That afternoon, Fan Xian received the officials related to the palace treasury transport at his temporary residence. The other Jiangnan officials had been scared off by him, but these palace treasury officials were his direct subordinates and unable to hide; they could only tough it out. Fortunately, Fan Xian had long shed the dark and cold facade he wore beside the lake and was able to laugh with them a little as they talked. He also set their departure date and saw them out of the manor in an amiable manner, which momentarily confused the officials.
The welcoming banquet that night was prepared by Jiangnan Inn. For similar reasons, the officials of the counties and provinces along the river all just sat for a little while before leaving. They had met the requirements dedicated by etiquette and, furthermore, court regulations did not allow them to stay in Suzhou for long. It was easy to find reasons to be as far away as possible from Commissioner Fan.