Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1561 - 794: Flare-Up

Fourth watch, asking for pink tickets.

Lian Manman prepared top-grade pastries, a bag of rice, a bag of white flour, a roast chicken, and a basket of fruit. Without needing the servants to carry them, each family member took one item and walked to the old residence on foot.

The weather was nice today, and the streets on both sides were filled with villagers basking in the sun and chatting. Upon seeing this family in a grand procession, everyone greeted them. Along the way, they inevitably stopped several times to chat before finally reaching the gate of the old residence.

As the family entered through the gate of the old residence, they heard voices coming from the Upper Room. When they reached the center of the courtyard, Lady Chiang came out of the house and saw them, then called for others to come out and greet them.

Once inside the Upper Room, Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou were seated on the heated brick bed, with Er Ya’s grandmother beside them. It turned out that at noon, Lady Zhou had gone to her house for lunch, and afterwards, she came over to sit and chat with Lady Zhou.

After a round of greetings, everyone took their seats. Just as they settled in, and before anyone could speak, Steward Han Zhong led Doctor Li in. Lian Shouxin first invited Doctor Li to sit beside him while Lady Chiang busied herself with serving tea and water.

Lian Manman and Xiao Qi placed all the items they brought, one by one, on the heated brick bed for Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou to see.

"...The pastries were just bought from the town. They are all favorites of my grandpa and grandma, soft and easy to digest. Once finished, we’ll buy more." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"The rice and flour are also the best bought from the town. The yields from the few acres my grandpa and grandma have are all sold and turned into fine grains, more than enough for the old couple. But afraid they might be reluctant to eat them, we bought more so they can have fine grains every day."

"The roast chicken is famous in town and still warm. I thought of getting two more bottles of wine, but with my grandpa’s condition, the doctor advised no alcohol."

"These fruits were sent by my maternal grandfather’s family, carefully chosen to help my grandpa and grandma feel refreshed and ease any internal heat."

After bringing such a thoughtful set of gifts and inviting Doctor Li, Old Master Lian found it a bit overwhelming and repeatedly said it was good but unnecessary. In a moment of quiet, Lian Manman studied Old Master Lian carefully and noticed that, as Lian Shouxin mentioned, Old Master Lian’s signs of aging were becoming more apparent. This aging was not just physical but with a noticeable decline in spirit as well.

After observing a bit more, Lian Manman also noticed that Old Master Lian’s hands and feet seemed less nimble than before, and his complexion didn’t seem right.

What a pity, turning originally carefree and happy days into such worry, Lian Manman sighed internally, shaking her head.

"The old couple is truly blessed. In our village and even within a ten-mile radius, no other family’s elders seem to enjoy such fortune," Doctor Li remarked.

"At this age, take life’s matters as they come. You should just enjoy peace and joy without worries," Er Ya’s grandmother said to Lady Zhou.

It’s already December, and soon it will be New Year. By then, Lian Manman’s family will have to deliver New Year gifts to Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou. Right now, with all these items brought over, they certainly won’t run out or finish them.

After seeing all the gifts, Lian Manman helped Lady Chiang move them into the cupboards, clearing space on the brick bed for Doctor Li to sit in front of Old Master Lian to feel his pulse.

Initially, Old Master Lian refused to let Doctor Li feel his pulse.

"I’m perfectly fine, nothing’s wrong. Farmers have solid builds and don’t fuss about these things. It’s really bothersome for Doctor Li," Old Master Lian said.

"Isn’t it better if nothing’s wrong? It would ease the minds of your children and grandchildren," Doctor Li responded, in particularly high spirits today, having just welcomed a new grandson.

Everyone moved aside, giving Doctor Li a quiet space to feel Old Master Lian’s pulse. Doctor Li carefully checked the pulse on both of Old Master Lian’s hands, looked at his complexion, and asked him to stick out his tongue for further examination.

It took Doctor Li a full tea’s time to complete the examination.

"Doctor Li, how is it?" Lian Shouxin quickly asked.

Doctor Li glanced at Lian Shouxin, didn’t say anything at first, paused a moment, then turned to Old Master Lian.

"Old Master, it seems you’ve ignored my previous advice," Doctor Li said disapprovingly as he looked at Old Master Lian. "Your condition requires rest and peace, without overthinking or worrying. If it were another family without your conditions, I could understand. But you’re back to this again?"

"Have you been anxious or upset these past few days?" Doctor Li asked Old Master Lian.

Nobody else spoke. They all looked at Old Master Lian.

"No, not at all," Old Master Lian shook his head. "What do I have to be anxious or upset about?"

Understanding the Lian family’s inner workings all too well, Doctor Li could only shake his head and sigh.

"Grandpa, you must take your health seriously. My parents and we all think of you every day," Wu Lang said.

"We’re taking such care, yet grandpa’s condition is still recurring. Brother, while we’re gathered and both Auntie and Doctor Li are here, we should discuss some matters," Lian Manman suggested, glancing at Wu Lang.

"Right, we should talk about it," Wu Lang nodded in agreement.

"...I suggested to my grandpa and grandma to live with us, so we could take care of them, but they weren’t willing. We didn’t press the issue because it’s better to respect the elders’ wishes rather than focusing solely on our duty of filial piety. Both staying in the old residence and all matters related rest on our shoulders, as everyone knows."

"Regarding care services..."

"I’m not immobile, why would I need someone to serve me? I don’t need any caretakers," Old Master Lian interrupted Wu Lang, sensing that Lian Shouxin’s family might insist on arranging someone to care for him and Lady Zhou.

"But you do need someone to serve you," Wu Lang assured Old Master Lian. "We haven’t arranged someone earlier because it was agreed that your residents would take care of you. Now, I suggest if it’s not possible here, we should bring you over to our place."

Wu Lang did not propose sending people to the old residence to look after Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou but instead revived the earlier proposal of taking them to live with and be cared for by his family.

As Wu Lang finished speaking, Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou hadn’t responded, but Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, and Lady Chiang were already getting anxious.

"We are willing to care for them. I’ve moved into this room to care for my parents."

"If we’ve missed anything, grandpa and grandma should tell us. We are genuinely dedicated to their care."

The three quickly explained, seeing that Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang weren’t convinced. Led by Lian Shouren, they all knelt on the ground.

"Oh my, what are you doing?" Lady He and Liulang felt out of place on the side. Only after seeing Lian Shouren and the others kneeling did Liulang follow, kneeling beside them. Lady He, hesitating and glancing around, finally noticed the tense atmosphere, reluctantly kneeling down.

The Lian Shouxin family had practically taken on all responsibilities for the elders’ care, merely respecting the elders’ wish to stay in the old residence and live with Lian Shouren and others. Now, with Old Master Lian’s condition recurring, Lian Shouxin’s family naturally had the right and position to question and confront all those in the old residence.

**

Today, over a hundred votes came in from many familiar IDs, making me feel particularly close. Thank you all! Ruoyan typed until her hands cramped today, but... still at sixth (┬＿┬).

Looking for stronger support; 40 votes short, but you guys can do it!

On the last day of June, those with pink votes need not hold back. If we reach fifth, there will be fresh Chapters delivered first thing in the morning. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)