Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 914 - 467: Return to Taicang_2

"Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt." Lian Jizu sat at the edge of the kang and addressed Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, "I just discussed this with the old lady..."

"I’m going back. What am I staying here for? I can’t stop worrying about Xiuxiu." Lady Zhou seemed afraid that Lian Jizu might say something else, so she quickly interrupted.

The past two days in Thirty Mile Camp had been torturous for her, but in her heart, that tangled knot finally unraveled. At first, she thought she could play hardball by saying she’d return to Thirty Mile Camp. She hadn’t expected them to be waiting for just those words. On the way back, she nearly died of regret. But by then, there was no turning back.

When trouble came knocking, she finally realized: her two sons and two daughters-in-law in Taicang weren’t close to her at all, and none of them listened to her commands. As for her grandsons and their wives, whenever conflict arose, they all hid away, and not one stood by her side. In the past, Old Master Lian had always been her backbone, but this time, even he turned his back on her over this matter.

She truly had become a lonely old crone.

Fortunately, here in Thirty Mile Camp, she still had two sons. Even though there was bad blood with one of them, he still maintained appearances. As for the other household of three that she didn’t particularly favor, they had weaknesses in her grasp and no significant grudges with her, making them easier to manipulate.

As long as she could keep these two sons under her thumb and rely on their support, she’d have the confidence to return to Taicang and kick out that wretched woman.

Things hadn’t gone exactly as she wanted, but at least these two sons hadn’t outright ignored her. Lian Shouxin detaining Lian Jizu was a move she could never have orchestrated herself, so it delighted her despite her intentions.

Yet she still gave Lian Shouxin the cold shoulder. Not for any specific reason, but simply to keep him from getting too proud. This way, he’d continue working harder to please her.

She asked Lian Shouxin if he could stand up for her, implying that he should accompany her back to Taicang and, on her behalf, chase away that despicable woman.

Unfortunately, she quickly realized that Lian Shouxin was not the head of the household anymore. Now, the Fourth Household was run by those kids, especially Lian Manman and Wu Lang.

Lian Manman made things very clear when speaking to her. Lady Zhou knew that Lian Manman was different from Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang—Lian Manman was someone she couldn’t manipulate at all. Even though she didn’t want to admit it, deep down, she respected Lian Manman. If Lian Manman said she could return to Taicang, then it would definitely happen.

Not only did she not dare to anger Lian Manman, but if not for her own pride, she even wanted to curry favor with her. If only Lian Manman were willing to help, she wouldn’t have to bend over backward figuring out how to drive away that wretched woman in Taicang.

Once Lady Zhou expressed her intention to return to Taicang, she gave Lian Lanlan a subtle look.

"Fourth Brother," Lian Lanlan began with a smile, addressing Lian Shouxin. She had a peculiar talent—no matter how tense things had gotten during the last meeting, the next time they met, she could act as though nothing had happened, with a demeanor as warm and agreeable as a spring breeze. Yet behind that smile often lay a trap. "Mother came back this time because of an argument with our father. As her children, we can’t just stand by and do nothing. Don’t you think you should make a trip over there and properly mediate with our father? Surely we can’t let Mother make her way back with only Jizu, right?"

"I’ve already stayed here with Mother for several days. I can’t leave my husband and sons at home unattended anymore. If Mother goes back with just Jizu, he won’t be able to manage everything on his own. Fourth Brother, you should go with them. As a grown man, it shouldn’t be inconvenient for you. Maybe Lian Manman or someone else should go too."

"Fourth Brother, I’m not trying to give you orders. You’re not exactly struggling financially these days, so why not rent another carriage or two? Fourth Sister-in-law, you all can bring more people along to support Mother. When people see a grand procession with carriages arriving in droves, it’ll bring Mother some dignity. We can’t let others bully her, can we? After all, as her son, it wouldn’t reflect well on you either, right?"

Lady Zhou had made a fuss about coming back, and now that she was returning with just Lian Jizu, she felt it was beneath her dignity. Asking Lian Shouxin to join her wasn’t just about saving face; it was also about making him deal with Aunt Ping once and for all.

How dare she make such demands, Lian Manman thought. After keeping someone underfoot for so long, could you suddenly expect them to stand up and fight on your behalf? That would be like magic.

What’s more, Lady Zhou’s whims were far too unreasonable. This was a journey of four hundred li back and forth. If the distance were any closer, she’d have already torn both sides apart with all her incessant meddling. This behavior couldn’t be indulged.

"Aunt, who exactly is in Taicang right now?" Lian Manman lifted her gaze and asked Lian Lanlan.

"Hmm?" Lian Lanlan’s heart skipped a beat at the question, and she didn’t dare respond directly to Lian Manman.

"In Taicang, there’s my grandfather, my eldest uncle who holds the position of County Magistrate, and my second uncle who works under the County Magistrate. If the goal is to support my grandmother and bring her dignity, it shouldn’t fall to my father. If my father follows your suggestion, Aunt, it won’t be about bringing dignity to my grandmother. Instead, he’d be at odds with my grandfather, eldest uncle, and second uncle." Lian Manman stated.

"That would be unfilial, unrighteous, and disruptive to family harmony. Aunt, your suggestion isn’t very appropriate," Wu Lang interjected.

Lian Lanlan always tried to play all sides, letting others take on the inconvenient tasks. Unfortunately, Lian Manman wouldn’t fall for her schemes.

"Family matters don’t need to follow such strict principles. I wasn’t thinking that far ahead. I’m just doing it for Mother’s sake and also for the honor of you brothers. As someone married off, this doesn’t affect me much, anyway." Lian Lanlan said, her expression awkward.

Lady Zhou’s face fell when she heard that Lian Shouxin and Lian Manman wouldn’t accompany her to Taicang.

Lian Manman thought for a moment, then walked over and sat at the edge of the kang.

"Aunt, have you warmed this kang? It’s not warm at all. Make sure it isn’t so cold it freezes my grandmother." Lian Manman said, running her hand across the kang.

At this, Lian Lanlan looked over to Lian Shouli.

"Lanlan, go stoke the fire and add more firewood," Lady Zhou suddenly commanded.

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Recommended completed farming-themed novel by Ruoyan:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Main story + completed side stories) (Direct link below—click to jump right to it!)

Summary: A story of a wronged woman who time-travelled and, together with a reliable and frugal man, embarked on a sweet life while raising a little child. (To be continued. If you liked this work, please consider voting for it on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)