Reborn as a Landlord

Chapter 1907: Chapter 972: Closeness and Distance (2)

Don’t be fooled by how domineering and stubborn she appears; deep down, she knows well the wicked things she’s done in her life. She fears that she’ll suffer punishment in the Hall of Yama King after death, so she puts on this act, hoping to reduce her sins and evade retribution.

Lian Shouxin understands what Lady Zhou is worried about, which is why he says these things. Although he knows that his kind words probably won’t have much effect on Lady Zhou, if she were truly willing to change for the better, things wouldn’t be as they are now.

However, the effort must still be made; when persuasion is possible, one should try. It’s like the saying goes: Do all that you can and leave the rest to fate.

"I know, none of you care about me," Lady Zhou’s face finally fell as she heard Lian Shouxin speak, "Every single one of you, muttering behind my back. Do you think I’m old and senile and can’t hear it?"

"Mother, don’t overthink it. Who’s gossiping about you?" Lian Shouxin quickly said, "I’m doing this for your own good. Now, just enjoy your life, and don’t worry about anything else. If you need anything, just let me know."

"So are you going to visit your third aunt or not?" Lady Zhou asked again, fixing her gaze on him.

"Mother... I’ll go when I have time." Lian Shouxin was helpless and could only respond vaguely. "Mother, you know everything. My third aunt and them have settled in the village; as long as they don’t meddle in others’ affairs, no one dares bully them. Whether I go or not, it makes no difference."

Understanding that Lady Zhou didn’t have anything urgent, Lian Shouxin stood up while speaking. He thought Lady Zhou wanted to discuss something important or wanted to get closer to him, but it turned out to be about Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide. No matter how much he explained some issues to Lady Zhou, she simply wouldn’t listen.

"Mother, I have things to do, so I’ll be leaving. If anything comes up, send Jizu to find me." Lian Shouxin bid farewell to Lady Zhou, "I’m leaving now, you stay in bed..."

With those words, Lian Shouxin walked out of the room.

After stepping outside, Lian Shouxin gathered with his wife and children, then returned to his home.

Back home, everyone was sitting in Lady Zhang’s room. Lady Zhang asked Lian Shouxin what Lady Zhou had said to him for so long.

"Talking for such a long time!" Lady Zhang remarked.

"Nothing much," Lian Shouxin replied. He didn’t want to disclose some of Lady Zhou’s words to Lady Zhang and the children. It’s not because he’s closer to Lady Zhou or wants to hide things from his family, but Lady Zhou’s words are too hurtful, and he doesn’t want his family to feel angry and sad.

To be honest, Lian Shouxin’s approach is very wise. As the husband and son, a man’s essential integrity is not to spread tales between his mother and wife. Of course, positive remarks are another matter.

Lady Zhang and Lian Manman, along with the others, were skeptical that during all that time, Lady Zhou didn’t say anything to Lian Shouxin. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"It’s... it’s just about me visiting the old Shang Family." Lian Shouxin said. Lady Zhou’s hurtful words couldn’t be shared, but this matter could.

"Did you agree to it?" Lady Zhang asked.

"I just said I’d go when I find time," Lian Shouxin replied, "But I have no time at all."

"I really don’t know what they’re thinking, urging the old lady every time like this. And the old lady just listens and then sends you off." Lady Zhang commented.

Lian Manman, standing by, couldn’t help but smirk a little. Of course, Lady Zhou isn’t someone who would easily be incited and used. Her request to Lian Shouxin is part of her own plan. Simply put, by elevating her relatives’ standing, she aims to highlight her own prestige and significance.

Especially since their family maintains close ties with Lady Zhang’s natal family, the Zhang Qingshan family. The Zhang Family’s two children live here for their studies, and Lady Li often comes to stay for a while.

Because of this, Lady Zhou has brewed quite a few jars of vinegar in jealousy. If they hadn’t handled things so thoroughly to avoid any criticism, Lady Zhou would have likely lashed out long ago.

"If it were other relatives, even if they were a bit distant, and you asked me to visit, I’d go. But with this one, every visit turns into a spectacle, leveraging our influence for their own gain. What really bothers me is how they bully others," Lian Shouxin frowned as he spoke.

"Should I go boost his arrogance? What does that make me?" Lian Shouxin continued, sounding rather indignant.

Lian Shouxin’s words have a substantial basis. Leaving aside minor grievances, let’s focus on Shang Huaide’s venture into opening a tailor shop with others. Shortly after he opened, he planned to push out another tailor shop. That shop, an age-old establishment, has earned considerable goodwill locally for being so honest.

Shang Huaide tried to sway Lian Shouxin to help him, using roundabout methods. Lian Shouxin, not being foolish, discerned Shang Huaide’s true intent and promptly declined. Back then, Lian Manman family gave up their plan to open a general store in town, opting instead for a mill so as not to affect other stores’ business. Eventually, they gifted the mill to Lian Zhizhi as part of her dowry.

Before profit comes morality. Among fellow villagers, such unethical conduct shouldn’t occur. Lian Shouxin wouldn’t engage in it himself, nor would he aid anyone trying. Knowing Shang Huaide’s intentions, he advised him against it.

Yet Shang Huaide, despite failing to secure Lian Shouxin’s help, remained persistent, even covertly exploiting Lian Shouxin’s name for certain things. Luck had it that Lian Manman family is well-informed, and the squeezed tailor shop’s owner, familiar with their integrity, suspected Shang Huaide’s scheme and reached out for assistance.

Upon learning about it, Lian Shouxin was furious, summoned Shang Huaide and chastised him severely. Subsequently, Lady Zhou sent for Lian Shouxin; inevitably, Younger Lady Zhou had complained to her.

Despite Lady Zhou’s involvement, Lian Shouxin wouldn’t bend to Shang Huaide’s will to do wrongful deeds. Since then, he began to view the Shang couple less as elders.

... freewebnoveℓ.com

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