Lian Manman couldn’t help but smile; Lian Shouyi’s gestures were familiar because Wu Lang and Liulang would sometimes make such gestures before speaking.

In Lian Manman’s memory, Lian Shouyi rarely behaved like this before. He used to be quite reckless, and these extra gestures made him seem uncertain and lacking confidence.

Thinking back, ever since returning from Taicang, the ones speaking in the Upper Room were mainly Old Master Lian, Lady Zhou, Lian Shouren, and Lian Jizu. Lian Shouyi spoke much less than he used to, and most of the time, he would watch others’ expressions.

Lian Manman thought it must be because he learned a lesson in Taicang prison.

"Old Fourth, we are brothers, our parents are sitting right here. We are now like a tiger who has fallen in the plains..." Lian Shouyi’s voice noticeably lifted at the end.

"Don’t talk nonsense!" Old Master Lian quickly glanced at Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Lian Manman before sternly reprimanding Lian Shouyi, "What kind of tiger are you pretending to be proud? You’ve learned nothing from those loafers but nonsense. Don’t say things you don’t understand off the cuff from now on."

"Old Fourth, Wu Lang, Manman, he’s just ignorant, you can’t expect ivory from a dog’s mouth," Old Master Lian added, addressing Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Lian Manman.

The confidence Lian Shouyi had painstakingly built up deflated considerably under Old Master Lian’s sharp criticism.

"It’s just that our family is down on its luck, Old Fourth. You are doing well now. We’ve come back, not asking or borrowing anything from you. Just asking you to arrange some work for us, we can put in the effort to earn some money, isn’t that also to respect our parents? Your second sister-in-law wanted to work at your place, and your wife sent her away. Now Jizu wants to work with you, and you’ve blocked that too. You’re willing to arrange for distant relatives and even complete strangers, but when it comes to us, your own brothers, you don’t show any regard."

"Old Fourth, I’m not trying to criticize you, but you weren’t like this before. Your attitude chills my heart. You see, our parents haven’t said anything, but they are watching you."

"Second Brother, don’t say it like that," Lian Shouxin quickly interrupted, "Have you forgotten about the second..."

"Cough cough..." Lian Manman quickly covered her mouth and coughed twice.

Lian Shouxin immediately halted his words.

"Second Uncle, we need suitable work, not just any work," Wu Lang said, "You mentioned earning money through hard work, Second Uncle, it’s commendable that you’ve gained ambition, and we respect you for it. If there’s no suitable work on our end, letting you come and not do work wouldn’t suit your intentions. Moreover, it wouldn’t be good for the people in our area to know. Second Uncle, if you want to wash off the stain from Taicang, you should calm down."

"Haste makes waste. An eager heart won’t accomplish anything. Grandpa, don’t you think so?" Wu Lang turned to Old Master Lian.

Old Master Lian vaguely responded with a grunt.

"Grandpa, most of the family is here, so I’ll speak my mind. Good medicine is bitter but cures the disease; honest advice tends to be displeasing but is beneficial," Wu Lang sat upright and spoke seriously, "The words I’m going to say next may be unpleasant, but they are definitely honest advice."

"Uncle and Second Uncle violated the law in Taicang and harmed the people, so saying it’s heaven’s wrath and people’s anger isn’t overstating it! Even separated by hundreds of miles, the people here know clearly what’s happened. How do outsiders view Uncle and Second Uncle? You often talk about the good reputation of the Old Lian Family, but it’s already ruined!"

"It’s been ruined by my Uncle and Second Uncle!" Wu Lang said angrily, glaring at Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi.

Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi shrank back, accustomed to Lian Shouxin’s gentle demeanor, suddenly faced with Wu Lang’s stern questioning, they were surprised and intimidated.

Lian Manman sat on the kang bed, but her heart bloomed with joy.

Well done, Wu Lang, just like this. Having Wu Lang support the family like this in the future, the family ethos will truly transform.

Old Master Lian sat on the kang bed, sighed, and remained silent.

"Do you really think doing some labor can restore our reputation? Uncle, Second Uncle, you need to have a goal for your future. This goal isn’t about having good food and drink, enjoying life without working. Instead, you should seek ways to rebuild the ruined reputation of the Lian Family!" Wu Lang said, then asked Old Master Lian, "Grandpa, do you think I’m right?"

"You’re right." Old Master Lian nodded. When Wu Lang spoke of reputation, it struck his most sensitive and treasured chord. Since returning from Taicang, Old Master Lian’s deepest pain and regret revolve around his own reputation and the ruined reputation of the Lian Family. "Wu Lang, you are right."

"If you want people to change their view of you, to restore the ruined reputation and gather the scattered respect, avoiding hardship and always relying on others won’t do. Grandpa won’t let Uncle go to the county to seek help from the Song Family for this reason. This matter, Uncle and Second Uncle must take full responsibility, not saying you must endure hardships like sleeping over thorns, but to some extent, it should be a lifelong lesson. If it’s not possible in this lifetime, then Jizu’s generation must continue, and the generation after them as well."

"To change people’s perceptions of you, of the Lian Family, you must move forward step by step, earnestly and steadily. Like the spirit of the man moving mountains, you must have the determination to do so." Wu Lang concluded.

"My brother spoke so well," Lian Manman promptly remarked with starry eyes, turning to see Old Master Lian’s eyes also glimmering with excitement.

*******

Happy Lantern Festival to everyone!

Here’s the first update, continuing to write hoping for a second update, it’s nearing the end of the month, please support with pinks. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) for recommendation votes, monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)