Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 892 - 455: New Year_2

The sound of firecrackers echoed from near and far. As Lady Zhang said, it was like the "pot boiling over."

Before the firecrackers had finished, Lian Manman, Lian Zhizhi, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi were already holding incense and lighting bundles of fireworks. As colorful sparks soared into the sky, Xiao Qi was the first to jump and cheer loudly with excitement.

This night was not cold at all; in fact, it was almost scorching with warmth.

When the sound of firecrackers from all around gradually subsided, Lian Shouxin and the children finished setting off all the firecrackers and fireworks. They exchanged New Year’s greetings with Mr. Loo before each retired to their rooms to rest.

...

On the first day of the New Year, the entire family woke up early.

Lian Manman wore an entirely red outfit today. From the inside out, her undergarments were made of red fine cotton, her cross-collar inner padding was red patterned cotton satin, and her standing-collar jacket and skirt were made from red brocade with subtle patterns. The outer layer was a lambskin slanted-collar coat, its surface crafted from bright red floral-patterned satin.

The lambskin bought before the New Year had been tailored into garments for each family member: Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi had coats, Lady Zhang had a jacket, and Wu Lang and Xiao Qi had cloaks. Since these were intended for New Year’s wear, they had specially invited a tailor to cut and sew them, ensuring they were completed on time before the holiday.

Every item of Lian Manman’s attire, including her shoes and socks, was red. Even the silk ribbon tied to her bun had been swapped to bright red by Lian Zhizhi, an intentional touch.

This year, Lian Manman turned twelve, marking her first personal zodiac year.

The family dressed formally, stepped out of the house, and proceeded to the altar set up before the Imperially Bestowed Archway. Led by Lian Shouxin, the family performed kneeling rituals before the archway. After the worship ceremony, they returned to the front hall.

Lian Zhizhi, Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi offered their New Year’s greetings to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang smiled, letting the children rise, then handed out four red envelopes, one to each child. Holding the plump red envelope, Lian Manman grinned with eyes crescent-shaped in delight.

As parents, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang had to give their children New Year’s money, which naturally couldn’t come from the household’s shared accounts. Being the family patriarch, Lian Shouxin took it upon himself to advance his wages, and exchanged them for silver horn coins to give as New Year’s money to the children. Since it was Lian Manman’s zodiac year, she received a double share.

As for how far into the future Lian Shouxin’s wages had been advanced, only Lian Manman could answer that.

After paying their respects to their parents, the children then wished Mr. Loo a Happy New Year, receiving another red envelope each.

For Xiao Qi, it was the first time in his life receiving so many red envelopes. His small face was flushed with excitement. Sneaking away to a corner, he opened both of his envelopes, counted the New Year’s money over and over, then rushed back and gave both envelopes to Lian Manman.

"Sis, help me save these," Xiao Qi said to Lian Manman.

"Alright." Lian Manman took the red envelopes, gently poked Xiao Qi’s chubby cheeks with her finger, and said, "Xiao Qi, do you know? Right now, you’re a little tycoon."

Xiao Qi didn’t say anything, just giggled.

Although the children no longer worked at Lian’s Shop, they still received allowances from its monthly profits. During the days the sauerkraut shop opened, they would also get a share of the earnings. This money wasn’t given without purpose—while they didn’t do heavy work, they organized the shop’s accounts.

Additionally, whenever there were substantial profits, such as the sale of wine or corn, the children received their share of the earnings as well.

Xiao Qi never wasted money. Even if there were things he wanted, being the family’s youngest, there were always parents, brothers, and sisters willingly covering his expenses, so his savings kept growing. When it came to secret savings, the most financially strapped in Lian Manman’s household was the eldest, Lian Shouxin, who had a negative balance, while the wealthiest, aside from Lian Manman, was the youngest, Xiao Qi.

During the New Year period, between visiting relatives, exchanging holiday greetings, entertaining guests, and hosting banquets or attending feasts, the family was busy for several days. Lian Shouxin, in particular, often had multiple feasts to attend each day. Secretly observing, Lian Manman would occasionally send Wu Lang to accompany Lian Shouxin for certain families’ gatherings.

During the New Year, adults were busy, but children had the most leisure and joy. Lian Manman found herself with spare time as well. She and Lian Zhizhi followed Lady Zhang to only a few banquets, including those held by Wu Yugui’s family, Wu Yuchang’s family, and Scholar Wang’s family. Other than that, they stayed at home, keeping the heated brick beds warm. The sisters alternated between doing needlework, practicing writing, and reading books each day.

One day, as the weather was clear, the two sisters walked to the village, first visiting the Lian Family Old Mansion to find Lian Yeye.

Despite the many empty rooms, Lian Yeye’s family of three still lived in the small room in the West Wing Room. However, the space was neatly organized by Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye, and the heated brick beds were well-kept. Lian Yeye brought out a plate of roasted sunflower seeds, and the three sisters sat together on the brick bed, chatting while cracking seeds.

"Third Uncle and Third Aunt have gone visiting, haven’t they?" Since she didn’t see Lian Shouli and Lady Zhao upon entering the house, Lian Manman asked.

"No, they’re in the Upper Room cleaning and lighting fires," Lian Yeye replied. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Lian Manman let out a soft "oh." To ensure the unused rooms remained in good condition, Lian Yeye’s family of three would burn fires daily in the Upper Room and East Wing Room. If left unheated, the rooms would freeze, and after thawing, their aging process would accelerate.

The family of three was quite conscientious in looking after Old Master Lian’s property.

After sitting for a while and hearing Lian Zhizhi mention that Er Ya had fallen ill over the past few days, the three sisters decided to visit her. Leaving the old mansion, as they walked near a street corner, someone suddenly approached them quickly.

"Eldest niece... Oh my, now I should call you grandniece."

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Second update delivered. Seeking pink votes.

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