First Chapter, asking for likes.

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In the front carriage, only Lian Huahua was talking, and Song Hailong was listening absentmindedly. Meanwhile, in the rear carriage, a different scene was unfolding. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Lian Lanlan was adept at conversation and exceptionally skilled in socializing. Even though Lian Huahua had arranged for her to sit with the Song family’s servants in this carriage, her face showed neither anger nor displeasure. On the contrary, she was chatting happily with Aunt Sun and Xiao Hong.

Aunt Sun was fine, but Xiao Hong couldn’t help casting her gaze repeatedly toward the bundle behind Lian Lanlan. That bundle was a return gift from Lian Manman’s family to Lian Lanlan.

The wrapping cloth was the same one Lian Lanlan had used for gifting earlier. The size and shape of the bundle were identical to when Lian Lanlan handed it out, and even the knot tied on it was exactly the same.

Aunt Sun and Xiao Hong had already exchanged a knowing glance. No matter how skilled Lian Lanlan was at hiding her emotions, the momentary look of dismay on her face when she took the bundle was not lost on them.

Aunt Sun, given her age, had seen it all and deduced that the gift Lian Lanlan had prepared was returned completely unopened. The meaning of this was clear without the need for explicit explanation.

Recalling the hospitality received at Thirty Mile Camp today, the Archway Lian Family performed impeccably in terms of etiquette, and the meal was lavish. However, the visitors were not allowed into the back courtyard or inner quarters. Among the conversations between the women, even though Lian Lanlan was sociable and tactful, the sense of estrangement was apparent. Neither Lian Lanlan nor their third madam had a close relationship with the Archway Lian Family.

Furthermore, even the superficial courtesy seemed strained. The Archway Lian Family’s graciousness toward them was likely due to considering the Shen Family’s connection.

Thinking about Lady Zhang Wang’s veiled remarks, the inexplicable mishap where their third madam twisted her ankle and ended up in an embarrassing state, and the pair of unexpected visitors, Aunt Sun lowered her eyelids. She resolved to report everything carefully to the old madam upon their return. For the Song Family’s benefit, she planned to suggest to the old madam that future interactions with the Archway Lian Family should exclude the third madam to avoid unfavorable outcomes.

As for that eager elder sister-in-law who keeps attaching herself to them for trips to the Archway Lian Family, it would be best to gradually distance themselves from her.

Thinking of this, Aunt Sun couldn’t help but sigh silently. The marriage alliance made with the Lian Family is something the old madam deeply regrets now, but there was no other choice at the time due to the Song Family curse and the excessive indulgence shown toward the third master.

......

After seeing off Song Hailong, Lian Huahua, and Lian Lanlan, the Lian Manman family returned to the house with Zhang Qingshan’s family to sit for a while before Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li began preparing to leave.

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang urged Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li to stay through the New Year.

"Stay until after the Fifth Month Festival before leaving."

Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li declined. Although it was a minor holiday, the elderly couple wanted to return to their own home to celebrate.

"Mother, if Father doesn’t want to stay, why don’t you stay longer with Caiyun?" Lady Zhang whispered to Lady Li.

"It’s festival time, so it’s not convenient. Maybe another time," Lady Li replied.

Zhang Qingnian went out to hitch the carriage while Lian Manman had already prepared the gifts for the Zhang Family. She called everyone to load the gifts onto the carriage. This time, the gifts for the Zhang Family included rice, white flour, wine, tea, a variety of ready-made rice dumplings, pastries brought back by Wu Lang from Prefecture City, fabric materials, and more—filling up nearly half the cart.

"This is too much," Lady Li said after seeing it. She waved her hand and said, "Your father and I know you’re living well, but even if you have money, you should spend it wisely. We don’t lack anything; knowing you’re doing well is more than enough for us."

"Mother, it’s only proper. Just these things—my husband even said it feels a bit lacking. I had to convince him that with so much already, it’s hard to store more now. If you really want, we’ll prepare even more for New Year, and then there’ll be everything you’d need," Lady Zhang responded.

When a daughter takes care of the arrangements, it’s one thing, but when a son-in-law gets involved, it’s entirely different. Hearing Lady Zhang’s statement, Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li were particularly delighted. Especially Lady Li, who smiled brightly as she looked at Lian Shouxin.

Lian Shouxin appeared a bit shy.

Lian Manman, watching from the side, couldn’t help but laugh quietly to herself. So this is what they mean when they say a mother-in-law evaluates her son-in-law.

"Xiao Qi, does your school give time off this summer?" Lady Li said while holding Xiao Qi in a hug, unwilling to let go. "If there’s a break, we’ll have your uncle fetch you to stay over at your grandmother’s house for the summer."

"Wu Lang needs to study and take exams; he can’t be distracted. Zhizhi, Manman, since you two don’t have anything to do, we’ll have your uncle fetch both of you when the time comes," Lady Li suggested.