Reborn as a Landlord

Ever since the commotion about Lian Shouren’s matchmaking, the old house has completely severed ties with the Woo Family Brothers. Occasionally when these two are mentioned, Lady Zhou never fails to vent her anger. Though Old Master Lian never joined in the curse, he always bowed his head and sighed, never again making any comments on the Woo Family Brothers’ conduct and behavior.

Old Master Lian had quite an old-fashioned way of dealing with people; he believed a gentleman should not speak ill upon breaking ties. He had expressed this belief clearly to several sons, including Lian Shouxin.

Now that Old Master Lian has passed away, the Woo Family Brothers came to pay their respects. Considering the past, it’s understandable that Lian Jizu saw them and didn’t let them in.

"That incident even alarmed the Lizheng, and they were scared, never daring to come again. Now, with Old Master gone, they are crying at the door. Is it a sudden conscience or a trick they’re playing?" Lady Zhang frowned and said.

"Everyone with eyes could see how Old Master treated them. Yet, their actions were never with pure intentions. If they truly had a conscience, they wouldn’t have waited until now. Letting them cry and kowtow in front of Old Master, he might not accept it. Moreover, given their nature, letting them into the house would be an acknowledgment they’re not worthy of!" Lian Shouxin remarked.

After hearing these words, Wu Jiaxing turned and left. After a while, he came back.

"The two just won’t leave. Earlier, someone dragged them away, but once released, they rolled and crawled back, kneeling at the door crying and wailing. They claim to have had some connection with Old Master and understood his kindness, regretting past foolishness due to poverty," Wu Jiaxing explained to everyone. "They want to kowtow and apologize to Old Master, even help carry him up the mountain. They said if not allowed inside, they would kneel at the door forever."

"Because of them, many people have gathered at the door." Wu Jiaxing thought for a moment and continued.

Wu Yuchang and Wu Yugui also entered from outside, discussing the matter of the Woo Family Brothers with Lian Shouxin.

"If they are truly remorseful, letting them in to kowtow once or twice won’t hurt. But are they such people? When Old Master was alive, they often deceived him. Now he’s gone, we still can’t let them come and fool Old Master," Lian Shouxin expressed his thoughts.

"Well said; those two are not good people," Wu Yugui nodded, "After that incident, their reputation was utterly ruined. Nobody in the village socializes with them anymore. They sneak around the edges whenever they see people, and life gets worse day by day."

"I guess they heard about Old Master’s passing and now want everyone to see their conscience, regret, trying to restore their image so people will treat them better, making life easier later on."

"Their cleverness only used on crooked paths," Wu Yuchang agreed, evidently recognizing Wu Yugui’s perspective, "Many see it, but some have other thoughts..."

Wu Yuchang didn’t specify what those thoughts were, but everyone understood.

"I can almost guess all right," Lian Shouxin said, "People see them as sincere, pitiful, just wanting to come in to kowtow to Old Master. If we don’t let them, then we’re seen as hard-hearted, unforgiving."

Human minds are complex, and idle gossip is hard to stop.

"Why not let them in to kowtow to Old Master? It would be what Old Master would want," someone suggested.

"It’s not up to us to decide whether to let them in," Lian Manman thought and said, "We have to ask my grandmother."

Everyone then turned to Lian Manman, knowing if they ask Lady Zhou, the result is predictable.

"Lady Zhou really is the most qualified to make this decision," Wu Yuchang and Wu Yugui said.

If Lian Shouxin were in charge, there might still be some discussion. But if Lady Zhou speaks up, Lian Manman could assure everyone that those people would immediately quiet down.

Everyone knows Lady Zhou’s temper and character in the surrounding villages.

The world’s affairs can be subtle like that. If a known malicious person does something, people might not say much. But if a genuinely good person does the same thing, many people will surely find fault.