The second watch, asking for pink.
******
Lian Manman made up her mind not to associate with the Shen Family anymore. Naturally, she would not accept the gifts Shen Jin sent, and neither she nor Xiao Qi would visit the Nian Garden again. Shen Liu had indeed helped her family a lot, but the assistance she provided to Shen Liu was no less significant. Her family was not rely on the receiving end of favors.
In the current situation, it was best to part ways amicably. Lian Manman didn’t intend to make it too intense. In the "Strategies of The Warring States - Yan Ce," there is a letter from Yue Yi to King Hui of Yan, saying, "When gentlen sever ties, they do not speak ill."
She initially hadn’t planned to ntion going to stay at her uncle’s house when sending Xiao Qing and Xiao Xi with a ssage. This was for Shen Jiu’s sake. Xiao Qing and Xiao Xi’s visit would not stop with Shen Jin and Shen Liu; Shen Qian would certainly not let it rest. By saying they were going to their uncle’s, even Shen Qian couldn’t possibly prevent them from going.
Once she and Xiao Qi went to Burner Pot Village, returning to Nian Garden would naturally be out of the question.
After sending Xiao Qing and Xiao Xi to Nian Garden, Lian Manman considered that it might be better to actually stay for a few days in Burner Pot Village. It had already been agreed earlier in the sumr to go and stay for a few days. So, Lian Manman called Xiao Qi over to discuss it, and Xiao Qi was, of course, delighted. The siblings went to the East Room to tell Lady Zhang about their plan to go to Burner Pot Village.
"If you two want to go, then that’s great. Your grandma and grandpa sent ssages a few tis before, asking you two to visit them." Lady Zhang was pleased upon hearing that the two children wanted to visit Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li. "Your sister has to embroider her trousseau and can’t go anywhere. Your father and I also can’t leave. So when you two go, you can stay a bit longer."
When they were little, staying at their maternal grandparents’ house for a few months was no problem. But after growing up and establishing a career, they were tied down. Wanting to stay longer at their grandma’s house was not possible.
"If not tomorrow, then the day after, your eldest uncle will surely co to deliver things. You two can return with your eldest uncle," Lady Zhang thought for a mont and said.
Lian Manman originally wanted to say they should go imdiately, but she was afraid Lady Zhang would beco suspicious. On thinking it over, one or two days wouldn’t make a difference, so she nodded in agreent.
After talking for a while, Lian Manman was planning to return to her room to tidy up a bit, when she saw Xiao Qing and Xiao Xi rushing back.
"...Sixth Master, Fifth Miss and Ninth Master have all arrived, they are just outside..."
Lian Manman was montarily startled. She had expected Shen Jiu to co, but Shen Liu and Shen Jin’s arrival was sowhat unexpected for her.
Just then, soone ca to report that Lian Shouxin was in the front yard and had already escorted Shen Liu and Shen Jiu into the front hall, while Shen Jin was coming to the backyard.
"Xiao Qi, quickly go to the front hall." Lian Manman hurriedly signaled to Xiao Qi.
Xiao Qi understood and imdiately headed to the front hall. They hadn’t told Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang about Cai Xiu’s framing incident, and both Lian Manman and Xiao Qi feared that Shen Liu or Shen Jiu might ntion it to Lian Shouxin. Having Xiao Qi go to the front hall would allow them to manage the situation. The siblings’ intention was the sa, to keep the matter hidden and not to worry Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.
Seeing Xiao Qi heading to the front yard, Lian Manman, Lady Zhang, and Lian Zhizhi quickly erged from the house to greet Shen Jin.
They brought Shen Jin into the Upper Room East Room, served tea and fruit. Shen Jin was composed and cheerful, not ntioning the events of the morning or Lian Manman’s return of the gifts. After sitting for a brief while, Shen Jin expressed a desire to see the garden of Lian Manman’s family.
"I have heard my Ninth Brother speak highly of it, and I’ve wanted to visit it for a while now. Manman, would you accompany for a look?" Shen Jin asked Lian Manman.
Lian Manman understood that Shen Jin wanted to speak with her alone and agreed.
Lady Zhang and Lian Zhizhi were not accustod to socializing, and with Lian Manman’s secret signal, the mother and daughter were happy to stay in the house and did not co out.
As soon as they stepped out of the house, Shen Jin took Lian Manman’s hand. Lian Manman thought of how Shen Jin, despite feeling unwell today, had still co down the mountain to visit her. She felt grateful and walked hand in hand with Shen Jin.
Lian Manman’s family garden couldn’t compare to Nian Garden, but it held a distinct charm. In addition to fruit trees and various flowers, the family had also cleverly planted so vegetables in the garden.
This indeed broadened Shen Jin’s perspective. Holding Lian Manman’s hand, she asked about unfamiliar things as they walked. The two of them slowly distanced themselves from the servants following behind.
Shen Jin sighed.
"Manman, are you upset?" Shen Jin asked Lian Manman with a smile.
"No." Lian Manman also smiled as she replied.
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