Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1698 - 866: What Is Sought (2)

Lady Chiang lifted the door curtain, and Shang Huaide and Younger Lady Zhou walked in. After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

"I have matters at home, so I’ll be leaving soon. Since my third aunt and uncle have arrived, I’ll sit for a while longer," Lian Shouxin politely said.

"Brother-in-law, your son is truly virtuous," Shang Huaide acted as if flattered, then gave a thumbs-up, not praising Lian Shouxin directly but instead complimenting Old Master Lian, "What a high official he is now, with such a prosperous household. When people mention the Imperially Bestowed Archway of Fourth Master Lian outside, no one, young or old, doesn’t know him or doesn’t speak well of him..."

Shang Huaide spoke endlessly in praise of Lian Shouxin. Being perceptive, he also praised the children, Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, and Lian Manman, especially focusing on Wu Lang.

Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi exchanged glances, quietly thinking that Shang Huaide was indeed very talkative but exuded a slickness inconsistent with farm folk. Naturally, Shang Huaide wasn’t originally a farmer but a tailor by trade.

"Third Uncle, please don’t say that... we’re all just ordinary people," said Lian Shouxin in his humble and sincere manner, feeling uneasy at Shang Huaide’s flowery praise and interrupted him.

At first, Shang Huaide thought that Lian Shouxin was just being modest and intended to continue his compliments, but upon seeing Lian Shouxin’s expression, he wisely remained silent.

"Virtuous, kind-hearted, and steady, one in a million," Shang Huaide finally added, always observing Lian Shouxin’s preferences to say the right thing.

Lian Manman watched from the side, thinking that Shang Huaide was indeed astute; these were precisely the qualities Lian Shouxin esteemed.

"I heard as I came in that Old Fourth is leaving, what’s keeping him so busy?" Younger Lady Zhou softly asked Lady Zhou while sitting next to her.

"Yes, he said he’s heading to Prefecture City again tomorrow, not sure when he’ll return," Lady Zhou informed Younger Lady Zhou, deliberately curling her mouth, though unclear what she meant by it.

"Ah..." Younger Lady Zhou hesitated briefly, then quickly exchanged a look with Shang Huaide and continued speaking to Lady Zhou, "On the day the academy opened, I heard it was quite lively. Second Sister, why didn’t you go see it?"

"It was a noisy affair, I’m not interested in such things," Lady Zhou replied.

"The opening of Kai Ming Academy was a wonderful event for everyone. I went to see it that day, and it was indeed bustling and splendid!" Shang Huaide gave a thumbs-up to Lian Shouxin again, then turned to Old Master Lian, "Brother-in-law, you didn’t see it that day; all prominent figures were present, such a display, such grandeur. But regardless of their status, whether they’re high officials or wealthy, they all had to bow before the Imperially Bestowed Archway... haha."

These words were in praise of Lian Shouxin, with Old Master Lian merely smiling slightly and saying nothing in response.

Lian Shouxin sat for a while, hearing Shang Huaide say only these words, giving him the impression that he wanted to leave.

"Among those who came that day, I almost recognized Scholar Wang and his son, the Young Master Wang. Oh, the young man who was with Young Master Wang and called him brother looked familiar. Yet, I heard Scholar Wang had only one son, who might that be?" Shang Huaide turned his gaze to Lian Shouxin inquiringly.

"That must be Scholar Wang’s nephew, Young Doctor Wang," Old Master Lian answered before Lian Shouxin could.

"Yes, it was Young Doctor Wang," Lian Shouxin confirmed with a nod.

"Is he the son of Imperial Doctor Wang from the county?" Shang Huaide asked again.

Lian Shouxin nodded.

"A man of remarkable appearance, not too old either. I’ve heard he hasn’t got engaged yet?" Shang Huaide immediately inquired.

Lian Manman noticed the topic suddenly revolved around Wang Youheng, even asking about his engagement, causing her heart to stir. She instinctively glanced at Younger Lady Zhou, noticing she was no longer speaking with Lady Zhou but listening intently to the conversation between Shang Huaide and Lian Shouxin.

Lian Manman began to ponder.

"I’ve heard that in this village, apart from Scholar Wang’s family, Young Doctor Wang is closest to you. Others might not know about his affairs, but he certainly wouldn’t hide them from you," Shang Huaide said a bit eagerly when Lian Shouxin didn’t immediately reply.

Lian Manman realized that Shang Huaide must have heard a lot about Wang Youheng before arriving, and it was likely he actively inquired rather than passively listened.

"Young Doctor Wang has been kind to our family; when the children’s mother... it was thanks to him she survived," Lian Shouxin explained.

The expressions of Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou changed slightly, though Old Master Lian quickly masked it, while Lady Zhou gave a slight hum and curled her lips again.

"Young Doctor Wang isn’t engaged yet, is he?" Shang Huaide inquired once more.

Lian Manman subtly pinched Xiao Qi’s arm.

"Third Uncle, why do you keep asking if Brother Youheng is engaged?" Xiao Qi blinked innocently, curiously asking Shang Huaide.

"Ah..." Shang Huaide’s eyes flickered.

Lian Shouxin looked at Shang Huaide, seemingly waiting for an answer.

Shang Huaide glanced at Younger Lady Zhou, who nodded at him.

"Here’s the thing, I think highly of Young Doctor Wang, and he seems age-appropriate for Baorong. I wanted to ask you, Old Fourth, to arrange a match for your sister," Shang Huaide finally revealed his purpose for coming.

...

Here’s the first update. Ruoyan will delve down and strive for the second update.

Requesting pink votes... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to submit recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)