That wife of He Laoliu is as slovenly and lazy as Lady He, and that’s just the beginning. The two boys from the He family, at such a young age, are already full of bad habits. They’ve only been here a few days, not only stealing from this yard but even from the neighbors, leaving him utterly embarrassed. He wishes he could discipline those two boys from the He family, but he doesn’t have enough grounds to do so.

These days, he often conveyed his good advice through Lian Shouyi, but to no avail.

He also wanted to kick out the He family people as soon as possible, but it’s easy to invite gods, difficult to send them away. The He family has gotten a place to live and eat for free, like having a piece of fat meat stuck in their mouths; how could they easily give it up?

Old Master Lian was troubled. Seeing Zhang Qingshan easily subdue the unruly He family people, and even mention Wu Lang, it seemed as if Zhang Qingshan, as an elder, could have Wu Lang move with just a word and make decisions for him. This left a bitter taste in Old Master Lian’s heart, knowing that as a grandfather, he didn’t have the confidence to say such things.

Lady Zhou wanted Lian Shouxin to make a decision, and Old Master Lian didn’t fail to consider that if Lian Shouxin ran the family and drove away the He family people, it would be a perfect solution. Lian Shouxin is now well-off, so kicking out the He family wouldn’t fear people talking. Even showing some kindness by arranging a place for the He family wouldn’t impact Lian Shouxin’s household much.

But Lian Shouxin was too filial to go against Lady Zhou’s wishes. Zhang Qingshan might show might at the door, but when it came to dark matter, he wouldn’t make decisions for Wu Lang.

"Every man faces times when his wife is not wise and his children are not filial." Old Master Lian murmured quietly with his eyes half-closed.

"Then go kick them out now," Lady Zhou, not hearing Old Master Lian’s muttering, pressed further.

"Ah..." Old Master Lian sighed again, knowing that today’s matter wouldn’t be resolved without satisfying Lady Zhou. He had no idea what she might say in front of Zhang Qingshan. "Give me a moment. For this matter, let’s not show ourselves. When the second one comes back, let’s have him and his wife kick them out."

"It’s not that we don’t want to keep them; it’s that they’ve gone too far." Old Master Lian added, mostly for Zhang Qingshan’s benefit.

"Old brother, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. Come, let’s go to your fourth son’s place. Let your fourth daughter-in-law prepare some dishes for us, and let’s drink well," Zhang Qingshan said.

"I won’t go; I’m too old, and my drinking ability is lacking," Old Master Lian declined, "You coming to see me to chat is enough."

Zhang Qingshan insisted, and with Lian Shouxin beside him persuading as well, Old Master Lian finally nodded in agreement.

"Mother, please come over too," Lian Shouxin said to Lady Zhou, "Manman’s grandmother is also here."

"I’m not going," Lady Zhou refused bluntly and even moved her position, turning her back to Lian Shouxin. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Lady Zhou has a strong personality, and few people impress her, especially not her daughters-in-law’s families, whom she’d rather avoid entirely. Interestingly, apart from frequent visits from Lady Zhang’s family, Lady He has only one brother who lives nearby but they hardly visit. Lady Zhao’s family has never visited, and Lady Gu’s family, living far away, rarely visits either.

This suited Lady Zhou well. Sons and daughters-in-law should only have eyes for her, serving and being filial to her alone.

Although Lady Zhang’s family often visited, which suited Lady Zhou, since the Zhang Family often sent gifts.

Moreover, after the incident with Lady Zhang’s daughter Xiao Yue, Lady Zhou owed Lady Li a favor, as Lady Li had put her on the spot. Back then, Lady Zhang was under her thumb, making a living. Now that Lady Zhang has grown wings, divided the family, took charge, and became the head, Lady Zhou is afraid that Lady Li might bring up old matters to scold her.

Today, the other party is full of Zhang Family’s relatives; she won’t go there to suffer losses.

Lady Zhou firmly refused, and Lian Shouxin had no way to persuade her.

"Old Fourth, I don’t care about your meal," Lady Zhou said, not mentioning anything about the intention behind her refusal, as if going over was just about having a meal. "You heard what your father said, right? You bear witness for me. If your father goes back on his words, you’ll stand up for me, won’t you?"

Lady Zhou was determined to drive the He family out.

"Alright," Lian Shouxin agreed readily this time, as Old Master Lian had spoken after all. Furthermore, driving out the He family would ease the neighbors, as Chunzhu’s wife and Lady Zhang’s words weren’t in vain.

"Granny, don’t rush to eat lunch, I’ll have someone send dishes over to you." As everyone was leaving, Lian Manman said.

"Ah..." Lady Zhou replied, barely acknowledging their offer.

’Barely acknowledging’ is a common rural phrase used by the farmstead people at Thirty Mile Camp, meaning not paying much attention but not ignoring completely either.

Lian Manman didn’t mind Lady Zhou’s attitude; she found it somewhat amusing. Lady Zhou was just such a contrary person.

As everyone headed out of the village, they encountered people who, upon hearing that Old Master Lian was being invited for a meal, joked that he was blessed.

Zhang Qingshan laughed heartily in agreement, but Old Master Lian’s smile was somewhat forced.

****

Posting a part now, aiming for another part tonight.

It’s the last day of the month, desperately seeking pink support. (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.)