"I heard from my mother, there’s a share for my grandmother and another one for the Zheng family," Lian Manman added.

The Zhang family and the Zheng family have always been generous with their social interactions, so there was no need for Lady Zhou to mention these to Lian Shouxin.

Could it be that Lady Zhou called everyone here just for Shang Baorong’s dowry? If that were the case, Lady Zhou wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble, even spending to congratulate Wu Lang and Xiao Qi.

Lian Manman was puzzled until she heard footsteps and voices from the yard.

Lady Zhou’s eyes flickered slightly, she stopped the previous topic, and gestured for Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, and Lady Chiang to go out and welcome the guests.

It was Shang Huaide and Younger Lady Zhou who arrived. Lian Yaya also came in with them.

Lian Yaya entered the house and went straight to Lady Zhou, speaking in a low voice. Lian Manman overheard from the side.

"...There’s something going on at my auntie’s house..." Lian Yaya said to Lady Zhou in such a manner.

Lian Manman finally realized. Earlier, she saw Lian Yaya feeding the chickens in the yard, and afterward, everyone came inside, but Lian Yaya didn’t enter with them. Turns out she went to find Lady Da Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou.

This must not have been Lian Yaya’s own idea, but rather Lady Zhou’s prior instructions. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Thinking back to when Lady Zhou sent Lady Chiang to convey the message, she also mentioned to notify in advance when Lian Shouxin would be coming so they could prepare food at the old house. Seeing the current developments, it’s likely that this preparation included inviting Lady Da Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou.

Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide entered the house, everyone exchanged pleasantries and greetings, and during conversations, both Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide made it a point to emphasize that they came by coincidence.

Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang both understood by this point, but they did not expose the matter directly, and everyone sat down to talk.

"Old Fourth, it’s not that I’m trying to pull rank just because I’m your elder. Your father is gone, leaving only your mother, a widow alone. You give her things and money is one thing, but you should also visit more often, see if your mother is facing any troubles," Younger Lady Zhou said, sitting cross-legged beside Lady Zhou, earnestly advising Lian Shouxin.

"Old Fourth’s here now," interrupted by Shang Huaide with a chuckle before Lian Shouxin could respond, "They’re educated people, and what don’t they know better than us? Old Fourth comes several times each month. Everyone in the village knows this."

At this point, everything was crystal clear. Lady Zhou held off discussing the main topic earlier in order to wait for Lady Da Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou to arrive and support her.

But because Lady Da Zhou couldn’t make it due to matters at home, only Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide came.

Was it really because Lady Da Zhou couldn’t leave due to family matters? Probably not. Lian Manman thought, she probably knew why Lady Zhou called her over and didn’t want to come.

Given Lady Da Zhou’s understanding of the Lian family, she knew Lian Shouxin’s nature. As long as Lady Zhou’s requests weren’t too outrageous, Lian Shouxin would agree. Lian Shouxin is very filial, and their family matters are solved among themselves. Calling relatives to back them up would definitely displease Lian Shouxin’s group, offending people, and causing further distance between Lady Zhou and her son Lian Shouxin.

Lady Da Zhou wouldn’t do such things.

Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide might not see it the same way, even if they did, they wouldn’t pass up a chance to make their presence felt.

The same matter dealt with by two different approaches by people in the same situation. Lady Da Zhou’s way of handling things can’t be compared to Lady Zhou and Younger Lady Zhou. No wonder she raised such a popular and charming son praised by everyone.

"Mother, if there’s something, just tell us directly," Lian Shouxin said, unimpressed by Younger Lady Zhou and Shang Huaide’s little act, addressing Lady Zhou.

"What could there be? My life is barely tolerable as it is," Lady Zhou hesitated for a moment, then took out a large handkerchief, wiped her face, and melodramatically wailed, "If it continues like this, I won’t be able to live much longer. Might as well bring out the coffin and lay me in it, do me a favor and bury me up there, let me find your father..."

Lady Zhou often resorted to such tactics, never straight-talking for long, preferring this way of manipulating people, making them uncomfortable.

"Grandmother, if there’s something, you should say it clearly so we can understand and handle it properly." Wu Lang said in a low voice.

Lady Zhou’s crying was choked, she quickly glanced at Lian Shouxin. Lian Shouxin didn’t look at Lady Zhou but instinctively leaned back into his chair.

Lady Zhou sobbed softly twice.

"What else could it be but the matter with the second son," Lady Zhou wiped her face again and stated word by word, "He’s almost compelled me to death. In this courtyard, it’s either him or me."

"Grandmother, would you make your meaning clearer?" Wu Lang asked after a moment of silence.

"I can’t accommodate him in this courtyard anymore, let him leave, go far away!" Once she stated her purpose, Lady Zhou’s emotions became agitated.

Wu Lang and Lian Manman exchanged a glance; it turned out their guess was correct. Lady Zhou could no longer tolerate Lian Shouyi and couldn’t deal with him herself, so she sought their help to drive him away.

The courtyard was left by Old Master Lian. While he was alive, he assured that Lian Shouyi had a share. Lian Shouyi had fulfilled his filial duties at Old Master Lian’s funeral, as a son who contributed greatly to continuing the Lian family’s lineage. He has the right to live there. Even Lady Zhou, as his mother, couldn’t easily say he should just leave.

Driving Lian Shouyi away wouldn’t be an easy task.

...

There’s a pink double point event at the end of the month. If you’ve decided to give your votes to "Rebirth of the Little Landlord," wait to vote. If you’re not sure yet, vote now. O(∩_∩)O(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)