Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1706 - 870: On the Verge of Death (Part 2)

Chapter 1706: Chapter 870: On the Verge of Death (Part 2)

If it really was Si Lang who set the fire, and he had an accomplice, then it’s impossible they just coincidentally met during the arson. They must have had contact beforehand.

"Stealing money, setting fires, if he really did all of this, it can’t be a spontaneous act; he must have planned it in advance," Lian Manman said to Xiao Qi.

...

The carriage sped through the night, stopping only briefly in Fuyuan County before finally reaching Jinyang County as dawn approached.

Lian Manman placed many blankets in the carriage, hoping she and Xiao Qi could catch some sleep along the way. However, due to the carriage’s speed and the bumpy ride, neither of them rested well.

This was their situation, not to mention Lian Shouxin who was even more anxious and worried.

The carriage entered Jinyang County Town without stopping, and upon reaching the official road leading to Thirty Mile Camp, they saw Wu Jiaxing with a few people waiting by the roadside.

Both sides were familiar with each other. As the carriage approached, it stopped. Wu Jiaxing led his people forward and greeted Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang, while Lian Manman and Xiao Qi also took the opportunity to get off the carriage. Everyone gathered to talk.

Lian Shouxin immediately asked Wu Jiaxing why he was there.

"I estimated that Father-in-law would return around this time, so I waited here," Wu Jiaxing told Lian Shouxin.

"Have you found Si Lang?" Lian Shouxin asked anxiously.

Wu Jiaxing shook his head.

He had brought people and even sought help from the government officials at the county yamen, searching everywhere they could, but there was no trace of Si Lang. He only heard that after the fire at Lian Lanlan’s house, someone had seen a person resembling Si Lang hastily leave Jinyang County Town heading west.

Si Lang wasn’t alone; there was another young man of similar age beside him. According to witnesses’ descriptions, his appearance and clothing were very similar to someone who had also appeared at the fire scene.

"Si Lang requested leave from the shop and even got an advance on his wages, saying there was some family matter," Wu Jiaxing further informed Lian Shouxin.

At this point, Lian Shouxin was completely convinced that both the theft and the arson were Si Lang’s doing, and that Si Lang had planned them for a long time.

"He knew he had caused trouble, so he ran," Lian Shouxin stamped his feet and said.

There was thus no need for Wu Jiaxing to stay in the county town any longer, naturally joining Lian Manman and the others on their return to Thirty Mile Camp.

"How is Old Master doing over there?" Lian Shouxin asked Wu Jiaxing.

"It’s... not very good," Wu Jiaxing said, which is why he had already planned on rushing back to the Thirty Mile Camp.

The road wasn’t the place for talking; hearing that Old Master Lian wasn’t doing well made Lian Shouxin rush even more. Thus, everyone either got into the carriage or mounted the mules, heading straight for Thirty Mile Camp.

"Brother-in-law, how is my sister? Is she alright?" Before getting into the carriage, Lian Manman didn’t forget to ask Wu Jiaxing.

She was worried that the incident at the old residence might have upset Lian Zhizhi, affecting her mood, and thereby affecting the baby in her belly.

"Your sister is fine." Although Wu Jiaxing was also travel-worn, he remained calm, his smile still warm, "She’s probably at home with Mother now. With Mother and Grandmother taking care of her, she’ll be fine."

Wu Jiaxing called Lian Shouxin "Father-in-law," but consistently referred to Lady Zhang as "Mother," just like Lian Zhizhi did.

Upon hearing that Lian Zhizhi was fine, Lian Manman felt relieved.

The group sped along, covering the thirty-mile distance in two-thirds the usual time. Once they entered Thirty Mile Camp, they didn’t stop but headed straight for the old residence.

By this time, it was fully daylight. People on the village streets were noticeably more than usual, and upon seeing the carriage from Lian Manman’s family arrive, they shouted on the sides that they had arrived.

Far more people were gathered in front of the old residence’s gate.

The carriage stopped at the old residence’s main gate, and Lian Manman and Xiao Qi got off the carriage, following closely behind Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang, walking into the courtyard. Wu Jiaxing and his group followed behind Lian Manman and Xiao Qi.

Inside the courtyard, there were also quite a few people gathered. They automatically made way for Lian Shouxin’s group. Lady Zhang, supported by Han Zhong’s wife, came out from the Upper Room. Her eyes were red, and upon seeing Lian Shouxin, tears welled up.

"You’re back, hurry inside," Lady Zhang urged Lian Shouxin to quickly enter the room.

Seeing Lady Zhang in that state, Lian Shouxin instinctively sensed something wrong, his face turned pale instantly. He lifted his robe corner, calling out "Father" as he rushed into the Upper Room.

"Mother?" Lian Manman and the others lagged a step behind, directing questioning glances at Lady Zhang’s face. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Go inside and have a look, pay your respects to your grandfather," Lady Zhang softly instructed the children.

Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi exchanged glances; they knew Old Master Lian likely wouldn’t make it.

Lady Zhang and Wu Jiaxing stayed outside; Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi entered the Upper Room.

Old Master Lian lay straight on the heated bed edge, Lady Zhou sat cross-legged beside him, head slightly bowed, eyes red. Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, Lian Jizu, and Liulang stood below the bed, their eyes also red. Lian Shouxin was half-kneeling, half-lying in front of Old Master Lian, repeatedly calling "Father."

"Grandfather." The children entered the room, calling out in unison.

Standing close, Lian Manman could clearly see Old Master Lian’s face. He had a ruddy face, usually a red-black complexion, but now it had turned the color of golden paper. His eyes were tightly shut, and his mouth, sunken from emaciation and old age, moved slightly - not speaking, just breathing.

Despite Lian Shouxin repeatedly calling by Old Master Lian’s ear, he showed no reaction.

"Since yesterday, he’s been unaware of anything; calling is useless," Lady Zhou said in a tearful tone.

This meant that since Old Master Lian fell from the bed, he had been unconscious.

"Doctor, where’s the doctor?" Lian Shouxin yelled.

... ask for pink (to be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation votes, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)