Not only Lian Manman, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi also prepared gifts for Zhang Caiyun. Wu Lang now considers himself an adult, so naturally, it’s not appropriate for him to co to the backyard at this ti; he’s in the front yard chatting with Zhang Qingshan and the others. As for Xiao Qi, if he’s not with Zhang Qingshan, then he’s playing with Xiao Long and Xiao Hu.
The two brothers prepared gifts and asked Lian Manman to pass them on to Zhang Caiyun.
Zhang Caiyun curiously watched as Lian Manman took out two pouches and handed them to her.
"What’s this?" Zhang Caiyun asked curiously.
"Open and see for yourself," Lian Manman said with a smile.
Zhang Caiyun opened the two pouches, and when she saw what was inside, her eyes imdiately widened.
"Wow, these are... beautiful!" Zhang Caiyun exclaid.
Inside each pouch were four gold and silver ingots shaped like "Ru Yi" pens.
"They said they don’t know how to do needlework or buy things, so this is all from the money they saved from their New Year’s money. They like to play with them usually, but in tis of need, these can be used as ergency money... this is just a little token of their feelings. They wish you and your husband a harmonious marriage and all the best!" Lian Manman said with a smile.
Zhang Caiyun, who is usually nonchalant, was nevertheless touched by the actions of Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi. She smiled, and her eyes slightly reddened with emotion.
"Both Aunt and Uncle have already given two sets of trousseau gifts, you’re all so young, no need to give this."
"Maybe others don’t need to, but we’re different." Lian Manman said with a smile. "Yes, we’re different, we’re practically family." Zhang Caiyun also smiled.
Zhang Caiyun did not refuse Lian Manman but instead carefully put away the two pouches and the few pieces of handiwork that Lian Manman had made. The sincerity shown by Lian Manman’s family towards her touched her deeply, and she planned to reciprocate that sincerity in the future.
"Sister Caiyun, be sure not to ntion those two sets of trousseau gifts in front of others." Lian Manman glanced toward the door, then softly whispered to Zhang Caiyun.
"I know." Zhang Caiyun also glanced outside and nodded.
...
In the evening, Lian Manman’s family prepared a feast and invited everyone to stay for dinner. The whole Wu family ca, along with Lian Yeye’s family. Erlang and Luo Xiaoying also took leave from the shop and returned to join Luo Xiaoyan, Luo Xiaoque, and Er Niuniu for dinner at Lian Manman’s house.
Lady Zhang also invited Lady Chiang and Lian Jizu. Lady Chiang ca to deliver trousseau gifts, and Lian Jizu accompanied her. He didn’t venture into the backyard but stayed in the front yard conversing with Lian Shouxin, Zhang Qingshan, and Zhang Qingnian.
"No, Aunt, I’ll still go back to eat." Lady Chiang, holding Da Niuniu, smiled at Lady Zhang, "When I left ho, we hadn’t made dinner yet—it’s my turn today, so I have to go back and cook... Niuniu’s father can eat here."
"Before I left, I inford my grandpa and grandma that I would return for dinner. I’ll co early tomorrow, and whatever needs doing, Aunt, you can arrange it. Tomorrow, Niuniu’s father and I will go together to the Lu Family’s banquet."
Having lived at the old house for over a decade, Lady Zhang naturally understood Lady Zhou’s rules. Lady Zhou had strict rules, where daughters-in-law had to seek her permission to leave the house—detailing where they were going, what for, and when they would return. These were set in stone and not to be defied. They needed to ask for permission to go out and report back upon returning, without deviating from the appointed ti.
Evidently, Lady Zhou had given her consent for Lian Jizu to stay for dinner tonight, while Lady Chiang was expected to return. However, tomorrow, Lady Zhou would allow Lady Chiang and Lian Jizu to attend the wedding feast at the Lu Family together.
Therefore, Lady Zhang did not insist on keeping Lady Chiang.
"If that’s the case, I won’t insist on keeping you. Truly, if I kept you, it might be difficult for you to explain when you get back. You can leave Da Niuniu here; I’ll have her eat here, and her father can take her back afterward. Tomorrow, take her with you to the banquet." Lady Zhang said to Lady Chiang.
At the old house now, Da Niuniu no longer enjoyed special als; she ate whatever the adults ate. Lady Zhou was frugal with food and very strict with controls, making it rare for Da Niuniu to enjoy any treats.
Lady Chiang initially wanted to decline but agreed after seeing Lady Zhang’s insistence.
"... Listen to your fourth grandma, don’t make her upset..." Lady Chiang softly instructed Da Niuniu.
Da Niuniu answered softly and obediently, only then did Lady Chiang hand Da Niuniu over to Lady Zhang. Lady Zhang offered to hold Da Niuniu, but Lady Chiang stopped her.
"Aunt, she’s bigger now; she looks light but is actually quite heavy. Let her walk on her own—she can walk and stand by herself. She doesn’t need to be fed when eating." Lady Chiang said with a smile to Lady Zhang.
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