"Ah... Everyone, don’t stand on ceremony, eat well and drink well..." Lian Shouyi laughed heartily, said a couple of sentences, then squeezed himself at a table, took up a bowl and chopsticks, and started eating heartily.

Following that, Lady He arrived with Liulang and Lian Yaya.

"Didn’t have dinner, hungry till my stomach is sticking to my back..." Lady He said, glancing around with her big eyes.

The diners were all men, and even as bold as Lady He was, it wasn’t appropriate for her to push her way in to sit among them. By the table on the kang sat Lady Zhou, where she didn’t dare sit either. Therefore, Lady He simply took a large soup bowl, scooped a full portion of rice and dishes from a table, and went outside to eat with a cheerful smile.

As for Liulang and Lian Yaya, while people might look down on Lian Shouyi and Lady He, there was a certain sympathy for small children, especially after hearing they didn’t have dinner. Some elders looked at Liulang, seeing him somewhat dull-witted and pitiful, so they called him over, made room for him, and let him stand and eat.

Lian Yaya, on the other hand, was pushed by Lady He in front of Lady Zhou.

Lian Yaya didn’t dare eat on the kang, kept her head lowered shyly, and didn’t even dare look at Lady Zhou.

When Lian Shouyi came in, Lady Zhou had already pulled a long face. But with so many people around, it wasn’t appropriate to lose her temper right away. As she saw Lian Shouyi and Lady He fighting over the food, her expression turned even worse.

"Old sister, let your granddaughter accompany you and eat." Someone said loudly, "No matter how the adults are, the kids shouldn’t go hungry. I’ve passed by your door several times and heard that old sister always calls this little girl to work."

Lady Zhou couldn’t throw a fit, but felt a bit embarrassed to invite Lian Yaya to the table, her face turning sullen. Luckily, Lady Chiang, seeing an opportunity, quickly pulled Lian Yaya onto the kang, served her some rice and dishes, and let her eat well with Da Niuniu.

Feeling stuffed and upset, Lady Zhou only had a couple of bites before putting down her chopsticks and heading outside. Lady Chiang quickly followed, supporting her in the outer room. Despite knowing Lady Zhou was in no mood to talk, she quietly consoled her.

"Grandma, it’s all from Fourth Uncle’s family, there’s plenty to eat, just eat. Otherwise, who knows what everyone will say." Lady Chiang understood why Lady Zhou was upset, so she began to persuade her.

Lady Zhou knew this logic, but seeing Lian Shouyi’s family still made her uncomfortable. However, Lady Chiang was right; if she made a fuss now and stopped Lian Shouyi from eating, people would only blame her.

Lady Zhou could only swallow her anger.

"What’s the big deal? He’s just doing this to spite me, making my liver ache with anger." Lady Zhou raised her hand to her chest.

Lady Chiang detected a slight change in Lady Zhou’s tone and seized the opportunity to argue further.

"... It’s from Fourth Uncle’s family, and while they took the credit, if we don’t show any gesture, it won’t look good either." Lady Chiang said cautiously, "Grandma, we’ll have to stay in this village in the future; we need to maintain some connections, or else we’ll be too isolated."

"Fourth Uncle’s offerings are enough, we can add a little something, it shows our thoughtfulness, and it looks good to others... It doesn’t require much... there’s always a bit of exchange, we also need to build some connections, can’t solely rely on Fourth Uncle’s side."

With Old Master Lian gone, the old house lost its pillar. Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu couldn’t make a stand in the village, and Lady Zhou only had her authority within the household.

From now on, while Lady Zhou could eat, drink, and not worry about anything, Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, and Lady Chiang couldn’t afford the same luxury. They had to think beyond just themselves, for their future generations too.

After a lengthy persuasion, Lady Zhou, with a somber face and furrowed brows, finally nodded.

Lady Chiang swiftly got busy, cooking up two small dishes and placing them on the table. Naturally, everyone could tell that the previous offerings were from Shouxin Family, while the later ones were freshly made by Lady Chiang, which led to praises about Lady Chiang’s cooking skills and how the Lian Family married a good daughter-in-law.

Lady Chiang diligently attended to everyone, and upon hearing such remarks, felt secretly happy, as it left a favorable impression on all. This would be crucial for their future life in the village.

Lady Zhou, feeling troubled inside, refused to re-enter the room. She leaned against the door frame outside, until the chill nearly seeped into her bones.

"... That old bastard just left me like this, a widow without support, anyone can bully me, how will we live in the future..."

Lady Zhou muttered with a sobbing tone, then slowly turned back inside.

...

Steward Han Zhong had entertained the guests at the old house, and only after everyone had left did he report back to Lady Zhang and Lian Manman, explaining how Lady Chiang added two small dishes and how Lian Shouyi’s family came to the Upper Room to scrounge for food.

Lian Manman listened, then instructed Han Zhong to leave, keep watch, and report immediately if there’s any news from Lian Shouxin or Wu Lang.

Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, and Zhang Caiyun, worried about those who went out, had no intention to sleep. The three sat together, the lamp brightly lit, doing needlework and chatting. Xiao Xi, Xiao Qing, and other maids were with them.

"That side usually never gives an inch, how come they became generous this time, even knowing to add two dishes." Zhang Caiyun, known for her straightforwardness, spoke freely, especially with close family present.

"It was Jizu’s wife who arranged it; she understands social customs and etiquette," Lady Zhang said.

"But it still needs the old lady’s approval," Zhang Caiyun replied.

"She understands too," Lian Manman said, "In the past, with Old Master around, supporting her and steering the helm, she managed just fine, even if there was a mistake, Old Master would fix it. Now, it’s different."

...

Seeking pink tickets, official subscriptions. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)