Because of the commotion that lasted all night, no one really slept well. The next day, they still woke up early to rush into the fields for the harvest. In the morning, when it was time to cook, Lady Zhou didn't get up, leaving Old Master Lian no choice but to let Lady He and Lady Zhao take turns cooking.
At breakfast, Lian Manman looked at the steamed buns shaped oddly and did not say a word. She scooped another spoonful of millet rice and almost spit it out. Lady He had made the rice undercooked again. Old Master Lian fared even worse, nearly breaking a tooth on a grain of sand in his meal, and simply put down his bowl, choosing not to eat at all.
Skipping breakfast was one thing, but the work couldn't be skipped. Old Master Lian went to the fields on an empty stomach, leading his sons and grandsons.
Lian Manman stayed back at home to take care of Lady Zhang.