Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1609 - 820: Dumpling Filling
Old Master Lian rambled for quite a while, and Lian Shouxin listened with partial comprehension. He glanced at his two children, seeing Lian Manman and Xiao Qi’s bright and shining eyes, he felt at ease and nodded in agreement to Old Master Lian’s words.
It didn’t matter if he didn’t understand completely, as long as the two children, who were smarter than him, understood it. Judging by the expressions of the two children, what Old Master Lian said shouldn’t be anything bad that couldn’t be agreed upon. He thought he could ask the kids about it when they got home.
"Dad, don’t worry, I understand." Lian Shouxin said to Old Master Lian.
"That’s good." Old Master Lian’s gaze swept over the faces of Lian Shouxin and his children. There were some things he couldn’t be too explicit about. However, knowing his fourth son, Lian Shouxin, he understood that Shouxin was earnest, enthusiastic, and kind-hearted. Even though he was now a Seventh Rank official, he still remained approachable and without airs.
That’s very commendable, but when dealing with certain cunning people with honeyed words, it could inevitably lead to losses.
Old Master Lian had spent his life being kind to others, but he particularly disliked such people.
After chatting for a while, Old Master Lian asked about Lian Manman and the others. He first inquired about Wu Lang, then turned the conversation to Xiao Qi.
"When does Xiao Qi plan to take the Tongsheng exam?" Old Master Lian asked kindly.
While Old Master Lian said these things, Lian Manman quietly listened from the side, occasionally glancing at Old Master Lian’s expression. Old Master Lian seemed somewhat different today. Of course, this so-called difference, compared to his past behavior, was actually the most normal behavior expected of a father or grandfather in an ordinary family.
Did Old Master Lian finally come around and truly care for them? Was he finally moved? Or is it just because he feels his age and his mindset has changed?
Or is it some other reason? Does it have anything to do with the arrival of Shang Huaide and Younger Lady Zhou’s family?
"It’s not decided yet. We’ll discuss it after visiting Prefecture City, and after Master Chu examines him. We also need to check with Mr. Loo." Lian Shouxin answered truthfully to Old Master Lian’s inquiry.
"Good," Old Master Lian nodded, adding sentimentally, "You’ve encountered benefactors who assisted you. That’s fate, it’s fortune. Some people, their entire lives, or even several lifetimes, never gain such fortune!... No matter when, don’t forget the kindness of others."
"Okay." Old Master Lian nodded.
"...Though Manman is still young, there’s no hurry for marriage. But you should start planning early. If you meet a good match, settle it quickly. For a girl, this is a major life event. You must thoroughly investigate the other family; the children’s character is most important..." Old Master Lian unexpectedly brought up Manman’s marriage.
No matter what, Old Master Lian’s words were all good advice, and Lian Shouxin patiently listened, occasionally nodding in agreement.
At this time, Lady Zhou lifted the door curtain and walked in from outside. Following her was Lady Chiang, who was holding a chopping board with two kitchen knives and some half-chopped cabbage stuffing on it.
Lady Zhou unceremoniously climbed onto the kang after taking off her shoes, while directing Lady Chiang to place the chopping board on the edge. Lady Chiang turned around and went back out, returning with cabbages and a large basin for the stuffing. Da Niuniu also followed in, carrying a cabbage in her arms.
Lady Zhou sat on the kang while Lady Chiang stood next to it, starting to chop the stuffing with a swift rhythm.
Old Master Lian had to raise his voice to make sure Lian Shouxin and his children could still hear him.
Lian Manman’s mouth twitched slightly; she had heard from Lady Zhang that since she arrived, she found Lady Zhou particularly liked to work on the kang. It wasn’t, as Manman initially thought, because Lady Zhou had gotten old and turned out this way.
Lady Zhou had bound feet, so naturally, she tired from standing for long periods, and now during the deep cold of winter, the outer room would freeze at night. One could only imagine how cold it was. Nowhere was more comfortable than a warm room, sitting on a heated kang.
Of course, within the Lian Family, sitting on the kang to do work was Lady Zhou’s special privilege. For others, no matter how tiring the work was or how cold the outer room was, they had to endure the cold outside. One time, when cooking, Lady He requested to tidy vegetables inside, only to be scolded harshly by Lady Zhou.
Lady Zhou herself working on the kang was seen as her dedication in serving the whole family, showcasing her industriousness and competence. But if daughters-in-law did the same, it was laziness, sloppiness, incompetent in everything.
