Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 863 - 440: Grasping the Situation
Chapter Three, begging for your favor.
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Even without the marriage of Lian Xiuxiu, the Zhao Family’s entire visit to Taicang County might not have been without the intention of seek benefits. After all, Lian Shouren had become the County Magistrate, which aside from the County Magistrate himself, was the most powerful official in the county. Just as Zhao Xiue was unwilling to fall behind despite her advanced pregnancy and insisted on joining the caravan to Taicang.
The marriage of Lian Xiuxiu was an unexpected blessing for the Zhao Family.
Lady Zhang did not like hearing such remarks from the mother of Zhao Xiue. She was of a gentle nature, disliking harsh words, yet her disapproval showed plainly on her face.
Zhao Xiue’s sister-in-law was shrewd and noticing Lady Zhang’s reaction, exchanged a knowing look with Zhao Xiue’s mother, both inwardly ridiculing Lady Zhang for being foolish and not seizing convenience when it presented itself.
"Aunt Lian Si, you’ve been good to our Xiue. That’s why I’m speaking up," said Zhao Xiue’s sister-in-law, "If you have to go, it’s better to wait until after this critical moment. Leaving now, what would that look like? What would your Old Master and Great Grandmother think? We’re not lacking food or drink; it’s better to stay a few more days, to save face for everyone. When the time comes, our two families can return together, it’ll be good to have each other’s company on the road."
So that was it. Upon hearing the words of Zhao Xiue’s sister-in-law, Lian Manman immediately understood. The mother and daughter-in-law came to convince them to stay, not to leave now. Their eagerness, naturally, was for their benefit. On one hand, they wanted to please Lian Shouren’s household; on the other, having Lady Zhang’s daughters around would prevent Zhao Xiue’s maternal family members from standing out.
At this moment, a flurry of footsteps and voices came from outside. Lian Manman walked to the door to look out. By now, it was already past noon, the Zheng Family had finished their banquet and sent people several times urging Lian Xiuxiu to leave, but she lingered and was unwilling to go. Now, Third Old Master Zheng himself had come with people to collect Lian Xiuxiu.
The door to Upper Room East Room was closed, and Third Old Master Zheng was barred outside.
Lian Manman’s heart stirred, wondering what Lady Zhou was planning. Was she not intending to let Lian Xiuxiu leave, or what? 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
With Lady Zhou from the East Room not opening the door, naturally, the other members of the Lian Family couldn’t allow the new son-in-law, especially one of such age and stature, to wait outside the door.
Old Master Lian, Lian Shouren, and Lian Shouyi came out from the main hall, Old Master Lian took the lead, opened the door, and went in. Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi then ushered Third Old Master Zheng into the main hall.
"Call the eldest, the second, the eldest daughter-in-law, the second daughter-in-law, the whole family, if there’s one, there’s all," came the voice of Lady Zhou from the room.
"Oh my, your Great Grandmother really has her ways," whispered Zhao Xiue’s mother and sister-in-law, exchanging a few words, and then both sighed in admiration.
Lian Manman also vaguely guessed that this was Lady Zhou’s opportunity to exert control over the households of Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi. It seems Lady Zhou had calmed down, Lian Manman thought. Although without other substantial talents, Lady Zhou had a knack for handling her sons and daughters-in-law.
Willing or not, they saw Lady He lead the people from the second household followed by Lady Chiang with Lian Duoduo and Niuniu, then came Lady Gu, and finally Lian Shouyi. Lian Shouyi came out from the East Room and into the main hall, dragging Lian Shouren along back into the East Room.
The door to the East Room closed again.
After roughly the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, the door opened again, and Lian Xiuxiu came out, evidently having been redressed and groomed. Having received the signal, Third Old Master Zheng came out of the main hall, chuckling to himself as he approached Lian Xiuxiu. The two of them proceeded to walk out, surrounded by a throng of maids and servants, with Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, Lady He, and others following to see them off.
Third Old Master Zheng walked beside Lian Xiuxiu in a very familiar manner, laughing as he did. Lian Xiuxiu kept a stern face, seemingly disturbed by Third Old Master Zheng getting too close, and suddenly pushed him away.
Taken aback, Third Old Master Zheng nearly stumbled and fell but was promptly supported by the maids and servants at his side.
Lian Xiuxiu stood with her arms folded, wearing a stern face, not stepping forward to help Third Old Master Zheng. Some maids and servants gave Lian Xiuxiu odd looks. Fortunately, Third Old Master Zheng quickly laughed it off, saying it was nothing, and Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi hurriedly came forward to smooth things over.
"...He’s young, it’s that innocent and carefree nature, Ming Sheng, please be more patient."
