Returning from the funeral, Lian Shouli was in a bad mood, dragging down Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye with him. When the family usually gathered to discuss matters, Lian Shouli was always silent. Even when asked, he would respond vaguely, as if he had no opinions of his own.

Lian Manman believed that Lian Shouli certainly had his own opinions, but he just felt he had no voice in this family.

Now, faced with this question from Lady Zhou, Lian Shouli could no longer remain silent or be vague. This time, he had to decide for himself.

"Mother, why don’t... why don’t you come live with us?" Lian Shouli stammered after a long pause.

Lady Zhou was also silent for a long while after hearing Lian Shouli’s words. Lian Manman observed Lady Zhou’s expression and guessed that she had never considered this option. But now that Lian Shouli brought it up, she was tempted.

With the support from Lian Shouxin’s family, Lady Zhou could maintain a comfortable living standard no matter who she stayed with. And Lian Shouli’s family was simple; Lady Zhao was the most straightforward and timid of wives, the easiest for Lady Zhou to control. Lian Shouli was also the most obedient among the sons, always listening to Lady Zhou.

If she lived with Lian Shouli’s family, what she said would go. This was what Lady Zhou valued most in her life. She could eat poorly, live modestly, and wasn’t picky about her attire, but she must be the one in charge and must have her way. Of course, there was also Lian Yeye. Lian Yeye was different from Lian Shouli and Lady Zhao; she wasn’t as obedient and would argue with Lady Zhou.

But by keeping Lian Shouli and Lady Zhao firmly under control, Lian Yeye wouldn’t cause much trouble. Moreover, in a few years, Lian Yeye would marry and leave the Lian Family.

Everyone noticed that Lady Zhou was tempted, not just Lian Manman.

Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu appeared anxious again, and both Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye grew tense.

Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu, father and son, were worried because they had no skills in farming and no savings. If Lady Zhou went to live with Lian Shouli, the old house would need to be divided again. Most of the estate tied to Lady Zhou would go with her, and they wouldn’t get the lion’s share. Moreover, without living with Lady Zhou, they wouldn’t benefit from her support.

Another important aspect was that without the title of taking care of the elderly, given their reputation and relationships, it would be difficult for them to establish a household in Thirty Mile Camp.

Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye couldn’t help but be anxious. If Lady Zhou came to live with them, what would their future be like? They had only just escaped Lady Zhou’s clutches and enjoyed a few days of peace. Did they have to return to the dark days of being controlled and scolded by Lady Zhou every day?

No, not even Lian Yeye would agree to that, let alone the timid Lady Zhao. They would prefer to endure hardship and toil rather than be tormented by Lady Zhou again.

Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu exchanged a look. Lian Shouren subtly nudged Lian Jizu with his elbow, signaling him to speak.

"Grandmother," Lian Jizu addressed Lady Zhou, his tone slightly anxious, "Grandmother, I am your eldest grandson. If you want to live with Uncle Four, my father and I won’t object. Uncle Four’s family has good conditions, you will have a comfortable life there. If you don’t live with Uncle Four, then among the rest of us, we hope you will still live with us."

"From any perspective, this is the logic. Besides, even if Grandfather didn’t say anything before passing, everyone knew Grandfather’s preference was for Grandmother and himself to live with us."

Lian Jizu, having studied for many years, was able to speak persuasively and reasonably. If Lian Shouyi had spoken, he might have bluntly said that Lian Shouli had no sons and therefore no right to take care of the elderly.

"We are willing to live with Grandmother and guarantee to take good care of her," Lady Chiang added. "Living with Grandmother is something we are used to."

Whether they were truly accustomed to it, Lian Manman had no opinion. Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, and Lady Chiang had lived in the town before, only moving in with Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou in the past year or two. To truly claim to be accustomed to living together, anyone in the room had more qualification to speak on that.

"Mother, I will take care of you and tend to your needs," Lian Shouren slid off his chair onto his knees before Lady Zhou. "My father is gone, I regret it so much. You must live to a hundred years old, so we can properly fulfill our filial duties."