Old Master Lian, in his conduct, is much more subtle and reserved than Lady Zhou. This is his way of hinting to Lian Shouxin to bring out the silver.
"If it's my grandfather speaking, he will definitely be clear about it, saying it's a loan and would be paid back later. But if my father voluntarily brings the silver over, everyone will know our family is now well-off. My father, being shy, would be embarrassed to bring up the matter of repayment. If my grandfather then mentions the borrowing and repaying, it's a whole different matter... Didn't my grandfather always say before that he'd rather not borrow money in this lifetime? If he opens his mouth to borrow from us, he must think it's a loss of face. But if my father offers the money willingly, it would look good for him, and everyone in the village would admire him."
