With Lady Li helping at home, everything was well taken care of, and the house was kept very clean and tidy. The maids returned early and had already warmed the bed, started the fire pit, so when we entered the room, it was cozy and everything we needed was at hand.

Everyone sat on the heated platform bed in Lady Zhang’s room, and a little maid served fruit to cleanse the palate and hot tea.

Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi sat together, playing with Dabao.

"The days just fly by," Lady Zhang observed. As she watched, she remarked how Lian Zhizhi’s child was crawling now, Zhang Caiyun had also given birth, and soon it would be Wu Lang’s turn to marry, and afterwards, we’ll have to plan for Lian Manman’s wedding.

"It seems like just yesterday, they were all just little children." But now they have already, or are about to become, mothers and fathers, raising their own children.

"Isn’t that the truth, I’m already a great-grandmother," Lady Li laughed.

Lian Zhizhi’s Dabao and Zhang Caiyun’s child both call Lady Li great-grandmother.

"How’s Jiayu doing now, when will she come back to stay for a few days? My sister wrote saying Jiayu’s pregnancy sickness is quite severe, is it serious?" While catching Dabao who had tumbled into her lap, Lian Manman turned and asked Lady Wu Wang.

"Yes, how’s Jiayu?" Lady Zhang also asked.

"She’s doing well. Some people from town went to their village on business a few days ago and saw her. They sent word that she’s looking fine. Pregnancy sickness, there’s no way around it, she just has to endure it. Once it’s over, she’ll be okay," Lady Wu Wang said, "I would like her to come home and stay for a while, but I’m afraid the journey might jostle her too much. Let’s wait until she’s more stable, and see if she can come home for the New Year."

Lady Wu Wang was worried that Wu Jiayu might not be able to return to her parents’ home for the New Year.

"...There’s nothing to be done when you’re expecting, it’s not convenient for her, so if you have time, just go visit her. It’s your own daughter, never mind the formalities...she’s our only daughter," Lady Zhang said, meaning that if Wu Jiayu couldn’t come for the New Year, there was nothing to be done.

"That’s true," Lady Wu Wang smiled.

She and Wu Yugui naturally wouldn’t criticize Wu Jiayu for protocol, and Wu Jiaxing is her brother, only her sister-in-law might, but Lian Zhizhi was not that kind of person, especially since she and Wu Jiayu get along well. The whole family lived in harmony, with no disputes.

After talking about Wu Jiayu for a while, the conversation turned to Wu Lang’s marriage and Prefecture City matters. The topic, as it went on, shifted to Lian Manman.

"Wu Lang’s matter is settled, so next it’s time to prepare for Manman’s," Lady Li said. "You’ve been living in Prefecture City for some time now, did anyone propose for Manman?"

"Yes, I wanted to ask about this at Old Lu Family’s place, but there were too many people. Does Manman have any prospects?" Lady Wu Wang also inquired with concern, clearly, everyone was very interested in Lian Manman’s marriage. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Lian Manman noticed the talk turned to her, so she couldn’t sit still any longer.

"Dabao seems a little sleepy, I’ll take him to my room to nap for a while," Lian Manman said, picking up Dabao and getting down from the bed.

Lady Zhang and the others just smiled and didn’t stop Lian Manman. Lian Zhizhi chuckled and picked up Dabao’s little bundle, following Lian Manman to the west room.

The little maid lifted the curtain, and the two sisters entered the west room. The bed in the outer room was covered with a bright red carpet. The sisters sat on the bed, spread Dabao’s little bedding, tucked him into the quilt, and patted him to sleep.

The little one had a habit of playing a bit after lunch before napping. Today, with so many people around, he was particularly lively and played a bit longer than usual. Now he was getting drowsy. Lian Zhizhi patted him for a while, and Dabao fell asleep.

After making sure Dabao was sound asleep, Lian Zhizhi waved her hand and sent the maids out of the room.

"Manman, has anyone mentioned marriage for you? What kind of person is it?" Lian Zhizhi sat next to Lian Manman and asked softly.

Lian Manman initially hesitated to speak, but after Lian Zhizhi pressed her, she slowly revealed some information. After all, they were sisters and there was nothing to hide.

"Is that so!" Lian Zhizhi was surprised, both delighted and astonished.

"The two families have agreed verbally, but it hasn’t been publicized yet. We have to wait for him to return from the Capital City and also finish organizing my brother’s wedding," Lian Manman told Lian Zhizhi. "This matter, it’s not appropriate to tell outsiders just yet. As long as we know ourselves, it’s fine."

"I understand." Lian Zhizhi nodded, assuring her that she wouldn’t mention it to anyone.