Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 657 - 338 Parental Heart_1

The second watch of the night, please support with pink.

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That morning, the Lian Family continued the discussion of separating the household, but Lian Shouli did not stay at home to participate. Firstly, whether they divided the family or not, what was divided and what was not, he didn’t have much say in it. Secondly, he had been wholeheartedly devoted to learning carpentry skills these days.

Some might find it incredible, but such people do exist in the world. That was the nature of Lian Shouli, who, like Lian Shouxin, was indifferent to external matters. However, his zeal in mastering crafts was something Lian Shouxin couldn’t match. There was also the environmental factor—he didn’t have a son and was mentally prepared for the division of the family assets to leave him with nothing.

Lian Shouli was just returning from work when he heard from Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye about the family matters and that Old Master Lian was at Lian Shouxin’s place, so he went over.

Lady Zhao did not come; she was in the Upper Room cooking. Lian Yeye followed Lian Shouli and also entered. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"You’re back, Old Three." Old Master Lian greeted, his tone very gentle. For this son, who was honest to the point of being dim, yet exceptionally obedient, he may not have paid much attention, but he did have a soft spot in his heart for him. "Sit down and talk. You’ve been working all day; you must be tired."

"Not tired." Lian Shouli sat down next to Old Master Lian. He rubbed his hands together, hesitated for a moment, then spoke up, "Father, are we not dividing the family after all?"

"No, we are not. Both your eldest brother and Second Old Master are against dividing. The idea of separating the family assets started with the two of them anyway. Oh, your eldest brother has donated for a Jiansheng title; you know about that, don’t you?"

"Know, I know." Lian Shouli responded, then fell silent again.

"Father." Lian Yeye stood next to Lian Shouli’s thigh and pushed him slightly, whispering a prompt.

"Father, since my eldest brother and Second Old Master are not separating, I was thinking... maybe it’s best if you separate me out anyway. It won’t really make much difference." Lian Shouli said with some courage.

"What are you talking about, child?" Old Master Lian frowned slightly, "If the two of them are not dividing, then why would you—you three—need to divide?"

"Father, it’s better if you separate us. The three of us can manage on our own." Lian Shouli spoke slowly.

Old Master Lian looked at Lian Shouli with a complex expression in his eyes.

"Father, if Third Brother wants to live on his own, let him be. He is already a grown man, and he should know what he’s doing. Even if the family is divided, we siblings will still support each other as we should." Lian Shouxin said.

The biggest reason Old Master Lian didn’t agree to the third branch separating and living on their own was because they had no son. Lian Shouxin’s words were a big help to Lian Shouli.

Old Master Lian’s gaze shifted back to Lian Shouxin.

"Old Fourth, I thought you had grown wiser through your experiences recently, but it seems you’re still not thinking things through. Your third brother is different from you; it’s not a matter of whether you support him or not."

Having said that, Old Master Lian sighed.

"It’s a parent’s lot to feel compassion for their children. Old Three, Old Fourth, you’re parents too, although still young and with less experience. You still haven’t understood my thoughts." Old Master Lian said slowly, "I don’t let you separate because I have my reasons for keeping the family united."

"Now that your eldest brother is a Jiansheng, when he goes out, people have to address him as ’Old Master.’ If we don’t separate, you brothers will follow your eldest brother; you will be Second and Third Old Masters. If the family is divided, the difference will be significant. In the future, if your eldest brother becomes an official, no matter how small, it will mean another status for our family."

"It’s not that I only look upwards for higher status, but these distinctions of high and low, noble and humble, are laid out clearly. If we remain united, we are one force, and your second brother’s Si Lang and Liulang can marry with less dowry, relying on our family’s status to arrange good matrimonial matches. For Yaya, Yeye, and Duoduo, the prospects are even wider and they can aim higher. If we are divided, others will see you differently."

"I know that all these years... you might think that I favor your eldest brother’s branch. If we put it that way, I am indeed favoring you right now... To speak honestly, I have never been partial; I am looking out for the entire Lian Family. Today, your eldest brother has become a Jiansheng, which makes it clear. When he climbs higher, you will see even more clearly."

"Old Fourth has already separated, recognized by the neighbors as Si Lang, and the documents have been filed at the County Yamen; there’s no changing that now. However, I won’t forget you. I will do everything I can for you. I’m going to have guests over for a meal soon, and I need to say this."