Mrs. Liu politely declined once before instructing someone to accept the gift. Then, she led them into the flower hall.
After Xiao'er and her siblings greeted these aunts, they each left to do their duties.
Mrs. Liu talked with the aunts.
Master Shen and his family arrived late. By the time they reached Xiao'er's house, all the villagers had already entered.
The front gate of Xiao'er's home had been closed again.
Master Shen felt uneasy as he approached to knock on the door. The gatekeeper opened a small square hatch on the door (since there was no peephole, Xiao'er designed this small hatch where no hand could reach in as the peephole), looked out, and seeing it was Master Shen and his family, said directly, "Apologies, Master Shen, but our family head is entertaining guests and has no time to see you. Please leave!"