To make a coffin for Old Master Lian, Lian Shouli would have to delay the work he has, which might affect his family’s inco.
"However, we should still send word to him later. If he can spare so ti to co over and help, that also fulfills his duty of filial piety," Wu Lang added. You could say he was quite considerate of Lian Shouli’s situation.
"Alright, then you two go ahead." Lady Zhang, seeing how well Wu Lang handled matters, felt both proud and satisfied, and waved at Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang, then asked, "Will you co back for lunch?"
"We’ll co back to eat." Both Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang replied with a smile.
After Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang left, Lady Zhang called over Lian Zhizhi, and together with Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, she opened the cupboard to select fabric for making the burial clothes and bedding for Old Master Lian.
During this ti, Lady Zhang kept explaining what a typical farmstead family’s funeral is like, how many sets of clothes and bedding to prepare, and what taboos there are, etc.
Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman listened attentively. These are life skills they would need in the future. Although everyone wishes their elders and relatives a long life, they will eventually leave us one day. So, we should show filial piety while they’re alive, and after their passing, we should arrange their affairs properly.
They prepared the fabric and cotton for making the burial clothes and bedding for Old Master Lian and placed them on the kang bed in the east room.
"I’ll start working on it when I have so free ti in the next few days," Lady Zhang told Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, "I plan to also call over your third aunt, and we can work on it together."
"Then let’s call over my third aunt and Yeye now, and tell them," Lian Manman said, and sent soone to invite over Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye.
Lady Zhang explained the matter to the two, and Lady Zhao nodded repeatedly. Making burial clothes and bedding for the elderly is not only an act of filial piety, but also a "privilege" and an "honor". Lady Zhao herself wasn’t capable of doing this, but Lady Zhang had prepared everything and only asked her to co help sew a few stitches when free, which was special attention and esteem. Lady Zhao can’t help but feel touched.
"Let’s start tomorrow and work quickly. Once the work is done, we can deliver it to the old master. He will feel at ease after seeing it himself." Lady Zhang continued to Lady Zhao.
"Alright." Lady Zhao replied gratefully, "Also about making the coffin, Yeye’s father can’t do it. Earlier, I talked to her fourth uncle and Wu Lang, and they said they’d co over to help as assistants. We don’t have money, but we can offer so physical help."
A good coffin needs to be beautiful, comfortable, and sturdy, especially with seams well sealed, aning they must ensure watertightness. Making coffins is a skilled task, and currently, Lian Shouli truly can’t handle it on his own.
"As long as the intention is fulfilled, it’s fine." Lady Zhang said.
At noon, Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang returned. The family had lunch, and Lian Shouxin noticed the large pile of fabric and cotton prepared by Lady Zhang, feeling even more grateful and satisfied with her.
"...Let’s also prepare a set for my father-in-law and mother-in-law," Lian Shouxin suggested to Lady Zhang.
This matter had already been brought up by Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman to Lady Zhang in the morning. But having Lian Shouxin, as the son-in-law, bring it up was quite different in aning compared to Lady Zhang deciding on her own, or Lian Manman and the others organizing it.
Before Lian Shouxin finished his sentence, Lady Zhang’s face already lit up with joy.
"As for her grandma and grandpa, they have their own preparations, no need for ours.... But since you have this intention,... you decide." Lady Zhang said, blushing slightly.
Lian Manman and the others exchanged glances and all left the room smiling, casually closing the door behind them.
In the evening, Xiao Qi returned from Nian Garden, the family had dinner together, and took the fabric prepared for Old Master Lian to the old house.
The sun was setting, the heat gradually replaced by a cool breeze. Under the big trees lining both sides of the street, many people sat who had co out to enjoy the cool after dinner. In the countryside, there are no real secrets, especially not for sothing like Lian Shouxin buying two good planks at the market for the old house. Naturally, these people saw them carrying those fabrics.
Greetings and inquiries ca in waves, with everyone expressing that Old Master Lian was fortunate to have such filial sons, daughters-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughters.
They entered the gate of the old house and saw those two planks placed under the eaves. Today, the old house was exceptionally peaceful, and even Lady Zhou, surprisingly, did not greet them with curses.
The people of the old house had finished their al by then and were all sitting in the Upper Room. Seeing Lian Manman’s family enter, they all hurried to stand and offer their seats.
Once everyone was seated again, Lady Zhang presented the few pieces of white fabric and satin, explaining they were for making burial clothes for Old Master Lian.
"...I have also prepared the bedding, but didn’t bring it. I plan to have his third aunt help finish them, and then I’ll bring them to you."
"Good, good," Old Master Lian nodded repeatedly, sighing that Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were too extravagant. "Why use satin? For a farmstead family like ours, we don’t need such fine things, just a few yards of heavy blue cloth will do."
"Grandfather, since we’ve prepared it for you, you should accept it." Wu Lang said.
Lady Zhou sat cross-legged on the kang, firmly in place. She lowered her head and reached out to flip through the fabric and satin, especially lingering on the two pieces of blue satin for a while before retracting her hand. She said nothing, only lowering her head closer to her chest.
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This is the first part, the second part will follow shortly. Please support with pinks. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian) to cast your recomndation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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