Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1686 - 860: Family Harmony (Part 2)
Originally, Lian Manman’s family had already sent a wedding gift to Zhang Caiyun, but it was not publicly announced. This time, however, it was official. Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin had discussed, in the future, when nieces, female cousins, or granddaughters get married, they would follow Zhang Caiyun’s example, with these additions publicly shown. That way, everyone is the same, reducing much gossip.
As for what happens privately, that’s entirely up to them to handle flexibly.
The wedding gift from Lady Wu Wang was also two lengths of cloth, plus a pair of hairpins, a pair of cloves, and a pair of rings. Lian Zhizhi and Wu Jiayu, the sisters-in-law, additionally sent a pair of pillowcases, a pair of pouches, a pair of pearl flowers, and two wrapping cloths.
In terms of gifts, the Wu family has always been quite generous. Lady Wu Wang gave a wedding gift to Zhang Caiyun, and Wu Yugui also gave a gift on behalf of the groom’s side, contributing gift money.
In such cases, when both sides of the marrying couple have connections, you only need to give a gift to one side. The Wu family doing so shows their wealth and signifies their close relationship with both the Zhang and Lu families, showing the respect they have for these two families.
"We’ve all discussed it, and when the time comes, I’ll take Manman to sit at the new relatives’ table, and Jiaxing and his father, the two of them, can sit at the host’s table," Lady Wu Wang said with a laugh, "I won’t let Zhizhi sit at the table, Jiayu can stay home with her sister-in-law."
Lady Wu Wang saying she’d take Manman to the table, rather than saying she’d sit with Lady Zhang, also showed the close relationship between the Lian and Wu families.
Lian Manman smiled nearby, as she enjoyed listening to Lady Wu Wang speak. Lady Wu Wang was sociable; her words and actions were pleasing, making people want to get close. Remarkably, she wasn’t just putting on appearances, as her character was well-regarded.
Lady Zhang was certainly a good mother, but with Lady Wu Wang, there was much to learn. After Lian Zhizhi married into the Wu family, she became more mature and capable, largely due to Lady Wu Wang’s guidance.
Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye also sent wedding gifts, a pair of embroidered pillowcases, a pair of embroidered wrapping cloths, a pair of embroidered half-door curtains (specifically for summer use in the inner rooms), and a set of two wooden basins, made by Lian Shouli himself. Lian Yeye also sent two hand-embroidered pouches and two handkerchiefs.
Luo Xiaoyan’s wedding gift to Zhang Caiyun was a pair of embroidered pillowcases, a pair of embroidered pillow covers, a pair of embroidered wrapping cloths, and a pair of pouches.
Because Erlang and Luo Xiaoying were both working in the city, the Luo family’s financial situation had noticeably improved. However, the items from Luo Xiaoyan, compared to those sent by others, whether in terms of material or embroidery work, were still lacking.
Luo Xiaoyan seemed somewhat embarrassed.
"... Crude stitches, not presentable..."
"It’s the thought that counts," Lady Zhang Wang replied.
Lady Chiang represented the Lian Family Old Mansion in sending gifts. Ever since they became related to the Zhang family, whenever there was a birth, the Zhang family would come and give gifts; whether for Jizu’s wedding, Lian Huahua getting married, or Erlang’s wedding, the Zhang family sent gifts. Now, with Zhang Caiyun marrying, naturally, the Old Mansion must add to the wedding gifts.
Since Lady Chiang entered the door, Lian Manman had been curious about what kind of wedding gifts the Old Mansion would send this time. Last time, the gifts to Lian Zhizhi were quite troublesome; with their own granddaughter, and Lady Zhang being modest, it passed ambiguously. But now, since Zhang Caiyun was the Zhang family’s eldest granddaughter, if the Old Mansion’s gifts were like that for Lian Zhizhi, Lady Zhang Wang wouldn’t hesitate to confront them.
However, when Lady Chiang brought out the wedding gifts, Lian Manman realized her worry was unnecessary. The Old Mansion might fail in other things, but they were very clear about family matters.
The wedding gifts from the Old Mansion for Zhang Caiyun were three feet of blue cloth, a printed quilt cover, two embroidered pouches, and four concentric knots.
The blue cloth and quilt cover were obviously bought from the town. As for the pouches and knots, it was evident that they were crafted by Lady Chiang. Lian Manman even speculated that what the Old Mansion sent were only the first two items, and the latter two were prepared privately by Lady Chiang.
Regardless of how you put it, even though these gifts were lighter than those from other families, at least they weren’t leftovers, but items bought from outside with money.
Everyone in the Zhang family knew about the Old Mansion’s gifts to Lian Zhizhi. Seeing Zhang Caiyun’s gifts now, they exchanged glances and accepted them with a smile.
After everyone had seen the wedding gifts, Lian Manman, smiling brightly, pulled Zhang Caiyun to the west room to present her with additional gifts. Lian Manman had prepared wedding gifts for Zhang Caiyun herself, consisting of handmade needlework. Among them were a pair of pouches, two handkerchiefs, two bright red sweat towels, and two pairs of cotton satin socks.
"I cut, sewed, and embroidered these all by myself. Every stitch and thread, it took many days, I didn’t sleep until dawn, Sister Caiyun..." Lian Manman smiled as she gave the gifts, hinting at Zhang Caiyun to remember her "hard work" and "kindness."
"In the future, I’ll embroider for you too." Away from the crowd and only with Lian Manman, Zhang Caiyun shed her dignified demeanor and returned to her usual lively self. She unceremoniously took the items from Lian Manman’s hands and looked through them one by one.
Of course, Lian Manman had put thought into the things prepared for Zhang Caiyun, though perhaps not as exaggerated as she claimed. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
"Manman, your needlework has improved so much," Zhang Caiyun said, satisfied after examining the gifts. "You take after my eldest aunt with your skillful hands. I take after my mother in being clumsy."
"Don’t make excuses for yourself," Lian Manman retorted to Zhang Caiyun, "My aunt’s handiwork isn’t clumsy at all. I saw the items she embroidered for my sister last time, they were no worse than my mother’s."
Zhang Caiyun wasn’t upset at being exposed, but giggled.
"These are mine, and my brother’s and Xiao Qi’s..."
...
Request for pink tickets, hoping to add more updates tonight. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)
