Reborn as a Landlord

Second Chapter update, asking for pink tickets.

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As soon as she read the beginning, Lian Manman couldn’t help but smile. She couldn’t help it—just imagining Fatty Shen addressing her as "virtuous younger sister" with such a formal tone was enough to make her laugh.

Xiao Qi, however, was very excited. This was the first time in his life that someone had written him a letter, and it made him feel great. It gave him a sense of being treated like an adult, of being valued.

"Brother Xiao Jiu’s handwriting is really nice," Xiao Qi said, examining the letter.

Lian Manman couldn’t help but nod in agreement. As Mr. Loo said, Wu Lang’s handwriting was proper and disciplined, but it lacked a touch of vitality. Xiao Qi’s handwriting, on the other hand, was still unformed. By Mr. Loo’s standards, Fatty Shen’s handwriting was smooth and rounded, yet carried an inherent strength beneath the surface.

Wu Lang had a fondness for reading, but due to his family’s limited circumstances in the past, he hadn’t received a formal education. Out of personal initiative, he taught himself to read and write, often using tree branches to trace characters on the ground. This situation persisted until their family split off. Only after the split did Wu Lang have the opportunity to receive formal schooling. He cherished this opportunity dearly, and because of his maturity and sense of responsibility, he took upon himself the burden of pursuing the path of the imperial examinations—and he resolved to succeed.

These external circumstances both motivated Wu Lang to diligently study and limited the development of his individuality. Fortunately, the imperial examinations primarily tested Eight-Legged Essays, which demanded strict adherence to structure and left little room for personal expression; they sought upright men of integrity. Wu Lang, with his disciplined nature, was well-suited for this path.

Xiao Qi, on the other hand, was still young and didn’t carry the same pressure Wu Lang bore as the eldest son. Though Xiao Qi was sensible for his age, his handwriting still required time and patience to develop.

As for Fatty Shen, he had started his education quite early. Coming from a distinguished family, even if someone wasn’t particularly skilled academically, their handwriting had to at least be presentable. So, despite being especially doted on by his elders, Fatty Shen must have put considerable effort into calligraphy. The privileged environment he grew up in—free of the pressure of the imperial examinations, surrounded by the influence of his aristocratic heritage—resulted in such refined penmanship.

The saying "one’s calligraphy reflects one’s character" truly holds merit.

After reading the salutation, Lian Manman continued reading the letter.

Fatty Shen’s letter wasn’t long—it was just some ordinary sentiments of missing and greeting them. He also told Lian Manman and Xiao Qi that he had passed the Tongsheng qualification and would be taking the academy examination alongside Wu Lang this autumn. He asked when Lian Manman and Xiao Qi would visit the Prefecture City, insisting that they must come to his house to see him.

A very straightforward and proper letter, which Lian Manman finished reading quickly.

Once Lian Manman had finished, Xiao Qi eagerly took the letter and read it over and over again, his face beaming with joy.

"This child has such an earnest nature," Lady Zhang remarked as she looked at the box of items Fatty Shen had sent, sighing with emotion. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Between Shen Liu and Shen Jiu, the Lian Family admittedly favored Shen Jiu more. Shen Jiu, being young, was adorable and easygoing. He wasn’t picky with food and always ate heartily, making him likable and approachable.

After receiving the Shen Family’s and the Magistrate’s reciprocal gifts, everyone turned to examine the items Wu Lang brought back from the Prefecture City for the family.

There were the latest fabrics from the city, pastries from a well-known store, preserved goods, exquisite embroidered fans and silk fans imported from Chengdu Prefecture, as well as the trendiest jewelry designs for Lady Zhang, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman. Each received an ivory comb and a double-layered bamboo bristle brush. In addition, there were several books Wu Lang had picked up from a bookstore. It took the whole family half a day to unpack and organize everything.

The Shen Family’s and the Magistrate’s gifts were all recorded in a ledger by Lian Manman. Wu Lang also accounted for his expenses in the Prefecture City, reporting them roughly to Lian Manman, who also noted them down. Most of the expenses came from shared family funds, with some portions covered by the private savings of Wu Lang, Lian Zhizhi, and Lian Manman.

Once everything was sorted out, Lian Manman took her share and returned to the west room, while Xiao Qi cheerfully followed along with Fatty Shen’s letter in his hand.

The siblings climbed onto the kang and sat down. Xiao Qi handed the letter to Lian Manman.

"Sister, you should keep this letter," he said.

"Finally willing to put it down? Haven’t you practically worn it out with all your reading?" Lian Manman teased with a smile.

"It’s the first time someone’s written me a letter," Xiao Qi replied with a giggle. "Sister, aren’t you happy? Brother Xiao Jiu is such a good friend."

"Mm," Lian Manman replied as she opened a box and carefully placed the letter inside.

Xiao Qi scooted closer, and the siblings began playing with the items from the box together.