According to rumors, Song Hailong couldn’t control not just his own eyes.

After a while, the topic shifted to the produce from Lian Manman’s family’s estate.

"Thank you for the grape wine you sent, I find it excellent. And those lotus seeds, lotus roots, water chestnuts... they are no worse than those imported from overseas, and even fresher. How joyous it is to have produce from our own soil..." Old Madam Shen said with a smile.

The exchange of gifts between the two families naturally includes a share of local products like this grape wine for the Song Family as well.

When discussing the produce from Lian Manman’s family’s estate, especially the grape wine, Song Hailong picked up the conversation from Old Madam Shen, saying that his stewards and shopkeepers discussed with him about purchasing a batch of grape wine to sell in other prefectures.

The Song Family has its own merchant fleet, and their business is not limited to Jinyang County, or even Liaodong Prefecture. Additionally, the Song Family has its own channels for overseas trade.

The Song Family purchasing grape wine for selling elsewhere benefits Lian Manman’s family. A few days ago, Song Hailong had hinted at this. Today, he mentioned it again, and both Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang nodded in agreement.

Then, the topic shifted naturally to Wu Lang’s studies, and further onto the Prefecture City and Shen Family.

While they were talking, they heard someone speaking loudly in the courtyard, seemingly arguing.

A young maid went out and shortly returned, whispering a few words into Old Madam Shen’s ear.

"Invite the Third Mistress in," Old Madam Shen, after slight contemplation, instructed.

It turned out to be Lian Huahua who had come.

They had come to the Song Family for a family visit, so according to custom, Lian Huahua should have come out to greet and entertain them all along. However, Lian Huahua hadn’t shown up, and neither Old Madam Shen nor Lian Manman brought it up; the matter was neglected by everyone.

Now, Lian Huahua had come of her own accord. Judging by the situation, she wanted to come in but was stopped outside, leading to some commotion that disturbed the people inside. Old Madam Shen then instructed someone to let Lian Huahua in.

"I was supposed to have Huahua entertain the guests, but she wasn’t feeling well. I was about to apologize to you on behalf of my Fourth Master when she suddenly came. This child, we’re all family here — I say one thing, and who’s going to fault her?" Old Madam Shen remarked again with a smile.

"Old Madam is right," Lian Shouxin said.

"Yes, Sister Huahua isn’t feeling well, we all know this, who can fault her," Lian Manman smiled as she added.

A moment later, a young maid raised the curtain, and Lian Huahua walked in from outside, her jewelry tinkling.

At the sudden sight of Lian Huahua, Lian Manman was taken aback. If not for Old Madam Shen’s prior words, she would hardly believe this person was Lian Huahua.

Lian Huahua had gained weight, not just a little, but a lot.

Her original oval face had turned into a big round face, and the flesh on her face had grown horizontally. Her slim waist was gone, replaced by a thick waist the same size as her hips and chest, and her lower belly visibly protruded.

What happened? Could Lian Huahua be pregnant again? No, probably not. If she were pregnant, it would be considered a good thing for the Song Family, no matter what; Old Madam Shen wouldn’t just say Huahua wasn’t feeling well.

What had happened to Lian Huahua? The living conditions in the Song Family were good, but Huahua wouldn’t have eaten herself into this shape. It was known that Huahua took considerable pride in her appearance and figure.

Lian Manman’s surprised gaze had yet to be collected when it met Lian Huahua’s eyes.

Lian Huahua’s gaze was full of resentment!

Lian Manman gave a slight smile, nonchalantly looking away.

Lian Huahua entered and first saluted Old Madam Shen, then paid her respects to Lian Shouxin, warmly greeting Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi. Engaging once again with Lian Manman’s gaze, Lian Huahua’s facial expression was now full of smiles, with no trace of the previous resentment in her eyes, as if that earlier glance had been a mere illusion.

After the pleasantries, Lian Huahua sat beside Lian Manman on the consort couch.

Song Hailong quietly shifted his seat, turning from directly facing Lian Huahua to facing sideways towards her.

Lian Huahua’s chest heaved markedly.

"Manman, are you feeling better? Last time I sent someone for you, you said you were unwell, and I’ve been worried about you," Lian Huahua said feigning affection.

"Thank you for your concern, Sister Huahua, it was just a cold; I was afraid to pass the infection," Lian Manman replied indifferently.

"Old Madam, the kitchen is preparing the meal, and someone came to ask if there are any additions or subtractions," Aunt Sun approached with a smile.

Lian Huahua was about to speak when Aunt Sun interjected.

Old Madam Shen smiled and asked Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi if they had any dietary restrictions, or if there was anything they especially liked to eat.

Lian Manman and the others were naturally reluctant to express any preferences.

"Let’s do this, Huahua surely knows your preferences. Huahua," Old Madam Shen instructed Lian Huahua, "go to the kitchen and arrange some dishes that your parents-in-law and Lian Manman enjoy."

"I’ll accompany the Third Mistress," Aunt Sun said with a smile, assisting Lian Huahua to her feet.

Shortly after entering, within just a few minutes, Lian Huahua was sent out again by Old Madam Shen.

"...How are your great-grandparents, and how are your father-in-law and mother-in-law?" Old Madam Shen asked warmly, "It should be me visiting, but my old ailments act up now and then. I asked Huahua to go, but she..."

This was just chitchat from Old Madam Shen, which Lian Manman and the others naturally didn’t take seriously, and the conversation shifted to other topics.

When the meal was served, Old Madam Shen dined with Lian Manman and Xiao Qi at one table, with Song Hailong joining Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang at another. Until Lian Manman and the others rose to take their leave, Lian Huahua never appeared again.

*****

Here’s the first update, asking for support with pink votes.

There will be a second update tonight. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)