The first watch, asking for pink.

******

Although there was a heavy snow on New Year’s Eve, it did not affect the New Year celebration. On the contrary, people were even more excited, saying it was a propitious snow heralding a bumper year.

On the first day of the New Year, the world was once again draped in silver. The Lian Manman family got up early. Lian Shouxin first led people to sweep the snow, then the family hurriedly ate a simple breakfast, dressed up, and went out.

As promised by Lian Shouxin yesterday, they would visit the old mansion to pay New Year’s greetings to Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou.

The road outside the village had not been trodden by many people yet, so the Lian Manman family rode in two green mule carts, with Steward Han Zhong leading long-term workers to clear the snow ahead, slowly making their way to the village entrance. After entering the village, the road became easier to travel. Most tenant farmers are diligent, and on the first day of the New Year, families typically rise early to tidy up their own courtyards and incidentally sweep the road in front of their doors.

No organization was needed; everyone conscientiously took responsibility for the area outside their own doors. Those with a good temperament and more industriousness willingly cleared even more of the road, with some competing to sweep. Everyone exchanged greetings, spoke auspicious New Year words, turning the originally frigid morning into a lively, bustling scene.

Upon entering the village, Lian Shouxin led Wu Lang and Xiao Qi out of the cart, walking in front of the vehicle, exchanging greetings and pleasantries with others. Lady Zhang stayed on the cart with Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, pulling the curtain open, exchanging warm greetings with familiar villagers.

Finally, the mule cart stopped in front of the Lian Family Old Mansion.

Old Master Lian was among the most diligent people in the village, so the Lian Family Old Mansion, including the front gate, was cleaned more meticulously than others. When the Lian Manman family got off the cart, everyone from the old mansion except Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou came out to greet them.

Entering the Upper Room, they saw Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou sitting properly on the kang, with two Eight Immortals Chairs and a tea table arranged across from the kang’s headboard, and several benches set beneath the Immortal Chairs.

Lian Manman entered and scanned the room. It was cleaned exceptionally well, and those chairs and benches were specifically arranged for them.

Han Zhong’s wife and Maid Xiao Xi accompanied Lian Manman into the room, bringing in felt blankets and brocade cushions. After laying these on the floor, they stepped aside. Led by Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, Lian Manman and the others followed behind, bowing and offering New Year’s greetings to Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou on the kang.

After paying respects, the family stood, and Han Zhong’s wife and Maid Xiao Xi tidied the blankets and cushions, and the family took their seats.

Lady Zhang, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman were invited onto the kang. Lady Zhou produced a brand new small mat, which Lian Manman recognized as the one Lady Zhou had brought out on her previous visit. The mat was just the right size for two people.

Lady Zhou didn’t look at Lady Zhang but pushed the small mat towards the sisters Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman.

No words were needed from Lady Zhou; Lady Zhang knew Lady Zhou did not like her. Thus, Lady Zhang let Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman sit on the mat, asking Xiao Xi to bring another cushion for herself.

When Xiao Xi brought over the cushion, Lian Manman took it instead. Mother and daughter exchanged a glance, and Lady Zhang sat on the small mat with Lian Zhizhi, while Lian Manman took her own embroidered cushion. Since it was decided beforehand the family wouldn’t stay long, no one removed their shoes on the kang, only sitting along the edge.

Lady Zhou observed everything and lowered her gaze, saying nothing.

Lady He, as the accompanying daughter-in-law, sat along the edge of the kang. Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye had paid their respects earlier than Lian Manman and now also sat along the edge of the kang.

Once Lian Manman and others were seated, the men of the Lian Family took their places on the chairs and benches. Lian Shouren was specially arranged by Old Master Lian to sit in the first Taishi Chair, facing Lian Shouxin, while the long benches on either side were occupied by Lian Shouli, Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, Lian Shouyi, Lian Jizu, Erlang, Si Lang, and Liulang.

Lian Manman scanned the seating arrangement on the floor and understood.

Old Master Lian was a man who greatly valued tradition, hierarchy, and respect. Even though Lian Shouren and others might be lacking, having committed many wrongdoings and evil deeds, causing infamy outside, Old Master Lian never forgot to remind everyone of Lian Shouren’s esteemed position within the family.