Reborn as a Landlord

Lian Zhizhi’s question was quite reasonable; this time going to the city to see the lanterns, we need to bring the whole Zhang Family. If Lady Zhang goes to the old house, won’t Lady Zhou find fault with her?

"Sis, don’t worry, I’ll accompany our mother for a trip later," said Lian Manman.

It’s best for Lady Zhang to avoid going to the old house because she has a gentle character and isn’t adept at arguing, fearing Lady Zhou would bully her, and also worried Lady Zhang might be tricked by Lady Gu and the others.

But for today’s matter, Lady Zhang must come forward. Moreover, the Lian Family’s current situation is different than before, and for matters like this "good occasion," Lady Zhang needs to take action.

Having discussed it at home, Lian Manman then accompanied Lady Zhang to the old house.

Entering the main gate of the old house, Lian Manman immediately felt the chilliness. Now that Lian Shouli’s family had moved out, the West Wing Room, although renovated, remained vacant. But this chill was not solely due to reduced populace.

The old house was lifeless because it lacked vitality.

These people returned in autumn; thus, the farmstead necessities like chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs were all absent. Moreover, now it’s rare for people to visit. Another reason is the oppressive atmosphere among the old house’s residents due to well-known reasons, rarely showing any laughter.

Lady Zhang and Lian Manman entered the old house’s yard, and Lady He and Lady Gu, busy laughing as they greeted them from under the Upper Room window while grinding, stopped their grind at the opportunity.

"Fourth Aunt is here, come inside and sit!"

Not even out of the first lunar month, yet Lady Zhou had already put the two daughters-in-law to grind! But Lady Zhou’s reasoning was solid; not out of the first month, yet the family must eat. If they don’t grind rice or flour, what do they eat? Anyway, Lady Zhou had made up her mind that with these two daughters-in-law, they would never spend money at a mill again.

"Second daughter-in-law, why are you standing there dumbstruck? Who’s here? No matter who comes, work must go on. Useless in work, insatiable in food! If you’re lazy, no lunch for you," yelled Lady Zhou from inside upon hearing the commotion, moving to the window to call outside.

Before Lady Zhou finished talking, Lady Chiang lifted the curtain, came out laughing, and ushered Lady Zhang and Lian Manman inside.

In the east room, there was only Lady Zhou.

Old Master Lian had taken the rest out to collect firewood. No choice; with three rooms having heating stoves and Wife of He Laoliu staying for a while, the firewood collected last year was not sufficient. Recently, even the stoves in Lian Shouren’s and Lian Shouyi’s rooms had been using Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou’s firewood. And the old couple’s firewood was running low.

Even though the first month wasn’t over, if they didn’t collect firewood soon, the household would run out of fuel.

Lady Zhang and Lian Manman greeted Lady Zhou and sat at the edge of the stove, while Lady Chiang brought in two hot cups of tea, along with a plate of roasted peanuts and a plate of fried sunflower seeds, then settled on a stool beside the stove to accompany them.

Lady Zhang then spoke to Lady Zhou about going to the city to see the lanterns tomorrow.

"...Everyone says the city lanterns are beautiful; the kids are so grown now, yet all these years, not once have they seen anything. The kids cheer, ... Let’s go by cart, and invite the old couple to join us, see the lanterns, we have a place to stay in the city, spend a night and return."

Lady Zhou was originally indifferent to Lady Zhang, but upon hearing this, lifted her eyes and scrutinized Lady Zhang harshly.

"You want to see the lanterns, go see them yourselves, don’t need to tell me!" Lady Zhou, sitting cross-legged, hands crossed on her lap, turned her face aside, speaking not directly to Lady Zhang, "We are down-to-earth folks, not interested in the bustle. Do as you please."

Lady Chiang accompanied with smiles, quickly glanced at Lady Zhang and Lian Manman, seeing these two women’s expressions remained unperturbed, so she said nothing.

Lady Zhou’s speech, especially towards the juniors, always carried that attitude. She never spoke nicely, always had a twist to her words, as if such an approach befit her senior status.

Since Lady Zhang and Lian Manman came with smiles today to invite Lady Zhou, they wouldn’t let her tone sour their mood nor get angry. There was no point in doing so; they would not act that way.

"Grandma, going by cart is so convenient, why don’t you and Grandpa come along? The whole family seeing the lanterns, lively and cheerful, isn’t that wonderful?" Lian Manman, hearing Lady Zhou’s refusal, was unsurprised but still cheerfully persuaded.

"Not going; I said we’re not going, and that’s that." Lady Zhou glanced at Lian Manman, firmly stated.