"Two jars," Wang Youheng said without the formalities he used with Lian Manman, perhaps because they had become too familiar. "My father sometimes enjoys a drink or two, and he says the wine you brew is even more fragrant than that brought over from the Western Region."

"No problem." Lian Manman’s eyes curved into two crescent moons with a smile. She didn’t know whether Imperial Doctor Wang was still angry with Wang Youheng, yet if the grape wine could curry favor with him, let alone two jars, ten would be no issue at all.

"Brother Youheng, is Imperial Doctor Wang still mad at you? Should we send a few more jars?" Lian Manman whispered to Wang Youheng as she moved closer to him.

Wang Youheng was turning back to place a letter and saw Lian Manman’s little face by his side, her large eyes twinkling, exuding a lively spirit, and an unabashed closeness to him. Lian Manman’s cheeks were white and smooth, with a natural blush on her cheeks.

Wang Youheng felt a warmth in his heart and reached out to caress Lian Manman’s face, but he halted his hand halfway.

"Manman, it seems like you’ve grown taller," Wang Youheng said, turning around and looking at Lian Manman closely.

"Really?" Lian Manman was pleased; she wasn’t imagining her growth. "I said I grew quite a bit, didn’t I?"

"Brother Youheng, I’ve grown taller too," Xiao Qi squeezed his way forward, wanting Wang Youheng to notice his growth as well.

"Xiao Qi has grown taller too," Wang Youheng put his hand on top of Xiao Qi’s head, measured against himself, and then looked at Lian Zhizhi beside him, who had been silent, "Zhizhi has also grown quite a bit."

Lian Zhizhi smiled too.

"Manman, have you only learned this one character?" After everyone had a laugh, Wang Youheng looked back down at the character Lian Manman had written on the writing desk. Because of the letter from earlier, Lian Manman had stopped after writing just one character.

"How could that be." Lian Manman quickly said, picked up the brush again, dipped it in ink, and silently wrote down all the characters she had learned over the past few days. Then, she respectfully said to Wang Youheng, "Please give me your guidance, Brother Youheng."

"Guidance is too much of a word." While Wang Youheng said this, he looked carefully at the characters Lian Manman had written, took the writing brush from her hand, and marked on the paper what was well-written and what needed improvement.

Lian Manman listened very attentively and memorized Wang Youheng’s words in her heart. Then, Wang Youheng had Xiao Qi step forward to write a few characters and gave him the same pointers, and finally, it was Lian Zhizhi’s turn. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Lian Zhizhi’s face flushed red, and she stepped back a few paces, unwilling to take up the pen. Country girls don’t have the consciousness to read and write; it was Lian Manman who spoke of the many benefits of reading and writing that convinced Lian Zhizhi to join her younger siblings in learning. She felt she started at an older age than her siblings and didn’t learn as well, and she was embarrassed by her ugly writing, so she didn’t want to write in front of Wang Youheng.

"Sister, what’s there to fear? We’re just beginning to learn. Even if we don’t write well, Brother Youheng won’t make fun of us. Besides, Sister, your writing is better than mine," Lian Manman encouraged as she nudged Lian Zhizhi forward to the writing desk.

"Big Sister, just write. Brother Youheng’s teaching is really good," Xiao Qi also said.

"Zhizhi, here’s the brush." Wang Youheng dipped the writing brush in ink and handed it to Lian Zhizhi.

Lian Zhizhi’s hand recoiled as if burned, almost allowing the brush to fall to the table. Lian Manman caught the brush with a giggle and handed it to Lian Zhizhi.

"Sister, although we are young ladies, we cannot lose to others," Lian Manman said.

"Hmm," Lian Zhizhi finally accepted the writing brush.

Once Lian Zhizhi had finished writing, Wang Youheng still gave him some pointers. Lian Zhizhi’s face remained flushed, but she listened more intently than anyone else.

After loitering in Jisheng Hall for about a Chinese hour, Lian Manman realized it was getting late and bid Wang Youheng farewell. The three siblings then visited the market again, buying some oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and other daily household necessities before returning to Thirty Mile Camp.

Upon arriving home, Lian Manman naturally reported to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang the Shen Family’s intention to purchase grape wine. Everyone was very pleased, and Lian Manman was silently calculating how many more acres of land they could buy after selling the grape wine.

After lunch, Lian Zhizhi quickly helped Lady Zhang clear away the dishes and then went to the neighboring Xiao Xiang study to retrieve small bundles that housed the Four Treasures of the Study.

"I just saw Grandpa was free, and we haven’t done our lessons for today. How about we go now?" said Lian Zhizhi.

Eh, why is Lian Zhizhi so enthusiastic about studying today? Usually, it’s Lian Manman or Wu Lang who are dragged to the Upper Room to read, Lian Manman thought, tilting her head.

"Alright, let’s head over quickly," Wu Lang immediately took the bundle from Lian Zhizhi’s hands.

"Father, Mother, we’re going to study now," Lian Manman said to Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin.

"Go on, study hard," Lady Zhang said with a smile, waving her hand.

The children went to the Upper Room, and Old Master Lian was also happy to see them so eager to learn. The grandfather and grandchildren placed a small table on the kang bed and began their lessons for the day.

When the lessons were over, Old Master Lian called out to Lady Zhou.

"Bring out the fruit box, let the children have some fruit," Old Master Lian said to Lady Zhou.

"Father, the fruit has been eaten long ago," Lady Zhou didn’t respond, but it was Lian Xiuxiu who answered.

"Don’t try to fool me, I just saw it, there’s still more than half a box left," Old Master Lian scowled, "You haven’t missed out on eating it, can’t you as the oldest be a bit more generous? Bring the box here quickly."

"Grandpa, we don’t need the fruit, save it for Grandpa and Grandma, and for the oldest daughter," Wu Lang immediately said.

*********

Ruoyan’s complete farming novel recommendation:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Includes the main story and extra Chapters) (Below is a direct link, click to access)

Introduction: After traveling back in time to become a wronged abandoned wife, pregnant with a bundle of joy, she embarks on a sweet life hand in hand with a cost-effective man. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)