Lady Wu Wang sat on the kang with Wu Jiayu, while Xiao Xi brought in two cups of tea on a tray. Lian Zhizhi personally served the tea to Lady Wu Wang, who accepted it with a smile and pulled Lian Zhizhi to sit beside her.
Every ti Lady Wu Wang visited, Lian Zhizhi personally attended to her. Unless Lady Wu Wang asked her to sit, she would remain standing. Even after being told several tis, Lian Zhizhi kept up this manner. Due to this behavior, Lady Wu Wang often praised Lian Zhizhi in front of Lady Zhang and others, saying, "Zhizhi is truly endearing; her actions and deanor set her apart from ordinary girls of noble families and truly garner respect."
After serving the tea, Xiao Xi then brought out four types of homade snacks.
These snacks were not purchased from outside but were homade by Manman’s family. Among them was Sachima, which was first made during New Year. The whole family loved it, and afterwards, they continued to make it from ti to ti, both for family enjoynt and for entertaining guests.
The second was date cake, made by removing the pits from dates, pulverizing them, and then mixing with a suitable amount of flour to steam into a raised cake.
The third and fourth were both puff pastries made by Han Zhong’s wife. One was filled with sweet red bean paste, while the other with savory ham.
Lady Wu Wang spoke a few words with Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, then sent Wu Jiayu, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman to play in the west room.
The three girls knew that Lady Wu Wang and Lady Zhang had things to discuss, so they left the east room for the west room.
With just the three girls, there was no need for formality. They climbed onto the kang and called Xiao Xi to bring over tea and snacks. The snacks were still the sa four varieties, but the girls preferred not to drink tea. Lian Manman instructed Xiao Xi to bring thick hawthorn juice instead.
This juice was made by washing hawthorn, adding water to a pot, boiling it on high heat, then simring on low heat until the juice thickened. The resulting juice was sweet and sour, highly appetizing, and could cut through grease. For those who found the juice too sour, adding so sugar could enhance its sweetness.
The three girls sat around the kang table enjoying snacks with hot hawthorn juice and chatting.
"Sister-in-law, Sister Manman, your family’s Sachima is delicious. My mom and I tried following the recipe, but we couldn’t make it as soft and fragrant," said Wu Jiayu while eating Sachima.
"Next ti you have ti to co and stay for a day, I’ll take you through it once," responded Lian Zhizhi.
"Sounds great," Wu Jiayu agreed.
The two families lived nearby, and there was room at Manman’s Family house. Sotis when Wu Jiayu ca over to play late, she would stay the night.
Lian Manman picked up on Wu Jiayu’s thread, first asking about Wu Yugui and Wu Jiaxing, then turning the topic to Lady Wu Wang.
"...I heard you’ve been busy these past few days, so it’s rare that you could co today. Otherwise, my mom would have planned to visit soon."
"Isn’t it because Third Uncle Lian’s house is planning to build a new house?" Wu Jiayu chuckled, "My mom ca over to inquire, to see if there’s anything we can help with... and also..."
Saying this, Wu Jiayu shot a smile at Lian Zhizhi.
"Is there sothing else?" Lian Manman asked with a smile.
"My dad, mom, and brother also intend to build a new house. They ca over to discuss with Auntie," explained Wu Jiayu.
Wu Jiaxing’s house in town consists of three main rooms, east and west wing rooms, along with gatehouses. The four family mbers fit well; even if Lian Zhizhi marries into the family, there would still be plenty of room. Additionally, the house isn’t old. Wu Jiayu was talking about building a new house, not renovating an old one.
The reason then becos rather apparent. No wonder Wu Jiayu cast a special glance at Lian Zhizhi before speaking.
The three girls chatted cheerfully in the west room, while Lady Wu Wang and Lady Zhang had a cozy conversation in the east room.
"...behind our old house, plan to build a two-story courtyard with three main rooms, each side with three wing rooms, and have Zhizhi move in with Jiaxing to the two-story courtyard when the ti cos. We’ll live in the front section with Jiayu," said Lady Wu Wang.
The original plan of the Wu Family, though not explicitly stated, was well understood by all: after Wu Jiaxing and Lian Zhizhi marry, they would live in the three east wing rooms.
Now with plans for new construction, Lian Zhizhi’s status has notably risen, and there’s another reason: the Wu Family has earned quite a fortune over the past two years, largely thanks to assisting in business dealings with Lian Manman’s family.
Lady Zhang was helping Lian Zhizhi prepare the dowry at ho, although the specific list wasn’t determined yet, it was evident that the dowry would be substantial.
The Wu Family was well-inford, astute, sociable, and thoroughly pleased with Lian Zhizhi. Their proposal for a two-story courtyard for Lian Zhizhi wasn’t at all surprising.
In truth, Lady Wu Wang’s revelation today perfectly aligned with Lady Zhang’s intentions.
"It’s already settled? It’s not necessary for Zhizhi. Your current house is pretty good. When the young pair marries, they’ll have ample space in the east wing rooms. We’ve tailored the furniture to fit those dinsions. Even if you build a new house, it’d be more suitable for you to take Jiayu there. The younger ones don’t need such extravagance," replied Lady Zhang to Lady Wu Wang.
"We’ve been planning this for a while. It’s not solely for Zhizhi," said Lady Wu Wang, "Though our household is currently small, as the family expands, we’ll inevitably need more space. As you know, our current house is constantly bustling with visitors. Building another two-story courtyard would offer so tranquility. We’d still stay in the front courtyard, not distinguishing between new and old, as our current house isn’t old either. Actually, it’s more convenient for Jiaxing’s father’s business."
"The new house, also three rooms, I know you’re making furniture right now, hence ntioning this in advance. Whether or not those dinsions need adjusting, it could be tricky..."
****
Here’s another update; end of the month, does anyone have accumulated pink tickets? Seeking pink tickets.
Trying for another update tonight. (To be continued. If you enjoy this piece, welco to visit Qidian (qidian) for recomndation votes, monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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