"...Now that your father is gone, it’s just your mother left. From now on, you all must treat your mother no worse than when the Old Master was around. Otherwise, I’ll be the first to disagree!" Younger Lady Zhou, sitting cross-legged, said with a serious face.

"Of course things won’t change, I can promise you that." Wu Yuchang, seeing Younger Lady Zhou’s adamant attitude, feared that Lian Shouxin and the others might be upset, so he quickly tried to mediate.

"Definitely nothing will change, I can vouch for that." Shang Huaide chimed in, "Old Fourth, your mother’s point is that even though your father is gone, the filial support you give shouldn’t decrease. It should be the same as when your father was still around, if not more."

It was clear that Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide became Lady Zhou’s spokespersons. Seeing how silent Lady Zhou was, it was apparent she had approved this message.

"I haven’t heard my grandma speak these past few days. Grandma, if you have anything to say, just tell us directly." said Lian Manman.

Lian Shouxin and the others didn’t look at Shang Huaide but focused on Lady Zhou.

During these few busy days of funeral arrangements, they had entrusted matters to Lady Da Zhou, but evidently, Shang Huaide and Younger Lady Zhou found their opportunity. However, Lian Manman’s family did not intend to give in.

They were willing to accept Wu Yuchang as a mediator between them and Lady Zhou because they knew Wu Yuchang’s character well. Yet, they wouldn’t tolerate anyone else being Lady Zhou’s spokesperson. With the Old Master gone, no one else had that right. They would also not allow anyone to point fingers at them using Lady Zhou’s name.

This was their bottom line.

Shang Huaide felt awkward when he noticed everyone was ignoring him. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Second Aunt, everyone is waiting to hear your thoughts. If there’s anything you want to say, just say it. These are all your descendants, and they care about you." Wu Yuchang seized the chance to speak.

"Didn’t your Third Uncle already say it?" Lady Zhou finally spoke; she paused for a moment before continuing, "The first matter is this. Old Fourth, give us a straightforward answer."

Originally, the support Lian Shouxin provided was for both Lady Zhou and the Old Master. Now that the Old Master was gone, Lady Zhou still wanted the same amount of support, plus a bit more from Lian Shouxin.

This request was not reasonable, but it was entirely in line with Lady Zhou’s character. Lian Manman and the others came prepared for this to the Upper Room. Lady Zhou had never been one to reason.

"Grandma, what are your plans for the future?" Wu Lang pondered a bit before asking, "My parents’ intention is to bring you over to our place, so you can live with us."

Wu Lang suggested again that Lady Zhou come to live with them, implying that if she lived with Lian Manman and the others, her expenses would be covered, and there would be no need to specifically discuss her support.

As soon as Wu Lang finished speaking, both Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu looked uneasy. They were anxious but dared not speak, only glancing at Lady Zhou and then at Wu Lang, feeling restless.

When Wu Lang spoke, Lady Zhou didn’t dare to respond as she did with Lian Shouxin. She instinctively gripped the edge of the mat.

"I’ve always said that I’ll die on this mat. I’m not going anywhere. Not for a mountain of gold, nor a mountain of silver, I’m staying here. If you truly care, give me a little more."

Lady Zhou reiterated that she intended to die in the old house and wouldn’t go live with Lian Shouxin. Wu Lang and Lian Manman had anticipated Lady Zhou would react this way, but they felt it necessary to express their stance clearly.

Since Lady Zhou wished to remain in the old house, the next step was to discuss the support she would receive.

"Originally, the six acres of land we provided were for both the Old Master and you, plus those three rooms in the West Wing. This remains unchanged. Going forward, the six acres of land will still have someone farming them, and the harvest will go to you, Grandma. Additionally, the provisions of rice, flour, and cloth will remain as they were when the Old Master was alive." Lian Shouxin spoke.

"Furthermore, if you need anything more, just say it, Mother." Lian Shouxin concluded.

In this way, Lady Zhou was still receiving double support.

"I’m not asking you for money; I’m asking you for... ten acres of good land, the kind that produces wheat every year," Lady Zhou thought for a moment before speaking, "Now that you have the money, with land in the thousands of acres, I’m not asking for much."

Although Lady Zhou never worked in the fields, she had heard that Thirty Mile Camp had fertile land for growing wheat, which could be ground directly into white flour.

In fact, even if Lady Zhou didn’t ask for anything, Lian Shouxin would still ensure she had enough rice and white flour and was well cared for.

When Lian Shouxin heard Lady Zhou’s request, he was about to agree. Yet, he only opened his mouth without uttering a word. Instead of speaking immediately, he looked to Lady Zhang and the children for their thoughts.

Wu Lang gently nodded. Although Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi didn’t show any reaction, Wu Lang’s nod of agreement was sufficient.

"Alright." Lian Shouxin then consented to Lady Zhou’s request.

"I can’t depend on anyone else, only on you, so I’m asking you." It seemed Lady Zhou was explaining her actions, "No need for further discussion, you are my child. I raised you, so you owe me this. Those few acres are my rightful due."

Even though Lady Zhou never reasoned, she always needed to have the last word.

"Old Three, you’re next." Lady Zhou addressed Lian Shouli without a spokesperson, speaking directly to him.

Lian Manman initially thought that since Lady Zhou asked them for ten acres, she might return the six acres from Lian Shouli. But seeing Lady Zhou’s attitude, it was clear she had no such intention.

...

Enjoy the extra Chapter, and as we reach the end of the month, I ask readers who have accumulated pink tickets to support generously. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)