In the Upper Room, Lady Zhou lay on the kang, continuously moaning in pain. Lian Xiuxiu sat beside Lady Zhou, holding her hand. Old Master Lian, clad in his clothes, sat at the head of the kang, silently puffing on his dry pipe.
People had already filled the space below. Lian Shouren from the Main Wife, along with Lian Jizu and his son, as well as Lady Chiang holding Niuniu stood by Lian Jizu's side, Lian Shouyi and his wife from the Second Branch, Lian Yaya, and their children from the eldest to the sixth, and Lian Shouli and his wife from the Third Branch with Lian Yeye.
When Lian Shouxin, with Lian Manman and the others, entered the room, Lady Zhou's moans on the kang grew even louder. People stepped aside to let Lian Shouxin come forward.
"Mother, what's wrong?" Lian Shouxin asked.
"Mother's old complaint has flared up again, she has a pain in her chest," Lian Shouren replied.
"Mother, how do you feel?" Lian Shouxin stepped up to Lady Zhou and asked.