Reborn as a Landlord

First watch, asking for pink votes.

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Song Hailong and Lian Huahua arrived together, along with Lian Lanlan. Lian Manman’s eyes darted around, and she whispered a few words to Lian Yeye, asking her to notify Lady Zhang and others in the backyard. After that, she and Wu Lang headed toward the main gate.

Da Pang and Second Fatty were both standing at the door, their four little paws firmly gripping the ground in a defensive posture, heads tilted upward as they barked at the visitors. Lian Manman walked over and softly chided them, and the two little puppies quieted down, wagging their tails, toddling their chubby little bodies over to her and circling at her feet, letting out low "woof woof" sounds.

The two little puppies had been at Lian Manman’s house for over a month, growing visibly larger but still retaining their baby-like plumpness—cute and round as ever. Thanks to attentive care and good food, they grew strong and remarkably clever. Lian Manman didn’t keep them confined, letting them out daily to either roam the yard or accompany her to the estate grounds, familiarizing them with their territory.

The puppies were affectionate toward family members but wary of strangers. Those familiar with them could distinguish what was happening based on their different barks.

For example, their earlier sharp, high-pitched barking meant strangers had arrived at the house. The low "woof woof" now signified affection and playfulness toward their owner.

Additionally, their barks varied when they spotted familiar faces outside the family, when they were hungry, and in other situations.

Outside the main door, two carriages were parked. Song Hailong, Lian Huahua, and Lian Lanlan had already disembarked, with two attendants trailing behind Lian Huahua—Aunt Sun and the maid, Xiao Hong.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, Lian Manman instructed the long-term workers to lead the coachmen to the side courtyard for rest, while she and Wu Lang ushered Song Hailong’s party into the main yard. By then, Lian Shouxin, Lady Zhang, Lady Li, and others, having received the message from Lian Yeye, had come to the front yard as well, and the group made their way to the main hall.

Lian Lanlan cast a glance toward the covered walkway. In her opinion, since she and Lian Huahua were not outsiders to Lian Manman’s family, they ought to be invited to the backyard for hospitality, just like last time when they came for the ritual of "polishing the pot bottom." However, from Lady Zhang and Lian Manman’s expressions, it seemed there was no intention to invite them to the backyard this time.

Lian Lanlan sneaked a look over at Lian Huahua.

Lian Huahua slightly furrowed her brow in response but acted as though everything was normal. Aunt Sun and Xiao Hong, walking behind them, also discreetly glanced toward the covered walkway before quickly withdrawing their gazes, expressionless.

The group settled down in the front hall, with everyone exchanging polite greetings and inquiries. Most of the conversation revolved around Old Madam Song and her health.

"...Since spring began, she contracted some minor ailment that hasn’t fully recovered. She originally planned to come and personally congratulate Fifth Brother, but it couldn’t be helped, so she sent me instead," Song Hailong replied and instructed the attendants to present the congratulatory gifts for Wu Lang.

The Song Family’s gifts were as generous as always—fine cloth, ink and brushes, silver taels, and several elegant study decorations.

"Old Madam Song is too kind," Wu Lang said humbly. "It’s merely a small matter; I dare not accept such valuable gifts from Old Madam."

"Oh, this is no trivial matter," Song Hailong laughed. "Fifth Brother, you haven’t studied for long yet already managed to pass the Tongsheng examination in one fell swoop. Fifth Brother, you truly are a child prodigy. Going forward, becoming a Scholar, Graduate, and Imperial Scholar will be effortless achievements for you."

"You overpraise me; I can’t possibly deserve such remarks," Wu Lang replied solemnly.

Song Hailong, adept at reading the mood, noticed Wu Lang’s dislike for exaggerated praise and promptly changed the subject.

"Fifth Brother passing the Tongsheng exam brings glory to all of us. This small gift is just a token of our goodwill, a gesture to bless good fortune for Fifth Brother. If you refuse it, it would mean you find the gift too modest," Song Hailong said.

Faced with such words, Wu Lang could no longer decline.

"I also came to extend my congratulations to Wu Lang. Speaking of modest gifts, mine is truly humble. But even if the gift is small, my sentiments are anything but." Lian Lanlan said, handing over a bundle.

Had Lian Lanlan come alone, Lian Manman’s household would have treated her differently. However, since she came with Lian Huahua, Lian Manman’s family had to consider the situation more carefully.