Soon, the people sent out returned to report that Lady Zhou had already taken a nap, and ntioned that Lady Chiang had seen them and was very polite. She knew that Lian Shouxin’s family was coming over and was busy tidying up and cleaning the house.
Both Lady Zhou and Lady Chiang were very neat people. The two girls in the family, Lian Yaya and Da Niuniu, also paid great attention to cleanliness. Even though Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu were sowhat lazy, they were not slovenly and were managed by Lady Zhou and Lady Chiang, ensuring that the courtyard was cleaned daily.
Therefore, to be truthful, this family in Thirty Mile Camp, and even in the surrounding ten villages, was considered a truly clean and tidy household.
Since Lady Zhou had taken her afternoon nap, it was appropriate to visit now. The family did a quick tidy-up, packed so snacks and fruits for Lady Zhou, asked Lady Li to stay at ho, and headed to the village.
The carriage stopped in front of Lady Zhou’s residence, and Lian Manman’s family got out. Lian Shouxin led, followed by Lady Zhang, then Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi. The entire family ca along; Xiao Qi had personally asked for leave from Master Qu, granted by Lian Shouxin.
As Lian Manman got off the carriage, she glanced around. The main gate was closed, and not a single person was in sight. Lian Manman couldn’t help but frown slightly. The servant sent earlier to check on them had clearly reported back that Lady Chiang and others knew they would be arriving. According to normal etiquette, soone should have co out to greet them by now.
Lady Chiang was generally very considerate, and shouldn’t be neglecting them like this.
The accompanying attendant had already pushed open the main gate, and the family walked into the courtyard. As soon as they stepped in, Lian Manman heard Lady Zhou’s voice. Looking around, the courtyard was indeed very clean, but there was still no one in sight.
"Oh..." Lian Manman couldn’t help but utter, giving Wu Lang and Xiao Qi a aningful look.
Turns out, Lady Zhou was scolding soone inside. It seed like Lady Chiang and the others were held up because of this.
"Ah," Xiao Qi purposely furrowed his small brow, sighing dramatically, "it’s always like this whenever we co back. This scene really makes one nostalgic."
Hearing Lady Zhou’s scolding brought back so unpleasant mories for Lady Zhang, making her face pale slightly. Despite her current success, hearing or seeing Lady Zhou always made her feel oppressed, perhaps even a bit scared, due to the prolonged mistreatnt she suffered.
However, turning back to see Xiao Qi like that, Lady Zhang’s gloomy mood lifted instantly, and she couldn’t help but smile.
"You, cheeky child!" Lady Zhang scolded Xiao Qi affectionately.
Lian Shouxin also glanced back at Xiao Qi. He didn’t laugh, his face showing only resignation. Was he resigned to his mother’s bad temper or to his young son’s cheeky revelation? Only Lian Shouxin himself knew; others couldn’t tell.
Xiao Qi laughed playfully, hurried to catch up with Lady Zhang, and supported her arm.
Wu Lang just smiled.
"Little sycophant," Lian Manman said with a chuckle.
Xiao Qi, a few years older and more understanding, was even more clever, yet still as considerate as when he was a child. It’s no wonder Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang doted on him so much. Even though he’s now sleeping apart, they had to check on him in bed every night before they could rest themselves.
"... If she doesn’t care, then it’s fine. We just happened upon it. Everyone knows we’re visiting at this ti, so this scolding must be for us to hear. Why bother giving a stern warning every ti?" Lady Zhang, now at ease, quietly complained to Lian Shouxin, "She doesn’t get tired, but I feel tired for her."
Lian Shouxin coughed lightly a couple of tis, trying to cover his helplessness and embarrassnt, but he did not respond.
"Isn’t it?" Lian Manman quietly said to Wu Lang, "Brother, do you think when we reach that age, we’ll have that kind of energy?"
Wu Lang smiled without saying a word.
Lian Shouxin coughed lightly again.
"... At least neither Dad nor we need to worry. Hearing how robustly she’s scolding, it’s clear the old lady is in good health," Wu Lang paused, then said.
This ti, Lian Shouxin didn’t cough again, but he also didn’t join in the conversation... because, truly, he had nothing to say.
Perhaps the commotion they made coming in finally reached the Upper Room, for Lady Zhou’s scolding paused, but only for a mont before it resud. Lian Manman strained to listen closely, overhearing Lady Chiang’s voice. Compared to Lady Zhou, Lady Chiang’s voice was much softer, muddied enough that you couldn’t hear what she was saying, but you could guess she was certainly trying to persuade Lady Zhou.
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