Reborn as a Landlord

Chapter 1905: Chapter 971: Near and Far (2)

Lady Zhang understood from Lian Shouxin’s words that he wouldn’t stay long and the family would soon go home together, so she nodded and led Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi outside.

Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, and Lady Chiang, along with Lian Yaya and Da Niuniu, followed them out.

Since they were waiting for Lian Shouxin, the family didn’t walk quickly after leaving the house and they observed their surroundings once in the yard.

"This plot of land has been left empty. Do you have plans for it next spring?" Lady Zhang pointed to the plot of land under the window of the Upper Room East Room and asked Lady Chiang.

That plot was originally where the East Wing Room stood, which Lian Shouyi’s family removed, leaving a vacant lot. Now that space was cleared and some firewood and other sundries were piled there.

"...The other day, I discussed it with my mother-in-law. I was thinking of moving the chicken coop there, so that when it rains in the summer, the smell won’t blow into the house. My mother-in-law wants to turn it all into a vegetable garden." Lady Chiang replied with a smile, informing Lady Zhang.

"Either way is fine," responded Lady Zhang.

"...But I still have to listen to my mother-in-law," Lady Chiang said with another smile. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Lady Zhang glanced into the Upper Room and sighed softly, saying nothing. Nowadays, although Lady Zhang was still pure-hearted, she was no longer as naive as before.

After looking at the east side, Lady Zhang turned to inspect the West Wing Room. Naturally, the West Wing Room was unoccupied, holding only Lady Zhou’s coffin, some grain, and miscellaneous items.

Since it was a place where they had lived for many years, Lady Zhang couldn’t help but take a few more glances. Comparing the past with the present, she felt a lot of emotions in her heart.

"... Although nobody lives there, Xiao Qi’s father and I come to tidy it up every now and then. Every time I recall when Fourth Aunt lived in this courtyard, she took good care of us," Lady Chiang remarked.

"Ah,... it’s hard for you all," Lady Zhang, being soft-hearted, sighed and said.

"What’s so hard about it?" Lady Chiang replied with a somewhat bitter smile, "As long as there’s food and drink, what more could one want? There’s nothing in this courtyard that Fourth Aunt doesn’t know about." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Lady Chiang had a lot she wanted to say to Lady Zhang, but Lady Zhang was too busy observing her surroundings and wasn’t too receptive to Lady Chiang’s words. Even when she occasionally responded, Lian Manman would subtly change the subject.

After a few attempts, Lady Chiang gave up the idea of complaining to Lady Zhang.

They continued to walk slowly outside. Just as they reached the vegetable garden below, they heard the gate creak. It was Chunzhu’s Wife from next door, who heard Lady Zhang’s voice in the courtyard and came over.

Lady Zhang was pleased to see Chunzhu’s Wife, and the two began to chat casually.

This winter, Chunzhu’s Wife worked the whole season at Lian Zhizhi’s Pickled Vegetable Workshop. Now, she was the head steward of the workshop, and Lian Zhizhi relied heavily on her. She had also brought her two daughters to earn some pocket money.

In recent years, because of the Lian family’s prosperity, the tenant farmers from Thirty Mile Camp and the nearby villages all benefited. Those families already on good terms with Lady Zhang benefited even more.

Now, Chunzhu’s family was affluent. Chunzhu’s Wife had two young daughters and a son, but she also had two nephews working in the Lian family’s businesses.

As they reached the gate, Lian Manman glanced back at the Upper Room, pondering what Lady Zhou might be discussing with Lian Shouxin. However, she didn’t dwell on it, as the family now felt completely comfortable leaving Lian Shouxin alone to talk with Lady Zhou. Lian Shouxin was no longer someone Lady Zhou could control.

Once Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, and the others left, Lady Zhou’s demeanor changed in the Upper Room East Room.

She became more relaxed, and her expression gentler.

Lady Zhou beckoned again, signaling Lian Shouxin to sit beside her.

"You crawled out of my womb, how could you resent me?" Lady Zhou immediately said because Lian Shouxin didn’t immediately respond to her call.

"Mother, how could that be?" Lian Shouxin went over and sat on the edge of the kang beside Lady Zhou.

"... Since you’re back this time, when you have some free time, go visit your Third Aunt," Lady Zhou advised Lian Shouxin, "A few days ago, your Third Aunt and her husband were asking about you. Also, your Wu Lang is getting married, and they should contribute gifts."

Lian Shouxin laughed it off, without replying.

Lady Zhou naturally realized that Lian Shouxin was unwilling to go.

"... What other relatives do you have? You only keep in touch with the Old Zhang family, but you should be more considerate and maintain relations with relatives on our side too," Lady Zhou insisted righteously to Lian Shouxin, "You might not think much of it now, but in the future, as time passes, when you age, you’ll realize you’re at a disadvantage. If anything happens, there won’t be anyone to speak for you. They’re all from the Old Zhang family, enjoying your hospitality yet not appreciating your kindness!"

"Mother, what are you talking about? What’s all this about sides?" Lian Shouxin found Lady Zhou’s words unpleasant.

But these were the words Lady Zhou loved to say to Lian Shouxin.

"You, still so naive," Lady Zhou thought Lian Shouxin was just unyielding, and she was quite displeased. However, now she no longer lashed out at Lian Shouxin like she once did.

One could say that in front of Lian Shouxin’s family, Lady Zhou could now control her temper very well.

...

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