Chapter 431: Chapter 224 Ladder_1
At the second watch, plea for the pink.
...***...
"Old Fourth, both you and your wife should keep an eye out. Look for a daughter-in-law for Sanlang from an ordinary farmstead, a child who’s honest and capable is enough... Sanlang’s wife must have big feet," Old Master Lian continued.
The women of the tenant farmers couldn’t follow the doctrine of "not leaving the inner door or stepping beyond the second gate." Not only did they need to take care of the household chores, such as washing clothes, cooking, feeding chickens, and raising pigs, but they also had to be able to work in the fields. In Thirty Mile Camp, some women with bound feet had to work in the fields alongside the men. Because of their small feet, working in the fields was particularly difficult for them. Even if they went down to the fields, they couldn’t match the work efficiency of the women with big feet.
The Lian Family now had enough women with bound feet to take care of the housework. Since they were planning to farm for a living in the future, naturally, when looking for a daughter-in-law, they would prioritize one with big feet.
It had to be said, the criteria Old Master Lian set for finding Sanlang a wife were very pragmatic.
"... Regarding Xiuxiu’s marriage, Old Fourth, you and your wife should also take care, ask around, and look for a decent and honest family. If there’s a suitable match, come back and discuss it with me and your mother. It would be best if they aren’t too far away and have some connections with us," Old Master Lian said again.
"Alright, Dad, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would’ve kept it in mind," Lian Shouxin replied.
"Xiuxiu’s marital family must be chosen with care," Lady Zhou, who had been silent until now, spoke up. Yet after saying just that one sentence, she didn’t say anything more.
The family returned to the West Wing Room and started discussing.
"It’s no wonder he sent his second uncle and the others to the mountains to work. There will be quite a few expenses in the next two years," Lady Zhang remarked.
Lian Shouxin didn’t respond to Lady Zhang’s comment; he was somewhat worried.
"Finding a good job for Third Brother, we can make it happen if we put in some effort. Now that Second Brother is also going, they need all four of them; there aren’t that many easy jobs with good pay waiting for us!"
"Dad, you also told my grandfather, we just do our best. When the time comes, let the second uncle and the others give it a try on the mountain. Those who can do it, will work, and those who can’t, won’t. We’re not immortals; we can’t manage everything," Lian Manman stated.
"That’s exactly right," Lady Zhang said.
Lian Shouxin thought it over and realized that was indeed the case.
"It’s just the promise I made to Third Brother earlier; I’m afraid it might be difficult to fulfill... When Second Brother and Third Brother go together, if only Third Brother is treated differently, Second Brother will definitely object," Lian Shouxin added, his biggest concern being that he might not be able to give Lian Shouli special attention.
"Uncle Shouli is sometimes too honest for his own good. It makes you not know what to say," Lady Zhang sighed. Since Lady Zhang herself was honest and yet called Lian Shouli honest, it showed just how extraordinarily honest Lian Shouli was.
While they were talking, Lian Shouli, Lady Zhao, and Lian Yeye walked in. Lian Yeye’s eyes were red, and as soon as she entered, she went and sat down beside Lian Manman.
"Old Fourth, about this matter... ah," Lian Shouli had not said much before he sighed, "when the time comes, I will do whatever job there is, this is my fault."
"Sister Manman, can you think of a way to help? My dad is so clueless," Lian Yeye pleaded with Lian Manman.
"We’ll definitely think of something," Lian Shouxin said, "but as for the outcome, I can’t guarantee anything right now."
"Old Fourth, your word is enough for me," Lian Shouli gratefully said.
"I’ll try my best to think of a solution..." Lian Manman whispered comfortingly to Lian Yeye. Originally, Lian Manman thought that if only Lian Shouli went to work on the mountain, she could tell Lian Yeye to let Lian Shouli contribute less of his wages to the family and save some for himself.
But now, with four members of the Lian Family planning to go, keeping private savings was out of the question. Teaching Lian Shouli a trade was the most important thing.
...
The next day, Foreman Lao Huang came to the breakfast shop to eat as usual. Five steamed buns, a bowl of thin porridge, and two small dishes of pickled vegetables—this was Lao Huang’s routine. However, today, Lian Shouxin served him an extra bowl of steamed eggs and a bowl of braised meatballs.
"Another pot of wine would make it even better," Lao Huang remarked as he looked at the spread in front of him.
"You want wine, too? You can drink it tonight..." Lian Shouxin took him seriously, knowing that Lao Huang enjoyed a couple of drinks, but even Lao Huang, fond as he was of alcohol, didn’t start drinking early in the morning, so it wasn’t prepared.
"Haha, I’m just kidding with you," Lao Huang laughed, not standing on ceremony with Lian Shouxin and grabbing chopsticks to start eating. "Brother, if there’s anything you need, just tell me. I’ll definitely help you out if I can."
Many people came to the shop to eat, but Lian Shouxin was especially close with Lao Huang and found him the easiest to talk to, all because of Lao Huang’s good-natured temperament.
