"It’s nothing important, just invited me for dinner, and we talked about family matters," Wu Lang said. "Besides me, there were no other people, just a few brothers from the Shen family nearby."

Lian Manman felt more at ease hearing Wu Lang say this.

"It’s good if there’s nothing serious," Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang both said.

Wu Lang then had someone bring in several boxes.

"Sixth Master brought back some things and gave us a share," Wu Lang said. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Sixth Master is too gracious," Lian Shouxin replied. They had already exchanged gifts for the Double Ninth Festival with the Shen family, and Shen Liu’s share was evidently an additional gift.

Lian Manman had someone open the boxes, and the family looked at the gifts Shen Liu had sent. Besides some specialties from the Border Town they had talked about before, there were several pieces of top-quality silver-mouse and gray-mouse pelts.

"...Just right, we need to make some winter clothes these days..." Lian Manman, upon seeing the pelts, smiled and said to Lady Zhang.

"...What we bought isn’t this good," Lady Zhang called someone to bring the pelts closer to examine and touch them. "These are thick and smooth; you wouldn’t find them in the market."

"Right, these pelts," Wu Lang laughed, "Sixth Master said he personally hunted them, had the best tanners locally dress them, especially to thank you and Manman for managing the winter clothes."

"We can’t accept Sixth Master’s thanks," Lady Zhang said. "Sixth Master is truly thoughtful; ordinary people can’t compare."

Lian Shouxin nodded in agreement from the side, both he and Lady Zhang praising Shen Liu wholeheartedly. They genuinely appreciated Shen Liu and viewed him as a saint-like figure.

Lian Manman sat there, unable to suppress a smile. Someone like Shen Liu, with matters of social exchange, surely wouldn’t handle everything personally. Naturally, there were competent attendants and stewards to manage everything seamlessly. Wu Lang just mentioned, they received one share, and naturally, there were others given to others.

Lian Manman thought this, then shifted her thoughts slightly, realizing she might have underestimated Shen Liu’s intentions. When he first arrived in the Prefecture City, he specially called Wu Lang over, without other errands, just to talk about family matters and gift this share. Considering how Shen Liu always sent things to Thirty Mile Camp, although there was always a reason every time people were sent over, their household was incidental. Still, having them in mind each time, this thoughtfulness was rare - especially considering Shen Liu was indeed a very busy person.

Shen Liu truly treated her family extraordinarily well.

"Saying it’s to thank my mother and me, there’s likely also my brother’s relationship in it. It’s not appropriate to reward separately, so it’s all bundled together. Thanking my mother and me is like appreciating my brother too," Lian Manman said.

"Should we keep these things or...," Lady Zhang discussed with Lian Manman.

Lian Manman, along with Lady Zhang, organized the items, sending consumables to the kitchen, and as for the pelts, Lian Manman kept two, while the rest were measured with Lady Zhang for everyone to make a cloak.

"...This gray-mouse coat is for my sister. Last time she mentioned wanting to buy one and couldn’t find a suitable one," Lian Manman said.

"Good, good," Lady Zhang agreed willingly.

"I wonder how long Sixth Master plans to stay in the Prefecture City and when he’ll be free. We should arrange in advance to invite Sixth Master over for a visit." After tidying everything up, Lian Manman suddenly remembered something and asked Wu Lang.

"Yes, this is an important matter, we need to plan ahead. Sixth Master is busy; you never know when he’ll return to the Border Town or head to the Capital City," Lian Shouxin also said quickly.

"How could I forget this," Wu Lang said. "I’ve already mentioned it to Sixth Master, and he said he’ll come, but the exact day is not yet fixed. I’ll check the situation in a couple of days and finalize the date with Sixth Master."

"Good, we need to prepare well," Lian Shouxin said joyfully.

The family talked for a while longer. Seeing that it was getting late, they each returned to their rooms to rest.

In the following two days, Lian Manman accompanied Lady Zhang going out for gatherings and watching plays. During the occasions, they particularly paid attention to girls of comparable appearance and status as Wu Lang. It seemed that everyone in the Prefecture City knew that Wu Lang was searching for a marriage prospect, so families with girls of suitable age were also notably attentive when meeting Lian Manman and Lady Zhang.

Although Lady Zhang was anxious to get a bride for Wu Lang, after discussing with him, she understood the matter was significant and shouldn’t be rushed to avoid future regrets.

On the third day, it was the actual day of the Double Ninth Festival, and on this day, the Shen family hosted a banquet, inviting relatives and officials within the Prefecture. Lian Manman’s family was naturally among those invited. That morning, Lian Manman got up early. For such an event, one couldn’t dress as usual at home, but Lian Manman didn’t particularly like intricate attire.