The Song Family had donated a Jiansheng title to Lian Shouren, and Lian Shouren would soon take up an official post. Zhao Xiue felt conflicted as she murmured to Lian Manman, who was also lost in her own thoughts, wondering how this event would impact the Lian Family and their future.
Although Lian Shouren taking up an official post was not through the traditional civil examination, Old Master Lian’s long-cherished wish was finally fulfilled. Furthermore, the timing of the news was opportune, coinciding with the Lian Family’s move towards a complete division. Why was the Lian Family dividing? For years, the Lian Family had been tightening their belts to support Lian Shouren and his son in their studies, yet Lian Shouren had been stuck at the Scholar level, demanding much but offering little in return, causing the Lian Family to lose balance both economically and spiritually—one of the main reasons for division.
Old Master Lian never wished to divide the family at any ti.
Now that Lian Shouren had the fallback of Lian Huahua and a bright future ahead, he no longer desired the support of the family. In his heart, he truly wanted to split, but for the sake of his reputation, he dared not propose it.
Lian Shouyi, when it seed there was no hope for Lian Shouren to secure an official position, did not wish to continue supporting the mbers of the main branch and thus wanted to split. Moreover, he intended to recoup the past investnts he had made in Lian Shouren. Now, with the change in circumstances, would Lian Shouyi still want to divide?
No, he definitely would not. With Lian Shouren about to beco an official, Lian Shouyi would never agree to a division, not even if it killed him.
As for Lian Shouli from the Third Branch, he probably wanted to divide, but in the Lian Family, Lian Shouli had little say.
The Lian Family was in turmoil over dividing, but they had not yet done so.
It seed that the first impact of the news brought by Song Hailong was that the Lian Family could no longer split.
Tsk tsk. Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou must be the happiest about this turn of events. Of course, Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi would be happy too, but their joy would likely be tinged with dissatisfaction. Take Lian Shouren, for instance; he must feel the news ca too soon, and it would have been perfect if it arrived after the division. As for Lian Shouyi, he certainly must feel the news was too late; had it co earlier, he wouldn’t have had to fall out with Lian Shouren.
With the Upper Room remaining unified, the entire family’s social status would greatly improve, which was undoubtedly a good thing. Lian Shouren should start giving back to the big family. Congratulations are in order, indeed.
Thinking this, Lian Manman couldn’t help but nod to herself.
That was the impact on the household of the Upper Room, but what about for them, who had already branched out? It should still be more advantageous than not. They did not expect Lian Shouren to deliver any substantial benefits; they, who lived separately, still needed to rely on themselves. But overall, it was much better than being dragged down by the reputation and wealth of a stagnant Upper Room.
At that mont, footsteps rang out in the courtyard. Lian Manman glanced out the window and saw Song Hailong leaving the Upper Room, followed by Old Master Lian, Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, and the whole family.
Song Hailong had only co to deliver docunts and a license to Lian Shouren and was about to return to the county town right away.
Zhao Xiue had just looked ferocious, but now she imdiately stood up, her face beaming with a spring-like warmth as she quickly walked out.
"Oh, son-in-law, you’ve only been here for a short while, why are you leaving so soon? We were just about to prepare a al for you," Zhao Xiue said to Song Hailong with a smile. If it were any other bride, she would surely be too shy to approach a son-in-law she had only t once, but Zhao Xiue boldly stepped forward in front of everyone. Her deanor and tone were as warm and intimate as if she and Song Hailong were very close.
"Sister-in-law," Song Hailong stopped in his tracks upon seeing Zhao Xiue. His eyes road around Zhao Xiue’s chest before he smiled and replied, "There are matters at ho that need my attention, and I cannot stay long. Brother and sister-in-law, whenever you have ti, co stay at my place in the city for a few days, and let play host then."
Zhao Xiue giggled, her body trembling like flower branches in the wind.
"I’ve always heard that the son-in-law is a man of great charisma, and seeing you today, I must say, our family’s son-in-law is truly a rare young talent. Worthy of being a gentleman from a great house, just look at the elegance he carries, the way he speaks and acts—truly one in a million. What’s most rare is that he doesn’t put on airs and is genuine with relatives," Zhao Xiue said, seeing that Song Hailong was speaking politely and smiling at her. She took two more steps forward, approaching Song Hailong closely.
"From the mont I walked in, I heard about this relation in the family and thought that according to etiquette, I should co and kowtow to the Old Master, paying my respects and showing filial piety as the younger generation. I also wanted to et my Younger Sister Huahua and you, son-in-law. But I was afraid of the high threshold at your ho. Your brother here is just a simple farr, you don’t look down on us, and I appreciate your kindness. Another day, I and your brother will co to the city to kowtow to the Old Master," she added.
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