Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1286 - 656: Homecoming (Part 2)

"I have enjoyed life for over ten years, and now, it’s time to repay my family." Shen Jin spoke softly, his gaze not moving away from the window outside.

"Manman, I’m only telling you. My family, they’re planning to send me to the palace." Shen Jin turned his head, looking at Lian Manman, and spoke even more quietly.

"Oh?!" Lian Manman was slightly surprised. It wasn’t an ordinary arranged marriage, but entering the palace? That... really was... different.

However, Lian Manman only remained slightly surprised before returning to her usual state. The Shen Family has produced several Empresses; after the Late Empress Shen’s passing, they still enjoyed such privileges. Hence, the likelihood of the Shen Family producing another favored concubine or Empress is quite high.

What about the Emperor? He also needs to arrange marriages, to solidify his throne and to balance various powers. The Shen Family is not part of the royal family, but they guard the northern frontier, equivalent to the status of a vassal lord. Therefore, the Emperor needs to show favor to the Shen Family, draw in the Shen Family while also restraining them. Thus, marrying the favored legitimate daughter of the Shen Family into the palace is only natural.

Shen Jin might have been the girl the Shen Family had long selected as a candidate to enter the palace, Lian Manman thought, glancing at Shen Jin. Considering this, Shen Jin’s extraordinary treatment all had reasonable explanations.

Lian Manman really didn’t know how to comment on Shen Jin entering the palace.

"Has this matter been decided?" Lian Manman simply asked.

Shen Jin didn’t speak, just nodded.

It seems that Shen Jin was unwilling to enter the palace, which is why she was troubled, and the Shen Family arranged for her to relax in Nian Garden.

"Fifth sister, if you enter the palace, what will be your status..." Lian Manman asked gently.

"... At the beginning, I’m afraid it won’t be as Empress..." Shen Jin also spoke softly.

That is to say, the position of Empress for Shen Jin is quite likely, but it requires some time or the right opportunity. Unreasonably, Lian Manman breathed a sigh of relief.

"Manman, why are you reacting like this?" Shen Jin looked at Lian Manman in surprise.

"... Being an Empress is always better than being a concubine. In the Emperor’s family, don’t they also distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate, main consort and secondary wives?" Lian Manman responded.

Could Shen Jin oppose the Shen Family’s decision to have her enter the palace? The answer was no. Since entering the palace was inevitable, then being an Empress, the main wife, would be much better than being a concubine, a secondary wife. With no other choices, having just the Emperor’s favor and having others look at her favorably is much better than having to not only mind the Emperor’s favor but also being in a subordinate position and having to be mindful of women higher-ranked than she is.

"I thought you might persuade me, but I didn’t expect you to say this." Shen Jin was amused by Lian Manman’s words.

"You’re right, I should be grateful to my family. Others can’t have it this way even if they want to." After a pause, Shen Jin continued.

"Fifth sister, I haven’t read much, and I can’t talk about grand philosophies. But, there’s an old saying from our elders: ’In ten affairs, nine fall short.’ It’s hard to find something completely perfect in this world. When encountering problems, look on the bright side and be broad-minded, otherwise, you’re just adding unnecessary troubles for yourself." Lian Manman advised Shen Jin.

This was a genuine attempt to advise Shen Jin.

"You’re right." Shen Jin nodded.

When Lian Manman left the Lotus Pavilion, it seemed Shen Jin had completely come to terms with entering the palace. She didn’t specifically instruct Lian Manman not to spread this matter, because she trusted Lian Manman, knowing that she was reliable and understood the importance of things.

Leaving Nian Garden, sitting in the carriage, Lian Manman was still thinking about Shen Jin’s situation. Last time she heard from Shen Liu that this October would be the Emperor’s fortieth full birthday. Part of Shen Jin’s unhappiness likely stemmed from this.

Descending the mountain by carriage, passing by the walls outside the Temple of Empress Shen, Lian Manman inadvertently lifted the curtain, catching sight of the magnificent, golden, and jade-glazed roof of the main hall. She suddenly thought of something, and her heartbeat quickened for a moment.

The Shen Family had produced several Empresses, but it seems there’s never been word of any Shen Empress leaving behind heirs, not even a princess...

Shen Jin, at only fifteen, should also be full of beautiful expectations for the future...

...

Because of Shen Jin’s matter, Lian Manman felt uneasy, and her appetite decreased for the next two days. When Lady Zhang asked about it, she naturally couldn’t state the real reason, only claiming it to be the summer doldrums. Lady Zhang naturally believed it and personally cooked every meal, preparing light and refreshing dishes for Lian Manman.

However, Lian Manman’s "summer doldrums" didn’t last long, because Wu Lang returned.

Before returning, Wu Lang had already sent word ahead, mentioning the approximate date of his return. The whole family had been eagerly anticipating this day, and to their surprise and delight, Wu Lang returned a day earlier than expected.

The family’s joy upon seeing Wu Lang goes without saying, and Lady Zhang held Wu Lang’s hand, both crying and laughing.

In the months Wu Lang was away, he seemed to have grown taller, his face tanned, and he appeared more mature. His manner of speaking and behavior was more composed and confident. Having Mr. Loo as a great teacher accompanying him on this journey, Wu Lang evidently benefited greatly.

Mr. Loo also returned with Wu Lang, staying in his hometown for a few days before deciding to wait for his appointment here, continuing to instruct Wu Lang and Xiao Qi in their studies.

When Wu Lang left, several carriages were filled. This time upon returning, the carriages were still fully loaded.

Lady Zhang, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman were busy unpacking the things Wu Lang brought back, while also sending someone up the mountain to call for Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi came quickly, even bringing Shen Qian along. Xiao Qi’s joy on seeing Wu Lang was evident, and Shen Qian was also affectionate upon meeting Wu Lang and Mr. Loo.

"Brother, are those white ducks outside brought back by you?" Xiao Qi asked Wu Lang. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Yes." Wu Lang nodded with a smile. This time, he brought back many local specialties purchased on the way home, including one kind of live goods.

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Sending out the second update, aiming for the third update shortly, asking everyone for support with pink encouragement O(∩_∩)O (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)