First update, requesting likes.

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The outer room was still quiet, with only the curtain slightly moving.

Lady Zhou finished crying, cursing, and venting her anger, then took out a large handkerchief and loudly wiped her face, slowly calming down.

During this time, no one in the room spoke to console her, not even Old Master Lian remained silent.

Lian Manman glanced at Lady Zhou’s face. Lady Zhou’s eyelids were somewhat swollen, her eyes blurred and bloodshot. Lian Manman remembered Lian Yeye telling her that occasionally, in the Upper Room, Lady Zhou would have such an episode. And each time she would cry.

This crying was different from the previous times when she would manipulate her son and daughter-in-law. Those times were mostly pretentious, but now Lady Zhou was genuinely heartbroken, crying until her insides felt torn apart, especially as severe as this one was just now.

Lian Shouren mentioned Lian Huahua, saying he wanted to go with Lady Gu to seek Lian Huahua’s help, which couldn’t help but remind Lady Zhou of Lian Xiuxiu.

Lady Gu’s daughter Lian Huahua, while at home, lived a lifestyle akin to that of a landlord’s daughter, and her marriage was to Song Family, rich and influential in the region, with Song Hailong and Lian Huahua being equally matched in age and looks. To marry off Lian Huahua, Lian Family borrowed a large amount with high interest. Now, though they returned embarrassed from Taicang, Lian Huahua was not affected; she continued to live blissfully as a rich man’s wife.

On the other hand, Lady Zhou’s daughter Lian Xiuxiu, while at home, lived a slightly better life than others in the family, but nowhere as well as Lian Huahua. Her marriage, orchestrated by Lady Gu as a step towards wealth for herself and Lian Shouren, had her tricked into marrying an elderly man nearing eighty, possessing a large harem and many children. To rescue her family, Lian Xiuxiu nearly exhausted her wealth, losing her husband too, destined to remain a widow for life, trapped in a small monastery, suffering. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Such strong contrast, how would Lady Zhou not be infuriated and heartbroken?

Moreover, Lian Xiuxiu suffered in Taicang, and she could do nothing to rescue her. Meanwhile, Lady Gu, as the principal cause of Lian Xiuxiu’s tragedy, could rely on her daughter Lian Huahua to continue living in luxury.

How could Lady Zhou allow such things to happen?

Lady Zhou and Lady Gu were destined to be inseparable and relentless against each other.

No matter how many schemes Lady Gu had, she couldn’t resist Lady Zhou’s determined plans. No matter how overbearing Lady Zhou might be, Lady Gu wasn’t like Lady Zhang or Lady Zhao, willing to let Lady Zhou manipulate. In the end, who would prevail?

Lian Manman didn’t know the answer. She only knew anyone had to take responsibility for their actions.

"Elder Brother, you still have to go for this labor duty." Once Lady Zhou calmed down, Old Master Lian spoke up again, "About Song Family, stop mentioning them in the future. It’s been days, no one from their side came, nor any word was sent. You personally go over, what would that look like?... From now on, stop wishing for those things. Honestly plant crops, live your life... Lian Family’s face, there’s not much left. You need to work hard yourselves to restore it!"

Old Master Lian also disagreed with Lian Shouren going to the county to scrounge.

Lian Manman secretly nodded; Old Master Lian seemed to understand the situation and made a decision that could be considered dignified.

"Father, I..."

Lian Shouren wanted to say something but was interrupted by Old Master Lian waving his hand.

"You needn’t say anything else, I understand... Elder Brother, Jizu, from now on, just live day by day steadily."

With labor duties arranged, Old Master Lian let everyone disperse.

When Lian Manman and the others left the old house, the sky was already dark. Lady Zhang sent Servant Xiao Fu to bring a lantern to meet them.

Xiao Fu was at the front, holding a lantern, while Xiao Xi walked beside Lian Manman with one hand holding a lantern, and the other supporting Lian Manman.

Lian Manman was holding Xiao Qi’s hand.

The autumn night sky was studded with stars. The air was fresh and clean, rich with the scent of harvested grains. None of the family was in a hurry; they walked slowly.

In such a night with such stars, Lian Manman felt her heart fill with endless ease.

Xiao Qi suddenly started giggling, and Lian Manman, infected by him, laughed too.

"Xiao Qi, do you want dad to carry you?" Lian Shouxin asked Xiao Qi.

"No need, dad, I’ll walk with sister." Xiao Qi replied with a giggle.

On the autumn night, there was no wind, only the whispers of autumn insects. Especially after entering their own yard, the chirping of crickets rose and fell around, sounding particularly clear in the quiet night.