CHAPTER 1349: CHAPTER 688: HARMONY (PART 2)

Fortunately, Lian Shouxin had a tough upbringing since childhood and didn’t take these things seriously. Instead, having seen more of the world, he became more capable.

Lady Zhang brought Lian Shouxin into the house and, seeing his travel-worn appearance and noticing he seemed to have slimmed down a bit, felt a great pang of distress and asked after his well-being.

"Mother, let my father take a bath first and change his clothes," Lian Manman said with a laugh beside them.

"That’s right, look at me, just busy asking questions," Lady Zhang instantly realized.

Xiao Qi happened to return from Nian Garden and, upon seeing Lian Shouxin, couldn’t help but stick himself to him, even reaching out to feel the stubble on Lian Shouxin’s chin.

"Come on, son, let’s go take a bath together," Lian Shouxin said, bending down to carry Xiao Qi on his back and heading out. Xiao Qi had grown taller now, making it inappropriate to hold him in his arms, but carrying him on his back was just right.

"The bundles contain things I bought for you all," Lian Shouxin reminded, stepping over the threshold and turning back.

While Lian Shouxin took Xiao Qi for a bath, Lady Zhang happily took Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman to unwrap the items Lian Shouxin had brought back.

Where Lian Shouxin went wasn’t as bustling as Qingyang Town, but it had its local products. He brought back several quite nice pieces of jade, and other things like horn combs, jerky, some dairy products and dried fruits. Additionally, there was a neatly wrapped small wooden box, which, upon opening, contained a pair of silver bracelets, showcasing a distinctly exotic style in craftsmanship and carving.

Lian Manman glanced at Lady Zhang’s wrists and laughed. These bracelets were clearly bought by Lian Shouxin especially for Lady Zhang. Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman, joking around, put the bracelets on Lady Zhang.

Besides these things, Lian Shouxin brought back some fine fur and wool felt, with two pieces of fur and two pieces of felt separately wrapped. Lian Manman rummaged through them and bundled all the fur and felt together.

By the time Lian Shouxin returned with Xiao Qi from bathing, the family had already sorted out the things he brought back.

Even before meal time, Lian Manman had the girls bring up some tea and snacks, and the family sat together, talking leisurely.

The family asked Lian Shouxin about his experiences outside, and he inquired about the family matters in return, allowing both sides to feel at ease.

Lian Shouxin then asked about Lian Lanlan.

Regarding Lian Lanlan’s situation, Lian Manman had someone heading west pass a message to Lian Shouxin, stating what had happened and informing him that they would send word to Wu Lang, hoping for his help, but didn’t call Lian Shouxin back.

Lian Shouxin understood that as the matter involved the yamen, he wasn’t able to assist, but knowing Wu Lang would handle it, he felt reassured.

"My brother wrote a letter to Lord Magistrate, pulled some strings, and managed to rescue the person," Lian Manman informed Lian Shouxin.

"This has incurred a debt of gratitude," Lian Shouxin remarked.

Lian Shouxin was someone who disliked asking favors. He hated troubling others and believed that debts of gratitude were heavier than the sky. While Lian Manman mentioned it in one straightforward sentence, Lian Shouxin knew things with Wu Lang couldn’t have been so simple.

"That’s true," Lady Zhang added, "but we’re only saying this among ourselves; outsiders wouldn’t believe it. They don’t care if Wu Lang struggles or has difficulties, it’s a blessing if they don’t nitpick."

"Who among them is saying anything idle?" Lian Shouxin frowned.

"My grandmother came to our house," Lian Manman said, "and even kneeled to my mother, begging her to forgive her."

"What?" Lian Shouxin exclaimed in shock, and then his brows furrowed deeper. "What, what was she unhappy about? What more does she want?"

"Father, with you and my brother not at home, they forced my mother and sister into all kinds of distressing situations. My mother was so angry and frightened, she became ill," Xiao Qi said.

Hearing Lian Manman and Xiao Qi speak one after the other, Lian Shouxin believed Lady Zhang fell ill due to the grievances and fright caused by Lady Zhou.

"Wife, how are you? Have you seen a doctor?" Lian Shouxin quickly asked.

"I’m recovered, it’s nothing. Why call a doctor? If we call a doctor every time there’s a slight ailment, the threshold will wear out, and people would laugh," Lady Zhang replied.

"My grandmother had another illness fit, this time claiming to be a fools’ illness, and called the doctor again, even got medicine from Jisheng Hall," Lian Zhizhi said.

"The prescription is still there," Lady Zhang pointed at the cabinet and said.

"You’ve suffered," Lian Shouxin sighed, feeling both guilty and pained for his wife and children. "If I were home, at least I could shield you."

Lian Shouxin’s notion of shielding meant that if he were at home, Lady Zhou would surely confront him directly; any beating or scolding would be directed at him instead.

"Father, don’t leave home anymore," Xiao Qi said. "With just mother and us at home, we are scared."

"What happened? Did someone cause trouble?" Lian Shouxin asked urgently.

"It was the old matriarch; that day she wanted to send Second Master, his wife, and Si Lang and Liulang, the two lads, to storm our house and arrest me," Lady Zhang said. "Xiao Qi was off studying, leaving me with Manman and Zhizhi. Had Second Master truly come, we mothers and children would have faced death."

"Is, is this for real?!" Lian Shouxin’s eyes widened instantly.

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Here’s an extra update. It’s the third last day of the pink doubling event; if you have pink votes, you can cast them now O(∩_∩)O

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Recommended completed books by Ruoyan: "The Brocade Screen Chronicles" light house fight farmland tale, the ups and downs within the grand family of a mansion.

Book ID: 1771214

There’s a direct link below; click to access directly. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)