Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1473 - 749: An Unexpected Joy (Part 2)

"Of course it’s not a joke," Wu Lang said, "but this official position is not granted to me; it’s granted to my father."

With that one sentence, Wu Lang dropped a bombshell.

"How can that be!" Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were dumbfounded, murmuring to themselves. You can’t blame them for not believing it; after all, they had never imagined that Lian Shouxin could become an official.

Lian Shouxin never seriously studied, and his literacy was limited. He had never been pretentious, even having a somewhat low opinion of himself. He already considered living the good life he had now as a great fortune. He held no higher expectations for the future other than having Wu Lang and Xiao Qi achieve success, while he remained a wealthy landowner, enjoying life with his grandchildren.

Lady Zhang had never dreamed of Lian Shouxin becoming an official either.

"If anyone should be appointed, it should be Wu Lang... and besides, I can’t hold an official post," slowly regaining a bit of composure, Lian Shouxin resolutely said.

"Dad, this is just an honorary title bestowed by the Emperor; you don’t have to work at the Yamen," Wu Lang laughed and explained.

After persistent questioning, Wu Lang recounted the whole story of the Emperor’s reward in detail. Since it was a major agricultural affair coinciding with the Emperor’s fortieth birthday and Shen Jin’s admittance to the palace, it truly was a convergence of joyous events. The Emperor was particularly delighted. In his joyful mood, he felt that just giving gold and silver to Wu Lang wasn’t enough and decided to grant him an official title.

However, now Wu Lang is already a Scholar with promising prospects on the Imperial Examination path. At his age, he should focus on studying for future high-ranking roles. Of course, there’s Xiao Qi in the Lian Family, but Xiao Qi is even younger and should also pursue the civil service examination.

In summary, it wasn’t appropriate to bestow the official post to Wu Lang or Xiao Qi at this time. They both would have better opportunities in the future.

However, the Emperor still thought an official title should be awarded, so naturally, it was conferred upon Lian Shouxin.

With this Seventh Rank title, Lian Shouxin could naturally benefit his wife as well. Simply put, it was a reward for the Lian Manman family.

"...the news was kept a secret to give everyone a surprise upon returning. The imperial edict and the title documents are with Sixth Master. The Emperor has granted many honors this time. The plan was to tell you all a bit later."

After Wu Lang explained everything carefully, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang finally believed it after a while.

"From now on, our dad is a respected Middle Secretary, and our mom is a Lady of Respect," Lian Manman pulled Lian Zhizhi and Xiao Qi, laughing and congratulating Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, seeking a reward.

"I’ll advance a year’s wages, dividing it among you four," Lian Shouxin said.

Though the family was now wealthy, they maintained some old customs. For instance, no one could spend public silver coins privately. Anyone in the family with personal expenses had to pay from their own private funds.

Of course, their wages weren’t the same as few wen money a day anymore. Each of them could receive a share from the monthly profits of several shops and could either take it monthly or keep it on account.

Lian Shouxin remained impoverished, as his younger son and daughter had endless expenses, always complaining about not having enough money. A few words later, Lian Shouxin gladly agreed to cover their costs. Additionally, whenever he went out, he would buy gifts for Lady Zhang and the children, which also came from his personal account.

"Alright!" Lian Manman and Xiao Qi cheered, "Dad, it’s such a joyous occasion; your year’s money is substantial, but it becomes less when split into four parts. How about advancing another year’s worth?"

"Alright, alright," Lian Shouxin said, pretending to frown.

Though he occasionally grumbled, he actually enjoyed being happily "exploited" by his children, and everyone had fun in the give-and-take.

"Dad, you only have that much money, and it seems like it’s not enough. Who knows how many years’ve already been advanced?" Lian Manman said teasingly, seeing Lian Shouxin like this.

"What should I do?" Lian Shouxin felt troubled. His sources of silver coins were just the family’s shops and land, with nothing else. With his current identity, even if he wanted to work as a partner or short-term laborer, no one would hire him. "Oh right, this official post, even though it doesn’t require service, does it come with a salary?"

"It does," Wu Lang replied.

Even though the position was ceremonial, since the Emperor personally awarded it, the salary would not be missing at all. The Middle Secretary position of Seventh Rank came with about eight hundred pounds of grain per month, totaling close to nine thousand six hundred pounds per year.

Henceforth, Lian Shouxin had an additional source of income every year. Although this was insignificant compared to the Lian family’s wealth now, Lian Manman and Xiao Qi exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling, and then they both turned to Lian Shouxin.

Though they indeed didn’t lack money, for some reason both felt spending Lian Shouxin’s silver coins was especially satisfying. Lian Shouxin once complained to Lady Zhang that Lian Manman and Xiao Qi never dipped into Lady Zhang’s private stash or chased her for gifts!

Seeing Lian Manman and Xiao Qi looking at him with shining eyes, Lian Shouxin could foresee his annual salary slipping away from him.

"Then advance another year’s salary," Lian Shouxin could only say.

"Alright!" Lian Manman and Xiao Qi cheered again.

"Mom also has gifts for you, all in cash," Lady Zhang chimed in, seeing the excitement.

Normally, Lian Manman and Xiao Qi might not take money from Lady Zhang, but today was different.

"Mom, you’re a Lady of Respect now," Lian Manman and Xiao Qi exclaimed, rushing to Lady Zhang’s side, both holding out their hands, "We want big red envelopes."

And with that, the first update is delivered, seeking votes and promising a later update. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)