Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1587 - 808: Banquet and Opera (Part 2)
However, whether Old Master Lian comes or not is his decision; Lian Manman’s family should still send an invitation.
"I also thought about this. If Old Master doesn’t come to the banquet, then he won’t come, but the opera is genuinely good, and Old Master used to enjoy such lively gatherings. Inviting him to watch the opera might persuade him to come." Lian Shouxin’s gaze fixed on some point, though his thoughts seemed to drift far away, back to long ago.
Back then, when he was still young, the family hadn’t yet fallen into decline, and Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou were both still young. Their family had once watched operas together.
Because he was too young, the memories weren’t very clear, only a scene or two remained as fresh as if they happened yesterday, and the sense of happiness and joy from that time are feelings that would never fade in a lifetime.
Lian Manman glanced at Lian Shouxin’s expression and guessed that he must be reminiscing about the past.
The relationship between Lian Shouxin, Old Master Lian, and Lady Zhou would always be different from the relationships between Lady Zhang, them, and Old Master Lian, Lady Zhou, and the other people in the old household.
The good and the bad of the past are both unchangeable. Lian Shouxin’s differences with them in this aspect are also unchangeable.
If it can’t be changed, then it can only be accepted, and for the sake of their family, everyone should make compromises and concessions to each other.
"Dad, should we send someone to invite them now, or wait until tomorrow morning?" Lian Manman asked.
"No need to send someone, I’ll go." Lian Shouxin said, "I’ll go now, as there’s something else to do in the morning."
"Xiao Qi, would you like to go with Dad?" Lian Shouxin stood up and smiled at Xiao Qi.
Xiao Qi looked around and then nodded.
Lian Shouxin helped Xiao Qi put on a big coat, happily took the hand of his youngest son, and went out.
Watching the backs of the father and son, Lady Zhang shook her head and sighed with a smile. Lian Manman and Wu Lang also showed somewhat complicated smiles on their faces.
However, for Lian Manman and the others, such matters now only cause slight displeasure, which will soon be dispelled by other things. After Lian Shouxin left with Xiao Qi, the mother and sons began to excitedly talk about the preparations for tomorrow’s opera and banquet.
Lian Shouxin and Xiao Qi weren’t gone for long; they soon returned.
Lian Manman wasn’t surprised at all, as she knew the atmosphere at home, as well as the one at the old residence. If Xiao Qi wasn’t with him, Lian Shouxin wouldn’t stay long at the old residence and might even come back faster.
"Grandfather said he won’t come to the banquet, nor to watch the opera. He said he’s getting old and doesn’t want to go out." Xiao Qi announced as they entered the house.
"Indeed, Old Master’s illness, as Doctor Li said, is better with quiet rest; excitement isn’t good for him." Lian Shouxin added.
Since Old Master Lian isn’t coming, Lady Zhou won’t go out either, and so others are simply not in their consideration.
...
After a good night’s sleep, on the morning of the sixth day, the family got up even earlier than usual. After a simple breakfast, they busied themselves.
By mid-morning, Wu Yugui’s family was the first to arrive. Today, Wu Yugui brought his entire family to the banquet. Because Lian Zhizhi was pregnant, she was being pampered and was immediately taken to rest in Lian Manman’s room upon arrival. The Wu family had just entered when the Zhang family arrived right after.
The Zhang family had come a long way, leaving their house before dawn. They were all dressed in brand new clothes, looking very jubilant. Upon seeing Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, Zhang Qingshan even had his grandsons, Xiao Long and Xiao Hu, kowtow to them.
This was to express gratitude to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, remembering their kindness. In the future, the little ones were to be left in Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang’s care.
Subsequently, other guests arrived one after another. Scholar Wang and his son from Thirty Mile Camp, the Lizheng, Wu Yuchang, Imperial Doctor Wang and Wang Youheng from the county town, Old Jin, Old Huang, the Magistrate, and many others, with many bringing their wives and children along....
The male guests stayed in the front courtyard while the women were invited to the rear courtyard.
Lady Zhang was dressed very elegantly today. As the saying goes, one’s environment nurtures one’s disposition, and with more social engagements since becoming a Lady of Respect, she now hosted the female guests with poise, exuding quite a dignified air. She was also assisted by Lady Zhang Wang, Lady Wu Wang, and others, and the women conversed and laughed joyfully in a very lively atmosphere.
Lian Manman was also busy. Today was a significant day for the family, so she too dressed up. On her head were two pearl hairpins and two gold hair presses, in her ears tiny gold pearl earrings, and a crimson brocade jacket with silver floral embroidery lined her body. Around her neck, she wore a gold jade necklace, and hanging from it was a longevity charm made of gold, which matched her similarly colored skirt embroidered with silver designs. The hem was pinned with a white jade and lingzhi pendant.
Today, all the young girls were Lian Manman’s guests to entertain.
A dozen young girls, dressed in colorful attire, quickly became acquainted because of their similar ages. Some discussed poetry and literature, browsing the scrolls on the shelf beside Lian Manman, while others talked about needlework. A few particularly enjoyed listening to Zhang Caiyun’s tales from the mountains.
For the two who were slightly younger, Lian Manman simply brought out her own box of figurines for them to play with.
"Manman, when will the opera start performing?" Zhang Caiyun snuck over and quietly asked Lian Manman.
Zhang Caiyun loved such events and was eager to head outside to watch the opera. Outside, in front of the opera stage, tents had been set up, and the first two rows of seats were left empty, ready for those from the courtyard who wished to join the excitement.
"We have to wait until the banquet starts, that’s when the opera will begin ..."
Before Lian Manman could finish speaking, the sound of gongs and drums came from outside.
...
Second update sent, seeking support with pink votes, diving back to write, striving for a third update. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
