These past two years, they’ve been in frequent contact with Luo Xiaoyan, and Lian Manman has carefully observed Luo Xiaoyan’s character and behavior.
"She’s really strong-willed, don’t be fooled by her not being very eloquent, once she’s set her mind to sothing, she has a fierce determination and won’t rest until it’s done," Lian Manman said.
"That’s true. The fact that she brought her husband ho and helped her maiden family, many people inside and outside the village have talked about it, but she stands firm, sticking to her purpose," Lian Shouxin nodded.
"Although she doesn’t seem as nimble as my sister-in-law, she’s sensible enough to deal with Yaya’s parents... Moreover, I think she’s particularly admirable for being willing to shoulder responsibilities. She’s very much family-oriented and surely unwilling to let Yaya’s parents ruin things," Lian Manman added.
"She’s also an upright person, not too fond of her in-laws’ way of doing things," Lady Zhang chid in.
In short, Luo Xiaoyan has the drive and capability to restrain Lian Shouyi and Lady He. Plus, with Lian Manman creating opportunities for her, there’s no reason for failure.
Although they live in Thirty Mile Camp and have good relations with the villagers, when it cos to gathering support, their word is their command in Luo Family Village, because most of the families there farm their fields. They have a steward and many household helpers, making operations much more convenient than in Thirty Mile Camp.
Lian Shouyi and Lady He moved to Luo Family Village, outwardly it seems as if they’ve been restrained by Luo Xiaoyan, but in fact, they’ve been enclosed by them.
This is exactly what Wu Lang and Lian Manman wanted; they waited until now to smoothly execute this plan because they previously lacked sufficient conditions.
Previously, Erlang and Luo Xiaoyan hadn’t stabilized themselves yet, and neither had the extra energy nor motivation to restrain Lian Shouyi and Lady He. Besides, without a proper reason, they couldn’t arbitrarily ask Lian Shouyi to move.
Now, everything falls naturally into place, leaving no traces.
Lian Shouyi and Erlang built a house in Luo Family Village, and Lian Shouxin went there once, contributing so labor. Lian Shouli and Lian Jizu helped out for a couple of days. Liulang was arranged by Lian Shouxin to assist, eating breakfast and dinner at ho, only having his lunch at Erlang’s place.
After wrapping up Lian Shouyi’s matter, next ca Shang Baorong’s wedding day.
Lady Zhang and Lian Manman had long prepared a dowry gift for Shang Baorong, as did Lady Zhao, Lady Wu Wang, and the Lu family; the families gathered at Lian Manman’s ho first to discuss going together to the Shang family to deliver the gifts.
They weren’t outsiders, so Lady Zhang talked about Lady Zhou’s specific instruction to Lian Shouxin.
"Isn’t it obvious? Anyone who understands customs knows their manners," Lady Wu Wang laughed.
"Indeed," Lady Zhang nodded, "The old lady even advised separately to send word to my maiden family, asking them to send representatives."
"But... they wouldn’t have prepared a gift," Lady Wu Wang queried Lady Zhang, "So what are you going to do? Have you sent word to them yet?"
The Zhang family and Shang family originally had no interaction and were distantly related. When Zhang Caiyun got married, the Shang family gifted the Lu family, establishing connections. This ti, it’s appropriate for the Lu family to offer a dowry gift at Shang Baorong’s wedding. The Zhang family doesn’t necessarily need to send representatives or a gift.
Tenant farrs value reciprocation, and these matters involving gifts have rules. There’s currently no gift exchange between the Zhang family and Shang family.
Yet Lady Zhou specifically ntioned to Lian Shouxin asking the Zhang family to contribute a dowry gift to the Shang family, sothing most wouldn’t dare request. Lady Zhou acted this way probably because of encouragent from the Shang family to gain face for them.
"There’s no exchange," Lady Zhang said, "I haven’t sent word to my maiden family. No matter what, we can’t bring trouble to my parents by pandering. They’re advanced in years, even older than them."
"I haven’t asked them to co; I’ve prepared a separate gift, claiming it’s from them. Later, when sothing arises, we’ll just casually ntion it," Lady Zhang presented a piece of cloth, prepared for Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li as a dowry gift for Shang Baorong.
"This works too. It’s beautifully arranged," Lady Wu Wang remarked, "Third Uncle, Jiaxing’s father understands his nature. Always scheming around, pretending, being miserably frugal with gifts, only to later confess to us regretting not reciprocating on your side of the family. Seems he truly regrets it and is contemplating forming ties with your family."
"Judging by his actions later, when the Old Master passed away, he eagerly tried to ingratiate with Aunt’s husband. Though Aunt’s husband didn’t have much business to offer, this ti if he had received a courtesy from Aunt’s husband’s side first, his reputation would’ve been boosted, and he could more comfortably interact going forward."
"This matter wasn’t handled with grace, yet you’re being generous, people certainly notice." Lady Wu Wang further stated.
Lady Zhang listened and felt Lady Wu Wang had a point.
"I hadn’t thought that far; regarding their future interactions, we certainly don’t lack these little things. The other day, the kid’s father agreed with the elderly lady," Lady Zhang added, "Plus, Baorong, that girl, seems quite likable."
"That’s right; your family’s situation is improving step by step; it’s better to be generous everywhere and leave ourselves so room..." Lady Wu Wang agreed, nodding.
"The kids say the sa, it makes sense," Lady Zhang said.
With the company of Lady Wu Wang, Lady Zhao, and the eldest daughter-in-law from the Lu family, Lady Zhang personally visited the Shang family but returned after a short stay.
Later that evening, Shang Baorong arrived.
...
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