Reborn as a Landlord

Lian Manman handed Xiao Qi a set of clay figurines and a kaleidoscope.

"Take these to the study in the front yard to play with. Just don’t get so caught up in the fun that you neglect your schoolwork," said Lian Manman. "I’ll keep the ink and brushes for now. When you’ve used up the ones you’re currently working with, come find me to get these."

Xiao Qi nodded and grabbed a handful of red, green, and white beads, playing with them in his hands.

"These beads are so beautiful," said Xiao Qi.

Lian Manman also picked up a few beads to examine closely. She had already been wondering about the quality of these beads, and now her suspicion was confirmed. No wonder they’re beautiful — glistening and polished, they were made of exquisite jade and amber.

Her heart stirred as she carefully examined the ink and brushes once more before putting them down with care.

These items, she thought, were likely treasures Fatty Shen had collected and enjoyed.

"Don’t take these beads outside to play with. Keep them safely stored," Lian Manman told Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi promptly placed the beads back into their box.

Just as Lian Manman finished putting things away, Lady Wu Wang arrived with Wu Jiayu. She had heard the news and came to congratulate them.

At Thirty Mile Camp, aside from Scholar Wang and his son—one a Graduate and the other a Scholar—the only other notable family was the Lian Family. Lian Shouren was a Scholar, and Lian Jizu was a Tongsheng. Now that Wu Lang had passed the Tongsheng exam, the news had spread like wildfire. Within moments, everyone knew about it.

"I just heard the news and came right away. Jiaxing and his father will be here shortly too. Such a joyous event must be properly celebrated! Wu Lang is such a young Tongsheng — not only in Thirty Mile Camp, but even in Qingyang Town, this is unparalleled," Lady Wu Wang said, beaming as she offered congratulations to Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin.

"Auntie, passing the Tongsheng exam is no big deal. I deeply appreciate your kind intentions, but there’s no need to make a big fuss," Wu Lang said modestly.

"Wu Lang is such a thoughtful and composed child," Lady Wu Wang responded. "But we’re family — celebrating together doesn’t count as going overboard."

Shortly after, Wu Yugui and Wu Jiaxing arrived, carrying large bundles of wine, roasted chicken, braised pork knuckles, and pig trotters.

The family had already planned to make a feast that evening to welcome Wu Lang and celebrate his achievement. With the Wu family joining in, the occasion was even livelier. After some polite exchanges, Lady Zhang, Lady Wu Wang, Lian Zhizhi, Lian Manman, and Wu Jiayu headed to the kitchen to prepare dishes, while Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, Wu Yugui, and Wu Jiaxing remained in the front hall to chat. Meanwhile, Lian Shouxin sent a long-term worker to the mountain to invite Mr. Loo to come over earlier.

Mr. Loo returned quickly. Old Huang also arrived after hearing the news, bringing two large jars of wine as a gift for Wu Lang.

The dinner was, of course, splendid. They also invited Scholar Wang and his son, the Lizheng, Wu Yuchang, and several village elders who vouched for Wu Lang, as well as Lian Shouli, Lady Zhao, and Lian Yeye. The gathering lasted until late in the evening, well into the hours of electric lighting, before they finally dispersed.

By the next day, Zhang Qingshan heard the news. He arrived with Lady Li, Zhang Qingnian, Lady Zhang Wang, and Zhang Caiyun to congratulate Wu Lang.

The Zhang Family’s gifts were notably practical: a large slab of pork, four big fish, two baskets of freshly harvested yellow apricots, and one basket of freshly picked cherries.

Truth be told, the Zhang Family had always been remarkably good to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang’s household. Fresh fruits, various wild goods like mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, and walnuts were sent abundantly throughout the seasons—basketfuls, crates, even sacks. Lian Manman’s family hardly needed to purchase these items, as the contributions from the Zhang Family were more than enough. Lian Manman was particularly grateful for the elderly hens sent by Lady Li during the period when Lady Zhang was recovering.

"Mom, why did you buy so much? We already have fresh fish at home. And that much pork — we can’t finish it, and at this time of year, it won’t keep," Lady Zhang said to Lady Li.

"What do you mean we can’t finish it? Eat to your heart’s content! My grandson passed the Tongsheng exam and is one step closer to being a Scholar. I’m overjoyed!" Zhang Qingshan declared.

"It will keep. Just cut up the meat, render some oil, sprinkle on salt, and store it in a jar. It will last a month without spoiling. I’ll have Caiyun’s mother help you with that later," Lady Li said.

Lady Zhang’s main concern was that the gifts were excessive. Her remarks about spoilage were simply honest worries of practicality. But now, after Lady Li’s explanation, she had no choice but to let it go.

"Grandson, keep working hard, pass the Scholar exam, and bring pride to your mother. Even your grandpa will bask in the glory," Zhang Qingshan said to Wu Lang.

"Don’t put pressure on the child. Wu Lang is sensible and knows how to apply himself," Lady Li interjected, waving Zhang Qingshan off. She turned to Lady Zhang and added, "You won’t believe how happy your father was when he heard Wu Lang had passed the Tongsheng exam. His appetite for both food and wine has noticeably increased."

Everyone shared a laugh.

Wu Lang spoke with the guests for a while before retreating to the study to read.

Lian Manman thought for a moment and then followed him.

"Brother, take a break. There’s no need to push yourself right now," Lian Manman said as she entered the study and saw Wu Lang engrossed in a book. She sat down in the chair facing him and spoke. Wu Lang’s success as a Tongsheng had raised everyone’s expectations, but Lian Manman was worried that he might overtax himself from the pressure. While she hoped he would achieve high honors, she didn’t want him to strain himself.

"Manman, I understand. I won’t force myself," Wu Lang replied, understanding her intentions as he slowly put down the book.

Just as Wu Lang was about to continue speaking, the sound of two little milk dogs barking at the courtyard gate interrupted them. The siblings quickly got up to see what was happening, and they found Lian Yeye rushing into the house. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Sister Huahua and her husband are here, along with Auntie," Lian Yeye said as she ran to Lian Manman’s side.

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Here’s the second update. Please support with pink tickets, official subscriptions, and recommendation votes.

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Ruoyan’s completed farming novel recommendations:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Complete with extras) (A link is provided below; click to access directly)

Synopsis: A woman reincarnates as an abandoned wife falsely accused of losing her virtue. With a child in tow, she embarks on a sweet life with an economical and reliable partner. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)