Chapter 10, Steamed Buns

Father may agree, but the eggs are in mother's hands. By then, mother will still be angry, and it is uncertain when this matter will be resolved. If we add more fuel to the fire, our lives will become even more difficult

Lian Shouxin did not respond

In order to live well in the future, one must first transform these two big buns, Lian Shouxin and Zhang Shi. Without saying that the buns should be turned into hammers, at the very least, they should no longer continue their foolish filial piety.

The heavens certainly do not take notice of Lian Man'er; she can only find a way for herself

Lian Man'er secretly clenched her fist, "The first step to a happy life, watch how I transform the baozi"

Lian Man'er thought for a moment; her body was still very weak, so she had no choice but to pinch her nose and swallow the medicine. Throughout the process, her eyes were half-closed, and she was not fully awake. After finishing the medicine, she lay down again.

Lian Man'er silently questions the heavens.

I may no longer have the ability to keep my promises, but I will never sell my wife and children

I will try again at my mother's place tomorrow morning said Lian Shouxin

I am sorry to Man'er, how could I be so foolish, believing whatever others say. If anything were to happen to Man'er, I would have no face to live on. People would say I sold my daughter for glory

"How about I ask my father?" Lian Shouxin

Zhang made a sound of acknowledgment, turned his head to glance at Lian Man'er, who was sleeping there, and unconsciously felt his eyes welling up again

Lian Shouxin remained silent.

... ...

Lian Shouxin held his head in his hands

It turned out that Manner accidentally spoke to herself.

"Doctor Wang will stay at his scholar brother's house tonight and return to the town tomorrow morning," said Lian Shouxin

Lian Shouxin sighed, then turned to embrace Zhang. He knew Zhang very well; he was fully aware of the sacrifices Zhang had made for the Lian family over the years and the grievances he had endured.

I know. "Lian Shouxin said quietly, the Zhou family treated him the same way.

In a daze, Lian Man'er heard Lian Shouxin's words and was about to secretly cheer him on when she heard Lian Shouxin continue speaking

Zhang recalled the time when the Zhou, Gu, and He families suggested that Man'er become a child bride. They promised her many benefits, claiming that in the future, Zhi'er would be able to marry into a good family, and Wulang and Qilang could go to school. They also said that Man'er would enjoy a good life after marrying. Although she was tempted, she still couldn't bear to part with Man'er. It was Zhou who noticed her hesitation and scolded her for being selfish and not considering the Lian family, accusing her of being unfilial.

Zhang sighed

"Father, I do not want the small-footed women from the city; I only want Xiao Yan from Luo Family Village." Lian Erlang, who had woken up at some point, suddenly spoke. He is seventeen years old this year, which is the age for courtship, yet he has been unable to find a suitable match.

Hmm. Lian Shouxin nodded, "Big brother's matter is our father's lifelong aspiration. As his son and brother, I will help as much as I can. This time... I, I also regret it.

It seems to be saying something about... buns. Even Lian Shouxin heard it

"Man'er is craving buns," Zhang sighed. "I still want to ask Mother for an egg for Man'er to eat tomorrow, but she might not agree. If she wants to eat buns, that will be even harder."

Upon careful consideration, although this couple has their shortcomings, they do possess certain merits. She can see that they are very caring towards their child. Even though they lack principles in their treatment of parents and children, with their bias heavily leaning towards the parents, they still understand the situation. Moreover, when it comes to themselves and their child, they are willing to endure hardships to protect the child

"Uncle wants to become an official, but it won't happen so quickly." Seeing that he couldn't persuade the two of them, Erlang had no choice but to turn over and go back to sleep

"Man'er, just drink it, so you won't have a headache later," Lian Zhi advised.

What should we do then? Doctor Wang said that the child is weak and needs to be taken care of properly

Uncertain how much time had passed, Lian Manner vaguely heard Lian Shouxin and Zhang speaking in low voices

He slept soundly through the night with the picture book, and the next morning, he woke up to the scolding of the Zhou family.

