"The division of the family property is a matter for our father to decide; we don’t have much to say about it," Lady Zhang said.
"Ah, although a single stroke can’t produce two Lian characters, even if we divide the property, we are still close relatives," Lady Gu hurriedly said, "These two packets of brown sugar and so pastries are for you to nourish your body. Had I known about your situation, I would have bought more. Sister-in-law, if you need anything else, be sure to tell , and I’ll find a way to get it for you."
As Lady Gu spoke, she also placed two bolts of fabric into Lady Zhang’s arms.
"These two bolts are for making clothes for the children. With the weather turning cool, it’s just the right ti for each child to have a new outfit, and both Zhizhi and Manman should also have new skirts made," Lady Gu added.
Both bolts of fabric were cotton damask—one with peach blossom-colored folded branch patterns, and the other slightly darker, was a red tussah silk.
Lian Manman watched from the side, feeling astonished. Lady Gu seed to have changed into a different person; although she had always been sweet-talking, she had never been willing to give away such things before.
"How could I possibly let you spend so much, big sister-in-law?" Lady Zhang said, trying to refuse the gifts.
"Just take them," Lady Gu said with a smile, "...Huahua’s wedding date has been set for the fifth of October, and the Song Family will co to present the betrothal gifts on the twentieth of this month. I had originally wanted to ask you, as a mber of the Quan Fu household, to help with the bed-making, but considering your current situation, I can’t ask that of you now. However, staying at ho is also good; when the ti cos, we’ll still need you to put in a lot of effort to ensure everyone presents a respectable appearance."
"As long as you don’t look down on , big sister-in-law, I’m all right with anything," Lady Zhang said.
Lian Manman, however, discerned what was at stake. When the Song Family ca to present the betrothal gifts and fetch the bride, if their clothes looked too shabby, it would reflect poorly on the main family, and the Song Family would speak ill of it. That could make Sister Huahua a laughingstock in the Song Family later on. Therefore, Lady Gu sent these bolts of fabric so they could make new clothes and look presentable for the occasion.
Lady Gu talked for a while longer and was about to leave when footsteps were heard outside, and Lian Huahua ca in, lifting the door curtain with a small box in her hand.
Upon entering, Lian Huahua’s face bead with smiles, and she walked gracefully to Lady Zhang, greeted her with a deep bow, and cheerfully called over both Lian Manman and her sister.
Lady Zhang hurriedly invited Lian Huahua to sit on the kang.
"I’ve brought a gift for Manman," Lian Huahua said as she settled on the kang, opening the small box, which revealed two brightly colored silk fabric flowers with stans made of fine gold wire threaded with colored beads that gently trembled, looking very pretty.
"...These are used by nobility in the palace; soone from the Shen Family brought several from the Capital City and gave two to our lady, who knowing I was in the county, gifted two as well. I can’t bear to wear them, nor could I give them to Jin Suo or Duoduo, but I thought that such fine things are only suitable for Manman to wear," Lian Huahua said beamingly.
Seeing the silk flowers Lian Huahua took out, Lady Gu glanced at Lian Huahua, who also discreetly exchanged a look with Lady Gu.
"Manman, co here, let your sister try it on you," Lian Huahua said, taking out one of the fabric flowers and beckoning Lian Manman.
Lian Manman guessed why Lian Huahua had co, so she only appeared indifferent.
"Sister Huahua, I’m just a country girl; such valuable things are beyond my luck. You should keep it for yourself," Lian Manman said.
"You’re my sister; who would dare to call you a country girl? If I have sothing good, who would I give it to, if not to my sister Manman?" Lian Huahua said with a smile.
Lady Gu also bead beside her, incessantly praising Lian Manman.
Lian Manman felt goosebumps covering her back, these two were exalting her to the skies, and those who didn’t know any better would never guess they were speaking about her, Lian Manman.
When Lian Huahua saw that Lian Manman adamantly refused to accept the gifts and had not even glanced at the embroidered shoes since her initial refusal, a flicker of gloom passed over her face, which she quickly masked with a smile again.
"Manman, we are sisters by blood. Please don’t let so rumors and misunderstandings ruin our sisterhood," Lian Huahua spoke, and then she slid a bracelet off her wrist, "Manman, this bracelet is the latest style from the county. I had one made for myself and this one is for you. Do you like it?"
Lady Gu couldn’t help but give Lian Huahua another look; Lian Huahua secretly pinched Lady Gu’s hand.
"Just now, when Steward Song Fu went out, he happened to et Manman and Zhizhi on their way back. Manman talks more than before," said Lian Huahua.
"Sister-in-law, I regret so much what happened with Manman last ti," Lady Gu declared.
"Mother, I said at the ti that we were too far away, and even if we talked eloquently, what if sothing happened and we couldn’t take care of Manman?" Lian Huahua complained to Lady Gu.
"At that ti, I was just blinded by greed, thinking that the family was rich and Manman could enjoy a life of fortune there. Who knew it would turn out like that? I trusted soone’s words too much and almost hard Manman. My conscience has been tornted every day..." As she spoke, Lady Gu took out a handkerchief and rubbed her eyes, sobbing quietly, "The Old Master has already beaten and scolded . Sister-in-law, if you’re still upset, you can beat too. I’d accept it willingly. I just hope that you can be generous and forgive. This is a family matter, and we should solve it within the family. There’s no need to let others know."
Lady Zhang, not understanding why Lady Gu brought up past issues, said honestly, "We’ve already promised Father, haven’t we? We won’t speak of it."
"Manman!" Lian Huahua pushed the embroidered shoes and bracelet toward Lian Manman.
Lian Manman didn’t even look at them and pushed them right back to Lian Huahua.
Lian Huahua bit her lip. Just now, in the Upper Room, she had heard Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu, upon their return with Song Fu, discussing what Lian Manman had said to Song Fu. She was furious and, at the sa ti, more afraid. This Lian Manman was not like before; she had beco so outspoken. Although Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang had promised not to speak of the matter in front of Old Master Lian, Lian Manman had clearly beco an unpredictable factor.
Therefore, she hurriedly brought the embroidered shoes to appease Lian Manman.
But Lian Manman was unmoved.
With no other recourse, Lian Huahua abruptly turned and knelt down before Lady Zhang.
"Auntie..." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welco to visit qidian to cast your recomndation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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