Chapter 1889: Chapter 963: So That’s How It Is
The third watch, asking for pink.
...
"No wonder she specially let her brother come to kowtow to us today," Lady Zhang said. Since Luo Xiaoying has already met Wang Xuemei, naturally there won’t be what Xiao Yan said about returning to look again. "She didn’t fully explain it today, she’ll definitely come again tomorrow."
Luo Xiaoyan has always been persistent in seeking benefits for her family and will not easily back down.
"What are you planning to do?" Lady Wu Wang asked.
"Yes, Mom, will the family help with this matter?" Lian Zhizhi also asked.
"...This matter still needs to be discussed with your father," Lady Zhang replied to Lian Zhizhi’s question, "Oh, your father has been uneasy about this, and talking about it again will surely upset him."
Lian Shouxin has not supported Erlang and Luo Xiaoyan’s match from the beginning. In the past two years, Lian Shouxin has been reserved in his attitude towards Luo Xiaoyan. This time, although he was persuaded by his wife and children to side with Luo Xiaoyan, he still felt uneasy. Earlier in the front yard, seeing Lian Shouyi’s appearance made Lian Shouxin’s face darken. On one hand, he was angry with Lian Shouyi and Lady He, and on the other hand, he blamed Erlang and Luo Xiaoyan.
If Lian Shouxin were to know that Luo Xiaoyan was again seeking better benefits for her brother, it would be strange if he didn’t get angry.
"...She mentioned it in front of us, she probably discussed it with my Brother Erlang beforehand. My Brother Erlang is out front talking to my dad, likely mentioning this matter as well," Lian Manman said.
"Most likely." Everyone nodded in agreement.
As they were talking, a little maid came in to report that people from the Lu Family had arrived.
"Quickly invite them in," Lian Manman hurriedly instructed, and then said to Lady Zhang, "Mom, let’s not worry about this matter for now. Since everyone’s finally gathered together, we should be happy."
They had to set this issue aside for now and properly entertain their guests.
"That’s right," Lady Wu Wang laughed and said.
"I know." Lady Zhang nodded, "I can still tell what’s more important and what’s lighter."
Soon, footsteps sounded in the courtyard, and Lady Zhang, Lady Wu Wang, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman all stood up, handed Dabao over to Lady Li for care, and a few of them walked to the front door to welcome Old Madam Lu, Eldest Sister-in-law of the Lu Family, and Lady Zhang Wang into the house.
Tonight, people from the Lu Family came over for dinner. Zhang Caiyun, who was in confinement, couldn’t come and stayed home to take care of her child. Naturally, there were close neighbors of the Lu Family helping to look after things, so Lady Zhang Wang came as well.
Shortly after, Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye arrived as well.
Everyone entered the house, took their seats, exchanged greetings for a while, and then started chatting warmly. The women gathered together, talking endlessly about various topics. Lian Manman was on the side, leading the little maids to serve tea and snacks twice. Then Maid Duofu came to report, saying the banquet was ready.
"Have all the guests out front arrived?" Lian Manman asked Duofu.
"Yes, miss, they have all arrived," Duofu promptly replied.
"Mom, then let’s start the meal," Lian Manman quietly asked Lady Zhang.
"Hmm, let’s eat," Lady Zhang nodded.
The evening banquet was naturally very sumptuous. The women’s table also had a pot of wine warmed up. Lady Li and Old Madam Lu had some drinking capacity, and so did Lady Zhang Wang, Lady Wu Wang, Lady Zhang, and Eldest Sister-in-law of the Lu Family, who could also have a few drinks. Even Lian Manman and Lian Yeye accompanied them for two small cups.
Lian Zhizhi did not drink. Although Dabao could eat some food now, he was still nursing. Kids of this era mainly relied on breastfeeding. It was common for children to nurse for three full years. Lian Manman’s family had a ranch with plenty of fresh cow and goat milk, which would also be sent to Lian Zhizhi. However, tenant farming families mostly believed it was better for children to drink breast milk. They would only use cow’s milk or goat’s milk if they had no other choice.
Lian Manman asked a little maid to prepare grape juice especially for Lian Zhizhi. After she and Lian Yeye drank two cups of wine, they also had the wine glasses taken away and switched to grape juice.
During the winter, although it was warm inside, with the food and drinks being hot, the young ladies were careful not to drink anything cold. Whether it was wine or grape juice, they were warmed up before being served.
This meal lasted until sunset when the lamps were lit. After the dining table was cleared, Lian Manman asked the little maids to bring up scented tea and fresh fruit to cleanse the palate, and everyone sat to chat for a while longer.
"Manman girl, send someone to the front courtyard to say something, don’t let your Second Uncle and others drink too much. Just about enough will do," Old Madam Lu laughed and said to Lian Manman.
