Steward Zhong did not accept the silver.

"I am fully aware of Fourth Master Lian’s kindness. The masters of the mansion, especially Sixth Master, are strict in the running of the household. I keep all of Sixth Master’s teachings in mind," he said.

No matter what, Steward Zhong refused to accept the silver, so Lian Shouxin sought help from Shopkeeper Wang, who gently shook his head. He, too, found it odd; although sharing profits was customary, Steward Zhong was earnest in his refusal. There must have been a reason, but it was inexplicable.

Steward Zhong then said the hour was getting late, and it was time to head back. Lian Shouxin naturally tried to persuade him to stay, but Steward Zhong still stood up to leave.

"Steward Zhong, no matter how busy, must still eat," Lian Manman remarked.

Lian Shouxin caught on immediately.

"Exactly, it’s an honor for us to have become acquainted with Steward Zhong. Please allow us to play host for once, what do you say?" he asked.

The members of the Lian Family were so enthusiastic that it would have been difficult for Steward Zhong to keep refusing, so he smiled and nodded his head.

After a brief discussion, the family decided to have Lian Shouxin take the silver to town and book a table with the finest dishes, and also saved a few taels of silver to thank Shopkeeper Wang.

"Shall I inform father and invite him to join us?" Lian Shouxin, after changing his clothes and pocketing the silver, discussed with his wife and children.

"Go ahead," Lady Zhang nodded.

Lian Manman had no objections. In these times, not only was the sense of family strong, but it was also important to honor and respect the elderly. Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were very filial themselves. Moreover, Old Master Lian was articulate and had considerable insight, so his presence as a guest would lend support to Lian Shouxin.

Lian Shouxin went to the Upper Room and shortly after, came out accompanied by Old Master Lian, who had also changed into new clothes and looked quite spirited.

However, why was Lian Shouren following behind, also looking ready to head out?

"Big brother is coming along too," Lian Shouxin explained.

When Lian Shouren returned and found out their family had started a workshop selling pickles, he had lectured them several times, calling it a lowly task. He argued that trading goods lowered the standing of the Lian Family and disgraced him, Scholar Lian. Lian Shouxin, angered by the remarks, hadn’t consulted with the family before inviting Lian Shouren to join them. It was certainly because Lian Shouren had heard that Steward Zhong was from the Shen Family that he had volunteered to come along.

"Great Uncle is a Scholar, while Steward Zhong is the household servant of the Shen Family, here to make purchases," Lian Manman intentionally pointed out.

"That’s the Shen Family, descendants of a Prime Minister and officials of the third rank. What do you, a little girl, understand?" Lian Shouren retorted, lifting his head and brushing a non-existent speck of dust from his robe.

"It was me who asked your great uncle to accompany me," Old Master Lian intervened.

Lian Manman was about to say more, but as Old Master Lian took responsibility for the decision, she held back from further comment.

"Dad, you take brother and Xiao Qi with you. With mom at home, my sister and I will be enough," Lian Manman said to Lian Shouxin.

"This is a matter for adults, what would children be doing there?" Lian Shouren spoke up before Lian Shouxin could.

Lian Manman pursed her lips unhappily and looked at Lian Shouxin.

"Alright, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi will both come with me," Lian Shouxin said. Truthfully, he had not originally intended to take the children, but Lian Shouren was speaking out of turn, and the kids were getting upset, so he simply agreed.

"My brother is twelve now, and everyone says he and Xiao Qi are sensible, almost like little adults," Lian Manman immediately beamed with joy.

Lian Shouxin headed to town, while Lady Zhang and Lian Manman stayed at home, waiting for the two servants to come to transport the grape wine.

"Mother, since Steward Zhong won’t take money, let’s find something else to give him," Lian Manman proposed to Lady Zhang. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"I was thinking the same," Lady Zhang agreed, "Country things aren’t worth much, but they represent our thoughtfulness."

The mother and daughters discussed and eventually decided to send a small jar of grape wine, a crock of pickles, and a basket of wild goods sent by Lady Li.

The Shen Family carried out their tasks efficiently, and in less than a Chinese hour, several large carts arrived and took away dozens of jars of grape wine. Lady Zhang spoke to one of the servants, asking them to load the gifts for Steward Zhong onto the Shen Family’s carriage.

"Mom, let’s go to town to have a look," Lian Manman suggested.

"Big Sister, we’re also heading back to town. If you want to go, you can take our carriage," one of the servants offered with a smile.

Since the meal would consist of male guests and women weren’t allowed at the table, Lady Zhang worried about Lian Shouxin drinking too much, as well as about Wu Lang and Xiao Qi. After being persuaded by Lian Manman, she nodded in agreement.

"Manman, go and keep an eye on your father so he doesn’t drink too much," Lady Zhang said, "Your sister and I won’t go."

"Alright then," Lian Manman replied.

Lian Manman took the Shen Family’s carriage and chatted with the servant along the way, indirectly inquiring about Shen Liu and Fatty Shen. The servant was chatty, not avoiding topics since Lian Manman was young. Thus, she learned that Shen Liu was not in the Prefecture City, but in the Capital City, while Fatty Shen remained to study in the Prefecture.

"Young miss, how do you know about our Sixth Master and Ninth Master?" the servant suddenly asked.

Lian Manman’s eyes flickered, realizing this servant was quite sharp.

"Our place is not far from Xiao Shen Tun, and some folks from our village work there as laborers," she replied, not wanting to let on that she knew Shen Liu and Fatty Shen.

The servant seemed to accept this explanation.

"I’ve never been to Xiao Shen Tun, but I’ve heard that the Shen Family ancestors used to live there..." the servant continued.

Upon arrival at the Yue Lai Tavern, Lian Manman quickly had Shopkeeper Wu arrange another table for the two servants.

"To the two brothers, the countryside can’t compare to the city, but feel free to ask the waitstaff for whatever you wish to eat," she told them.

The two servants were delighted with the Lian Family’s thoughtful arrangements.

Lian Manman found out where Lian Shouxin’s banquet was and went straight upstairs, only to hear Lian Shouren’s laughter as she approached the private room’s door.

......********......

We recommend Ruoyan’s completed book, "The Most Enchanting" – a fantasy version of My Barbaric Girlfriend, with less than 500,000 words, it is of a moderate length. Direct access is provided below; simply click to go straight there.

Book Number: 2184407

Here’s one more update; I’ll try my best to provide a second update tonight. I ask for your votes to motivate me. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to cast your recommendation votes or monthly votes on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest inspiration.)