Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1254 - 640: Intention (Part 2)
Lian Manman had no choice but to walk towards the pavilion.
The pavilion was built by the Lotus Pond, with half of it extending over the water. Inside, only Shen Liu was fishing, while the attendants stood outside. It seemed they were afraid of disturbing the fish in the water, as the places they stood were at some distance from the pavilion.
The little maid led Lian Manman into the pavilion. Lian Manman hurriedly gave a curtsy to Shen Liu.
Shen Liu was sitting by the railing, intently watching the fishing rod. He seemed to hear someone entering but didn’t turn around, merely raising his hand to gesticulate for silence.
The words of greeting Lian Manman wanted to say remained unspoken as the little maid guided her to sit on a nearby embroidered stool before withdrawing.
Xiao Xi, Xiao Qing, and the older maid accompanying Lian Manman were also led out by the little maid to stand with the other attendants.
Lian Manman sat in the pavilion, glancing around. There were quite a few people serving outside; some facing the pavilion, others with their backs to it. The pavilion had no curtains; everything inside was clearly visible from the outside, yet spoken words within couldn’t be heard by the attendants unless deliberately spoken loudly. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶
Since Shen Liu had called her over, it seemed he indeed had words for her.
Lian Manman’s gaze returned from outside the pavilion, settling on Shen Liu.
Today, Shen Liu was wearing an apricot-yellow brocade robe with hidden patterns, loosely fastened with a silk belt at the waist, and soft-soled satin shoes on his feet. He wore no crown today, his long black hair loosely tied at the back with a silk ribbon, with a few strands hanging down his shoulders and beside his face.
It was rare to see Shen Liu so leisurely and relaxed. Was he not in a hurry to return to Prefecture City, planning to give himself a good break? As Lian Manman pondered, her gaze fell back on Shen Liu’s face.
Shen Liu’s side was to her, the profile distinct. People of the Great Ming Dynasty generally had flatter contours, but Shen Liu’s sharp and defined features were quite rare. Just such a profile was enough to captivate countless young women. No wonder the ever-serving Cai Xiu harbored such thoughts for him.
A beautiful menace, Lian Manman thought awkwardly.
"What are you looking at?" Shen Liu suddenly turned his head, asking Lian Manman.
Lian Manman snapped back to reality, momentarily at a loss for words, certainly unable to tell Shen Liu that she was looking at him.
Shen Liu seemed not to expect an answer from her, turning back again, lifting the fishing rod. A carp was hooked, writhing its tail trying to escape but was still caught by Shen Liu and tossed into a nearby fish basket.
Shen Liu retracted the fishing rod, but without baiting it again, he motioned for someone outside, and immediately a servant came in, carrying the fish basket out.
Only then did Shen Liu sit facing Lian Manman, his gaze lingering on her with a teasing appraisal.
Lian Manman slightly turned her face, inwardly puzzled. What was with Shen Liu today, scrutinizing people like this?
"Yesterday’s incident must have alarmed you. I intended to apologize, but you left so early," Shen Liu began slowly.
What’s the point in staying, continuing to linger here? Wasn’t I afraid you’d misunderstand me, thinking I was forcing you to deal with a concubine? Lian Manman held her tongue, thinking only to herself.
"I’ve gotten to the root of this issue. Yesterday, I sent people back to keep an eye on those involved, waiting for my return to deal with them. They weren’t implicated much last time because they pretended to be docile. This time..." At this, Shen Liu snorted coldly.
"They’ve borne a grudge over there, and such scheming even drags me into their resentment... Rest assured, even if not for you, I wouldn’t let them off this time. If they plan to scheme again, they’d have no more chances."
Lian Manman understood clearly; Shen Liu was plainly telling her that Eldest Madam Liu and her people were already being watched, just waiting for Shen Liu to return for strict measures.
Even without Shen Liu’s words, Lian Manman felt reassured. As Shen Liu himself had said, Eldest Madam Liu plotted even against Shen Liu because of a wet nurse’s son — such ignorance of consequence, self-destruction indeed. If Shen Liu easily let this slide, he wouldn’t be Shen Liu.
"As for Cai Xiu..." Shen Liu paused.
Lian Manman couldn’t help but look over at Shen Liu. Finally mentioning his beloved maid, she scrutinized Shen Liu, hoping to detect some hint. Indeed, the clue to their affair.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shen Liu perceptively asked as soon as he noticed Lian Manman’s scrutiny.
"Nothing, I’m just listening to you, Sixth Master," Lian Manman quickly straightened her gaze, saying.
Seeing Lian Manman sitting upright, eyes steady, filled Shen Liu’s heart with a slight sense of helplessness.
"...Everyone in the household knows she is the daughter of my mother’s companion, having served me for so many years," Shen Liu continued slowly, "If it comes to dealing with her, I originally intended to take it slow. Do you know why?"
Shen Liu looked at Lian Manman.
Lian Manman was slightly taken aback. Yesterday, when she left Nian Garden, Shen Qian told her that Shen Liu had ordered Cai Xiu beaten and decreed to send Cai Xiu to the cottage estates.
But what Shen Liu now mentioned, taking it slow referred obviously to a different kind of handling.
What did Shen Liu mean? Was he implying that the handling originally intended for Cai Xiu was the later kind, delayed for some reason?
"Sixth Master, I don’t understand," Lian Manman had to say.
Shen Liu gave Lian Manman a deep look, then motioned to someone outside the pavilion.
*******
Here’s the first update, another will follow soon, please look forward to it. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendations and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. (To be continued.)
