Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1271 - 649: Picking Faults
The second watch, requesting pink.
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When Lady Gu just died, the gossip about it buzzed around the nearby villages for quite some time. Initially, everyone talked about how sinister Lady Gu was, saying that her death was karma catching up to her. Later, when the news settled down, whenever people mentioned the Lian Family, the focus shifted away from Lady Gu.
People believed that death extinguished one’s deeds like a lamp going out; for tenant farmers, this concept was particularly true. Once a person died, unless you were directly harmed by them, their misdeeds were easy for others to forget.
Though Lady Gu’s misdeeds were forgotten, the gossip surrounding the Lian Family continued. However, the narrative shifted—more people started talking about Lady Zhou and how she mistreated her daughters-in-law. Part of the blame for Lady Gu’s death was even attributed to Lady Zhou, saying it was her cruel treatment that wore down Lady Gu’s health while she was still in her prime.
People also recalled Lian Shouren’s first wife, who died young, and the miscarriage of Lady Zhang, which was also brought up. Eventually, even the fact that Lady Zhao and Lian Shouli only had one child, Lian Duoduo, was attributed to Lady Zhou, saying she ruined Lady Zhao’s health too.
When these rumors reached Lian Manman’s ears, she couldn’t help but admire Old Master Lian’s foresight. By then, Old Master Lian had already instructed someone to dismantle the millstone.
Naturally, no one would dare tell these things directly to Lady Zhou. But she caught wind of bits and pieces here and there. Now, with Lian Manman speaking up, it wasn’t surprising that Lady Zhou’s face looked tense.
"I walk the right path and act rightly; I fear no gossip!" Lady Zhou’s face tensed momentarily, then she waved her hand forcefully and said, "If anyone talks about me behind my back, let them say it to my face."
Lady Zhou spoke with her usual vigor, but those familiar with her could tell she was somewhat showing strong weakness.
Lian Manman noticed Lady Zhou was no longer cursing and had somewhat lost her momentum, so she didn’t continue on that topic.
"Grandma, we brought some fresh pastries, they’re very soft. Have a taste along with Grandpa." Lian Manman said.
"Old Fourth’s family is here? Why are you making a fuss outside? Hurry and let the kids come in." Old Master Lian’s voice came from the Upper Room.
Facing Lian Manman, Lady Zhou put on her usual dignified front but lacked confidence inside. She could disregard anyone from Shouxin Family, but dared not disrespect Lian Manman. Having been chastised by Lian Manman, now willing to speak kindly, Lady Zhou didn’t dare retaliate but instead followed along.
The group entered the room, and everyone from the old house came over to greet them, while Lady Chiang bustled about making tea.
"Jizu’s wife, no need to fuss, this hot weather, why bother with tea." Lady Zhang told Lady Chiang she needn’t boil water for tea.
After a brief hustle, everyone settled down. Lian Manman placed the food box down, and Lady Zhou joined Lady Chiang in fetching plates for the pastries.
"...Precious things really, not the holidays or anything, avoid buying too much. We have everything at home; don’t waste money like that. You can’t just blow money away; there are plenty of places to spend." Old Master Lian sat by the heated bed and said to Shouxin, "Where has Wu Lang gone now, when will he come back..."
Old Master Lian started chatting with Shouxin.
Lady Zhou placed a plate of pastries before Old Master Lian.
"For you, your son’s good pastries." The words themselves meant nothing bad, yet Lady Zhou’s tone and her crude gesture when placing the plate embedded the words with a thick, unpleasant implication.
Old Master Lian stopped speaking and went silent.
Lady Zhou didn’t look at Old Master Lian, she climbed onto the heated bed and sat two feet away from him.
With Old Master Lian silent and Lady Zhou sulking, no one else in the old house dared to speak, making the atmosphere tense once again.
Lady Zhou always had a way of achieving this effect, without needing to say anything specific. Lian Manman secretly thought that perhaps this should count as a talent.
"Mother, you called me here, is there something you need?" Shouxin couldn’t stand the atmosphere anymore and asked.
Lian Manman secretly shook her head; back at the old house, the influence Lady Zhou wielded over Shouxin seemed to somehow strengthen. By leading the conversation, Shouxin just handed Lady Zhou an opportunity to strike.
"Would you never come if there’s nothing?" Sure enough, Lady Zhou immediately seized Shouxin’s slip and spoke maliciously.
