Of course, the funeral has another crucial part: hitting the Spirit Banner. In folklore, sometimes hitting the Spirit Banner and smashing the funeral basin are used to signify sending off an elder, showing the importance of these two steps. For sending off Old Master Lian, Lian Shouren hit the Spirit Banner, while the task of smashing the funeral basin was given to Lian Shouli.

Lian Shouli was able to smash the funeral basin largely due to Lian Shouxin’s support. Originally, this task was supposed to go to Lian Shouyi, but Lian Shouyi had been feeling insecure these days, speaking cautiously, and therefore didn’t dare to contest earnestly.

The reason Lian Shouxin supported Lian Shouli in smashing the funeral basin was because he was well aware of Lian Shouli’s inner struggles, hoping that this task would allow Lian Shouli to straighten his back within the Lian Family and have more say in the future. Lian Shouli was surprised to be given the task of smashing the funeral basin; he never dared to imagine he would receive this mission. Initially, when everyone discussed allowing him to smash the basin, Lian Shouli modestly declined a few times. However, seeing his ultimately excited expression when holding the basin, it wasn’t hard to guess his true thoughts.

Now, it was time to smash the funeral basin. Lian Shouli didn’t immediately stand up but looked around, seemingly waiting for someone to confirm once more that he was to smash the basin.

"Third Brother, hurry up." Wu Yugui, watching from the side, shook his head slightly but urged him nonetheless.

Only then did Lian Shouli stand up, carefully holding the basin as he walked a couple of steps toward the grave.

"Is this okay?" Lian Shouli asked the knowledgeable guests and the village elders beside him.

"Yes, this is fine," an elder nodded and said.

Only then did Lian Shouli lift the basin and throw it to the ground. The more the funeral basin shatters, the better and more auspicious it is. Whether because Lian Shouli was too nervous or the basin was exceptionally solid, it only rolled a couple of times on the ground without any cracks appearing.

Sweat appeared on Lian Shouli’s forehead.

"What... what the..." Lian Shouli stammered.

"That happens often, Third Brother, try again." A kind soul nearby pointed out.

Lian Shouli hesitated as he bent down, but before he could pick up the basin again, Lian Shouyi somehow rushed forward and snatched it away.

"I’ll do it, guaranteed to work in one go," Lian Shouyi said, and without waiting for Lian Shouli’s response, he raised the basin high and smashed it to the ground forcefully.

With a crisp sound, the basin shattered into several pieces.

Lian Shouli stood there in a daze, while Lian Shouyi quickly glanced at Lian Shouxin, then hurriedly retreated, knelt down again, and resumed his loud wailing.

The wreaths and other paper offerings slowly turned into flying ash. Only then was Old Master Lian laid to rest in peace, and it was only then that Lian Manman and others got up and began to head back down. Everyone had made it down the mountain, but Lian Shouli still hadn’t caught up.

"I need to head back first, there are still things to help with. Jiaxing, help your Third Uncle come down," Wu Yugui instructed Wu Jiaxing as he descended the mountain with Wu Yuchang in a hurry.

The basin having been snatched by Lian Shouyi and smashed, Lian Shouli remained dazed. Everyone else walked down the mountain, but he stayed, squatting quietly in front of Old Master Lian’s grave, head lowered. He cried, but unlike Lian Shouyi’s loud cries, his was a silent sobbing.

Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye stayed back to accompany Lian Shouli.

Everyone was surprised by Lian Shouyi’s action of snatching the basin to smash it. At that moment, everyone was kneeling and crying; many didn’t even witness it personally but learned about it afterward. Lian Shouxin saw it happening but couldn’t stop it in time. After it happened, although he was angry, Lian Shouxin couldn’t afford to make a scene and could do nothing about it.

"What a mess this is..." Lady Wu Wang shook her head, sighing as she walked with Lady Zhang and Lian Manman’s mother.

"Their Third Uncle is a good person, sigh," Lady Zhang sighed too. "I heard from the children’s father that he never managed to snatch the trough when he was young, sigh..."

It’s said that when Lian Shouyi was young, he used to snatch food from Lian Shouyi and Lian Shouxin.

Lian Manman was speechless upon hearing about the incident. She recalled a famous quote familiar from her previous life—character determines destiny.

Lian Shouli’s character made his insecurity about not having a son deeply ingrained. This affliction caused him to lack confidence at many times, especially on occasions like today, where this lack of confidence made him miss a golden opportunity.

Missing this opportunity was like losing the medicine needed to treat his inner ailment. Without this remedy, his inner turmoil wouldn’t be alleviated. And this turmoil would continue to negatively impact his character.

A vicious cycle, unsolvable.

Relying on others is no match for relying on oneself, as Lian Shouli refused to come out of his obstinate beliefs, regardless of how much effort others put in.

When Lian Manman and the others returned to the old residence, the dining tables were already set, and many of those who walked faster were already seated. This meal would be the last of the funeral. Generally, tenant farmer families wouldn’t prepare a feast on the morning of the funeral procession, only rice and large tofu would be served. But Lian Shouxin felt that in these past days, relatives, friends, and neighbors had contributed greatly, allowing Old Master Lian’s funeral to be conducted smoothly. Therefore, although he didn’t emulate the banquet style of officials or big landlords’ families, he wasn’t going to dismiss everyone with just a pot of tofu.

Today’s meal featured eight large bowls, with both meat and vegetarian dishes. The dishes were not exquisitely done but aimed to be "solid" and satisfying.

Many people came for the burial today, and even the Upper Room East Room had several tables set up. One of the tables was occupied by Lady Zhou, accompanied by Lady Da Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou, Yuchang’s Wife, Er Ya, and Shang Baorong.

Lady Zhou didn’t attend the burial but stayed at home, accompanied by Lady Da Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou.

Lian Manman remained seated in the West Wing Room along with Lady Zhang, Lady Li, Lady Wu Wang, and others.

...

Here’s the first update. It’s the end of the month; I ask for your pink support. I will strive to add more updates tonight. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, we welcome you to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)