasps from the guests.
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