They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 71 Gaining Face
Liang Lizheng naturally wouldn't argue with his in-laws at this time, but he really couldn't bring himself to say something as aggrieved as "It's alright! It's alright!"

He lived an upright life, and wherever he went in the surrounding villages, everyone respected him. Everyone greeted him warmly with a smile, calling him "Liang Village Head" or "Uncle" or "Grandpa Liang".
To suffer this kind of treatment when you're old.

He didn't care, but he couldn't let it go either.

This marriage wasn't something the Liang family sought out. My father had mentioned it when he was still alive, but the two families never formally exchanged tokens of affection or matched horoscopes. It was more like a joke.

Who knows what the Zeng family is up to? They suddenly showed up one day and brought it up.

It terrified their whole family at the time.

Since the woman had brought it up, it would be too much for our family to refuse, so we had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

Fortunately, although this daughter-in-law has a temper, she is not the type to throw tantrums.

Liang Lizheng never thought of getting any benefits from the Zeng family through this marriage relationship. Being treated like this by his father-in-law, it was impossible for him to be happy.

"Wishing my father-in-law boundless happiness and longevity! Haha, this is just a small gift to express my feelings, please don't laugh at me, father-in-law."

The guests in the hall laughed, some with good intentions and others with less so.

When the third daughter of the Zeng family married into a rural family, everyone praised the Zeng family for keeping their promises and admired them greatly.

Everyone knows the situation of the Liang family.

For country folk, giving eggs, longevity noodles, and some pastries and brown sugar is already considered a generous gift.

They must have saved up for more than half a year to afford all these things; they really put their heart into it.

Of course, some people admire this sentiment, while others are dismissive and indifferent.

Master Zeng was inwardly unconvinced, but outwardly he didn't show it. He chuckled and repeatedly invited Liang Lizheng and Liang Dashang to sit down, saying, "It's an honor for my in-laws to come, hahaha!"

The servants who received the gifts came up and took the two baskets away.

Liang Lizheng smiled and said, "We also have a congratulatory gift here. The third son's wife and son are very thoughtful. They went to great lengths to have it made. Please take a look at the sentiments of the younger generation."

Master Zeng was even more dismissive. Did he not know what kind of person his daughter was? What good things could she possibly have? It was good enough that she didn't anger him.

However, since his father-in-law had already spoken, he couldn't refuse, so he could only nod and smile, saying, "Good, good, this child has become much more sensible now that she's married, haha."

Zeng Xiaoyan wanted to roll her eyes: Was she the one who was being unreasonable? It was always others who provoked her first!

Since everything she does is wrong and she is at fault as a concubine's daughter, then aren't those who gave birth to her making a mistake on top of a mistake?

Did you ask her if she was willing before letting her be born?

Liang Lizheng couldn't stand hearing others speak ill of his family, especially since there was nothing wrong with them. "Father-in-law, what are you saying? Xiao Yan has always been a very sensible child, and our whole family likes her very much, haha."

Zeng Xiaoyan felt a warmth in her heart and glanced gratefully at her father-in-law. She seemed to think that being born wasn't so bad after all.

It's a pity she didn't have that ability, otherwise she would have definitely stolen all the money from her scumbag father and stepmother to support her in-laws and repay her sister-in-law Zhichun.
Mr. Zeng also laughed and kept saying, "That's good, haha, that's good!"

He felt even more disdainful and smug. No matter how bad his illegitimate daughter was, how could her father-in-law dare to disrespect him? He still had to praise her.

Liang Lizheng asked Master Zeng to have someone clear out an octagonal table, and gestured for Liang Mingliang to carefully place the huge box he was carrying on it. Zeng Xiaoyan stepped forward to help, gently untying the rope and carefully lifting the box from the top.

After taking the box off, the young couple breathed a sigh of relief and simultaneously moved aside.

Suddenly, everyone's eyes lit up!
"Wow! What a vibrant color!" "What a huge peach!"

"May you live as long as the Southern Mountain, what a good omen!"

"This is so exquisitely made! It's clear that a lot of thought was put into it."

"Yes, it's so beautiful!"

"Brother Zeng is truly blessed with a clever, quick-witted, and filial daughter, and a wonderful son-in-law, hahaha."

"Indeed, Miss Zeng and her husband really put a lot of thought into it."

Brother Zeng is very fortunate.

Everyone had never seen anything like it before, and they were full of envy and praise. Master Zeng was also overjoyed. He never expected that this concubine's daughter would make him so proud. He was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling and kept being modest.

Who wouldn't be pleasantly surprised to receive such a birthday gift?
Just as everyone says, it's a good omen! Great fortune!

When everyone heard that it was made of dough, they were even more surprised and came closer to take a closer look.

Sure enough, I smelled the aroma of noodles. Upon closer inspection, the more I looked at it, the more exquisite it seemed, and I admired it even more.

With its auspicious symbolism, exquisite craftsmanship, and vibrant colors, it's clear that extraordinary care was put into its design.

While pleased with himself, Master Zeng suddenly felt a little guilty. The Liang family, as in-laws, were truly quite remarkable.

Since the marriage, I have never asked for anything or any favors from them. Considering their financial situation, sending such a birthday gift shows they are truly thoughtful and generous.

"Father-in-law, you must have a good drink today, hahaha! Let's drink until we're drunk!"

Liang Lizheng could tell the difference between good and bad. His snobbish father-in-law had only been paying lip service before, but now he was genuinely showing some sincerity. All he wanted was this respect.

Liang Lizheng breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a sincere smile: "Today is my father-in-law's birthday, so we should have a few more drinks."

"Yes, yes! Hahahaha!"

Old Master Zeng gave Zeng Xiaoyan a rare look of kindness and said gently, "You've really grown up. You've certainly improved. From now on, you must be more sensible and take good care of your parents-in-law, understand?"

Zeng Xiaoyan resisted the urge to roll her eyes and said, "Yes."

"Hmm," Master Zeng nodded, instructing his attendant to lead Aunt Liang and the others to the women's side, "Call a head maid to take the third in-laws' wives, the third young lady, and this young mistress of the Liang family down to entertain them properly. Do not neglect them. Go."

"Yes, sir."

"Third girl, take good care of your mother-in-law and sister-in-law. If you need anything, just tell them."

"I know, Dad."

Zeng Xiaoyan thought to herself, "This at least makes sense."

Liang Mingliang looked over pitifully: What about him? What should he do? He didn't want to stay here, and he didn't know what to say to these people. He couldn't just sit there silently; that would make him look stupid.
Zeng Xiaoyan didn't think much of it, waved to him, and took him away directly.

Liang Mingliang breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest. His wife was so good to him!

(End of this chapter)