Xiao Long and Xiao Hu, one is Zhang Caiyun’s younger brother, the other is a first cousin, undoubtedly climbed onto the cart and sat down first. Compared to the usual kids who press down the luggage, Xiao Qi is a bit older. Lady Zhang originally didn’t plan to let him press down the luggage, but Zhang Qingnian lifted Xiao Qi onto the cart.
"This is Xiao Wenquxing; no one else can get him to press down the luggage." Soone nearby laughed and said.
"This kid, he’s gotten heavier." Zhang Qingnian, after lifting Xiao Qi, laughed and comnted on Xiao Qi’s weight.
"Uncle, I’ve grown taller." Xiao Qi imdiately retorted upon hearing that.
"Yes, yes, Xiao Qi has grown a lot taller." Zhang Qingnian quickly replied with a smile.
Besides these three, the Zhang Family also had two little girls, and they selected another little boy and two little girls from Zhang Caiyun’s cousins and other close relatives, making four pairs, eight children in total, as the "Golden Boys and Jade Girls" to press down the luggage.
When the procession reached the gate of Lu Bingwu’s house, the person from the Lu Family responsible for handing out red envelopes didn’t even frown, giving each child a thick red envelope, repeatedly saying that the number eight is a good number.
Eight is an even number and sounds like "prosper," so it’s naturally very lucky.
The Lu Family isn’t an old resident of Qingyang Town. They moved here from another place during Lu Bingwu’s father’s generation. However, the Old Master Lu is very open-minded, and over the years, the Lu Family’s grocery store and business trips have won them many connections. Besides those from the town, many people from outside also ca to celebrate, and a lot of people from the Zhang Family ca to attend the wedding banquet, making it exceptionally lively.
With so many guests attending, the wedding banquet was split into two sessions. Sa dishes, served twice in succession. Being newlywed relatives, Lian Manman and her group naturally sat at the upper table.
In the folk customs of the Liaodong Prefecture, the wedding banquet is commonly referred to as "eating atballs." For instance, if you encounter soone on the way to attend a wedding banquet and ask what they’re going to do, they are most likely to say they’re going to eat atballs. This term originates from the fact that fried atballs are an essential dish at wedding banquets. In fact, for children attending the banquet, fish and at co second; what they most look forward to are the fried atballs.
The banquet at the Lu’s was lavishly prepared. Lian Manman and Lian Yeye, Wu Jiayu, Er Ya, along with so young girls from the Zhang Family, Lady Zhang Wang, and the Hu sisters-in-law’s family sat at one table, while Lady Zhang was invited to sit at the most honored table of the new relatives with Lady Li and Lady Zhang Wang. Lady Chiang, with Da Niuniu, and Luo Xiaoyan, with Er Niuniu, sat with Lady Zhao and others at another table. anwhile, Lady Wu Wang and Lady Hu, along with wives from the Zhang Family, Wang Family, and Hu Family of similar age, sat together at another table.
As for Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, Lian Shouli, Lian Jizu, Erlang, and others, there were already arrangents made for them. Luo Xiaoyan did not bring Luo Xiaoque and Luo Xiaoying today, and Lian Yeye ca with their family of three.
While Lian Manman was heading into the house to take her seat, she spotted Shang Huaide in the crowd. Shang Huaide also contributed to the wedding gift, but he gave it to the groom’s side. Although they were not previously acquainted and had no past exchanges, since the Shang Family plans to settle in Thirty Mile Camp in the future, it was necessary to establish connections and make friends with the locals.
Just before this, Shang Huaide had already given two sets of gifts.
"I must say, they should contribute to your niece’s dowry. Comparing both sides, they’re relatives with you." Soone seized the opportunity to comnt to Lady Zhang.
Lady Zhang smiled broadly, looking entirely unconcerned.
"This matter depends on each individual’s feelings. Whether to contribute or which side to contribute to ans nothing. ... There’s no connection with us, let alone my maiden family."
Lady Zhang’s response was sothing the family had already discussed and agreed upon. In a tenant farming household, especially with major events like gift exchanges, nurous eyes are watching. The fact that Younger Lady Zhou didn’t contribute to the Zhang Family but to the Lu Family would undoubtedly catch a lot of attention.
"I heard the Old Lady wouldn’t allow contributing to us, saying there’s no connection. If they give a gift looking at us, it’s unnecessary. They’re the elders, and we’re the juniors." Lady Zhang once said when she was only with her family.
Lady Zhou’s thoughts on so matters are unimaginable to outsiders. However, those within the Lian Family understood. Lady Zhou was snubbing Lady Zhang. If Younger Lady Zhou contributed to the Zhang Family, it would seem as though Lady Zhou was currying favor with Lady Zhang, showing her respect. That would be unacceptable; such a gift must not be given!
It’s laughable, even foolish.
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