Extra Chapter, requesting support.

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After finishing the meal, the neighbors who came to help started leaving one after another. Although there were eight large bowls on the table, the portions were generous and substantial, so there were leftovers. It is customary for farmstead families that the people seated at the table can take home the leftovers. Lian Shouxin originally intended to treat the guests generously, so naturally, he let everyone pack their own food.

In the West Wing Room, there were more leftovers at the tables of Lian Manman family and others. Lian Manman’s family naturally would not pack anything, and neither did the Wu Family or Zhang Family, so in the end, Lady Wu Wang and Zhang Caiyun picked the very best and packed them into several portions. One portion was taken back by Zhang Caiyun, while the remaining portions were distributed by Lady Zhang to the families of those daughters-in-law who were especially helpful during the funeral, including to Chunzhu’s Wife’s family. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Chunzhu’s Wife and the others didn’t sit at the table in the West Wing Room but were seated elsewhere, so there weren’t many leftovers at their tables.

Since all the expenses for the funeral were borne by the family itself, Lady Zhang felt justified in distributing these things.

After distributing the portions, the tables were soon cleared by the helpers, and the room was tidied up. The other guests had left, leaving only the family members. Everyone planned to visit Lian Manman’s home. Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li’s family would return home this afternoon.

"...You should go and say goodbye to my sister-in-law..." Zhang Qingshan said to Lady Li.

"It’s only right." Lady Li replied.

Although everyone felt apprehensive about speaking with Lady Zhou, expecting that Lady Zhou might not be very welcoming, Zhang Qingshan was old-fashioned and always upheld etiquette.

"We’ll head back to your place for now; it seems like you won’t be able to return any time soon." Zhang Qingshan said to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

The funeral was mostly completed, but there were still some final tasks left and other matters to clarify. Others could leave, but Lian Shouxin could not.

Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin were about to accompany Lady Li to the Upper Room when they saw Shang Huaide rushing over.

"Old Fourth, if you’re not busy, please come to the Upper Room. Your mother has something to say." Shang Huaide greeted Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li upon entering, then spoke to Lian Shouxin.

"Whatever it is can wait, Uncle Huaide. If you weren’t coming, I was just about to go to listen to my mother’s instructions." Lian Shouxin said.

Throughout the funeral, although Lady Zhou was still self-willed, she did not pose any difficulties for the family or troubled the daughters-in-law. As the funeral concluded, Lian Shouxin intended to ask Lady Zhou about her future plans.

"Your mother says it’s important." Shang Huaide chuckled, "With the Old Master gone, the old lady is by herself now, so any matters must be clarified."

After saying the last sentence, Shang Huaide smiled at Zhang Qingshan.

"Indeed." Zhang Qingshan nodded, "So we’ll head back first. You all go to the Upper Room and listen carefully to what my sister-in-law has to say."

"Brother Zhang, don’t rush off. We’re all family here; you’re already here, so why not listen together? As someone with experience, you can offer a word or two." Shang Huaide said to Zhang Qingshan, with a hint of conciliatory tone.

"These are Lian Family’s affairs; why should I interfere? My grandchildren are already grown, and their parents should be able to sort out any matters themselves." Zhang Qingshan waved his hand heartily and led Lady Li and the others out.

Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li’s consistent attitude was not to involve themselves in Lian Family’s affairs.

Lady Wu Wang, Zhang Caiyun, and others also bid farewell and left.

Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi did not leave, while Lady Zhang remained behind; they accompanied Lian Shouxin to the Upper Room.

All the Lian Family members were gathered in the Upper Room East Room. The bedding of Old Master Lian was already removed from the bed, yet Lady Zhou left a space on it, sitting on the edge of the bed. Both Lady Da Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou were present, and besides Shang Huaide, Wu Yuchang was also retained by Lady Zhou.

The Lian Family was present, almost without exception, seated in the room—Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, Lady Chiang, Lian Shouyi, Lady He, Erlang, Luo Xiaoyan, Liulang, Lian Yaya, Lian Shouli, Lady Zhao, and Lian Yeye were all there.

Lian Manman’s family entered the room, each taking a seat on the bed or chairs.

Shang Huaide didn’t sit on the bed but took a chair next to Wu Yuchang. Everyone was waiting for Lady Zhou to speak; Lady Zhou sat cross-legged, silent for a long time, before finally raising her head to glance at Younger Lady Zhou.