Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1623 - 827: Conversation (2)

Compared to the official ladies of Shen Family’s main residence in the Prefecture City, Shen Liu naturally possesses more presence and authority. However, for some reason, when Lian Manman met Shen Liu, she felt even more relaxed and at ease than when she was in front of those ladies.

"You’ve come?" Shen Liu squinted slightly, greeting in a deep voice.

"Yes, I’ve come." Lian Manman responded, and together with Lady Zhang, they stepped forward to pay their respects to Shen Liu.

"No need for formalities, please sit." Shen Liu waved his hand.

A little maid brought in embroidered stools, inviting Lady Zhang and Lian Manman to have a seat. Lady Zhang and Lian Manman also paid their respects to Master Chu, who accepted Manman’s gesture and then stood up to return the courtesy to Lady Zhang. Only then did Lady Zhang and Lian Manman sit on the stools. Wu Lang and Xiao Qi had stood up when Lady Zhang entered, and now they also seated themselves.

Today, Shen Liu was not sitting behind the desk but rather on a Taishi Chair in front of it, seemingly to be closer to his guests. To Shen Liu’s right were seated Master Chu and Lian Shouxin, to his left were Wu Lang and Xiao Qi, and Lady Zhang and Lian Manman’s seats were naturally arranged below Lian Shouxin.

When Lian Manman entered, everyone was discussing Xiao Qi’s studies. Once they were seated, the topic continued on.

"...If he wants to gain some experience, that’s fine too," Master Chu continued from where he left off, "He’s still young, taking a year or two more to succeed is fine... Tongsheng level is not difficult; for Scholar, he will need to wait a bit more."

Master Chu meant that Xiao Qi could take this year’s child exam and believed Xiao Qi could pass. However, he wanted Xiao Qi to see this as a form of training, and it didn’t matter if he passed or not. From his words, it could be seen that Master Chu even somewhat preferred Xiao Qi not to pass too early. While being a prodigious youth is good, Master Chu hoped Xiao Qi would take the exam when he is more mature and has a more solid foundation, for safety’s sake.

But, as he said, experiencing the examination field wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Regarding this, Wu Lang had also written to Mr. Loo for his opinion. Mr. Loo only meticulously corrected Xiao Qi’s essays and didn’t comment on the matter, just advised them to consult Master Chu’s opinion.

The Lian Manman family, although hoping Xiao Qi could pass early, also felt that Master Chu’s words made sense. In fact, Master Chu’s perspective was more in line with Lian Shouxin’s farmer-like simplicity and steadiness.

This was a major issue the Lian Manman family needed to resolve in the Prefecture City. Now that it was clarified, everyone was quite pleased.

"...How was the lantern festival?" Shen Liu suddenly asked, and it was obvious he was asking Lian Manman.

"Replying to Sixth Master, it was wonderful." Lian Manman quickly stood up and replied.

"Sit and speak," Shen Liu raised an eyebrow and looked at Lian Manman, "We haven’t seen each other for long; why so distant?"

"It’s not being distant; it’s seeing Sixth Master busy with military affairs at the end of the year, unable to rest. Now, with everyone so at peace, it’s all thanks to Sixth Master’s hard work, which I truly admire from the heart." Lian Manman, seeing Shen Liu’s remark, said with a smile and then sat down again.

"Lian girl’s words are quite true." Master Chu laughed, "Now the people of Liaodong Prefecture live in peace and prosperity, all trades flourishing, and Sixth Master holds great credit for this."

"I don’t dare take the credit; it’s all due to the imperial kindness." Shen Liu said, cupping his fist toward the Capital City’s direction.

"Sixth Master, how long do you plan to stay in the Prefecture City this time, or do you still have to go to the Border Town?" Lian Manman casually asked Shen Liu.

"...I can only stay for two or three days, then I must return." Shen Liu nodded, "This winter is colder than the past years. We’re fine in Liaodong Prefecture, but in the north, there have been several heavy snowfalls with considerable losses. If there’s really nothing to eat, people might start to scheme. Though it’s been peaceful for some years, such things have happened in the past and were eventually resolved peacefully, but precautions are always necessary."

"What Sixth Master says is true." Master Chu said solemnly.

Lian Manman’s heart sank slightly, her gaze fell on Shen Liu. In the study, Shen Liu was only wearing a long robe of jade-colored brocade, with a jade belt around his waist. His attire was simple but elegant, further highlighting his jade-like clear face and bright eyes.

The unstable northern border meant that Shen Liu likely hadn’t had a peaceful New Year. Yet, despite this, there was no sign of fatigue or weathered looks on his face. Thinking back on Shen Liu’s youthful experiences, seeing him as he was now, it wasn’t surprising. Shen Liu, though not very old, had been through many challenges. He was already accustomed to the heavy responsibilities on his shoulders. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been possible for him to command Liaodong and ensure peace at such a young age.

"Sixth Master, are the Border Town’s supplies sufficient? I mean, do you need us to do something? Donations of money or goods, just say the word, whatever it is, it won’t be a problem. Our Liaodong Prefecture shouldn’t lack food. But the Border Town is even colder than here; shouldn’t we donate some cotton clothes, quilts, and cotton shoes?" Lian Manman spoke somewhat urgently.

Shen Liu waited quietly for Lian Manman to finish speaking and then laughed.

"...I appreciate your concern." Shen Liu’s tone was filled with warmth and laughter, "There’s nothing lacking at the moment. But I’ll remember what you said, if there’s any shortage, there’s no need to seek others, I’ll just come to you."

"No problem." Lian Manman also laughed. The Liaodong Prefecture had plenty of soldiers and grains, and with Shen Liu’s strategic foresight, preparations must have been made long ago, so how could there be a lack of resources? "Sixth Master, feel free to come to me. I’m not bragging, but in this matter, our whole family doesn’t need to discuss it, everyone would share my thoughts. I can’t guarantee much, just four words: spare no effort."

Finally, Lian Manman also became serious. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to recommend it and vote for it. Your support is my greatest motivation.)