"A big family living together is bound to have so clashing," Old Master Lian said gravely, "What’s in the past is in the past, and no one should hold a grudge. When we all pull together as one, that gives us a direction for the future. The eldest son has now beco a Jiansheng. Whether he will hold an official post or not, these words cannot be spoken outside, nor should we beco arrogant. We need to be more courteous than before with our neighbors and fellow villagers. No showing off, no disturbing others, and we cannot allow people to talk behind our backs..."
Everyone nodded in agreent to Old Master Lian’s words.
"Dad, this is indeed a great joy for our family, and you deserve a couple pounds of wine to celebrate," said Lian Shouyi with a smile, after Old Master Lian finished speaking.
"Are you just longing for a drink again?" Old Master Lian glared at Lian Shouyi.
"Dad, isn’t this sothing to celebrate?" Lian Shouyi didn’t argue much, just grinned.
"Give the children so money to buy at. Tonight, let’s all have a good al, and invite Lizheng, Chunzhu’s dad, the Wu Family Brothers..." Old Master Lian listed a string of nas and then added, "Let Old Fourth’s family join us too, and prepare sumptuous dishes."
The family busied themselves with preparations.
Upon hearing the news, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang returned from the store, while Lian Manman stood at the door of the West Wing Room. The couple was heading toward the Upper Room but made a detour to their own place first.
Lian Manman then recounted the day’s events to them.
"Huahua’s son-in-law ca, donating a Jiansheng title for your eldest uncle, and even ntioned the possibility of an official position, and now the household will not be divided?!" exclaid Lady Zhang upon hearing the story.
"Yes," nodded Lian Manman. The process was rather convoluted, but ingeneral, "that’s what happened. The Upper Room, both my grandfather and grandmother, they are taking care of the al preparations, and this evening they are inviting quite a few people over for dinner. Including Third Uncle Wu, and our family is also invited to join."
"After all these years, when we thought there was no hope, it suddenly happened. Old Master must be overjoyed to have his wish fulfilled, and he wants everyone to know about it," remarked Lian Shouxin.
"Dad, was my eldest uncle’s Jiansheng title donated by him, or did the Song Family donate it?" inquired Lian Manman, looking around covertly before speaking in a low voice.
"That’s sothing we can ntion among ourselves, but you must never bring it up in front of your grandfather. And outside, absolutely do not ntion this subject," Lady Zhang hurriedly advised.
"Right," added Lian Shouxin, "Manman, you’re still young and might not realize how hard it has been for your grandfather. Besides, donating a Jiansheng title isn’t sothing just anyone can do; your eldest uncle has the necessary foundation."
Lian Manman blinked. Both Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were kind-hearted people.
"Dad, Mom, you don’t need to tell this. I know what can be said and what can’t be said. We keep silent about this matter, but we must be clear in our hearts. We must not hoodwink ourselves in the end," said Lian Manman, intending to keep the elderly happy. It’s one thing not to air one’s dirty laundry in public, but one must be clear-headed about it all.
"What’s everyone else up to?" Lian Shouxin asked, looking outside.
"So have gone to buy groceries, so to invite people. It’s just my grandma and others preparing the food at ho. My grandpa is also there," replied Lian Manman, and just then, they heard footsteps in the courtyard—Old Master Lian was coming out of the Upper Room.
Lian Manman felt an impulse.
"Dad, Mom, should we..." Lian Manman whispered sothing quickly into Lian Shouxin’s ear.
"That matter..." Lian Shouxin hesitated slightly.
"Dad, it’s for grandpa’s sake, for the sake of the whole family’s well-being. If we don’t speak up, who will?" Lian Manman urged, "Now is a good opportunity since nobody else is around, and the guests haven’t arrived yet. I’ll invite grandpa in, and you can talk to him."
"Alright," Lian Shouxin pondered for a mont, then nodded.
Lian Shouxin went out and invited Old Master Lian to sit down in the West Wing Room.
"Old Fourth, do you have sothing to say?" Old Master Lian asked with so confusion.
"Yes," Lian Shouxin took a seat across from Old Master Lian, "Dad, my eldest brother has donated to beco a Jiansheng, and I heard there’s even an official position involved. That’s excellent news. Others will certainly have only good things to say in front of you and my eldest brother, but I have so unpleasant things to express. Please don’t be angry with , whether you find them right or wrong."
"Old Fourth, speak your mind," Old Master Lian took a closer look at his taciturn fourth son, now speaking earnestly and respectfully.
"Dad, we can’t forget past lessons," said Lian Shouxin, "When my eldest brother was a Scholar, the worst he did was in our town, or at most the county. We managed to deal with those troubles after all. But in the future, now that my eldest brother has beco a Jiansheng, if things go back to how it was before and sothing happens, I’m afraid it’ll be sothing we cannot clean up."
Lian Shouxin’s words caused Old Master Lian’s expression to stiffen.
"Dad, my husband is an honest man. We dare to say these things because we are amongst family," Lady Zhang chid in earnestly as she worked.
"Old Fourth, you’re a good man. You see looking quite happy now, but my mind is clear. I’ve been considering the very matters that you are worried about," Old Master Lian chuckled wryly, "I was too lenient with your eldest brother in the past. When he first beca a Scholar, he wasn’t like he was later."
It seed that past mories brought a wistful expression to Old Master Lian’s face.
"Your eldest brother isn’t a bad person; he just has a soft ear. From now on, I plan to keep a close eye on him. As long as I’m around, I won’t allow him to make foolish mistakes again," Old Master Lian said.
"Grandpa, that will be too tough on you, and can you really keep an eye on him? My eldest uncle will have to go to various places—grandpa, can you follow him everywhere?" Lian Manman blinked and spoke up.
"Don’t worry, I can still keep an eye on your eldest uncle," Old Master Lian replied, glancing down at Lian Manman with a smile.
"Dad." Following the sound of a voice, Lian Shouli walked in through the door curtain.
***...****
Sending out one Chapter now, will strive for a second one this evening, seeking encouragent in the form of pink votes.
As we approach the end of the year, there are various things to do, and I’m not feeling very strong. The updates have not been very stable these past few days, but Ruoyan will ensure to maintain the updates, so please continue to support . (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welco to co to Qidian (qidian) and cast your recomndation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation.)
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