Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1685 - 860: Joyful Gathering

"Jade adorns a tall tree, thousands of strands hang like green silk ribbons, who cut out the fine leaves? The February spring breeze is like scissors." This is a popular poem Lian Manman knows, describing the beauty of early February spring.

The poet was born in Jiangnan, and he depicted the early spring of Jiangnan. In Liaodong Prefecture, February has also passed the beginning of spring, but there is no trace of the poetic and enchanting spring sense.

The early spring cold is piercing, the frozen ground has not thawed, and even the most eager and resilient wild grass has not sprouted. If the February spring breeze in Liaodong Prefecture is like scissors, it’s definitely not the kind that cuts out emerald willow leaves, but rather the kind that pricks the face.

However, compared to the biting winds of the twelfth lunar month and the first month, the February wind is considered gentle. The tenant farmers, who have relied on farming for generations and are closely linked to nature, can already feel from this wind that winter is nearing its end and true spring is about to arrive.

"The plan for a day lies in the morning, the plan for a year lies in the spring." Spring is a season full of hope.

For Lian Manman’s family, this is especially true.

The first joyful event is that Zhang Caiyun’s wedding date has arrived.

The day before, Zhang Qingshan, Lady Li, Zhang Qingnian, and Lady Zhang Wang rushed with a carriage, bringing Zhang Caiyun and her dowry to Lian Manman’s home. The family would rest at Lian Manman’s home for a day, and the wedding would proceed from there the next day.

In cases where the families of the bride and groom live fairly far apart, the bride’s family often sets out on the wedding day itself. However, in such scenarios, to catch the auspicious time, the bride’s family has to set off before dawn. The further the distance, the earlier they have to start.

Lady Zhang and Lian Manman’s family discussed this and felt that otherwise, it would be too exhausting and nerve-wracking for Zhang Qingshan, Lady Li, and Zhang Caiyun. Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li are getting on in years, and Zhang Caiyun still needs to get dressed up before getting on the sedan chair. Hence, after discussions between the two families, they agreed to let Zhang’s family come over in advance, and the wedding day would start from Lian Manman’s house.

"We have a place, if I lived far away, we wouldn’t bother. Since we have this convenience, why should we be as rushed as other families?" was what Lady Zhang said at the time.

Lady Zhang is Zhang Caiyun’s own aunt. This is a very close relationship. It’s only fitting for her to arrange Zhang Caiyun’s marriage, not to mention just providing space. So after consideration, Zhang’s family agreed.

Xiao Long and Xiao Hu, the two children, also came along with the carriage. Only Zhang Yannian and Lady Hu didn’t come. Tomorrow, many relatives and friends from Zhang’s side would come to attend the wedding feast; hence someone had to stay at home. This couple stayed back to be responsible for bringing the friends and family over the next day.

Since Zhang Caiyun’s wedding date was in February, she hadn’t returned to Thirty Mile Camp throughout the entire first lunar month after leaving Lian Manman’s home last time. Seeing Lady Zhang and Lian Manman now, she felt incredibly close to them.

"She’s closer to her aunt than to me," Lady Zhang Wang, wearing a newly made long coat and fur skirt, said smilingly to Lady Zhang.

At this moment, Zhang Caiyun was leaning against Lady Zhang, her face beaming brightly.

"My mom has scored a big bargain. From now on, let my Sister Caiyun be a daughter to my mom," Lian Manman laughed and said.

The whole room erupted in laughter. Knowing that Zhang’s family had arrived, Lady Wu Wang came with Lian Zhizhi and Wu Jiayu, while Lady Zhao came with Lian Yeye. Later, Luo Xiaoyan arrived, carrying Er Niuniu and bringing Luo Xiaoque, followed by Lady Chiang and Da Niuniu, who also brought along Lian Yaya.

"...from now on, I can rely on Caiyun," Lady Zhang said, touching Zhang Caiyun’s jet-black hair with a smile.

The aunt and niece have a good relationship, and they live close by. With Zhang Caiyun being lively and capable, she would be the best choice to help Lady Zhang with needlework or household chores. And if Zhang Caiyun encounters anything in life, she can speak freely and get help from Lady Zhang without having to ask her family far away.

Some might say that with Lian Manman’s current situation, with many servants available, there’s no need for Zhang Caiyun. But a close niece nearby is different from others.

Gaining the support of the younger generation doesn’t merely mean being cared for and supported by them. Having them visit often provides immense emotional comfort for the elderly, who are financially secure.

After chatting and joking for a while, everyone took out the gifts for Zhang Caiyun.

Lady Zhang’s gift to Zhang Caiyun included two bolts of fabric, a pair of gold-plated double happiness twisted bracelets, two handkerchiefs with matching knot designs, each tied with gold trinkets, and a pair of mandarin duck pillowcases embroidered by her own hands.