Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1165 - 594: Charity

The first watch, seeking pink votes.

*****

Came quickly, Lian Manman thought. Judging by the time, this merchant surnamed Zhao must have rushed over immediately after hearing the news.

However, upon reflection, this is not surprising at all. A merchant who travels extensively and runs a successful business should not be a fool. Whether to save Zhao Xiue or to recover the situation and avoid offending the Lian Family, this matter cannot be delayed. The earlier he arrives, the more it shows his sincerity.

It makes no difference that the lamps are lit; regardless of the hour, he must come. If he still wants Zhao Xiue, he cannot let her spend the night at the Yamen. If he doesn’t want to offend Wu Lang, he cannot let this issue linger overnight either.

The family discussed the matter, and Wu Lang and Lian Shouxin went out to meet the guest. Lian Manman, Lady Zhang, and others didn’t go out; they only sent Maid Xiao Xi to relay messages.

"That merchant surnamed Zhao brought many gifts, claiming they were to ask for forgiveness."

"...He said he originally didn’t know that Zhao Xiue hadn’t severed ties with her previous husband’s family. If he had known, he definitely wouldn’t have taken Zhao Xiue in, let alone boldly referring to her as ’Madam.’ When he took Zhao Xiue in, she claimed they had divorced, mutually agreeing to have nothing more to do with one another in the future... When Zhao Xiue returned to Qingyang Town, it was after discussing with him to move her maternal family members in, and also to try to bring Er Niuniu along."

"He said for this reason, he even gave Zhao Xiue a sum of silver, never expecting that Zhao Xiue was deceiving him all along."

Lian Manman asked Xiao Xi to pour tea; after some time, Xiao Xi returned and recounted what she heard to Lian Manman.

"...So that’s how it is," Lady Zhang was the first to believe.

Lian Manman thought it over and believed eighty to ninety percent of it too. According to the gathered information, this merchant surnamed Zhao was known to handle matters quite well and was not particularly overbearing. Even if he had some money, Jinyang County was still an out-of-county place for him. How could he not understand the principle that an outsider cannot overpower a local authority?

In a clearly unreasonable situation, he wouldn’t have the audacity to cause a stir at the Lian Family Old Mansion.

Regarding his claim of taking in Zhao Xiue, the merchant’s account was also convincing. Even if Zhao Xiue were a celestial beauty, no man would take such a risk.

However, no matter how convincing he sounds, there is no doubt that he acted foolishly out of infatuation, being manipulated by Zhao Xiue.

"I wonder if after all of this, he’ll still want Zhao Xiue?" Lady Zhang muttered to herself. "If he doesn’t want Zhao Xiue anymore, then Zhao Xiue would be in big trouble. She’d lose everything, having burnt her bridges on both sides."

"Then she can’t blame anyone but herself; it’s all her own doing," Lian Manman remarked.

"Go and listen, see if he still wants Zhao Xiue," Lady Zhang instructed Xiao Xi.

Xiao Xi obeyed and went out, returning shortly after.

"How is it?" Lady Zhang asked.

"That merchant surnamed Zhao was bowing and apologizing to the master and the young master, asking for forgiveness. He said he didn’t know beforehand and was willing to accept any decision by the master and the young master. Zhao Xiue is still considered a member of the Lian Family, and he’s willing to compensate. He added that if the Lian Family no longer wants Zhao Xiue, then he requests the master and the elder to be lenient, saying he’s open to any decision. If the master and elder do not permit, he has nothing else to say," Xiao Xi replied.

In other words, this merchant is unwilling to give up Zhao Xiue. However, if Wu Lang’s side says anything, he would not insist on keeping Zhao Xiue.

Comparing a woman to the potential offense against the Imperially Bestowed Archway Lian Family, it’s clear which is more significant, and the merchant understands it well.

One wonders what Zhao Xiue would think if she knew her fate hinged on a single word from Wu Lang.

"What did Wu Lang say?" Lady Zhang inquired.

"The young master hasn’t given a definite statement yet, and told me to ask the lady and young master’s opinion," Xiao Xi replied.

"Let her go, consider it a release," Lady Zhang said before Lian Manman could speak, "as long as she doesn’t come to Thirty Mile Camp in the future, and we don’t disturb each other."

After saying this, Lady Zhang turned to look at Lian Manman.

"Manman, what do you think?" Lady Zhang asked Lian Manman, "This Zhao Xiue is a troublemaker. If this merchant Zhao also abandons her, who knows how she’d act out? Erlang definitely can’t take her back either. She’s a disruptive presence in any household. Letting her leave far away from us is like doing a good deed."

Lady Zhang spoke to Lian Manman in a consultative tone, with a hint of caution, as if afraid Lian Manman might not agree.