"Your sister is pregnant and it’s inconvenient for her. During these days, let your Brother Jiaxing help to run back and forth, so that your sister won’t have to stay here," said Lady Wu Wang to Wu Lang and Lian Manman. "I just brought her to pay respects in front of Old Master’s spirit, and later I plan to let her go back. She will return on the day of the funeral procession."
"Very well," Wu Lang nodded.
Lady Wu Wang’s arrangents were in accordance with etiquette. Moreover, since Lian Zhizhi was pregnant, even by the strict standards of etiquette, there was considerable leeway to not be harsh on an expecting mother.
"This arrangent is quite good. I will arrange for a carriage to send my sister back later," Lian Manman also said.
"There’s no rush, I don’t have much to do," Lian Zhizhi courteously declined.
A while later, Zhang Caiyun ca. After hearing of Old Master Lian’s critical illness, since the Lu family lived nearby, they had co early to offer assistance. Zhang Caiyun and Lu Bingwu had already paid their respects in front of Old Master’s spirit. Lu Bingwu was outside with Wu Jiaxing managing, so Zhang Caiyun ca in to speak with Lady Zhang and Lian Manman.
"... The chef has been hired. We’ve invited Liu Yishao, famous for tofu feasts in Liu Family Village, and he brought two apprentices. The pavilion will be set up shortly, so lunch won’t be delayed..." Zhang Caiyun entered the room, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then briskly proceeded with her report.
Since getting married, Zhang Caiyun hadn’t changed much; she remained as bold and straightforward as ever. The Lu family preferred such a temperant in a daughter-in-law, and when Zhang Caiyun entered the family, no one imposed rigid rules on her.
Even tenant farr families held feasts for funerals. However, since it was a solemn occasion, the feast required simpler ingredients compared to celebratory ones, with tofu being essential at every al. There was a custom in Thirty Mile Camp that on the morning of the funeral procession, tofu must be the main dish. Thus, funeral feasts were colloquially known as ’tofu feasts.’
The task of hiring chefs, setting up the pavilion, and building a stove was delegated to the Lu brothers. Zhang Caiyun assisted in greeting the won coming to offer condolences.
"It seems that sending off Old Master will depend entirely on your side," said Lady Wu Wang, as several people sat together conversing.
Lady Zhou, along with Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, and Lian Shouli, were making their stance clear: Lian Shouxin should take sole responsibility, which everyone could clearly see.
"We’ve anticipated this from the beginning," said Lady Zhang, glancing at her children with calm composure. "Initially, there was a sum of money saved by Old Master and Old Mistress, which we all knew about. Even with that money, at this mont, Old Mistress would probably not spend it, and we would still have to cover the expenses. Now that the money is gone, this is even more the case."
"As for the coffin and the shroud, we are prepared to cover those as well. We have long decided not to mind these things. It’s a once-in-a-lifeti event for the old folks, and we’ll take care of it all," she continued.
Lady Wu Wang nodded in approval.
Lian Manman’s family does not lack for money now. Additionally, Lian Shouxin holds a seventh rank official position, and Wu Lang is a scholar; they will both pursue official careers in the future. In contrast, the situation of the old residence and Lian Shouli’s side is markedly less favorable.
It’s not just about the disparity in wealth but also in personal conduct and the respect in the community. Only Lian Shouxin’s side could handle these matters.
Of course, this was because Lian Manman’s family didn’t hold grudges. In cases where grudges were harbored, there have been instances where disputes broke out during funerals.
"Mother, how about Grandmother?" asked Lian Manman addressing Lady Zhang.
"Your grandmother is at ho, helping us watch over the house. Once your grandfather and the others arrive, your grandmother will co," Lady Zhang replied.
"Then I will go back to check on my grandmother later. My brother, Xiao Qi, and I bought so items for her from Prefecture City," said Lian Manman.
"Yes, your grandmother has often ntioned you since you left. Later, you should all go back to see her," Lady Zhang said.
Zhang Caiyun chatted for a while longer, then went out to continue assisting with the arrangents. Not long after, Lian Shouxin, Wu Yuchang, Wu Yugui, and Wu Jiaxing arrived.
Lian Manman quickly ordered soone to serve hot tea and fresh pastries, as Lian Shouxin hadn’t had breakfast yet.
"... Should drum music be invited?" Wu Yuchang consulted with Lian Shouxin.
In tenant farr families, funerals were generally simple, with the option to hire drum musicians for greater grandeur and presence. According to local customs, it was traditionally the daughters who paid for drum music for their parents’ funerals.
For tenant farr families, the cost of a few days of drum music was not insignificant.
"Invite them," Lian Shouxin said without hesitation. "Old Master worked hard his whole life; it’s only fitting to have a bit of a sendoff."
"I asked them just now; it seems that those in the city can’t co up with the money; they just keep crying," Wu Yuchang said with hesitation.
He was referring to Lian Lanlan. Old Master Lian had only two daughters, with the elder Lian Xiuxiu unable to co, leaving only the elder daughter, Lian Lanlan. But Lian Lanlan’s family had recently suffered a fire.
Upon hearing Wu Yuchang’s words, Lian Manman thought about how smart Lian Lanlan was for not committing to whether to pay for the musicians and only cried when pressed.
"No need for her," Lian Shouxin frowned slightly. He nibbled his pastry with so difficulty, then set it back, saying, "We will pay for it ourselves."
While Lian Shouxin said this, he glimpsed Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi nearby.
"If there are no daughters, can granddaughters cover the cost of drum music?" Lian Shouxin asked Wu Yuchang and Wu Yugui.
"I’ll go ask," Wu Yuchang seed unable to decide, so he stepped out to consult several elderly n before returning. "I asked, and they say it is possible."
"Then let the granddaughters pay for the drum music," Lian Shouxin concluded.
Lady Wu Wang and Wu Jiaxing quickly signaled to Lian Zhizhi.
"Father, I’ll cover this cost," said Lian Zhizhi.
...
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