Lady Zhou’s wail echoed, and the group with Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou all began to cry, some voices coarse, some fine, some loud, some soft, yet all filled with emotion.

Indeed, everyone has returned. Lian Manman cast a glance over the crowd. Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, Lian Jizu, Lady Gu, Lady He... they all returned, except by Erlang’s side, Zhao Xiue was missing, and Lady He held a little girl wrapped in a blanket.

Looking at this group, none were spared: all grey-faced and dirt-covered, donned in single garments, unwashed for who knows how many days, their original color indistinguishable. Those once neat—Lady Gu and Lady Chiang—now appeared the most disheveled. Lady Gu’s face was sallow; Lady Chiang’s pale, not a trace of color on her lips.

Suddenly, feeling a gaze like a knife upon her, Lian Manman swiftly glanced over.

Lian Duoduo stood beside Lady Gu, barely time to move her gaze before it met Lian Manman’s directly.

Everyone else wept, but Lian Duoduo shed not a single tear.

"Father, Mother, let’s talk inside." By this time, Lian Shouxin had already stood up, wiped away his tears, and said.

"Yes, inside." Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi, each helping Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou, echoed anxiously.

"Hey, let’s not rush." Old Master Lian agreed, looking up ahead, "Is that the Imperially Bestowed Archway? I’ve heard Jizu mention it several times. Let’s first bow before the archway."

"Yes, bow first, bow first." Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi hurriedly replied.

With Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou leading, followed by Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, and the others, they ceased their crying, and proceeded towards the Imperially Bestowed Archway.

Lian Manman quickly withdrew her gaze, stepped forward, and positioned herself in the center of the Bluestone Road. Upon her approach, Da Pang and Second Fatty naturally followed. The two charged in front of Lian Manman, barking wildly at the approaching group. The young pups Da Pang and Second Fatty had grown, their diet enriched with raw pig lungs to retain their wild nature.

Once their puppy scent faded, nothing but ferocity remained.

Someone cried out in fear, causing Old Master Lian and others to halt.

Having committed crimes in Taicang, and returning to Thirty Mile Camp, they did not head to the old family compound but came to her home first. The first order was to worship before the Imperially Bestowed Archway.

Lian Manman understood the Upper Room’s intentions with a single glance.

Their home’s door was not open to anyone’s entry, and the archway was not for anyone to worship.

Lian Manman extended her hand, gently caressed Da Pang and Second Fatty on their heads; the two resolute wolfhounds growled faintly and sat back down, blocking the path to the archway. Only then did Lian Manman approach Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou, kneeling to give a respectful bow.

"Father, let my grandfather and grandmother come to our home first. To worship the archway isn’t urgent at this moment. We weren’t informed beforehand and couldn’t prepare accordingly. My mother is tidying up the house for grandfather and grandmother, preparing meals. Let my grandfather and grandmother rest, eat a bit, then talk about other matters." Lian Manman spoke to Lian Shouxin.

"Yes, this is the right approach." Lian Shouxin pushed aside Lian Shouren, assisted Old Master Lian, and Lian Yeye and Han Zhong’s Wife dashed over, pushing away Lian Shouyi, and supported Lady Zhou.

"Han Zhong, make the arrangements for other matters." Lian Manman ordered Steward Han Zhong.

"Yes, Second Lady." Han Zhong bowed in agreement.

Lian Shouxin prepared to lead Old Master Lian off the Bluestone Road, taking the small path towards the house, but Old Master Lian didn’t move.

"Old Fourth, what are you doing? This Imperially Bestowed Archway, can’t I worship?" Old Master Lian asked Lian Shouxin with a stern face.

It was Lian Manman speaking, but Old Master Lian didn’t even glance at her, addressing only Lian Shouxin.

"Father, didn’t you understand Manman’s words? Father, please come home with us first, eat something and rest, then return to worship the archway. Father, we worry about your and Mother’s health, returning from afar." Lian Shouxin explained.

"Ah..." Old Master Lian sighed, "I’m fine, we’re all fine. It’s better to worship the archway first; it’s an important matter. We can’t be disrespectful to The Emperor."

Lian Shouxin glanced at Lian Manman.

Lian Manman nodded, summoning Da Pang and Second Fatty to her side.

Several people supported Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou towards the archway; Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi and the others followed closely but were stopped by Han Zhong, with Da Pang and Second Fatty guarding them fiercely.

"Why aren’t your brothers allowed to come?" Old Master Lian paused, turned his head, and asked Lian Shouxin.

"Father, you are a wise man." Lian Shouxin released his hold on Old Master Lian, fell to the ground, and cried bitterly.

Lian Shouxin’s crying now differed from when he first saw Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou; then his heart was fervent, now it was cold. Earlier, he cried out of pity, for his parents; now he cried from the ache in his heart, from worry for himself and his family.

All his words were encapsulated in that one statement.

Old Master Lian was a wise man.

Thus, Old Master Lian knew upon returning, he must first arrive here, and let Lian Shouxin welcome this whole Upper Room family. Thus, Old Master Lian knew, upon arriving here, he must first bow in reverence to the Imperially Bestowed Archway. Once Lian Shouxin accepted the Upper Room family, they’d find their footing in Thirty Mile Camp. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

And the act of bowing to the Imperially Bestowed Archway held even deeper implications.

Old Master Lian was a wise man, aware of the benefits this presented to his elder and second sons, and also understanding what it meant for Lian Shouxin.

Welcoming Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi, who’ve committed bribery and misconduct, to kneel before the Imperially Bestowed Archway—what stance and position does Lian Shouxin express?

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First sending one update, will strive for a second shortly, during the Spring Festival it’s arduous writing, pink, everyone understands O(∩_∩)O~(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation votes, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)