Lian Shouyi’s tone was very agitated, and there was an underlying dissatisfaction, as if he was complaining that Old Master Lian and Lian Shouxin had returned home too early.

That was quite strange.

Early this morning, after breakfast, Lian Shouyi disappeared without a trace. Then, Lady He took Wu Lang on a visit to others, followed by Erlang, who soon left the house dressed neatly. After that, Si Lang left, leaving only Sanlang sleeping soundly at home, and finally Lian Yaya, who had bound feet and found it difficult to move.

This situation was not a first. The people of the second household seemed unable to stay put at home, and it was unclear where they went every day. However, Erlang was an exception; Lian Manman knew he went to town. Ever since the marriage arrangement with the Zhao Family had been set, Erlang had frequently visited the town.

Did Lian Shouyi and Lady He behave this way because they knew that Lian Shouxin was hosting a feast in town and they wanted to go and have a good meal? Seeing Lian Shouxin return, therefore, were they disappointed and angry?

"What’s the matter, Erlang?" Old Master Lian, seeing Lian Shouyi in such a state, slightly frowned and asked.

"That..." Lian Shouyi glanced at Lian Shouxin, "I saw that all those wine jars at Old Fourth’s house are gone. Mother said that Old Fourth sold all the grape wine."

"Yes, second brother, we sold the wine," answered Lian Shouxin.

Lady He’s face was filled with urgency as she poked Lian Shouyi’s waist. Lian Shouyi glared at Lady He and then turned back with a forced smile towards Lian Shouxin and Old Master Lian.

"Old Fourth, who did you sell the wine to? There seemed to be quite a lot of it; surely there were seven or eight hundred catties. Did it all sell at once?"

A thought struck Lian Manman; Lian Shouyi’s concern seemed to be on the grape wine and not about freeloading a meal or a drink.

Before Lian Shouxin could respond, another person came clattering out from the Lian Family courtyard.

"Sister, brother-in-law, why are you still standing here? If we don’t go now, we won’t make it in time."

The person who came out was He Laoliu, Lady He’s brother. By this time, Lian Manman had completely understood the situation.

"Oh my," He Laoliu’s eyes were somewhat red, seemingly affecting his vision. Only after stepping out did he notice that Old Master Lian, Lian Shouxin, and Lian Manman were all present. He hurriedly nodded and bowed while greeting Old Master Lian and Lian Shouxin, "Uncle, you’re back. Old Fourth."

"Laoliu is here," Old Master Lian said as he walked into the courtyard, "Let’s talk inside the house."

Everyone followed Old Master Lian into the house, and Old Master Lian headed straight for the Upper Room, followed by Lian Shouyi, Lady He, and He Laoliu. Lian Manman then tugged at Lian Shouxin’s sleeve.

"Father, let’s go to our own room."

The few men then headed towards the West Wing Room.

Walking in front, Lian Shouyi looked back to see Lian Shouxin heading for the West Wing Room and quickly called out, "Old Fourth, come here."

Although Lian Shouxin was honest, he too had guessed why Lian Shouyi was looking for him. The He Family had secretly learned their wine-making technique, brewed wine without saying a word, a deed that was quite dishonest. If Lian Shouxin were a clay figure, he too would have a flash of anger.

"Second brother, I had too much to drink, my head hurts a bit. I’ll go back to my room to lie down for a while," Lian Shouxin said.

He Laoliu had brewed several dozen jars of grape wine. This was his family’s first time in the business, and they had neither a reputation nor connections. The grape wine was not cheap, and naturally, they hadn’t found a buyer yet. He Laoliu wasn’t in a hurry initially since he had learned the winemaking technique from the Fourth Household of the Lian Family. He planned to follow Lian Shouxin’s lead when selling the wine, to reap the benefits without the effort.

Unexpectedly, the Lian Family sold off their wine all at once without a word.

At the time, He Laoliu was playing Pai Gow with a bunch of friends when someone told him they saw several horse carts coming out of the Lian residence, each loaded with wine jars heading towards the county city on the official road.

Upon hearing this, He Laoliu felt both elation and anxiety. He threw down his cards and rushed to find Lian Shouyi.

As it turned out, neither Lian Shouyi nor Lady He was at home. When asked, Sanlang and Lian Yaya also didn’t know where the two had gone. He Laoliu thought of all the places Lian Shouyi and Lady He frequented, then asked Sanlang to split up and search for them. The search went on for nearly two Chinese hours.

Lian Shouyi was in Xiao Shen Tun, listening to an old bachelor play the huqin, while Lady Zhang was gossiping at the home of an acquaintance in Zhao Family Village.

He Laoliu told Lian Shouyi and Lady He about the situation. They had an understanding—the profit from the grape wine sales included a share for Lian Shouyi. The winemaking technique had been stolen by Lady He and Si Lang and given to He Laoliu. Not only did Lian Shouyi know about it, but he also approved of the plan. The strategy to sell the wine following behind Lian Shouxin was also devised in consultation with Lian Shouyi.