His father, I ask for nothing, just that the flowers marry well, and that my elder brother's family goes into officialdom; that is the blessing of my elder brother's family. I do not seek to share in their glory, I only wish for a few children to be safe and sound, and to have enough to eat and drink from those few acres of land. If I can achieve this in my lifetime, I will be content.

That is not going to deliver oneself to death

... ... The daughter is just that temperamental, but her heart is not bad. " Lian Shouxin said sullenly.

"Then tomorrow morning, you should also go to the town to buy medicine," said Zhang. "Did your mother give you the money for the medicine?"

Doctor Wang possesses a compassionate heart, yet we cannot remain indebted to him. Especially regarding the medicine, he also acquired it at a cost. If Mother truly refuses to spend any money, then let these two hairpins of mine be sacrificed instead

"I am not a good daughter-in-law," Zhang said, pulling the quilt to her chest. "I have made up my mind; I would rather bear the reputation of being unfilial. If such a thing happens again, I will not agree to it. If you need to exchange for money, just take me to exchange."

Life is already quite difficult, and with parents being so demanding, how is one supposed to live

No, her family is extremely poor, her mother is unwell, and she has a younger brother. She demands a substantial betrothal gift and expects her husband to take care of her family in the future. We are doing well; why should we marry her? Er Lang and Tu Shu, don't rush. Just wait until your uncle becomes an official; won't there be plenty of good girls for you to choose from?

Man'er is a direct descendant of the Lian family

What else can I do?" Zhang's tone was somewhat desolate. "I will go and plead with my mother. Even if she scolds me for being greedy, I will accept it.

Lian Man'er was almost spitting blood. Reflecting on the events of that day, she suddenly realized that Lian Shouxin and the Zhang couple were indeed the legendary foolishly filial big dumplings.

Moreover, in the matter of Lian Man'er, they are constrained by the character of filial piety, rather than being driven by greed. If it were driven by greed, there would be no hope left

If such a thing happens again, I will sell myself. ... ... At worst, I will go to the salt pit to mine salt ... ...

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Lian Shouxin's voice was somewhat muffled. "Isn't Man'er living well? ... Regarding Man'er's situation, Mother ... Elder Brother and Sister-in-law, they ... they shouldn't ... shouldn't be ..." He ultimately did not say the words "not on purpose."

Then, if there is anything in the future..." Zhang raised his eyes to ask Lian Shouxin

Zhang let out a long sigh and fell silent thereafter

"His father, Man'er is talking in her sleep," said Zhang softly

Zhang began to cry softly, transitioning to a more pronounced weeping.

Lian Man'er, still in a daze, was helped up by Zhang Shi and Lian Zhi'er, who said that the medicine was ready and urged her to take it before going back to sleep. Upon smelling the strong herbal scent, Lian Man'er reluctantly opened her eyes. Looking down, she saw a bowl of dark herbal soup, which indeed did not smell very pleasant.

Overall, this couple is still capable of being transformed under certain conditions; however, the process of transformation is not an easy task. Fortunately, the matter concerning Lian Man'er has provided an opportunity. This couple has begun to waver in their blind filial piety and feels a deep sense of guilt towards Lian Man'er. This is something she can take full advantage of.

"My mother scolded me for being unfilial and neglecting the family, saying that if I did not agree, the family's future would be ruined because of me. My elder sister-in-law and second sister-in-law also said the same. I became frightened and, in a moment of confusion, agreed. " As Zhang cried harder, feeling increasingly sorrowful and fearing that she would wake the children, she covered her mouth with the corner of the quilt, "As a result, Man'er almost lost her life because of me..."

That is your own brother; you know in your heart what that means. Over the years, we have worked hard while enjoying the fruits of our labor later, following whatever Mother said without complaint. Regarding today's matter, if Man'er hadn't mentioned it, I would still be a fool. Just thinking about it feels like a bucket of cold water has been poured over my heart

Hehe, I can't say. "Lian Shouyi chuckled, saying, 'Rest assured, no matter what, he wouldn't dare neglect us. Once we also become masters and madams, we will buy a few maidservants to serve us and arrange for our sons to marry women with small feet from the city.'"