Chapter 1858: Chapter 947: Harmony (Part 2)

"Mmm-hmm," Zhang Caiyun replied with a smile.

As they chatted, Lian Manman caught the aroma of frying and oil from outside, indicating that the Lu Family’s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were preparing the meal. At this moment, saying they won’t stay for dinner would simply appear insincere and distant.

Lian Zhizhi handed Dabao over to Lady Wu Wang.

"Mom, I’m going to help," Lian Zhizhi said.

"Go ahead," Lady Wu Wang and Lady Zhang nodded in agreement.

Lian Zhizhi turned and left, stopping in the outer room to put on the apron Zhang Caiyun usually wore, before heading to the Upper Room.

"It’s reassuring to see the two sisters living close to each other," Lady Zhang Wang remarked, as she put on her shoes and got up to help with the meal.

However, not long after they went over, the Eldest Sister-in-law of the Lu Family firmly sent them back, saying they should keep Zhang Caiyun company since they already had enough help in the kitchen.

Lian Zhizhi and Lady Zhang Wang, unable to argue with the Lu Family’s Eldest Sister-in-law, sat back on the kang. The Eldest Sister-in-law of the Lu Family then brought over some snacks and fruits before leaving again.

"...No need for us, they’ve hired a cook and assistants. They’re preparing a banquet today..." Lady Zhang Wang said with a smile.

This showed the Lu Family’s understanding of social niceties. Lian Manman’s family had traveled a long way from the Prefecture City to bring gifts for Zhang Caiyun’s new baby. The Lu Family knew the Lian Family had many commitments back in the city and might not be able to attend a separate baby gift banquet, so they decided to host a banquet today to welcome Lian Manman’s family.

"Caiyun’s parents-in-law are both very considerate people," Lady Li added.

"Don’t just listen, remember to take notes, and learn from them," Lady Zhang Wang quietly advised Zhang Caiyun. "Even though Zhang Caiyun’s married, as her mother, I can’t stop giving her tips. I just want her to have a fulfilling and happy life."

Zhang Caiyun nodded repeatedly.

Since they didn’t need to help with the meal preparations, everyone gathered around to chat about family matters. This time, the conversation turned to Wu Lang’s engagement, which everyone was already aware of.

"I’ve only heard a general idea, but what is the girl really like?"

"I heard she’s not from our Liaodong Prefecture, her hometown is over in Hejian Prefecture. Will she adapt to living here?"

"What’s her character like, is she of good character and gentle?"

"Is she pretty?"

This last question was from Zhang Caiyun, who persistently asked Lian Manman.

Lian Manman sighed, as everyone in the room asked questions, each with different priorities. For instance, Lady Li, aside from other questions, showed more concern about Qin Ruojian’s temperament—whether she was gentle and filial. This was indirectly expressing care about Lady Zhang, worried that Wu Lang’s bride might be ill-tempered and disrespectful towards a gentle mother-in-law like Lady Zhang.

On the other hand, Zhang Caiyun was most concerned about Qin Ruojian’s looks aside from other matters.

"She’s quite pretty," Lian Manman eventually replied, and under Zhang Caiyun’s persistent inquiries, she described Qin Ruojian’s appearance.

Unfortunately, Zhang Caiyun was still not satisfied, wishing she could see her in person immediately.

"Is she as pretty as... Shang Baorong?" Zhang Caiyun thought for a moment and then softly asked Lian Manman.

Comparing an unknown person’s beauty to a known and acknowledged beauty is indeed a straightforward method to get a sense of it.

"Hmm..." Lian Manman hesitated to respond as it was difficult to answer; she had never compared the two in her mind. "If just talking about face and figure, they’re about equal."

"Got it," Zhang Caiyun immediately responded. "Being a lady from a prominent family, she must have a special aura. As long as she’s good-looking, it’s fine."

"Why did you think of her?" Lian Manman asked Zhang Caiyun since although Zhang Caiyun knew Shang Baorong, they weren’t close.

"Didn’t she and her mother-in-law come to see my baby yesterday?" Zhang Caiyun explained.

"Oh," Lian Manman nodded in understanding, and then casually asked, "How’s she doing, pretty well, I assume?"

"Seems alright to me," Zhang Caiyun said. "She dresses even prettier than before. I heard she’s doing well, her family doesn’t let her do anything.... I guess she’s so beautiful they cherish her too much to let her go back often to her parent’s house. Even when she does visit, they bring her back the same day, hehe..."

At this point, Zhang Caiyun chuckled softly. She remembered that since Lian Manman was still unmarried, she refrained from saying everything. Gossip was that the second son of the Guan Family was especially attached to Shang Baorong, unwilling to be apart for even one night.

For a newlywed couple, with such a beautiful bride, it’s perfectly normal, though the Guan Family’s affection was manifestly excessive.

By now, Lady Li and the others were asking about Wu Lang’s wedding date.

"We had it calculated and got two dates, one is in March of next year, and the other is this December. After consulting with our in-laws, we settled on December 20th. Neither family wanted to delay, and both kids are of age, so the sooner they marry, the sooner we can relax as parents," Lady Zhang said with a smile.

The Lian Family was more eager about this than the Qin Family regarding marriage arrangements. With the wedding set in December, in truth, the idea was "to have a daughter-in-law and celebrate the New Year."

"Oh wow, there’s so much to do!" Lady Zhang Wang and Lady Wu Wang both congratulated Lady Zhang and said. Although everyone knew about Wu Lang’s engagement, this was the first time hearing the set date from Lady Zhang.

"Indeed, we’ve been so busy, our feet haven’t touched the ground," Lady Zhang chuckled.

"Anything we can help with?" Lady Wu Wang quickly asked, "Both our men are free to help with whatever you need."

...

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