Although Lady Zhang felt a bit reluctant, she was happy to see the closeness between the two brothers. She personally led people to the study to arrange the bedding and only returned to the back courtyard after ensuring the heated bed was warm.
Lian Manman and Lian Zhizhi returned to their room and quickly turned off the lights to sleep. The lights on the east side stayed on much later before they went out, and even then, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang lay awake, talking to each other under the covers.
"...This is sothing I never dread of," Lian Shouxin sighed. "I barely know a few big characters and lack any other abilities, just capable of enduring hardship, farming, and running errands. We’re tasting the fortune of our descendants ahead of ti."
Regarding acquiring an official status, both Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were very pleased, but they didn’t let it go to their heads, thinking they were now officials and sothing great.
"I never expected it either," Lady Zhang echoed, "I thought it would be at least ten more years. It would take Wu Lang and Xiao Qi becoming successful officials for us to enjoy such fortune... Actually, it doesn’t matter if we have this or not, as long as our children turn out well."
"I think the sa. The good thing is, it’s just a title; they’re not asking to take up managent duties, otherwise, I’d resign imdiately," Lian Shouxin chuckled. "If I were an official, I’d never be like the head or second in command. We’re not greedy, but I’m afraid we couldn’t manage things well, causing the common folk to suffer because of us — that’s a cri. Thankfully, it’s just a title."
"One reason my father chose your family was because he saw you had a good heart... You may lack in other ways, but there’s no doubt about your kind heart," Lady Zhang whispered.
"If our family is living like this now, it’s partly because our kids have made us proud. On the other hand, we’ve t noble patrons. Sixth Master Shen is our benefactor," Lian Shouxin chuckled for a while, then continued. "Just speaking of this official position, the Emperor handles so many affairs daily. How would he know who we are? It must be Sixth Master putting in a good word for us."
"Definitely. Sixth Master also cares about the children," Lady Zhang affird.
"By the way, you’re not just an ordinary person now, you’re an Official Master. Look at the officials in town, so have one or two concubines. The head officer bought his rank, and it’s not even as high as yours, yet he took in soone like Yingzi. So... perhaps you too..." Lady Zhang paused, then resud.
"Why are you talking nonsense?" Lian Shouxin replied in agitation, "Am I that kind of person? I swore to you before, didn’t I?"
"I say you’ve been acting strange today, possibly pondering this matter... Just put your mind at ease; I won’t do anything to betray you. Our family is doing so well now. Why would I bring an unknown-minded woman and ruin it for myself?"
"Even if you don’t think about it, others might. I heard that for officials, sending soone is often more effective than sending money," Lady Zhang suggested.
"Who told you such things? Others are others, and I am ," Lian Shouxin remarked. "We’ve been together since our youth, and you’ve suffered alongside for years. There are things I’ve let you down on, not by my choice. Moving forward, I must keep my conscience clear. Besides, I’m not into that. The children are grown, and in a few years, I’ll have grandchildren. Even if I’m not ashad, I have to think of the children — I can’t let them hold their heads low."
"Stop overthinking, let’s sleep. Our family will never have such issues," Lian Shouxin assured Lady Zhang.
"It’s not that I don’t trust you," Lady Zhang’s voice beca indistinct, "It’s just that these past couple of years, my womb hasn’t stirred. I know you still want children..."
Lian Shouxin was silent for a while, then finally reached out his arm to embrace Lady Zhang.
"What are you saying? Don’t you want children even more than I do? How would others know why things are like this if I don’t? It’s my fault, and the Old Lian Family’s fault. You’ve never blad , so how could I make it worse by striking your heart?"
As Lian Shouxin spoke, Lady Zhang began to sob in his embrace.
"Rest assured, I won’t do such a thing. No one can sway otherwise. I know what you’re worried about, but it’s not necessary at all. The Old Master wouldn’t say such things, and even if the Old Lady wanted to ntion sothing, she has to ponder deeply... Have peace of mind; if anyone dares to bring this up, I won’t recognize them!"
The couple talked quietly into the night before falling asleep.
The next morning, the whole family was up early. During breakfast, Lian Manman noticed Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang seed sleep-deprived, and more puzzling was that Lady Zhang’s eyes were slightly swollen. Although curious, Lian Manman sensibly chose not to inquire.
In the morning, at the auspicious hour, the ssengers delivering the decree arrived, and the family set up an incense table in the main hall to receive the decree. After sending off the decree bearers, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang both donned their new official robes, and revered the edict and scrolls. Afterwards, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang seated themselves at the head, while groups of attendants ca in to kneel and receive rewards.
Not only those from the Pine Tree Alley residence, but also from the Three Mile Camp, Jinyang County Town, and Luo Family Village residences and estates, as well as several shops from the shopkeepers to all the staff, each received their bonuses.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, soone from the Shen Family delivered an invitation, inviting the whole Lian Family to attend a banquet.
At the second watch, seeking pink votes, diving into writing to strive for the third watch. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welco to vote for it at Qidian (qidian), your support is my greatest motivation.)
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