Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 794 - 405 Moving to a New Home Part 1

Old Master Lian had sent a letter, and the whole family put aside what they were doing to listen to Wu Lang read it.

In the letter, Old Master Lian expressed his joy upon learning that Lian Shouxin had earned an imperial reward for growing corn, earning an imperial archway. He was also pleased that Lian Shouxin’s family was moving into a new residence and was happy for them on their behalf. Old Master Lian also mentioned in the letter that he planned to send Lian Jizu and Lady Chiang back for the archway ceremony.

Old Master Lian had several reasons for sending Lian Jizu and his wife back. Firstly, although the archway was bestowed upon Lian Shouxin, it brought honor to the entire Lian family. As the eldest grandson, Lian Jizu should represent Old Master Lian and the entire Lian family to pay respects to the archway. In the letter, Old Master Lian also said that if he were not so old, making several hundred miles journey back and forth might be too strenuous and could end in mishap, bringing grief to his children and grandchildren; otherwise, he would have made the trip himself. Lian Shouren also planned to return, but his official duties made it impossible.

Secondly, knowing that Lian Shouxin’s family was moving into a new home, he wanted Lian Jizu and his wife to congratulate them on behalf of the whole family and to celebrate their accomplishments.

Besides, there was another matter. With winter nearing, the crops should have been harvested. This was a good time for Lian Jizu to collect the land rent for the Lian family’s fields.

"Jizu and his wife are coming back to celebrate with us and pay respects to the archway?" After listening to Old Master Lian’s letter, Lady Zhang said with a bit of surprise, "Our letter couldn’t have arrived so soon, could it? How does he even know the exact dates?"

Such a momentous occasion as being awarded an imperially bestowed archway, which would stir the local community, obviously warranted a letter to Old Master Lian.

Lian Manman’s family had sent news to Old Master Lian via a businessman who traveled from the town to Hejian Prefecture. That depended on the convenience of the businessman. Considering the businessman’s departure date and pace, Old Master Lian should not have received the letter sent by Lian Shouxin at the time he wrote his letter.

So how did Old Master Lian know this news and with such detailed information?

"It must have been my Sister Huahua who sent the news there," Lian Manman thought for a moment and then said.

Lian Huahua could read and write, enough to compose a letter herself. With Lian Shouren and Lady Gu taking their family to Hejian Prefecture for his post, there must have been correspondence between her and Lian Huahua.

After Lian Manman’s family received the imperially bestowed archway and other rewards, Song Hailong had already visited once with the steward to congratulate Lian Manman’s family. He agreed that on the day the archway was formally completed and Lian Manman’s family moved house, he would bring Lian Huahua back with him. Song Hailong also conveyed Old Madam Shen’s words, saying that if her health allowed, she too would come in person to convey her congratulations.

As the Song family was certainly aware of the dates for the archway’s completion and Lian Manman’s family moving house, they had a wider network. Whether sending their own servants with messages or asking others to deliver them, the Song family could transmit news much faster than Lian Manman’s family could.

"That must be the case," Lian Shouxin nodded in agreement.

Having put the letter aside, the family set up the table to eat lunch.

After lunch, they cleared the dining table and brought in a new writing desk. Lian Manman prepared all the writing materials, and the family sat together to discuss the arrangements for the feast on the day of the move.

"Let’s first estimate how many people will come," Lian Manman suggested.

Once they had a good estimate of the number of guests, they could decide how many tables to set for the feast.

"I’ve been pondering this matter since the day we started building the new house," said Lady Zhang while busily sewing the sole of a shoe. Women in farmstead families were often industrious, accustomed to multitasking or even juggling multiple tasks. She felt at ease only when her hands were busy, even as she spoke.

"Just his grandparents’ family, a few people from the Wu family, Young Doctor Wang, Old Huang, Shopkeeper Wu, people from our village, and a few other families. Just acquaintances, so preparing three tables should be enough," she continued.

Celebrating such achievements was different from major events like weddings and funerals, which were attended only by close relatives and very close friends.

"If it weren’t for the imperial archway, those three tables would be enough. But now with the archway, it won’t just be those three tables," Lian Shouxin said.

"Exactly," Lady Zhang agreed with a nod.

"For the Song family, let’s count them as three people, plus the county sister’s family. I reckon both the sister and her husband, along with their two children, will be able to come. That makes seven people in total. The Song family will surely bring their servants, and we’ll also need to prepare additional seating..." Lian Shouxin said.

"Scholar Wang’s family will certainly send someone. Yesterday, Lord Chiang mentioned that the County Yamen would send representatives as well... and as for Sixth Master, I expect they’ll send someone too..." Wu Lang added.