Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1620 - 826: Snowy Night

"Lady, Manman is fourteen this year." Lian Manman, noticing that Lady Shi was speaking to her, quickly stood up and said.

"Your way of speaking is quite refreshing, and your voice is pleasant to hear." Lady Shi smiled and waved to Lian Manman, "Come over here so I can take a good look at you."

Lian Manman followed her words and walked up to Lady Shi. When seated further away, she hadn’t noticed it, but upon getting closer, she smelled a faint yet delightful fragrance emanating from Lady Shi. As Lian Manman approached, Lady Shi smiled and took Lian Manman’s hand, examining her from head to toe.

"Truly a beauty in the making, no wonder so many people praise you in front of me." Lady Shi warmly complimented as she assessed Lian Manman, "You’re just fourteen now, but a couple of years later, you’ll be remarkable."

While speaking, Lady Shi slipped off a mutton-fat jade bracelet from her left wrist and handed it to Lian Manman.

"It’s our first meeting, and this is the bracelet I usually wear; let me give it to you." Lady Shi said with a smile.

Even in these times, mutton-fat jade is extremely precious, let alone the bracelet that Lady Shi was giving to Lian Manman, which was entirely white without a single flaw. And Lady Shi mentioned that it was the bracelet she wore regularly.

Lian Manman smiled and politely declined, saying she couldn’t accept such a valuable gift.

"I imagine it’s something you cherish, so I really shouldn’t accept it." Lian Manman said.

"You’re such a polite child, aren’t you? As they say, a precious sword for the hero, and fine beauty for the fair maiden. Since this bracelet is quite fine, it is only fitting for your talents." Lady Shi feigned a playful scold as she insisted on putting the jade bracelet onto Lian Manman’s wrist. "There’s a saying: what the elders gift should not be declined. If you don’t accept it, do you no longer recognize me as an elder?"

With Lady Shi’s insistence, Lian Manman could no longer refuse. She had to slightly bend her knees and curtsy to Lady Shi to thank her.

"I told you not to be so formal; we’re not outside. When we womenfolk are together, there’s no need for such formalities." Seeing that Lian Manman accepted the jade bracelet, Lady Shi’s expression softened even further as she pulled Lian Manman to sit beside her on the heated platform. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"I heard you’ve learned quite a bit of reading and writing with your brothers, and your essays are even better than theirs..." Lady Shi asked Lian Manman with a smile.

"I did study some characters and read a few books with Mr. Loo alongside my brother and younger brother, but it was mainly to learn the principles left by the saints and sages... As for the essays, you’re just teasing." Lian Manman replied.

Indeed, she had read quite a few books; the Shen family members with some sense were all aware of it, especially Lady Shi. So, Lian Manman did not hide it. Moreover, she thought the Shen family’s daughters also had the habit of reading, showing that the Shen family wasn’t so conservative as to fear that girls would ruin their nature or become too wild from studying.

"Well said," Lady Shi seemed to appreciate Lian Manman’s comment, "We study not to pursue fame and title, but to learn the ways of the world. Other than that, poems and essays are minor matters."

"Last year, the Noble Consort wrote a letter mentioning you, saying she misses you dearly..." Lady Shi asked Lian Manman some more questions, mostly about daily life, before speaking rather solemnly.

The Noble Consort mentioned by Lady Shi naturally referred to Shen Jin.

"I’m honored to be remembered by the Noble Consort," Lian Manman felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing that Shen Jin had mentioned her specifically, and she was about to inquire about Shen Jin’s current situation in the palace when Aunt Wang walked in from outside.

"Earlier, Third Madame saw me and asked why the lady hadn’t come over yet... Most of the guests have already arrived," Aunt Wang smiled as she stepped in, first greeting Lady Shi.

Lian Manman knew that it was the hour for the feast to begin, and Third Madame had sent Aunt Wang to urge Lady Shi, so she swallowed back the words she was about to say.

Besides, even if she asked, what could Lady Shi probably tell her? Most likely, it would be that everything was well. Inside the palace, how could there be anything "not well"? It was a place where everything was "well."

"We got carried away talking and lost track of time." Lady Shi waved her hand, signaling Aunt Wang to withdraw. She then turned her head back to Lian Manman and Lady Zhang, "Old Three’s wife is rushing us, it’s likely lively over there now. Come, let’s join in the commotion. We can continue chatting at the table."

Lady Zhang and Lian Manman quickly stood and followed Lady Shi, escorted by a group of maidservants and older women towards the Warm Pavilion. By this time, the outside had already darkened, and lanterns were lit all around the West Flower Garden, especially making the Warm Pavilion glow brightly.