In this era, especially in farming families, marriage between a man and a woman is a lifelong affair. If separated midway, unless one party passes away, both the man and the woman will be criticized by others. Moreover, the old saying is that a family should be united. Even if there are bumps and disputes throughout life, they’re still the original couple with their own children, and only this is considered complete.

There is nothing between Erlang and Zhao Xiue themselves; it’s all about the affairs involving the Lian Family Main House and the Zhao Family. Amid these rights and wrongs, Lian Manman couldn’t be bothered to differentiate. However, judging by Old Master Lian’s attitude, it seems as long as Zhao Xiue is willing to return and live well with Erlang, the Lian family will still accept her.

On one hand, this is Old Master Lian’s traditional view: the family cannot have daughters who remarry nor daughters-in-law who are discarded. On the other hand, Erlang desires to marry again, which is very difficult.

"By the way, Yeye told me that Yingzi’s dad went to the old mansion to cause trouble again today." Lian Manman suddenly said.

Everyone from the Lian Family Main House returned, except for Zhao Xiue and Yingzi. The two male members of the Zhao family are still in the big prison over in Taicang, so no one is talking to the Lian Family. Yingzi hasn’t returned, and how could Yingzi’s father just do nothing? Whenever he has a chance, he goes to the old mansion to cause trouble, demanding that those in the Upper Room hand over his child. Yingzi’s father even claims that Yingzi was harmed by the people from the Old Lian Family, demanding they pay with their lives.

"Her third aunt also told me that Yingzi’s dad causes a scene every time he goes, and ends up taking something before leaving. Then, the next day, he causes trouble again. It seems that unless Yingzi returns, it won’t end." Lady Zhang sighed as she spoke.

"It’s all bothersome matters." Lian Shouxin complained, "How come they’re so capable, able to concoct such troubles? It’s said that every family has its difficult experiences, but none like this."

Simply put, it’s because those in the old mansion are too conniving. In a family, having one person like that means the days are never peaceful, and in the old mansion, more than one or two know how to make issues.

"Who can be blamed? The blisters on the feet are from walking one’s own path." Lian Manman said, "We agreed, some matters we can help with, and some we can’t get involved in. In matters like these, whoever caused them should deal with them."

"Chunzhu’s Wife told me that many in our village suspect the Lady of the Main Wife harmed Yingzi." Lady Zhang whispered, "Yingzi’s family is now clinging to those in the Upper Room."

"I think this is because they know we only handle affairs related to my grandfather and grandmother, not Upper Room issues. Otherwise, who knows how much they’d try to extort." Lian Manman replied.

Every time Yingzi’s father and mother go to the old mansion, they’ve never mentioned wanting to sue or go to court. It’s clearly about using Yingzi’s life to extort wealth from the Upper Room. Moreover, it seems they intend to extort forever, and perhaps even more.

As the family spoke, Xiao Xi came in to report, saying the Lizheng had arrived.

Lady Zhang and Lian Zhizhi stayed in the backyard room doing needlework, while Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Lian Manman went to the front yard.

The Lizheng had already been invited into the front hall by Han Zhong and served tea. Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Lian Manman entered the front hall, exchanged pleasantries, and everyone took their seats as host and guests.

"I came this time for a matter." Lizheng began straightforwardly, "Someone from above came to deliver a message. The village needs to conscript people for labor service."

Farmstead families must annually pay tax grain based on acreage, and on top of that, perform labor service. This labor service is not specified like tax grain; it depends on circumstances, whatever the County Yamen arranges. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

For example, this year, strong men from Thirty Mile Camp will go to the mountainous area at the western border between Jinyang County and Panshan County to build mountain roads.

"...They need to set out in the next few days, for a month and a half, returning when it freezes. Each household is expected to send one out of two specifically, but paying to substitute is possible. Many people are needed over there, besides the assigned service, if anyone else wants to go, they’ll be provided two meals a day and also a daily wage." The Lizheng explained.

Lian Shouxin’s family has been exempted from labor for ten years, so the conscription doesn’t affect them. For Lizheng to come and discuss this matter, naturally there is a reason.

"Your family doesn’t need to send anyone; it’s those at your old mansion who need to serve. I came over to give a heads up to see how it’s arranged." Lizheng concluded.

This is the Lizheng trying to do their family a favor.

Lian Manman and Wu Lang quickly exchanged a look.

At the Old Lian Family mansion, there are currently five adult men: Old Master Lian, Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, Lian Shouyi, and Erlang. Calculated as two out of five, at least two people need to go to serve in labor.

"Regarding the situation over there, as far as I know, my grandfather certainly can’t go due to his age, and Brother Erlang can’t leave home right now. The rest, my first uncle, second uncle, and Brother Jizu, are available to go."

Lian Manman quickly made a decision. Paying to substitute wasn’t even considered. This labor service opportunity is just right to properly exercise Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, and Lian Jizu.

They are all in their prime, grown men, and doing nothing but collecting firewood at home is not real work. Going out to do labor service is first and foremost a national requirement. By going, they can economically save some grain. Alongside the two, including an extra one to earn some money to help out with household expenses.

There is also the adult Erlang at home, who can handle things, along with Si Lang and Liulang.

Although Lian Manman was a young girl, she called the shots at home. This wasn’t news in Thirty Mile Camp. Therefore, hearing Lian Manman’s words, Lizheng was not surprised at all.

"So, shall I try to arrange it?" Lizheng asked.

"We need to trouble Lizheng with this." Lian Shouxin replied.

*******

Here’s one update, asking for support. Later aiming for a second update. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)