Reborn as a Landlord

Chapter 1948: Chapter 992: Closing the Net (Part 2)

Lady Zhang has always been very cautious in how she treats her daughters. This is, of course, due to her experiences growing up in her own family. Lady Li raised her in this way, so these practices became her habits.

"Moreover, I haven’t forgotten what you told me," Lady Zhang continued, "No matter how much I trust her, it can’t compare to my trust in you all. When have I not taken your words seriously?"

"Surely it was Shan Xi who took the things over and told you she came. You were worried and came back early. This is unnecessary; she can only swindle a couple of coins out of me, and that’s because I pity her poor fate and respect the gods. She can’t get anything else from me. You’re just wasting your effort coming back." Lady Zhang started to scold Lian Manman.

Lian Manman just smiled.

"Mother, whether I came back unnecessarily or not, we’ll know in a while."

...

The mother and daughter were talking in the room; meanwhile, Yan Daopo was already being led around by a little maid, taking many twists and turns, almost reaching the back corner gate. Suddenly, two people came from a side path, blocking her with smiles.

"Oh my," Yan Daopo raised her eyes to look, recognizing both of them. One was Duoshou, the head maid serving Lady Zhang, and the other was Maid Xiao Xi, who served Wu Lang. "Lady Duofu, Lady Xiao Xi..."

Yan Daopo hastily piled smiles on her face and greeted them respectfully.

The two maids also smiled and returned her greeting.

"...why are you leaving so soon? We sisters have something to ask for your help with..." As they spoke, without caring for Yan Daopo’s willingness, they each took her by an arm and led her to a small room nearby.

Unnoticed, two more servants appeared at the back corner gate, and the door was locked.

...

In the Upper Room, the conversation between Lady Zhang and Lian Manman continued.

"Mother, I’ve already sent messages to my father and brother, and it’s likely they’ll be back soon," Lian Manman said to Lady Zhang.

"This Yan Daopo, does she not only want money but actually have such malicious intentions and such daring?" Lady Zhang’s expression turned solemn. freewёbnoνel.com

"Better safe than sorry. Mother, remember what I told you? This Yan Daopo has been getting quite close to the Qian Family lately, running over there frequently. If she were as open about visiting the Qian Family as before, I wouldn’t doubt her. But she tries to hide it, concealing her movements. That Qian Yuchan even recognized her as a godmother. As if we don’t know. Mother, think about it; how can you not have doubts about what she’s been telling you?"

Last time, at the Shen Family, Qian Yuchan tried to harm others but ended up harmed herself. After that, the Shen Family stopped inviting the Qian Family’s women to any banquet. Qian Tongzhi was reprimanded by his superior due to some oversight in official duties. Subsequently, Qian Tongzhi’s superior arranged a marriage for Qian Yuchan with a wealthy family from the western region of Liaodong Prefecture, who was said to be a distant relative of the superior.

However, the marriage arrangement was delayed because, although Qian Tongzhi had agreed, Qian Yuchan suddenly fell ill.

These matters were shared by Grandma Shen San during casual chats with Lian Manman. Grandma Shen San also told Lian Manman that Qian Tongzhi’s superior was resolute in arranging the marriage and would have his distant relative marry Qian Yuchan as soon as she recovered.

"Unless her illness never gets better, she’ll be stuck in that courtyard, never stepping out again; the marriage is certain to happen," Grandma Shen San had said.

There seems to be an unseen hand behind these affairs. Lian Manman understood deeply.

"...it’s actually a good thing," Lian Manman told Grandma Shen San at that time, "but I’m afraid her illness won’t get better soon. When someone’s ill, it’s hard to predict their thoughts; if something unexpected happens, it could be bad."

"That’s what I said too," Grandma Shen San replied, "we should keep a close watch. Her father is an official in Prefecture City, not too small nor too big of a rank, and even Sixth Master pays attention to this matter. With such a big place as Prefecture City, someone under our watch can’t go astray. Surely, we can help her get better."

After that conversation, Lian Manman felt relieved but also gained another concern. Having seen Qian Yuchan’s tactics and the ’illness’ she displayed, so timely and decisive, Lian Manman had to focus on the Qian Family and Qian Yuchan.

Yan Daopo’s interaction with the Qian Family had been investigated, and Grandma Shen San had informed her of some details. Before, Lian Manman merely disfavored Yan Daopo, but afterwards, she truly became wary of Yan Daopo.

The reason for not completely banning Yan Daopo from visiting was for another consideration. Seeing Qian Family and Qian Yuchan’s determination to stir trouble, banning Yan Daopo might lead them to other schemes. Instead, it’s better to be vigilant against Yan Daopo. The Qian Family, thinking they’re in the dark and Lian Manman in the light, play with intent but without awareness. Yet, with Lian Manman on guard, the situation reverses, ensuring everything is under control.

Lian Manman hadn’t disclosed everything to Lady Zhang but did tell her about Yan Daopo’s close relations with the Qian Family and Qian Yuchan suddenly recognizing Yan Daopo as a godmother.

Although Qian Yuchan failed in her scheme against Lian Manman last time, the entire Lian Family, including Lady Zhang, remembered it well. Lady Zhang might not understand overly complicated matters, but she did realize one thing; Qian Yuchan, given a chance, would surely try to harm Lian Manman again.

With such mental preparation, although Lady Zhang still gave money to Yan Daopo, she became cautious about matters involving Lian Manman and Yan Daopo.

...

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