After Old Master Lian passed away, it seemed that Lady Zhou could do as she pleased from then on. But in reality, it’s not like that, especially when it involves matters outside.

Even within the Lian Family, Lady Zhou wouldn’t be as carefree as she used to be. Her two daughters, due to different reasons, not only lost their previous status in the Lian Family but also almost can’t associate with them in the future. As for her sons, only Lian Shouren’s family depends on her financially, so they are under her control.

However, the members of Lian Shouren’s family are not as straightforward as Lian Shouxin and Lian Shouli.

The family of Lian Shouyi has directly fallen out with her, living in a separate yard and often doing things to annoy Lady Zhou. This family particularly doesn’t care about Lady Zhou’s fussing and scolding.

Lady Zhou’s life in the future definitely won’t be worry-free. Her worries differ from the past worries of Old Master Lian. In the past, if Old Master Lian could see through things, he could have lived a carefree life. But Lady Zhou doesn’t have such an option in the future.

"The blisters on her feet are from her own walking; though people feel sympathetic when seeing someone old. But her... we can only ensure she has enough to eat and wear," said Lady Zhang, "Besides, she’s not someone who suffers losses easily; she’s even tougher than us."

"That’s true." Both Lian Manman and Zhang Caiyun nodded.

Just as they were talking, someone came in to report that Lian Shouli’s family of three had arrived. Lady Zhang quickly said to invite them in, and Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye followed the person inside, while Lian Shouli stayed in the front yard.

"My Fourth Uncle and Brother Wu Lang haven’t returned yet, we are quite worried. My father said he wants to go and meet them," Lian Yeye said to Lady Zhang and Lian Manman.

Since Lian Shouli had gone out with everyone to look for people, Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye hadn’t slept. When Lian Shouli returned from the old house and learned that Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang hadn’t returned, he told Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye that he wanted to meet them and help if he could.

Both Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye were particularly happy with Lian Shouli’s proactive request. Therefore, the mother and daughter accompanied Lian Shouli there.

Seeing them like this, Lady Zhang was also very pleased. As long as Lian Shouli has this intention, it doesn’t matter whether they go or not.

"...His third uncle just came back, and his body isn’t fully recovered. It’s pitch dark, and the cold wind seeps into the bones; better not let him go. The people sent out should be enough, you better go back early to rest. I know his third uncle still has work to do," Lady Zhang said.

Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye naturally didn’t want to, so Lady Zhang suggested letting Lian Shouli stay at home and act like Steward Han Zhong, to provide support. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Fourth Aunt, let my father go meet them. It’s night and cold, but if my father wears enough, and besides, he won’t just stand still; moving around will be fine. If he stays at home, he definitely won’t feel settled," Lian Yeye said.

Lady Zhang glanced at Lian Manman, and Lian Manman nodded slightly. Since Lian Shouli has such intentions, and since the family of three are so determined, it is, of course, important to accept their goodwill.

Lady Zhang nodded and sent two servants to accompany Lian Shouli to the west.

Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye simply didn’t go back; they got on the kang and, along with Zhang Caiyun, helped Lady Zhang and Lian Manman with the needlework.

"...They don’t seem like people who want to live a good life. In the future, it’s Yaya and Liulang who will be pitiful..." they chatted idly, talked about Lian Shouyi’s family going to the Upper Room to freeload meals, and Lady Zhao sighed.

"Sister Manman, I’ve told my father everything," Lian Yeye whispered to Lian Manman, "I think my father’s heart is really chilled this time; he should understand things by now. This time, after eating over there, he directly came back. Before, he usually stayed longer, and after coming back, he would tell us how the Old Lady was. But this time, he didn’t mention it at all."

"My father knows who to be close to now..." Lian Yeye said happily.

There’s no need for Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye to remind; Lian Shouli’s proactive decision to meet Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang was already a significant progress.

"That’s a good thing," said Lian Manman, who was also happy for Lian Yeye.

The house was warm with the kang heated, and a brazier was lit on the floor. Several people sat on the kang, did needlework, and chatted, drank strong tea twice, and had a snack once. By the fourth watch of the night, the sentry sent out finally returned with news.