CHAPTER 1347: CHAPTER 687: INCENSE ASH_2

Another sleepless night had passed, yet neither Lian Shouxin nor Wu Lang had returned.

Lian Lanlan stayed up until her eyes were bloodshot; she couldn’t bring herself to eat breakfast, and knelt in front of Old Master Lian, crying as if her life depended on it. She murmured with slight complaints. Old Master Lian was also somewhat uneasy but remained composed.

"I’m sure they sent everyone out; it’s been said that without a fixed location, it’s hard to find people. You haven’t traveled far, and don’t understand the difficulties of journeying out," Old Master Lian told Lian Lanlan. "Don’t let your thoughts wander; I know what kind of people Old Fourth’s group is like. This must be due to some unforeseen delay."

The reputation of a person is like the shadow of a tree. Old Master Lian understood the character and disposition of his sons and grandsons.

"Father, I trust Old Fourth and Wu Lang as well, but now, in that house, it’s Manman and Old Fourth’s wife who seem to be in charge," Lian Lanlan said.

"They’re also part of the Old Lian Family," Old Master Lian clearly caught the insinuation in Lian Lanlan’s words and replied firmly, "When talking about character, each of them is stronger than you all."

Lian Lanlan was immediately silenced by his retort.

Old Master Lian was also dissatisfied with Lian Lanlan, but for a daughter already married, a visitor in her parental home, it wasn’t appropriate to directly reprimand her. It was due to Lian Lanlan’s instigation that Lady Zhou demanded cotton velvet to make attire, causing an uproar. This time, the reason Old Master Lian had a conflict with Lady Zhou was also due to Lian Lanlan’s influence.

Unlike Lady Zhou who prioritizes her daughter, Old Master Lian favored his sons. When Lian Lanlan spoke ill of her brothers and brothers’ wives to Lady Zhou, Lady Zhou listened and was known to have conflicts with her sons and daughters-in-law. But if those same words were said to Old Master Lian, they would only anger him.

Normally, Lian Lanlan wouldn’t make such mistakes, but she was truly anxious and uneasy now.

Seeing that Old Master Lian couldn’t be swayed, Lian Lanlan turned to plead with Lady Zhou. However, no matter what she said, Lady Zhou remained listless.

For some, the day dragged by slowly.

By the afternoon, there was still no news of Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang, and blisters had formed around Lian Lanlan’s mouth from anxiety.

"Father," Lian Lanlan once again knelt before Old Master Lian, "...everyone surely tried their best; please, I beg you to go and check on them..."

This time, Lian Lanlan didn’t dare utter a single bad word.

...

Old Master Lian, accompanied by Lian Lanlan and Lian Jizu, arrived at Lian Manman’s house and were immediately invited inside. They were led into the front hall, where Lian Manman was already waiting for them.

A kang table was set on the hearth, equipped with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Lian Manman sat beside it, seemingly preoccupied with some matters.

Upon seeing Old Master Lian enter, Lian Manman rose to greet him warmly, offered him a seat, and ordered tea and refreshments to be served.

Lian Lanlan couldn’t help but steal a glance at Lian Manman. Such hospitality was absent yesterday, and today Lian Manman seemed distinctly different, showing great respect towards Old Master Lian.

Everyone seated, not waiting for Old Master Lian to speak, Lian Manman spoke first.

"I was just about to visit the old residence to see you, and mention some matters. I hadn’t expected you to come," Lian Manman said with a smile, "...my father got caught up over there..."

Upon hearing Lian Manman’s words, Lian Lanlan naturally turned pale, and even Old Master Lian showed slight emotion.

"What happened?" Old Master Lian immediately inquired, "Though I stay at home, I’ve heard from people. Where your father went, many have come from the far west. Those people, they aren’t like us; they’re barbarians, always quick to draw knives. I’ve been worried ever since you started the ranch there."

Lian Manman smiled, her eyes moving between Old Master Lian and Lian Lanlan. She instinctively saw the change in their expressions. One worried that Lian Shouxin wouldn’t return, concerned over saving their own family. Perhaps suspecting that she and Lady Zhang deliberately delayed.

Whereas Old Master Lian’s concerns dwelled more on Lian Shouxin’s safety.

"It’s not like they’re drawing knives, just some troubles. Fortunately, Shopkeeper Chen accompanied him. My father took extra precautions this trip, hence brought additional people. Today’s news confirms my father is unharmed," Lian Manman said.

"That’s good, that’s good," Old Master Lian sighed in relief upon hearing Lian Manman’s report. "In the future, if there’s anything over there again, don’t send your father. You have capable shopkeepers and stewards; let them handle those trips."

"My mother and we all tried to stop my father, but he wouldn’t listen, saying he couldn’t rest easy without going himself. In the future, we’ll certainly try harder to stop him," Lian Manman laughed.

"Yes, that’s right," Old Master Lian nodded, chuckling, "Your father seems easy-going but has a stubborn streak."

It must be said, Old Master Lian was relatively easy to communicate with. Such harmonious and warm aura was impossible with Lady Zhou.

Seeing Old Master Lian and Lian Manman focused solely on Lian Shouxin’s issue, Lian Lanlan grew anxious. Though eager, having witnessed Lian Manman’s prowess, she dared not interrupt, only continuously signaling Old Master Lian with her eyes.

Unfortunately, Old Master Lian seemed not to notice Lian Lanlan’s indications, offering no response at all.

*********

By May 5th, just two days away from the pink doubling deadline on the 7th. Currently at 688 pinks, seeking votes; 750 votes will result in an additional update. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations, monthly votes; your support is my greatest motivation.)