First Watch, requesting pink diamonds.

********

During the pig slaughter feast at Lian Manman’s house, a total of seven tables were set. On the kang in the front yard, the table at the head was occupied by Old Master Lian, Zhang Qingshan, Old Master Lu, the Lizheng, and other elders, with Lian Shouxin accompanying them.

At the foot of the kang, Zhang Qingnian and his brothers, Old Jin, Old Huang, Shopkeeper Wu, and others were seated, with Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi also arranged at this table.

On the ground, there were two more tables, seating Wu Yugui, Wu Jiaxing and his son, Wu Yuchang, as well as Doctor Li, Chunzhu, the Lu Brothers, and other notable figures from the Thirty Mile Camp and nearby towns, as well as those who frequently interacted with Lian Manman’s family. Lian Jizu and Erlang were placed at these tables.

In the study room, another table was prepared, mostly for scholars acquainted with Wu Lang. Mr. Loo sat at the head, followed by Scholar Wang and his son, with Wang Youheng also present. Wu Lang and Xiao Qi accompanied the guests at this table.

Si Lang and Liulang, due to their young age, were not arranged to sit at the tables. Lady Zhang sent Xiao Fu to bring them food and settled them in another room.

In the east room of the main house in the backyard, two tables were also arranged, where Lady Zhang, along with Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, accompanied the female guests.

Notably, Zhang Qingshan’s entire family came. Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li, along with Zhang Caiyun and two grandsons, were even fetched by a carriage sent by Lian Manman’s family the day before, and they had stayed overnight at Lian Manman’s house.

Just as they took their seats, Lady Zhang and Lian Manman packed meat dishes and rice, and sent Xiao Xi with people to deliver them to the old residence. Over there, Lady Zhou and other female members did not come, so the food was sent for them. Of course, it was mainly to show filial respect to Lady Zhou.

Knowing that Lady Zhou refused to come over for the meal again, Wu Yuchang’s wife chuckled.

"It’s not us juniors saying this, but these elderly sisters all have the same temperament. They just love their kang at home and refuse to go out for anything." Wu Yuchang’s wife remarked to Lady Zhang, "Our old lady isn’t shy with you. When I left, she repeatedly asked me to fetch some blood tofu from you."

The entire Wu Yuchang family was invited today, but Wu Yuchang’s mother did not come. Before the meal, Lady Zhang sent someone to deliver food to her, which naturally included the blood tofu she requested.

Wu Yuchang’s wife meant well with her words. Lian Shouxin hosting a pig slaughter feast, yet Lady Zhou not attending, was somewhat awkward. However, luckily, the people in this region are almost all aware of Lady Zhou’s personality.

The banquet started just after noon and lasted for over a Chinese hour before it gradually wound down. After seeing off the guests, the family returned to the main house in the backyard, either sipping strong tea or eating frozen pears to cleanse their palates.

In fact, farmstead pig slaughter dishes are not greasy at all. Lian Manman particularly loved the boiled, tender and tasty bone meat, as well as the sauerkraut stewed with meat bones. Naturally, she also loved the tender, fragrant, and smooth blood tofu.

It was a love that made it enjoyable no matter how much was eaten.

Lian Zhizhi, Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi sat in the sunlight on the kang, chatting and laughing while eating frozen pears. Lady Zhang also beamed with joy. This year was the first time she specially invited Zhang Qingshan’s family over for the year-end pig slaughter. Additionally, at the banquet, the female guests engaged in cheerful conversations and laughter, making Lady Zhang very happy.

In contrast to Lady Zhang and the children’s leisurely happiness, Lian Shouxin’s brow was not as relaxed, and he sneaked glances at Lady Zhang several times.

"Dad, if there’s something, just tell us about it so we can discuss how to solve it together," Lian Manman said.

"It’s nothing much," Lian Shouxin hesitated to speak, "It’s just... It’s just that your eldest uncle and second uncle drank a bit too much." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Dad, didn’t they cause any trouble?" Wu Lang asked, indicating he had heard something from the front yard.

With so many guests to entertain, the seating and arrangements at the banquet cannot be taken lightly. Today’s seating arrangement at Lian Manman’s family feast was carefully deliberated by the entire family to ensure its appropriateness. Furthermore, each table had someone assigned to accompany guests, essentially overseeing the proceedings.

For instance, at the two tables on the ground, one was overseen by Wu Yugui and the Wu Family, and another by Wu Yuchang. As for the two tables on the kang, with Lian Shouxin’s table needing no mention, the other table was entrusted to Old Huang.

The individuals entrusted are all well-connected, charismatic figures, and their presence assures that nothing will go awry at the feast.