Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1616 - 824: The Lantern Festival Approaches

The family took a break for tea, and in the afternoon, having no particular plans, they first visited Lian’s Department Store and then took a carriage to Lian’s Restaurant, before heading to the Shunde Store, which was under renovation. After checking on their family businesses, they also made special visits to the Shenyi Pawnshop and the Silver Building mentioned by Shopkeeper Wang.

As the two Store Managers had mentioned, these two shops were well-located and quite spacious. Once acquired, only minor adjustments would be needed before they could start operating. Truly, these were excellent properties.

In the evening, the family dined at Lian’s Restaurant. After the meal, they returned to rest at the house in Willow Tree Well Alley.

After a good night’s sleep, the next morning, the family set out again after breakfast, passing through Fuyuan and two other counties, and arrived in the Prefecture City by evening.

Having visited the Prefecture City several times, it no longer held the same novelty as the first visit. However, upon entering the city and feeling the bustling prosperity and rich festive atmosphere of winter, the fatigue from the journey nearly vanished.

The carriage stopped in front of the house on Pine Tree Alley, where the Steward of the outer residence and the senior maids of the inner residence were waiting at the gate with their attendants. The family alighted from the carriage and, surrounded by servants, entered the gate.

The carriage moved forward a bit further and entered the side courtyard through the corner gate. There was a stable there to house the carriage. The servants and attendants brought from Thirty Mile Camp would also rest in the side courtyard.

The family entered the courtyard and went straight to the main hall to sit down. The stewards and attendants from both inside and outside came in separately to pay their respects and offer greetings. As it was getting late, Lian Manman and Wu Lang only arranged for the tasks that needed immediate attention, not inquiring in detail about other matters, and then dismissed everyone. Any additional issues could be discussed the next day.

The kitchen had already prepared a sumptuous meal. The family each returned to their rooms, freshened up briefly, and then gathered again in the main hall for dinner. After traveling the whole day, the family retired to their rooms to rest after dinner.

Wu Lang stayed alone in the study of the front courtyard, while Lian Shouxin, Lady Zhang, and Xiao Qi stayed in the east room of the Upper Room in the rear courtyard. Lian Manman stayed with four maidservants in the west room of the Upper Room.

Knowing that the master’s family would arrive today, the rooms had been cleaned thoroughly, and the heated bed was naturally warm. A small heating basket had been placed on the floor, emitting a faint fragrance.

The house was well-insulated, with heavy curtains hanging over the glazed windows, keeping the cold rigorously outside. Since the room was so warm, it was too hot to wear heavy clothes, and even wearing just a lined jacket and skirt felt a bit warm.

Lian Manman entered the inner room and took off her outer jacket and skirt. Several maidservants brought water and served Lian Manman as she washed. Only then did Lian Manman sit at the dressing table, and Xiao Xi came forward to gently untie her hair, taking out an ivory comb and a double-layered bamboo brush to slowly comb through Lian Manman’s hair.

"Miss’s hair is getting better and better," Xiao Xi commented with a smile while combing her hair for her.

Unlike when she first arrived in this world, Lian Manman now had long, thick black hair. This head of hair received many compliments, and Lian Manman herself was quite fond of it.

Of course, beauty was just one aspect; such black hair also indicated the owner’s health.

"Miss’s hair is like Madam’s," Xiao Qing chimed in with a smile. "Madam’s hair is very good."

Lian Manman smiled but said nothing. In fact, not only did Lady Zhang have good hair, but Lian Shouxin’s hair was also thick and black. Whatever else was said, the couple had good health, which significantly benefited their siblings as well.

"Miss, which balsam would you like to use today?" Xiao Qing asked, taking out three bottles from the cosmetic case for Lian Manman to choose from.

The three bottles of balsam, all top-quality products imported from the south by Lian’s Department Store, were the most favored by the wealthy madams and young ladies of the Prefecture City. Each came in a white fine porcelain bottle, and when the lid was unscrewed, a subtle fragrance wafted out. The balsam inside was smooth and delicate, indeed a superior product.

Lian Manman was not fond of makeup, but in this icy weather, applying some balsam for skin protection and moisturization was necessary.

"The jasmine one," Lian Manman replied.

The three balsams were scented with jasmine, rose, and osmanthus, respectively. Among them, the jasmine scent was the lightest, while the osmanthus scent was the strongest. Lian Manman’s favorite was the jasmine scent.

Xiao Qing gently rolled up Lian Manman’s sleeves and scooped a large amount of balsam from the porcelain bottle, applying it from Lian Manman’s hands up to her arms, and then rubbed a layer on Lian Manman’s calves.