Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1257 - 642: The Gourd and the Ladle

The third watch, asking for pink slips.

****

Lian Manman said she wanted to take the fish and eat it with Xiao Qi. Shen Liu didn’t expect her to say that, holding his chopsticks, he just looked at Lian Manman without speaking.

Lian Manman didn’t seem to notice the subtle change in Shen Liu’s expression and continued to smile back at him.

"It’s rare to have fish grilled by Sixth Master himself, I can’t enjoy it alone." Lian Manman said with a smile.

Indeed, how many people in this world have tasted fish grilled by him. Lian Manman truly cherishes her brotherly bond with Xiao Qi, never forgetting him in any good matter. Shen Liu thought of Lian Manman coming out of the rockery study, still in danger herself, yet her first thought was still Xiao Qi’s safety.

Shen Liu felt a bit helpless, but couldn’t show it. He put down his chopsticks and nodded towards Lian Manman.

"Go ahead."

"Thank you, Sixth Master." Lian Manman said unperturbed, she gestured for Xiao Xi to come in, took the tray, bowed to Shen Liu, and then left the pavilion directly for Xiao Shan Ju.

Shen Liu sat in the pavilion, looking at the steaming grilled fish in front of him, picked up the chopsticks again but quickly put them down.

"Someone, take this grilled fish to Xiao Shan Ju, for Ninth Master." Shen Liu called for a servant to come in and instructed. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

After the servant left with the grilled fish, Zhang Qianhu was seen being led to the pavilion by a little maid.

"Master, when are we departing today?" Zhang Qianhu entered the pavilion, saluting Shen Liu and asking.

"We’re not leaving today, we’ll stay a couple more days." Shen Liu stood up, looking at the sparkling green water and a pond of summer lotuses before him.

Zhang Qianhu was slightly taken aback by Shen Liu’s words. He knew very well that Shen Liu’s original plan was to settle Shen Jin and Shen Qian at Nian Garden, and then return to Prefecture City thereafter. That is, the original plan was to return early today.

However, the incident with Cai Xiu disrupted those plans.

Zhang Qianhu had been with Shen Liu not just for a day. He knew that Shen Liu always planned things meticulously and rarely changed his plans. And this incident shouldn’t have disrupted the already established itinerary, Zhang Qianhu thought. Shen Liu postponed the itinerary for half a day simply because this matter involved Lian Manman.

Others might not know, but he knew that Shen Liu was in danger back then, and it was this Lian Manman who helped. Shen Liu’s attitude towards Lian Manman was different from others.

But, even so, half a day was more than enough. As a subordinate, Zhang Qianhu truly admired Shen Liu’s abundant energy and his diligence in state affairs. To know, Shen Liu’s time was nearly occupied every minute. They were supposed to return to Prefecture City today, with much military and state affairs needing handling.

Yet now, Shen Liu seemed to have changed his mind, declaring an intention to stay at Nian Garden for more two days.

Zhang Qianhu, being well-trained, after a slight surprise, immediately regained his composure. He saluted courteously towards Shen Liu and responded with a "yes".

"It’s rare to come out, you all follow me and rarely get idle. You can also unwind for these two days.... This place, it’s quite nice." Shen Liu added.

"Thank you, Master, for your concern." Zhang Qianhu promptly replied.

"Send someone back with a fast horse. If there are any urgent matters in the next two days, send a fast horse back from Nian Garden." Shen Liu instructed Zhang Qianhu again.

Even if he said to rest for two days, if there were urgent matters, they couldn’t be delayed. No matter when, Shen Liu would never neglect his duties.

"Yes." Zhang Qianhu responded in agreement, hurriedly turned around and left the pavilion to arrange for a fast horse to return to Prefecture City.

...

When Lian Manman arrived at Xiao Shan Ju, Master Chu was still lecturing Xiao Qi and Shen Qian. Lian Manman dared not go in and disturb, only letting the maid Shao Yao who came to greet her to keep the grilled fish warm first.

When the Chinese hour came, Master Chu let Xiao Qi and Shen Qian out. They heard from a servant reporting that Lian Manman had arrived, both were delighted and came to find Lian Manman, all three sitting in the pavilion by the mountain.

"Sister, where did the grilled fish come from?" Xiao Qi asked seeing Xiao Xi bring the grilled fish over.

Shen Qian glanced at the grilled fish, seeming thoughtful, he didn’t ask, just looked at Lian Manman.

"Just came out from Lotus Pavilion and happened to meet Sixth Master... so I got one, come, let’s eat while it’s hot." Lian Manman called Xiao Qi and Shen Qian.

Shen Qian immediately smiled, eyes arched happily.

"Is it the fish grilled by Sixth Brother himself?" Shen Qian asked.

"Indeed." Lian Manman nodded, "We’re blessed with gourmet fortune today."

"By the way, Brother Xiao Jiu, how come there are such big fish in your pond?... I heard from Xiao Hetao that Steward Zhong brought a lot of live fish from my family’s fish pond up the mountain, could it be..." Lian Manman, while squeezing lime juice onto the fish, asked Shen Qian.