Chapter 7: The Turmoil Caused by a Piece of Meat

The eggplant is also stewed; I will inform my mother that it is ready to be served.

I have already prepared all the oil for you. Can't you even lift a finger to cook? You rely on me, this old woman, for everything. At my age, I still have to serve you like a young bride.

Zhang turned his head away this time and did not respond

Zhao served a few chopsticks of vegetables to Lian Ye'er, and Zhou let out a cold snort. Zhao's hand trembled slightly, and she stopped serving the vegetables, instead dipping scallions in sauce and bowing her head to eat rice.

Mother, the oil is hot; if we don't add the green beans to stir-fry soon, it will burn the pot" Zhang said, forcing a smile.

"Sister-in-law, you can eat it; I don't want it anymore"

"Mother, there is so much work today, I am starving," He said with a cheerful smile

That belongs to your brother's wife, so hurry up and put it down

"Second sister, how many pieces of meat are in the pot? Nai can remember the count," said Xiao Qi.

Zhang took the scallions back, saw his half bowl of rice, said nothing, and just sat down to eat. It seems he has also gotten used to it

"Second Sister, if you don't apologize, we will all go hungry," Xiao Qi said, nudging Lian Man'er, sounding like a buzzing mosquito.

Zhao lowered his head, responded with a sound, and was about to get off the kang.

Zhou made a slight grimace

"Man'er, you forgot, there is meat in the eggplant, and both meat and vegetables require you to do it yourself," Lian Zhier said.

"Grandma, just now you poured that little bit of oil, and you want to fry a large bowl of potatoes, yet you complain about the oil being too much. Grandma, you added so much oil again; the green beans are far less than the potatoes, so isn't that even more wasteful of oil?" Lian Man couldn't help but speak up.

Zhang hurried over and pulled Lian Man'er into his embrace

Lian Man'er and Zhao Shi came out together and went back into the house to move the bowls and chopsticks.

Lian Man'er and Xiao Qi also sat down at the table by the kang. Although Xiao Qi is a male, due to his young age, he also ate at this table with Zhang Shi. Lian Ye'er also came over and sat closely next to Lian Man'er. Next to Xiao Qi was Lian Duo'er, followed by Gu Shi, Lian Hua'er, and Lian Xiu'er, with Zhou Shi sitting at the head of the table. He Shi, accompanied by her little daughter Lian Ya'er, sat next to Zhou Shi, leaving only a narrow space for Zhang Shi, Zhao Shi, and Lian Zhi'er. Next to Xiao Qi was Lian Duo'er, followed by Gu Shi, Lian Hua'er, and Lian Xiu'er, with Zhou Shi sitting at the head of the table. He Shi, accompanied by her little daughter Lian Ya'er, sat next to Zhou Shi, leaving only a narrow space for Zhang Shi, Zhao Shi, and Lian Zhi'er

What is this Zhang family doing? Picking bones from an egg, anyway, whatever the Zhang family does is wrong. Speaking of which, the clay figurine has a fiery temperament, yet the Zhang family seems to accept everything without any anger.

He sat right next to Zhou, quickly reaching out his hand to grab a bun, and in one bite, he devoured half of it.

After Lian Man'er finished speaking, she noticed that several people were looking at her with strange expressions.

"Go inside, Xiao Qi, and keep an eye on your sister," said Zhang.

Mother, can't you serve yourself? The milk should be said to let her work and serve us.

"Man'er, what are you doing?" Zhou said sharply, slamming the chopsticks down on the table.

Zhang's hands and feet were very quick; in a short while, he had finished stir-frying both dishes.

"The green onions are insufficient, Third Brother's wife, please go and pick some more." Zhou said

Mother, I will go. It is my turn to cook today, and we are short on green onions, so I will go get some myself. Zhang stopped Zhao and went out to pick green onions.

