Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1462 - 744: Fate
Just as Lady Wu Wang said, the Lian Family had no relatives or close branches in this place. Old Master Lian was the only family head, with no elders to subdue him, nor peers to advise him. Regarding the Lian family’s household affairs, who would speak so bluntly and directly to him?
Although Lian Shouxin had complaints, and although Wu Lang had spoken harshly, at the time, Old Master Lian took it in. But as time passed, his favoritism towards Lian Shouren ultimately prevailed.
This situation partly arose because no outsiders completely exposed these matters. Old Master Lian, so concerned with face, deceived himself and plugged his ears to it, continuing in this way. Furthermore, there was no authoritative figure among relatives to advise or even reprimand him.
Thus, Old Master Lian allowed his bias and confusion to lead him further down a wrong path.
The Chunzhu Family were old residents of the Thirty Mile Camp, living off farming for generations. Though collectively, they couldn’t read even a basketful of characters, this didn’t prevent Father Chunzhu, as an observer, from seeing the situation more fairly and objectively than Old Master Lian.
And Old Master Lian, confronted by Father Chunzhu and Wu Yuchang as juniors, was uniquely shamed and shaken when they tore off that last bit of facade covering his face.
There was no issue with doing so in front of his own descendants, but these two almost represented the majority of the neighbors at Thirty Mile Camp, making them outsiders.
Confronted and left speechless by the two, Old Master Lian raised a hand to cover half his face.
"...Regarding Elder Brother’s marriage," Father Chunzhu added, "Elder Brother, we must believe in fate for everything."
"’What’s meant to be will be, and what isn’t can’t be forced.’ Elder Brother Shouren’s situation can’t be spoken of in other aspects, but in marriage, this fate is really..." Wu Yuchang continued.
"I think Elder Brother’s fate is just like this. Fortunately, his life wasn’t wasted. Elder Brother, just think, the few he married one after another, weren’t they all ill-tempered? You see, don’t you also know this? Look at the one over there now; can your residence still hold it? If you meddle further, it might not only harm Elder Brother but might also bring misfortune to the entire family," Father Chunzhu added.
People of this era all believed in fate, and Old Master Lian was no exception. Regarding the plight of Lian Shouren and the old house today, Old Master Lian believed largely that it was due to the unvirtuous nature of Lian Shouren’s wives. Lady Gu and Yingzi could be said to have turned the Lian family upside down, tarnishing their reputation and dishonoring their ancestors.
"Uncle, why won’t the father and son of the Zhou Family leave? Don’t you find it a bit eerie, as if bewitched by ghosts? This is the cause-effect from past lives; if my Elder Brother Shouren wants to marry, it probably will just be like this. Otherwise, he’d have to completely sever this notion," Wu Yuchang said.
Outside, rumors said Lian Shouren was cursed to face marital misfortunes. Internally, Old Master Lian believed it was Lian Shouren’s marital fate clashing. What Father Chunzhu and Wu Yuchang said hit right at Old Master Lian’s core concerns.
Old Master Lian’s hand trembled slightly, becoming indecisive for a moment. He could disregard other matters, but he believed in fate; he believed that people couldn’t fight destiny.
Seeing Old Master Lian waver, Father Chunzhu and Wu Yuchang added more fuel to the fire.
"What is there to worry about for Elder Brother? He has sons and daughters-in-law; won’t have to fear having no one to care for him in old age. The family estate is there; never fear lacking food and drink. Normally, just take care of the grandchildren, it’s much better. Bringing someone new in, with disputes here and there, can you all really live together?" Father Chunzhu said.
"With all the arguing, everyone’s life will be shortened," Wu Yuchang said.
"Instead of bringing in a troublesome wife, disturbing family peace, it’s better to live quietly. This current life is a blessing. Elder Brother, think about Taicang’s situation; one must learn to be content," Father Chunzhu added finally. "Elder Brother, we’re all getting old, should let go of what we should. Without illness or calamity, is our way of accumulating blessings for our descendants."
"Ah," Old Master Lian sighed deeply, shedding tears.
In the east room, Lizheng and Wu Yugui were talking with the Zhou family’s father and daughter. No need to mention Zhou Daniu, who was not all there mentally, and Old Master Zhou was not exactly quick-witted either. Simply put, father and son both had a bit of a foolish air.
