This time the wine served was Fenjiu from Shanxi, brought back by Wu Lang from the county town.

Mr. Loo hadn’t seen his favored students for some days, and seeing Wu Lang bring back good wine, he was naturally pleased.

Lian Manman, as soon as she sat at the table, first scooped a bowl of fish head soup to drink. The delicious broth went down, making her feel her whole body was moist and warm.

Everyone was happy, chatting while eating. The meal lasted until the time to light the lamps before finally dispersing.

Mr. Loo and Wu Lang returned to the front courtyard to rest, while Xiao Qi stayed in the back courtyard with Lady Zhang. Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi went back to the west room to relax, where Xiao Xi had already heated the kang and arranged the bedding for the sisters. He also brought warm water to assist them in washing before they finally extinguished the lamps to sleep.

Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi both slept in the inner room, and Xiao Xi kept watch in the outer room.

An uneventful night passed. After breakfast the next day, the house was tidied up inside and out. Lian Manman looked over the accounts of the household, Pickled Vegetable Workshop, and Lian’s Shop, confirming that everything was well during her absence. She then visited the Pickled Vegetable Workshop and Lian’s Shop, crossed the river to inspect the newly dug fish pond and Lotus Pond, and finally returned home.

Together with her returned Lian Yeye.

Lian Manman led Lian Yeye to the back courtyard and took out the gifts she brought her from the county town.

"Sister Manman, why did you buy so many things for me? Just one or two items would do," Lian Yeye said, slightly embarrassed at seeing the abundance of things Lian Manman brought for her.

"It’s not worth much," Lian Manman noticed Lian Yeye’s embarrassment and said, "it’s all from our own convenience store. Yeye, don’t be distant with me."

"Yeye, just take it. I have some too. Try them out; these little things are quite handy," said Lian Zhizhi.

"Hm." Persuaded by Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, Lian Yeye accepted the items.

Whenever Lian Manman went out, she would always bring back something for her, and normally, Manman’s family often gave her family things. Due to the disparity between the two families, she had little to give in return, sometimes making her feel embarrassed. However, both Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman treated her with genuine affection, just like real sisters. Being alone, she also considered Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman as her real sisters.

Especially Lian Manman, who not only helped her a lot but also took care of her emotions and self-esteem in many small matters, deeply touching her heart. Lian Manman often sent her things, and she also wanted to give back, but her family’s resources were limited.

Whenever she managed to give something back, if it was something ordinary from home, Lian Manman would cheerfully accept it, making her feel like these items were exactly what Lian Manman needed, despite having more and better items from her own garden. However, if she spent extra money to buy something for Lian Manman, Lian Manman wasn’t as pleased.

Lian Yeye understood that Lian Manman was considering her well-being.

Lian Manman’s family genuinely treated her family well, especially her. Lian Yeye couldn’t repay them with material goods, so she dedicated herself to working hard in Lian’s Shop, always being mindful of Lian Manman. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Sister Manman, you saw Sister Huahua when you went to the city, right? I heard she’s not doing well?" As they sat on the kang, the three sisters started gossiping, led by Lian Yeye.

Evidently, this information came from Lady Zhang. News about Lian Huahua rarely reached Thirty Mile Camp from the deep courtyard of the Song Family’s mansion.

"Hm." Lian Manman nodded, recounting her visit to the Song Family to Lian Yeye.

"I really want to see what she’s like now." Lian Yeye chuckled after hearing Lian Manman’s story, "Let her be arrogant and bully us. After doing such malicious deeds, she’s facing karma now."

"We never wronged her in the slightest, yet she bullied us, harmed us, and treated us like enemies," Lian Zhizhi commented, reacting to what Lian Manman said about Lian Huahua’s unfriendly demeanor upon seeing her. "Such a person really has a wolf’s heart, not worth befriending."

"Exactly." Lian Yeye agreed, "Oh dear, Lady Zhou might still be hoping Sister Huahua would help her, but now Sister Huahua can’t even take care of herself, let alone assist Lady Zhou."

"Is Grandma still making Lady Zhou grind the millet every day?" Lian Manman asked.

"Yes, every day. If the ground grain isn’t enough to eat, she has to go without food along with Lian Duoduo," Lian Yeye mentioned, seemingly recalling something else and smirking, "Our sister-in-law and Lian Duoduo sure know how to stand their ground, not stepping forward to help out. If it were us, we wouldn’t bear to do that."

"Of course, different people," Lian Zhizhi said.

Lian Manman nodded as well.

Lady Chiang and Lian Duo were being quite rational, to put it nicely. If they stepped forward to help, they’d definitely anger Lady Zhou. With Lady Zhou’s temperament, Lady Gu would continue to suffer, and Lady Chiang and Lian Duo would also face consequences, possibly attracting Lady Zhou’s anger and punishment upon themselves.

Take Lady Zhang before, wasn’t she disliked by Lady Zhou because she stood up for Lady Zhao?

"Lian Duoduo is just like Sister Huahua, self-centered," Lian Manman remarked, "As for Sister-in-law... she’s a clever person."

Lian Manman’s tone carried a hint of complexity, and both Lian Zhizhi and Lian Yeye seemed to ponder.

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Here’s the first update, a second one will come this evening. The pink rankings are heating up as the month ends, and your support is greatly appreciated O(∩_∩)O~ (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote with recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)