Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1145 - 584th - Palace Lantern

Second update, asking for likes.

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From Lian’s Restaurant to the Nine-layered Pagoda, there’s a shortcut. Take the alley behind Lian’s Restaurant and walk to the right rear, passing over a Stone Arch Bridge, and you’ll arrive beneath the Nine-layered Pagoda.

Lian Manman and the others naturally took this shortcut. Because the alley is remote, only their group was on the road. The Lian Family’s employees, long-term workers, and Shen Qian’s entourage all carried lanterns, lighting up the path as bright as day.

Lian Manman, Shen Qian, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi chatted as they walked.

"Xiao Jiu, did you come alone?" Lian Manman asked upon seeing Shen Qian accompanied only by servants and attendants. As far as she knew, Shen Jiu at his age couldn’t leave the Shen Family alone; he needed elders with him. For instance, his visits to the Thirty Mile Camp were always with Shen Liu.

This was one reason Lian Manman had always thought of Shen Qian as very young.

"Yes, Xiao Jiu, do your family elders trust you to go out and play alone?" Xiao Qi also asked, though he addressed him as Brother Xiao Jiu, he viewed Shen Qian as a peer.

The first time Shen Qian appeared before the siblings of the Lian Family, he had that chubby, youthful appearance!

"Just me. I turned thirteen today, so I can go outside alone." Shen Qian patiently explained and then turned to ask Lian Manman, "Manman, do you like the Western music box I asked Fifth Brother to bring you?"

Earlier, Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang went to Prefecture City to deliver New Year gifts, and Shen Qian also sent many things for Lian Manman and Xiao Qi, including a Western music box. The music box had a small figure dressed in a Western court outfit, and when the spring was wound, the figure would dance and spin to the music.

Because entertainment was scarce, and it was rare to hear any music, Lian Manman was delighted and played with the music box for several days after receiving it.

"I like it, thank you, Xiao Jiu." Manman replied, "By the way, Mr. Loo also praised your calligraphy."

"What do you think, Manman?" Shen Qian asked Lian Manman.

"Isn’t it obvious?" Manman initially planned to leave it at that, but seeing Shen Qian’s eager expression, she added, "When I first saw the letter you wrote to us, I told Xiao Qi your handwriting is excellent. Xiao Qi even wanted to learn from you."

"Manman, your handwriting is beautiful too." Shen Qian squinted and smiled. It’s a pity that Xiao Qi usually writes back, and Lian Manman only occasionally writes a few words. But today, by chance, there was an unexpected gain. Thinking this, Shen Qian subconsciously touched his chest, his smile growing wider.

"Xiao Jiu, why didn’t Sixth Brother come this time?" Descending the Stone Arch Bridge and seeing the Nine-layered Pagoda ahead, Lian Manman asked.

"Sixth Brother isn’t home." Shen Qian quickly replied, "He went to the capital right after New Year and is expected to return in February."

"Went to the capital?"

"Yes, summoned by an imperial decree from The Emperor." Shen Qian nodded.

"Hope it’s not for anything serious," Lian Manman muttered almost to herself.

"It shouldn’t be. Every year, during New Year, Sixth Brother has to go to the capital." Shen Qian replied.

As they talked, they arrived beneath the Nine-layered Pagoda. Lian Manman let out an "oh" and didn’t continue to ask further.

During the Lantern Festival, the Nine-layered Pagoda inside and out was brightly lit. Because arrangements had been made in advance, the gatekeeper had already opened the doors, welcoming Lian Manman and her group inside.

For lantern watching at the Nine-layered Pagoda, it’s typically done on the fourth tier, with the upper tiers locked. Due to the high base of the tower, standing on the fourth tier provided a good view of the city’s scenery. With older Lady Li and younger Xiao Long and Xiao Hu in the group, they stopped on the fourth tier, watching the lanterns from the railing.

Lian Manman, Xiao Qi, Shen Qian, Wu Lang stood together. Shen Qian suddenly whispered something to Xiao Qi and Wu Lang, and the three left Lian Manman behind, running to the other side of the tower.

Seeing that they hadn’t called her, Lian Manman didn’t follow. Alone, she watched the lanterns happily when she felt a tickle in her palm. She turned around to find Shen Qian had returned unnoticed, secretly scratching her palm.

A brat, getting bold, huh? At that moment, Lian Manman forgot she once pinched that chubby hand of his, ready to raise her eyebrows and assert authority.

"Manman, shall we go further up? It’ll look even better from the top." Shen Qian softly suggested as Lian Manman turned her head.