Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 614 - 316: Observing Etiquette_1
Third watch, seeking pink.
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First was the return gift for the Wu Family. Glutinous rice dumplings, jiang rice dumplings, jiang rice red date dumplings, fresh meat dumplings, egg yolk dumplings—five of each kind—two small jars of grape wine, two fragrant sachets intricately embroidered by Lian Zhizhi herself, and additionally, a basket full of fresh tender rape and bok choy, along with another basket of tender pea pods.
Even though it was just the beginning of summer, the vegetable gardens of the tenant farmers actually had very few edible vegetables. It was Lian Manman who thought of ways to find these rare local vegetable seeds. Their family had many fields and ample manure, so after one crop of tender rape and bok choy was harvested, they would plant another.
These few baskets of fresh vegetables were a rare delicacy.
Then there were the gifts for Wang Youheng. They were the same as those for the Wu Family—five of each kind of the five sorts of dumplings, two jars of grape wine, two baskets of fresh vegetables, plus two pairs of shoes with layered soles.
The gifts for Wang Youheng were as significant as those for the Wu Family, even slightly more generous.
"No one can compare to him; without him and our Manman, by now the grass over the grave would have grown tall," said Lady Zhang.
Wang Youheng was still planning to return to the county seat for the Dragon Boat Festival, so the gifts had to be sent in advance.
This time, the Lian Family sent Wu Lang and Xiao Qi to deliver the gifts; they set out early in the morning to deliver Wang Youheng’s gifts first, and then they went on to the Wu Family, followed by their usual lessons at the private school. At noon, the Wu Family prepared a sumptuous meal and sent a cart to pick up Wu Lang and Xiao Qi from the school.
There’s a common saying among farmsteads: "Mother’s brothers are most respected." As Lian Zhizhi’s direct younger brothers, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi were naturally treated as honored guests upon their arrival at the Wu Family.
After returning, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi relayed to Lady Zhang what arrangements the Wu Family had made for the feast. To host the two of them, the Wu Family had specially ordered the feast from a restaurant in town, treating them not at all like children.
Such arrangements from the Wu Family further highlighted the importance they placed on their relationship with Lian Zhizhi, and on this betrothal. Hearing this, both Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin were pleased inwardly.
"Third Brother Wu is from a reputable family; he pays attention to these courtesies," Lian Shouxin nodded.
"Everything else aside, the way the Jiaxing family handles this shows they value us. Once Zhizhi marries into their family, she won’t have a hard life," Lady Zhang said.
"Third Aunt Wu also said that from now on at noon, my brother and I shouldn’t return home, and that we should just eat at their house nearby," Xiao Qi said.
"So what did you two reply?" Lady Zhang asked.
"My brother thanked Third Aunt Wu but declined, saying our home wasn’t far and that whenever we had time, we would surely visit Third Uncle and Aunt more," Xiao Qi replied.
Lady Zhang looked at Wu Lang, very satisfied with his response.
"Sister, Brother Jiaxing also wanted to give me some pocket money," Xiao Qi said quietly, drawing closer to Lian Manman.
Lian Manman’s eyes rolled, thinking that Wu Jiaxing was quite cunning, knowing how to ingratiate himself with Xiao Qi. After all, he was betrothed to Lian Zhizhi, and while the two families interacted, the two of them wouldn’t have many chances to truly connect. Winning over Xiao Qi, with his help in passing messages, and speaking well of Wu Jiaxing in front of Lian Zhizhi, could effectively close the emotional distance between them.
Moreover, winning over Xiao Qi was tantamount to winning over their entire family.
"Did you accept it?" Lian Manman asked.
"I didn’t," Xiao Qi said. "I don’t lack pocket money... even though Brother Jiaxing is betrothed to our sister, I can’t just casually take his money."
Lian Manman nodded. Despite Xiao Qi’s young age and foodie tendencies, he still had a sense of propriety in his words and actions.
"Brother Xing was secretly asking about our sister," Xiao Qi whispered mysteriously in Lian Manman’s ear.
Lian Manman laughed.
"...He must have not only given you pocket money but also bought you snacks, right?" Lian Manman held Xiao Qi’s face in her hands, smiled, and said, "Don’t let him fool you into saying anything, okay? You can’t tell him everything about our sister’s matters, got it?"
"I know, sister, don’t always pinch my face," said Xiao Qi, laughing as he wriggled free. "Sister, I’m not foolish, I know what I can and can’t say."
...
Besides the gifts for Wang Youheng and the Wu Family, there were also gifts for Lady Zhang’s maternal family. This included the ten jin of jiang rice she mentioned. Coinciding with a market day at Back Mountain Village, they had someone from the village going to the market deliver the gifts.
In this era, transportation was inconvenient, and farmstead families were often busy. For relatives living far away, many used this method to exchange goods and messages.
It just happened that Zhang Qingshan and Zhang Qingnian didn’t go to the big market at Back Mountain Village that day. As there were surely others from their village attending, they could entrust their goods to one of these individuals for reliable delivery. The Zhang Family would receive the items on the same day.
