Lian Manman’s family has an estate in Luo Family Village, so there’s nothing that can be hidden from them.
"...Sold a pig and a few chickens," Xiao Qing quickly relayed the news he had gathered to Lian Manman.
Pigs and chickens are the main sources of cash for tenant farr families. Generally, these families sell them during the New Year or festivals for better prices. Erlang and Luo Xiaoyan selling pigs and chickens at this ti was surely for Lian Zhizhi’s dowry.
It turns out Erlang and Luo Xiaoyan really didn’t borrow money from anyone, but sold their pig and chickens to provide for this dowry.
"Comparing people..." Lady Zhang complained to Lian Shouxin. "If you say tis are tough, Erlang’s family isn’t in better shape than ours at the main house. Even his Third Uncle’s Family doesn’t have the savings our main house does. But look at the dowry they provided, and then look at the main house’s dowry."
"No matter how you look at it, Luo Xiaoyan isn’t stingy. She’s genuinely thoughtful about Zhizhi’s matter."
"But selling pigs and chickens... makes one feel a bit guilty. She didn’t have to spend all that money, just prepare a few things from ho, and show the intention would be enough."
The main house, Lian Yeye Family, Erlang and Luo Xiaoyan’s house—three different dowries reflect three different attitudes towards Lian Manman’s family, and three different ways of life.
Leaving aside the main house, just comparing the dowries from Lian Yeye Family and Luo Xiaoyan, both families put a great deal of intent, but Lian Yeye Family acted within their ans, while Luo Xiaoyan’s made one feel a bit guilty.
"Mother, you don’t need to feel guilty," Lian Manman knew Lady Zhang’s thoughts and comforted her, "It’s all about reciprocity, we can return the favor later. We won’t let them suffer a loss."
"That’s true." Lady Zhang agreed. She understood this reasoning, but couldn’t help comparing Luo Xiaoyan’s dowry to the main house’s. "I’m just saying you can’t compare people. We’ve given Erlang and his family things, even found Erlang a job, but we’ve given the main house even more, and still got nothing good from them. Knowing we can’t make them suffer, but they gave us a hard ti."
"Mother, just don’t think about that anymore. As you said, the main house is just like that, they’ll never change. Let’s just leave it be. Hurry up and help my sister tidy up her things," Lian Manman laughed.
Lady Zhang was just venting to Lian Shouxin. After hearing Lian Manman’s words, she went to help Lian Zhizhi organize the dowry.
In the evening, after dinner, everyone sat together chatting. Lian Manman called Wu Lang to the side, and the siblings spoke in slightly lowered voices. Xiao Qi noticed and ca over to listen to his brother and sister talk.
"...Whether they’re grateful to us or want our help in the future, being able to give such a present shows they’re decent people and trustworthy," Lian Manman said to Wu Lang.
"Quite bold indeed," Wu Lang replied.
For a tenant farr’s wife, given her circumstances, Luo Xiaoyan’s actions were indeed bold.
"Having a mind for things isn’t bad as long as it’s not a malicious mind. Her actions show she’s bold and capable, clearly distinguishes between right and wrong, understands importance, and respects us. What she seeks is within our ability to provide," Lian Manman continued.
"As long as she’s not overly ambitious, we’ll help as much as we can with what they ask for," Wu Lang nodded.
"Brother, sooner or later the main house will have to split. If Grandpa passes away, no one will control Yaya’s parents anymore. I’ve been observing Luo Xiaoyan these days, and I feel she can manage," Lian Manman said in a lower voice.
"It’s just her," Wu Lang agreed.
"She’s a bit utilitarian, but still quite sincere, a real down-to-earth person. Even if we don’t consider future matters, we can lend a helping hand," Lian Manman said.
"Manman, what do you reckon she’ll ask for next ti?" Wu Lang asked.
"Isn’t it obvious?" Lian Manman laughed.
"Then just agree at that ti?" Wu Lang chuckled.
"Agree, it’s nothing major," Lian Manman said, suddenly recalling another matter, adding, "Aunt says she’s quite capable, and Grandma says she’s a practical person, better than Zhao Xiue."
Speaking of being capable, Zhao Xiue isn’t worse than Luo Xiaoyan. However, Luo Xiaoyan is simpler and more honest than Zhao Xiue. As for Lian Shouyi’s lot, Luo Xiaoyan is quite a decent wife. Of course, due to Luo Xiaoyan’s family issues, not just the Lian Family but most outsiders wouldn’t share this view.
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