"Our old lady is ordering everyone to visit my mother’s house, to bring gifts, but she wouldn’t dare tell the Second Master to bring gifts," said Lady Zhang.

"That’s because she knows you are respectable people and don’t care about a little bit of this. If she tells your Second Master, it’ll be for nothing anyway. He won’t listen, and she’ll end up embarrassing herself," said Lady Wu Wang. "Your Second Master’s wife came today, and it seemed like she wasn’t aware. She seemed quite surprised when she saw her mother-in-law."

"I saw her pulling her mother-in-law outside to talk, probably telling her to go back and not to join the banquet. Her mother-in-law made a big fuss, and Erlang’s wife later hurried to intervene, allowing her mother-in-law to stay," Lady Wu Wang further informed Lady Zhang.

Luo Xiaoyan’s gift to Shang Baorong was not lavish, perhaps due to the embarrassment of both sitting at the banquet together.

"Erlang’s wife is quite sensible, doesn’t put on airs, and knows how to manage the household," Lady Zhang nodded approvingly.

After chatting for a while, Lady Wu Wang stood up to say goodbye. Lian Manman quickly brought out the prepared gifts for Wu Jiayu.

"What’s this for?" Lady Wu Wang asked puzzled.

"It’s for my sister Jiayu," Lian Manman replied with a smile.

Lady Wu Wang realized that Lian Zhizhi had informed Lady Zhang and Lian Manman about Wu Jiayu’s pregnancy.

"We just got the news and plan to visit her the day after tomorrow. It’s not even a big deal, why bring anything?" Lady Wu Wang smiled and said.

"Even without this news, we were planning to send some things over. Look at this hairpin, Manman bought it last time; Yeye and Caiyun have theirs, and this was meant for Jiayu," Lady Zhang smiled and said. "That piece of cloth symbolizes good luck and there are also some chickens and eggs to help Jiayu recover."

Lady Wu Wang declined initially but accepted eventually. Both families are close and frequently visit each other, and such gestures are common. Moreover, since Wu Jiayu is pregnant, it’s dignified for a daughter-in-law’s family to send gifts.

The next day, Wu’s family of three indeed went to visit Wu Jiayu. Wu Lang personally brought the carriage to town to fetch Lian Zhizhi and Dabao home. Coincidentally, it was also Shang Baorong’s day to return to her parents’ home. Shang Baorong and her husband returned and visited Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

"... Just came from my second aunt’s place, bowed to her. Brought him to meet Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister, to get acquainted,"

Shang Baorong looked splendid in her bright red dress, a contrast to her unmarried days. Lady Zhang pulled Shang Baorong to sit on the kang, ordered tea and snacks, while praising Second Young Master Guan’s good looks.

"It’s rare to find such a person in the countryside, not comparable to those rough-handed individuals. Look at how he speaks, how he carries himself; even ordinary scholars can’t compare. In the future, as you live together, there’ll definitely be understanding and no bickering," Lady Zhang said with a smile.

"He does have a good temper..." Shang Baorong remarked.

Lady Zhang continued chatting with Shang Baorong about family matters, but since she wasn’t her biological daughter or sister, she couldn’t probe too deeply. It was casual chatter, and Shang Baorong only mentioned that everything was well at her in-laws.

Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi observed and occasionally chimed in. Lian Manman closely watched Shang Baorong, feeling that although Shang Baorong was happy as a returning bride, it wasn’t quite like Lian Zhizhi and Zhang Caiyun’s time.

Shang Baorong noticed Dabao playing on the kang, and she was enamored, holding and cuddling him endlessly.

"Don’t worry, soon enough you’ll be holding your own child. You’ll be too fond then," Lady Zhang joked.

Shang Baorong’s face immediately turned red, and she lowered her head shyly.

Lady Zhang found it amusing; the newlywed was shy and reserved. Even Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman laughed.

"Nothing to be embarrassed about, everyone goes through this," Lian Zhizhi said with a laugh.

Shang Baorong mentioned her family prepared a feast and invited Lady Zhang. Lady Zhang politely declined, stating that their relationship wasn’t based on one meal. Shang Baorong understood that although Lian Manman’s family treated her well, there were still past grievances with her parents, so it was hard to insist.

After seeing off Shang Baorong and her husband, Lian Shouxin returned from the front yard and also praised Second Young Master Guan as a rare figure in the countryside, less like a farmer and more like a scholar.

Earlier, Lian Manman had been curious and stealthily observed Second Young Master Guan. He was lean and tall, spoke slowly, and his demeanor was refined, much like some people said, akin to that of a young woman, quite different from typical farmers.

In the evening, Wu Jiaxing returned to pick up Lian Zhizhi. He brought fruits and other local products from Wu Jiayu’s in-laws for Lian Manman’s family.

Lian Manman’s family prepared dinner and invited them to stay and eat before heading back. Over the meal, they inquired about Wu Jiayu, and Wu Jiaxing reported that Wu Jiayu was doing well, although a little nauseous, while Wu Yugui and Lady Wu Wang stayed overnight and would return the next day. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Everyone was reassured, and after dinner, they dispatched a carriage to send Wu Jiaxing, Lian Zhizhi, and Dabao back to town.

In the blink of an eye, it was already September. Lian Manman’s family tidied up and made all arrangements before heading to Prefecture City.

...

Here’s the third update. There are only a few hours until September ends. Once again, I’m asking for votes; please support "Rebirth of the Little Landlord" so it can have a better ranking as it nears its conclusion!

In October, the long-awaited romantic scenes are about to appear, and the pink doubling event will continue until October 7th. During this period, every hundred pink votes will add another Chapter, providing motivation for both myself and everyone (smile). Looking forward to everyone’s strong support. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)