The Vice Magistrate's birthday was a major event in all of Xinghuai Prefecture. It happened to fall on a day of rest, so nearly every prominent figure in the Prefecture had come to the Vice Magistrate Mansion.
The Vice Magistrate Mansion was a riot of color, decorated with lanterns and streamers everywhere, bustling with excitement.
At the banquet, cups and goblets clinked as everyone laughed and chatted merrily, wishing the Vice Magistrate many happy returns.
Zhu Yingqian gazed at the full case of gift registers, raised his eyebrows with practiced reserve, and joined the crowd in their merriment.
Thanks to Zhu Caiwei, several tables were also set aside for the students from the prefectural academy.
As a member of the host family, Zhu Caiwei stayed to entertain the guests. Her spirits, which had been low, finally lifted a little when she overheard someone at the next table praise her, saying, "A tiger father will not raise a worthless daughter."
