Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1294 - 660: Betrothal Banquet (Part 2)
"Mm." Lian Manman opened her eyes and nodded at Zhang Caiyun.
"So, what did my aunt say?" Zhang Caiyun asked.
"My mom didn’t say much, just that Third Aunt Wu came over to ask about my mom’s thoughts, definitely sent by the Lu family. My mom asked someone to send a message... Lu family said they don’t mind the difference in generations." Lian Manman shared what she had heard from Lady Zhang with Zhang Caiyun.
"When Grandfather and the others come tomorrow, Caiyun’s marriage will surely be settled." Lian Zhizhi suddenly said.
"Sister Caiyun, what do you think yourself?" Lian Manman asked.
Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, both turned their heads to look at Zhang Caiyun.
Zhang Caiyun seemed to shrink into the blanket, though this season, everyone only had thin comforters, with heads and feet mostly exposed, only the stomach was covered tightly to avoid the wind. So, Zhang Caiyun’s action couldn’t really hide herself.
"What can I think..." Zhang Caiyun said softly.
"Just tell us if you’re willing or not." Lian Manman said, "When it was my sister’s turn, my mom asked her too. If you’re unwilling, my mom can make the decision for you and stop this."
As Lian Manman said this, she stared intently at Zhang Caiyun, trying to read her true feelings through her expressions.
"This is a lifetime decision, of course, it needs Caiyun’s consent." Lian Zhizhi said seriously without any shyness when Lian Manman mentioned her case.
Zhang Caiyun remained silent for a while, Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi exchanged a knowing glance, both understanding that Zhang Caiyun was at least not against the marriage.
"Sister Caiyun, you’re straightforward. In this room, there are no outsiders, just the three of us sisters..." Lian Manman said with a quiet laugh.
"I..." Zhang Caiyun opened her mouth, but being a girl, she couldn’t say the word "willing", "... The town is nice, close to you two, just a few steps away..."
Imagining a girl marrying far away paints a vivid picture of uncertainty. Marrying into Qingyang Town, although not close to Burner Pot Village, was near to Lady Zhang. Having a caring aunt nearby meant there was someone to look after her, which couldn’t be any better.
"In the future, you’ll be even closer to my sister." Lian Manman said with a smile.
Not just Lady Zhang, even Lian Manman was very supportive of this marriage. The Lu family was excellent in every aspect, and another reason was that with Zhang Caiyun in town, she and Lian Zhizhi would live on the same street. The sisters could look after each other, visit often, and help out with matters in each other’s homes.
That night, the three sisters chatted until late, only dozing off as dawn approached.
Everyone had breakfast as usual. At the table, Lady Zhang gave Lian Manman a questioning look. Lian Manman smiled and nodded at her, and Lady Zhang, catching on, smiled even more broadly.
Just after breakfast, having sent Xiao Qi to Nian Garden, Zhang Qingshan’s family arrived at Lian Manman’s doorstep, obviously having traveled through the night under the stars.
Zhang Qingshan, Lady Li the elderly couple, Zhang Qingnian, Lady Zhang Wang, Zhang Liunian and Lady Hu, as well as Xiao Long and Xiao Hu all came.
"...We left after dinner just as the sky was getting light... We arranged someone to watch the house, so we all came." Lady Li told Lady Zhang.
Meeting everyone, especially seeing Wu Lang back, naturally led to some warm exchanges and bustling joy. Afterward, people naturally split into two groups, with the men talking around Wu Lang and the women settling into the east room of the rear yard, discussing another topic.
Things fell into place smoothly, and the Zhang family acted decisively. Lady Zhang Wang called Zhang Caiyun to the side, spoke a few words, and Lian Manman saw Zhang Caiyun blush and nod. Lady Zhang Wang then returned with a smile.
"It’s settled." Lady Zhang Wang said with a smile.
Everything that followed progressed even more smoothly. Lady Zhang sent someone to the town to invite a few Wu family members, and soon after, people from the Lu family arrived. Laughter and conversation filled the front and back yards, and the aroma from the kitchen wafted far and wide.
Lady Zhang orchestrated the banquet, Wu Yugui and Lady Wu Wang served as the main mediators, and the Lu and Zhang families exchanged gifts to formalize the engagement on the spot.
Old Master Lu wished for an early wedding for the couple, especially since Lu Bingwu wasn’t young. The Zhang family had no objections. Lian Zhizhi’s wedding was in the late winter month, and Zhang Caiyun and Lu Bingwu’s was set for February next year.
This allowed for some spacing between Lian Zhizhi’s wedding and provided both families ample time to prepare.
Due to the engagement banquet, apart from Lian Manman’s family, the Zhang, Lu, and Wu families, they also invited some familiar faces from the village and town. When the banquet began, Lian Shouxin had the servants set off firecrackers outside, amplifying the joyous atmosphere.
After the feast, when the guests departed, the Zhang family remained.
"With Caiyun’s matter settled, we feel a big weight lifted." Lady Li said.
Marrying off a daughter is more concerning than bringing a bride into the family. Since a daughter marries into another family, her future is beyond the control of her own family.
"The Lu family is great, but the main reason I favor this marriage isn’t just that. It’s having her aunt nearby, which is almost like marrying her into our own family." Lady Zhang Wang said.
"With Caiyun and Zhizhi living on the same street, it’s even better." Lady Li said with a smile stretching wide.
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This is the first update, and another will come later. As the month ends, I’m asking for your support with pink votes. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation votes, monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)
