Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1250 - 638: Choices (Part 2)

"Mr. Loo and Brother will be back soon..."

"Sis, don’t worry, I will work even harder." Xiao Qi said, pursing his lips, "...Sis, I already had He Tao carry my backpack back for me. Brother Xiao Jiu wanted me to leave my backpack there, but I didn’t agree."

Lian Manman lifted her hand and rubbed Xiao Qi’s face. This child, Xiao Qi, was even smarter and more sensible than she had imagined.

After making arrangements with Xiao Qi, Lian Manman cautiously instructed Xiao Xi, Xiao Qing, and Xiao Hetao. Once home, as expected, no one mentioned the matters that transpired on the mountain. Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang naturally were unaware, and with their younger daughter and son home for dinner, the couple was very pleased.

After dinner, Lian Manman tried discussing it with Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

"...Brother Xiao Jiu is too playful. He said he came to study, but in the half-day I saw him, he was just playing. If Xiao Qi follows him to study for a month, Xiao Qi might become playful too." Not letting Xiao Qi go up the mountain anymore to study couldn’t be hidden from Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang. So Lian Manman had to come up with a suitable reason.

Sorry, Fatty, Lian Manman said to herself silently.

"Really?" Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang seemed to not be surprised when they heard Lian Manman say this. "Ah, I thought so. That child’s temperament is good, there’s no doubt about it. But... he’s not like us, just studying for the sake of appearances is enough."

"I just thought, he called Xiao Qi to come, it must be out of a desire for company." Lady Zhang added, "I just figured, not considering other things, we have to consider the Imperial Doctor Shi. He can’t always stay on the mountain, so having Xiao Qi accompany him for a few days is good, it also gives Xiao Qi a break."

Lian Manman touched her forehead; Lady Zhang will never be a strict mother in her life. Fortunately, her children are all sensible and disciplined.

"If Xiao Qi doesn’t go, won’t Ninth Master be displeased? Have you told him about this?" Lian Shouxin also asked.

"Dad, don’t worry about it. I have a way. He won’t get truly angry." Lian Manman replied.

Lian Manman spoke with confidence, and neither Lian Shouxin nor Lady Zhang objected.

After a few more casual exchanges, Lian Manman returned to the west room. Since moving to the new residence, they continued their old habit from the former house, taking a nap after midday lunch. Actually, this isn’t just her family, it’s a common practice among tenant farmers at Thirty Mile Camp.

Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi lay on the kang opposite each other, saying bits and pieces for a while. Seeing Lian Zhizhi’s eyes closed, her voice getting lower and lower, Lian Manman also closed her eyes and stopped talking.

Nevertheless, she did not fall asleep.

The surroundings were very quiet. Lian Manman closed her eyes and reflected on today’s events on the mountain.

As a guest, should she be more magnanimous? From Shen Qian’s attitude, she was sure that after Shen Liu returned to Prefecture City, that so-called Eldest Madam Liu would not have good days ahead. The severe punishment Shen Liu mentioned definitely wouldn’t be just a reprimand.

Lian Manman was certain of this point.

Then there was Cai Xiu. Shen Qian didn’t elaborate on Cai Xiu’s disposition. After all, Cai Xiu was a maid under Shen Liu. Cai Xiu was beaten and would be sent to the farmstead, which is a serious punishment among big maids in the Shen Mansion.

But compared to the grievances she endured, is this heavy punishment enough?

It’s important to know that she might have been forced to share a room with a crude man, living the rest of her life in pain and shame. This was just a matter of Cai Xiu’s fleeting thought. Should she even thank Cai Xiu, that the scheme aimed at her was to take her life? At least, she could die cleanly?

Yes, Cai Xiu wanted her life!

Shen Qian told her that it was Eldest Madam Liu who, out of resentment over the nanny’s son being beaten, incited Cai Xiu against her. While Eldest Madam Liu succeeded, it was merely through exploiting Cai Xiu’s jealousy.

Lian Manman thought about who Cai Xiu was. If it wasn’t Cai Xiu, perhaps Shen Liu wouldn’t just order hitting and sending her to the farmstead, right? Would Shen Liu soften once the matter calmed and bring Cai Xiu back?

When a man faces beauty, especially one who adores him and has been close for a long time, how could he not soften?

Lian Manman is well-aware of the saying, "Criticizing through concealment." Clearly, Eldest Madam Liu’s ability to manipulate Cai Xiu wasn’t a one-day accomplishment. Then Cai Xiu’s influence on Shen Liu? Slowly over time, isn’t that what happens?

Lian Manman’s fear from today’s event wasn’t solely about her worries for herself, but more so for Xiao Qi and Wu Lang.

If the scheme was targeted at Xiao Qi instead of herself, what would they do? Should Cai Xiu deceive her, saying Xiao Qi fell off a rock and was seriously injured? How would they cope if such an event truly occurred?

Maybe she should appear more magnanimous and not make things difficult for Shen Liu. Lian Manman also understood that such action would be the most advantageous and farsighted. However, after much reflection, she really couldn’t do it.

After closing her eyes and dozing off for a while, seeing Lian Zhizhi wake up, Lian Manman also sat up.

After grooming, waiting for Lian Zhizhi to go to the east room to find Lady Zhang for some needlework, Lian Manman took out the Luodian Box sent by Shen Jin from the cupboard and called on Xiao Xi and Xiao Qing.

"...you go to Nian Garden and present this to the Fifth Miss of the Shen Family. Just say I appreciated the gift she sent and kept it by my side for the past few days, and I have truly accepted her favor; as for the item, let the Fifth Miss keep it." Lian Manman instructed the two maids, "Then tell Ninth Master, Xiao Qi won’t be coming in the afternoon today. Just say... it’s because people from uncle’s side delivered a message to pick us up to stay for a while."

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Here’s one update, there will be a second update tonight, seeking pink votes. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)