That was the nest meant for the Zhang family. Lian Man'er wanted to speak again, but she saw Lian Zhi'er and Xiao Qi shaking their heads at her. Lian Zhi'er even secretly broke off half of her nest and hid it in her sleeve. Xiao Qi did the same. From their expressions, could it be that this happens often? Lian Man'er glanced at the nest in her bowl and, imitating the two, hid her nest as well. She had just eaten a bowl of noodle dumplings and was not hungry.

"What is troublesome or not, you have helped me more." Zhao smiled slightly

For such a statement, the Zhou family can truly make it impossible for everyone to have a meal

In the braised eggplant, there was pork belly. When Zhou placed the dishes, he picked out the meat and arranged it on the surface. At the table, only Lian Xiuer was savoring the meat, eating it with great delight, occasionally picking up a piece or two to share with Lian Huar. Lian Man'er heard Xiao Qi swallow, and when she turned her head, she saw the little one gazing at the meat with sparkling eyes, yet he dared not reach out to grab any.

"Mother, Manner is just a child and doesn't understand. She fell and hurt her head again, so please don't hold it against her," Zhang urged quickly. "Manner, hurry and apologize to your grandmother."

Zhang is cooking, and his subordinate paused for a moment

"What a child, isn't it you who spoils him? Outwardly obedient, but with a malicious heart. Don't think I don't know your intentions, making a little girl try to take advantage of me." Zhou turned to Zhang and lashed out.

Zhao entered the house and informed the Zhou family that the eggplant stew was ready

Seeing the Zhang family like this, Zhou no longer scolded them, but still glared at Lian Man'er with indignation

Lian Man'er wanted to speak, but Xiao Qi hurriedly squeezed her hand under the table. After thinking for a moment, Lian Man'er closed her mouth

The rice bowl and the small bowl were placed beside Mrs. Zhou. Mrs. Zhou picked up the rice ladle and first served a full bowl with a pointed top, handing it to Lian Xiuer. Lian Xiuer took it but did not eat; instead, she passed it to Lian Huar. Mrs. Zhou then served another full bowl with a pointed top, still handing it to Lian Xiuer. This time, Lian Xiuer accepted it and placed it in front of herself. Mrs. Zhou continued to serve rice for herself and the remaining children, and only then did she serve the several daughters-in-law, Gu Shi and He Shi, each receiving just a plain bowl. When it was Zhao Shi's turn, Mrs. Zhou suddenly glanced at the table and set down the rice ladle.

If you do this, she will still say that you are unfilial

"This is what you do not want, not something I took from you," He said immediately.

The dinner at the Lian family was quite lavish, featuring a large bowl of millet rice, a bowl of mixed noodle dumplings, a large bowl of stir-fried potato strips with green peppers, a large bowl of braised pork belly with eggplant, a plate of stir-fried green bean strips, along with a bunch of green onions, a bowl of soybean paste, and a plate of pickled vegetables. The men's table was similarly set, but the portions were even doubled.

Everyone came out to move the tables again. Even the dining table at the Lian family is made of solid wood and is quite heavy. Zhao, Lian Wulang, and Lian Zhier each carried one, while Lian Maner, Lian Zhier, and Xiao Qi worked together to lift another. Two tables were placed together at the head of the kang, and the other two were placed together at the foot. Lian Zhier quickly wiped down several tables.

Zhou is serving eggplant from the pot, while Zhang is standing by to assist.

Zhou is making things difficult for you everywhere. I simply spoke the truth; where is the mistake? Even Man'er feels dissatisfied in her heart.

The two tables at the kang head were occupied by the old master and the male members of the Lian family, while the table at the kang end was hosted by the old lady with the female relatives of the Lian family. Except for Lian Shouren's eldest son and daughter-in-law who had not yet returned from town, the members of the Lian family were all present. Lian Man'er counted and couldn't help but sigh; the Lian family truly was prosperous in terms of offspring.

"Mother, we were wrong, please do not be angry." Xiao Qi peeked out from behind Lian Man'er, smiling as she spoke to Mrs. Zhou

Zhou's expression softened slightly, but he still glared at Lian Man'er

The oil in the pot sizzled and crackled, accompanied by the curses of the Zhou family.

