Lian Manman observed Luo Xiaoyan’s expression from the side and somewhat understood. The things Lady Zhang mentioned weren’t news to Luo Xiaoyan; in other words, Luo Xiaoyan, the Luo Family, already knew the inside story about Wang Xuemei’s family, yet they were still very willing to proceed with such a marriage.

This was quite intriguing, Lian Manman thought.

"This is the first time I’m hearing these things. I’ll definitely look into it more closely when I get back," Luo Xiaoyan said, after Lady Zhang finished speaking, lifting her head.

"Auntie, my mom only heard these things through the grapevine, so don’t take them too seriously," Lian Manman chuckled. "She only said it out of concern. If it were another family, regardless of rumors, my mom wouldn’t comment even if it were bigger news. In the end, what matters is if the person is willing, right?"

"Well, I’m not sure about these things. Since we’re all family here, I’ll just say it. The one who proposed this marriage is your aunt, who is trustworthy, so what she said must be true. Just trust her," Manman continued without waiting for Luo Xiaoyan to respond.

"I..." Luo Xiaoyan opened her mouth.

"From how you’ve spoken before, sister-in-law, what matters most in choosing a sister-in-law for your brother isn’t anything else, but the ability to manage a household, right?" Lian Manman continued.

"That’s the point. Although Manman is young and a girl, she understands this very well," Lady Zhang said. "The wife of your brother will need to take care of your parents and younger sister in the future. The first thing is to be capable and manage the household, right? You can’t stay at the Luo Family forever, running their household, can you?"

"Of course not!" Luo Xiaoyan responded.

"Exactly. Since we’re not outsiders, I’ll be straightforward, and you shouldn’t take it the wrong way. Reflect on whether what I said holds reason.... Even if you’re willing to manage the household for the Luo Family all your life, and even if Erlang is okay with it, will your future sister-in-law be okay with it? You don’t have a sister-in-law right now, and it’s understandable since your brother is young, and your parents aren’t well. But after your brother gets married, how will others perceive and comment on your family?" Lady Zhang insisted.

"Since you’re concerned about your family, you should think it over. Your sister-in-law is crucial; it doesn’t matter about looks or family background, the primary quality is capability and stability, someone who can manage a household, correct?"

"Otherwise, how will your parents and sister cope in the future? Your brother is younger and less experienced than you, as the elder sister, you should guide him, rather than indulge him in everything, ultimately harming him and your family." Lady Zhang concluded again.

Last night, as Lian Manman’s family discussed, in line with Manman’s views, they felt that Luo Xiaoying’s marriage had nothing to do with them; if he married poorly, it would only trouble the Luo Family.

However, there’s also Luo Xiaoyan. She wouldn’t stand by and watch the Luo Family suffer. If Luo Xiaoying marries poorly, and the Luo Family fares poorly, it will ultimately affect Erlang. Moreover, Luo Xiaoyan may even shift part of the burden and unhappiness onto Erlang.

To help Erlang, they couldn’t ignore Luo Xiaoying’s affairs.

Of course, how to intervene should be up to them, not whatever Luo Xiaoyan demands.

"...Of course, in the end, your family makes the decision. As an elder, I saw and heard, so I couldn’t keep it from you, whether you’re grateful or resentful is up to you," Lady Zhang said as Luo Xiaoyan remained silent for a while.

"Auntie, I’m not someone who doesn’t know gratitude; I know you’re doing it for our good," Luo Xiaoyan replied.

"So, should I wait for your message, or will you give us a plan now?" Lady Zhang inquired.

Luo Xiaoyan hesitated again, seemingly unsure of what to say.

"Yesterday, while we were talking, you left without finishing. Later, your uncle told me that Erlang had explained everything clearly to him," Lady Zhang said, deciding to lay out the result of their family discussion, "we’ve discussed, and we can agree to your terms."

Overjoyed, Luo Xiaoyan looked at Lady Zhang with widened eyes. After being so harshly lectured by her yesterday, she never expected her request would be possible. Moreover, she feared that after this, Lian Shouxin, Lady Zhang, and their family would loathe her and her family.

Now, Lady Zhang actually agreed to her request, which filled her with surprise and delight.

Though initially surprised and delighted, as she calmed down, the surprise was greater, and the delight lessened.

"Auntie, you’re saying..." Luo Xiaoyan probed.

"We can arrange for your brother to find a more respectable job nearby, as long as he can do it well," Lady Zhang said. "As for your marriage, let it proceed too. But from now on, you’ll need to move out of the Luo Family," she concluded.

"Sister-in-law, it’s not that our parents are forcing you, but do you remember your own words when you got engaged to Brother Erlang?" Lian Manman asked.

Luo Xiaoyan had promised that once Luo Xiaoying married, she would return to the Lian Family and fulfill her duties as a wife.

"I remember, I haven’t forgotten. I’m not one to break a promise," Luo Xiaoyan responded.

"We all believe that. In this regard, sister-in-law, you’re as trustworthy as any man; a promise once spoken is not to be broken," Lian Manman nodded.

...

The second update will come later. Seeking pink votes.

Recommendation for Ruoyan’s completed pastoral novel:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (completed with extras) (click the link below to go directly to it)

Summary: Reincarnated as a wronged and abandoned woman, carrying a little bundle, she embarks on a sweet life with a frugal man. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to cast recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)