CHAPTER 1337: CHAPTER 682: THE TOAST AND THE PUNISHMENT (PART 2)

The three of them lay close together, already in bed early with their clothes off. Although it was summer, in this rural area, the nights get cooler. Since it was a clear night, Lady Zhang left two window panes open, allowing a gentle breeze to flow through the screen and lightly caress their bare skin, bringing a deep sense of comfort.

The courtyard and rooms were meticulously cleaned, and mosquitoes were already scarce; Lian Manman even burned incense inside, further eliminating any worries of mosquito bites.

"I wonder where your father and Wu Lang are now," Lady Zhang said softly. "Will those we sent out be able to find them? When can they return, and does Wu Lang really have to personally handle the matters at the Yamen?"

"Who knows?" Lian Manman replied sluggishly, her eyes closed with sleepiness, "They always go out of their way to trouble us, but when something happens, they know how to send for us."

"That’s true, but..." Lady Zhang didn’t finish her sentence.

Though Lady Zhang didn’t say it, Lian Manman understood what she meant. Isn’t it always something like life-and-death situations, where everything else becomes trivial? Some use this to burden themselves, while others employ it to morally bind others.

"We’re just venting, not refusing to help," Lian Manman continued, eyes shut. "People have been sent out; who can say when they’ll be back? My brother can’t attend school properly, can’t visit his friends properly, now he’s stuck doing odd jobs for others. If he does well, it’s fine; if not, they’ll blame him forever."

"No, that can’t be," Lady Zhang suddenly sat up.

Lian Manman opened her eyes slightly to glance at Lady Zhang, then closed them again. With Lady Zhang’s perpetual saintly demeanor, if she doesn’t get a little frightened, she’ll misstep. When Lady Zhou and the others arrive, Lady Zhang won’t have the presence she’d need.

Lady Zhang is too adept at forgetting people’s wrongs, a fine quality, which is why she’s soft, sincere, and happy despite middle age and life’s hardships. But such admirable quality isn’t fit for dealing with matters related to the Old Estate.

"For others, it wouldn’t be possible. But those in the Old Estate, what can’t they do?" Lian Manman continued.

"Lacking virtue, what karmic burden puts us with these people? Why can’t they sympathize?" Lady Zhang said anxiously, "What are we to do?"

"We’ll just have to wait and see." Lian Manman replied.

Lian Manman’s words made Lady Zhang too anxious to sleep.

"Mother, no matter what happens tomorrow, just listen to me." Lian Manman finally said this to Lady Zhang.

On that beautiful summer night, beneath the full moon, Lian Manman, Lian Zhizhi, and Lady Zhang eventually fell asleep. However, many others spent the night sleepless.

Next morning, right after breakfast and sending Xiao Qi off to Nian Garden, someone came to report that Lian Lanlan, Lady Chiang, and Lady Zhou had arrived.

"...They said they heard Madam was ill and came to visit her. The maid came to report first, and they are waiting at the front gate." Xiao Xi reported.

Lian Manman nodded at Xiao Xi, praising her for a job well done.

"They really came?!" Lian Lanlan and Lady Chiang weren’t a surprise, but for Lady Zhou to actually come, even with Lian Manman’s word from yesterday, Lady Zhang couldn’t help but be astonished. "Manman, what should we do?"

"Let them in, and first arrange for them to go to the west wing courtyard." Lian Manman said calmly.

"Manman, what are you planning with this arrangement?" Lady Zhang asked, puzzled.

Usually, no matter what Lady Zhou stirred up, Lian Manman’s family handled her with graciousness. But today, Lian Manman didn’t plan to be courteous to Lady Zhou anymore.

Lian Manman knew that Lady Zhou and Lian Lanlan must be anxious now, and that Lady Zhou would inevitably feel a bit wronged, thinking she’s lowering herself. But she had decided to make them wait.

This was a power move. They had already come, their tones were already lowered, but it wasn’t enough; Lian Manman wanted to lower their tone even more. A case of you eat my courteous offering until weary, now it’s time for punishment.

"Mother, remember, stay firm. Don’t soften your heart at anyone’s pity act. Think about my brother, Xiao Qi, and our family." Lian Manman whispered a few words in Lady Zhang’s ear.

"Alright, I understand." Lady Zhang nodded, indicating she remembered Lian Manman’s advice and would follow it.

Lady Zhang hadn’t slept well last night; her eyes were slightly swollen in the morning, with fine bloodshots visible upon closer inspection. Lady Zhang was truly frightened by Lian Manman.

Lian Manman felt slightly uneasy about it, but on second thought, it worked out unintentionally.

"Mother, remember, you are still ill." Lian Manman reminded Lady Zhang again.

...

After Lady Zhou and Lian Lanlan’s frustration had flared and ebbed several times in the west wing, they were finally led to the main courtyard to see Lady Zhang.

Lady Zhang leaned back against the heated bed’s backrest, accompanied by Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman. As Lady Zhou entered, Lady Zhang made to stand, but Lian Manman quickly stood up and gently eased Lady Zhang back down.

"Mother, don’t push yourself, you almost fainted just now." Lian Manman said caringly.

"Yes, we’re all family, no need to be formal. Old Fourth’s wife, stay seated." Lian Lanlan quickly said.

Lady Zhang then sat securely on the bed.

"Take seats," Lian Manman instructed the two maids in the room. Lian Lanlan helped Lady Zhou toward the bed to sit, but the two maids came over and guided them to chairs instead.

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Ruoyan’s completed farming story recommendation:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Main body plus extras completed) (Below there’s a direct link, click to visit directly)

Synopsis: Traversed to become a wronged, abandoned woman, carrying a small bun, embracing a sweet life with a financially pragmatic man. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)