"Mother, I was wrong, please do not be angry," Lian Man'er said. Considering the other party's age, she decided to yield to her.

Lian Xiuer had already reached out to take two steamed buns, giving one to Lian Hua and placing the other in her own bowl. The Zhou family then began distributing the buns as well, giving one to each person. In the end, two remained, presumably for the Zhao and Zhang families, but the Zhou family did not distribute them.

He held the nest tightly, smiling as he looked at Zhao

Everyone let out a sigh of relief

What happened, did she say something wrong again

"I have lived this long, and you, a mere girl, still dare to speak of me." Zhou's hand nearly poked Lian Man'er in the eye

This bowl belongs to your father's table. Remember this clearly and do not mix it up

Zhang paused for a moment, then hurriedly set aside the shredded potatoes, went to fetch the cut green beans, and handed them to Zhou.

Oh. Lian Wulang replied, still helping to bring the food over, and then sat down next to Lian Shouxin

"Mother, please give me another nest," Lian Xiuer said

Zhou gave the last nest to Lian Xiuer

Zhou did not respond, stood up, and shot a glare at Zhang.

He hurriedly retracted his head and began to call out loudly in the courtyard. After a short while, four half-grown boys rushed in from the main gate.

Then you should hurry up and go find it said Zhou with irritation

"Wugong, you can sit this one out; this is not your job. Just let your mother and sister handle it," said Zhou.

Zhou let out a snort and said, "Hurry up and finish cooking the dishes, don't dawdle or be lazy." After saying this, she slammed the curtain and went inside.

... ...

Zhou's complexion was not very good, but he said nothing. He picked up a spoon and served Zhao a bowl that was more than half full. At this time, there was not much rice left in the basin, and Zhang's bowl contained only a little more than half a bowl.

Lian Man'er opened her mouth but did not make a sound

It's not a big deal; she is an elder, just saying it out loud.

He poked his head in from outside and said, "Mother, dinner will be ready soon. You and your grandson haven't returned yet."

"Zhi'er, Wulang, put the table down," Zhang said to the two children

Zhang, Zhao, and Lian Zhier brought dishes and rice from the outer room. Lian Wulang also came to help.

"Man'er has just woken up and has forgotten some things; it will be fine in a couple of days," Zhao consoled Zhang.

The Zhang family, the Zhao family, and Lian Zhier all brought the dishes to the table and sat down on the kang

Mother ... ... '' Zhang's face immediately turned bright red

Zhou glared at He with disdain

With a loud crash, Zhou threw the spoon onto the stove.

With only half a bowl of rice, Zhang might not be full; fortunately, there are still some steamed buns, thought Lian Man.

Zhang used the back of his hand to wipe his eyes

"No ambition." Lian Xiuer snorted.

"Sister-in-law, I took a bite of this, do you still want it?"

What did I say wrong? "Lian Man'er was even more confused.

"Mother, did I say something wrong? If that's what you think, aren't you even a little angry?" Lian Man'er asked.

I remember what each piece looks like. Even the leaves boldly spoke up.

"Old Si's family, Wu Long, just loves doing this woman's work," He said with a grin.

"Man'er, apologize to your grandmother and say that you were wrong." Zhang urged Man'er again.

Inside the room, the Zhao family has already arranged the bowls and chopsticks according to the number of people.

However, even Man'er could no longer bear to watch

Zhao looked at He's exposed yellowed teeth and then lowered his head again

I apologize for troubling you, Third Sister-in-law," Zhang said with a smile

The chopsticks in Lian Man'er’s hands seemed to have a mind of their own, picking up a piece of pork belly.

"Man'er!" Zhang hurriedly tried to stop Lian Man'er, but Lian Man'er still finished speaking.

"What use is it to support you all? At my age, I still have to serve you." Saying this, Zhou walked outside, and then instructed Zhao, "What are you all standing there for? Set the table."