Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 789 - 402: Great Construction Projects_2

First and foremost, her family’s corn seeds had to be set aside for her own planting, then distributed to the Wang Family, Zhang Qingshan family, Wu Yugui family, as well as several other households like Old Jin’s.

After hearing Quan Fu’s words just now, Lian Manman thought that if there were any remaining corn seeds after distributing them to these families, it would not be appropriate to sell them for money.

However, she had no intention of giving away the corn seeds for free. Lian Manman had already preliminarily thought of a mutually beneficial plan, but she wasn’t in a rush to talk about it now.

Even if the price of corn is set on par with sorghum, due to its higher yield, there would definitely be many people eager to plant it.

"Lord Chiang, who is in charge of building the archway, said that the craftsmen will arrive tomorrow," Lian Shouxin suddenly said, "...Our new house’s gate is just a single unit, right? Lord Chiang also told me that now that we have an imperially bestowed archway, which is a structure with three bays and four pillars, our house’s gate can also be expanded, making it even more imposing... With the imperially bestowed archway, expanding our gate wouldn’t be considered overstepping."

In the Great Ming Dynasty, architecture is strictly regulated according to one’s status. The residence’s entrance in particular can reflect the homeowner’s status, and one cannot afford to overstep in the slightest.

It can be said that the gate is a symbol of a household’s status.

What Lord Chiang said wasn’t wrong; with the imperially bestowed archway, expanding the Lian family’s gate would not be considered overstepping.

"Father, did you agree?" Lian Manman asked.

"No, I didn’t agree," Lian Shouxin shook his head, "One must be proper in conduct. We prefer to take less rather than more... It’s not that I don’t want to expand our gate."

As he said this, Lian Shouxin’s gaze fell on Wu Lang and Xiao Qi.

"I was thinking, if we are to expand our gate, it shouldn’t be because of this. If Wu Lang and Xiao Qi earn themselves titles and return home, then regardless of who tries to stop me, I will insist on expanding it." Lian Shouxin finished, looking expectantly at Wu Lang and Xiao Qi.

Lian Manman lowered her head and suppressed a smile. Lian Shouxin’s spirit had been improving more and more lately, becoming more ambitious, or rather "ambitious"; although he had always strongly supported Wu Lang and Xiao Qi’s schooling, he had never before said they had to earn official titles.

This was Lian Shouxin gaining more confidence in himself, in his children, and setting a clear goal for the future of his family.

It was a good thing, Lian Manman thought, even though it might add some pressure on Wu Lang and Xiao Qi. However, she knew that Wu Lang had always had his own ambitions, which likely aligned with Lian Shouxin’s expectations.

"Father, rest assured, I will definitely work hard. Both Xiao Qi and I will do our best," Wu Lang said.

"Yes, Father, I will study even harder," Xiao Qi also said.

At dinner time, Lian Shouxin asked Lady Zhang to add more dishes and opened a jar of wine to drink with Mr. Loo.

"...Everything still depends on Mr. Loo," Lian Shouxin expressed his hopes to Mr. Loo.

"I shall do my utmost," Mr. Loo said.

"Mr. Loo, once the new house is finished, you should move in with us. We’ve set aside a room for you, and Xiao Qi and I will live right next to you," Wu Lang proposed while pouring wine for Mr. Loo.

"Alright," Mr. Loo agreed readily.

During the meal, Mr. Loo asked about the events of receiving the imperial edict that day.

Wu Lang and Lian Manman didn’t conceal anything and also told Mr. Loo about the rewards the Emperor bestowed on the Shen family. Mr. Loo had not approached them during Shen Liu’s recent visits to the Thirty Mile Camp, as he had his own concerns; his status was awkward, and he was unsure whether the authorities still had other plans for him. The Shen family had saved him, so he didn’t want to cause any trouble for them. Since Shen Liu hadn’t asked to see him, he did not take the initiative to come forward.

However, afterwards, he inquired about it with Wu Lang, clearly still very concerned about the Shen family and the affairs of the Imperial Court.

...

The next day, the craftsmen for building the imperially bestowed archway arrived, and carts of stone and timber were transported in succession. Granted by the Emperor and under the direction of the Liaodong Prefecture, the archway for Lian Manman’s family was to be made of stone carvings, primarily using large blocks of white marble.

The craftsmen set up work sheds at the construction site and began their work.

The imperially bestowed archway’s construction costs were covered by the state treasury; both labor and supervision were the responsibility of specifically assigned officials, meaning Lian Manman’s family didn’t need to worry about anything.

However, they didn’t take that approach.

Lian Shouxin vacated several rooms that were recently completed in the new house’s west courtyard, to be used by the management and craftsmen overseeing the archway construction. The Liaodong Prefecture provided standard meals for the craftsmen, which, of course, were nothing special, so Lian’s Shop negotiated with Lord Chiang, who was in charge, to take responsibility for feeding everyone involved. The Lian family added money to make the provision generous.

There was originally a dirt path from the official road to the imperially bestowed archway; Lord Chiang reported to his superiors to have this path widened and reconstructed into a bluestone road as part of the supplementary project for the archway, with the costs naturally covered by the state treasury.

Along the way, the river banks were rebuilt. Pine and cypress trees were planted on both sides of the road, interspersed with various flowers, creating an abundance of natural beauty.

The construction of the imperially bestowed archway didn’t require the Lian family’s input. With the new house nearing completion, Lian Manman’s thoughts were all on the new residence.

Sitting at the table with the craftsman’s blueprints in hand, Lian Manman frowned as she sketched and wrote on the paper, so absorbed in her work that she ignored Da Hua, the family cat nudging at her side.

"Sister, what are you fretting about?" Xiao Qi asked when he saw her.

"A flushing toilet, I want a flushing toilet."

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Sending the second update, asking for your support.

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Ruoyan’s completed agricultural novel recommendation:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Complete text with extras) (Direct link below, click to go straight there)

Summary: Transmigrated as a falsely accused divorced woman, carrying a bundle of joy, embarking on a sweet life with a cost-effective partner. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)