According to Lian Zhizhi’s age, she can still grow a bit taller.

"...This batch of skins is exceptionally good, we haven’t seen such good skins in years." The shopkeeper smiled as he saw them discussing quietly, "Even if you’re not in a hurry to make clothes now, buying them and keeping them for later is definitely worth it."

The shopkeeper’s words hit right on Lian Manman’s thoughts.

"Mom, let’s buy a few more pieces. Later, if we decide, we can either make clothes as a dowry for my sister or just gift the furs." Lian Manman suggested, "Buying them now would save us the trouble of not finding good furs when needed."

"My brother, Xiao Qi, and my dad should each at least get one or two pieces made for the New Year, right?" Lian Manman added.

Upon hearing Lian Manman’s suggestion, Lady Zhang naturally had no objections. So, the three of them picked out many furs and instructed the fur shop people to send them directly to their house in Willow Tree Well Alley.

Afterward, the three of them strolled through a few more shops, purchasing various cuts of fabric, selecting some dried goods and candied fruits brought in from the south, and filled the car almost to the brim with bags full of miscellaneous items. Only then did they return contentedly to their house in Willow Tree Well Alley.

The fur shop quickly delivered the selected furs, and Lian Manman sent someone to summon the famous tailor from the county town to take measurements for clothes, select furs, and cuts of fabric for designing their outfits.

Lady Zhang chose a fur jacket, a fur skirt, and a fur cloak. Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman also selected fur jackets, skirts, and large fur capes. Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi made an additional order for the Zhaojun Set and squirrel sleeve holders. Lian Manman also ordered an extra silver mink vest.

As for Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi, each got a fur robe, additionally, Wu Lang got a fur cloak, and Xiao Qi got a fur cape.

While at the fur store, Lian Manman bought some tanned deer leather and summoned the famed shoemaker from the county to custom-make a pair of deer leather boots for each member of the family.

To purchase New Year goods, the family stayed in the county for two nights, and only after breakfast on the third day did they take the carriage back to Thirty Mile Camp.

Upon arriving home, Steward Zhong came to greet them, unloaded the purchased items from the carriage, and brought them inside. Just as Steward Zhong was about to report to Lian Shouxin, he was informed that Erlang had arrived and wanted to see Lian Shouxin.

"Sir, the head lady of the old house went missing yesterday." Steward Zhong promptly told Lian Shouxin, "They’ve searched all around but couldn’t find her."

When Lady Gu disappeared, Lian Manman’s hands paused while packing. She thought to herself, Lady Gu finally disappeared!

Erlang coming over in such haste was probably for this matter.

Lian Shouxin instructed someone to let Erlang in.

"Fourth Uncle, you’re finally back." As soon as Erlang stepped in and saw Lian Shouxin, his anxious face relaxed immediately.

Lian Shouxin then asked Erlang what had happened.

"It’s about my aunt; yesterday, she said she was going to collect firewood but didn’t return by night." Erlang told Lian Shouxin, "We searched everywhere but didn’t see her. It’s been over a night, and still no sign. Grandpa and Grandma are worried sick. Last night they asked me and Third Uncle to find you, but you weren’t back. Fourth Uncle, Grandpa said that when you returned, you should go to the old house immediately to discuss what to do. A living person can’t just disappear like that."

Lady Gu disappeared, and the people at the old house couldn’t find her, hence they approached Lian Shouxin for help.

"Erlang, you head back first and assure your Grandpa and Grandma not to worry. I’ll head over shortly." Lian Shouxin thought for a moment before saying.

Erlang agreed and left.

"These things with the Upper Room just keep happening one after another, can’t they give people a break?" Lady Zhang frowned as she continued tidying the items in her hands.

Although Lian Shouxin had told Erlang he’d go to the old house immediately, after Erlang left, he continued with his tasks, showing no intention of going to the old house.

Lady Gu’s disappearance didn’t worry Lian Manman’s family at all. The Thirty Mile Camp had always been a peaceful place with no crime occurrences. Lady Gu’s disappearance was believed to be voluntary.

That is to say, Lady Gu ran away on her own.

"I had thought long ago, with Grandma tormenting Aunt so, how long could she endure? And sure enough, she ran." Lady Zhang said while tidying up.

As for where Lady Gu could have gone, it seemed there was only one choice. And if she managed to escape, likely someone helped, probably one or more members of the Lian Family Main House.

So, there really was nothing to worry about.

"I can’t believe Grandpa and Grandma wouldn’t guess where Aunt went. If it was urgent, they should have sent someone to the county when we weren’t back, since there are so many people, it’s not like they have no one." Lian Manman remarked, "Waiting until we return, then acting all anxious, who knows what they were thinking?"

"From what you’ve said about how the Song Family treats Huahua, what good hospitality would Aunt expect at the Song Family?" Lady Zhang shook her head.

Regardless of good or bad hospitality, Lady Gu’s visit certainly embarrassed the Lian Family Main House.

As they were talking, Xiao Fu came again to report that Erlang had returned.

"This is to urge us." Wu Lang sighed.

Old Master sent someone to urge Lian Shouxin again, so Lian Shouxin, having no choice, went with Erlang. As for Wu Lang and the others like Lian Manman, they did not follow. Such a simple matter could be easily resolved by Lian Shouxin on his own.

Lian Shouxin followed Erlang to the old house, and shortly after, Lian Yeye came rushing in.

"...My aunt disappeared along with Duoduo." Lian Yeye said, his face flushed, "When my mom and I got home, the money from selling eggs a few days ago was gone!"

****

Here’s the first update, asking for pink tickets to support topping the charts. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation.)