Chapter 1932: Chapter 984: Flattery
"Yes, Miss," Ji Xiang quickly replied, then asked, "Miss, do you want to sort out the things we brought back and send them over to Ninth Miss and Tenth Miss?"
"That’s right. Make sure you remind me tomorrow, so I don’t forget." Lian Manman nodded and then slightly furrowed her brows, asking Shan Xi, "Has Yan Daopo come twice? It’s only been a few days, and she’s been running here so frequently! Did she say anything?"
Shan Xi shook his head.
"...just asking when madam will be back, but she didn’t say anything else."
"Didn’t she just take a sum of money from my mother? Why is she so hurried? Does she think we’re an easy touch and there’s another scheme to cheat money, so she’s eager to find my mother?" Lian Manman mused, "Has she tasted the sweetness and become addicted?"
Lian Manman didn’t like Yan Daopo at all, always seeing her as a charlatan, naturally thinking nothing good would come from her visits.
Even though her family didn’t care about a few coins now, they still couldn’t let this Daopo take advantage. Besides, Lian Manman knew Lady Zhang’s character well; she was easily swayed. Who knows when Yan Daopo would hatch another scheme besides cheating money, then Lady Zhang would suffer losses.
"Miss, we maids also feel this Yan Daopo isn’t a good person," Ru Yi said aside, "That mouth of hers, it’s as if it’s smeared with honey, saying whatever pleases you. Sometimes, when I see the way she looks at people, she doesn’t seem like an honest, straightforward person."
Lian Manman nodded slightly; Yan Daopo definitely wasn’t an honest person. An honest person wouldn’t be able to make a living like she does now.
"As I’ve said before, from now on, everyone should be cautious. I’ll try to persuade my mother to let her come around less often; that would be the simplest." Lian Manman said.
The maids all quickly agreed.
Though Lady Zhang made some acquaintances with ladies in the Prefecture City, with lively interactions, Lian Manman knew Lady Zhang wasn’t as at ease there as she was in the countryside. In the countryside, she had Lady Zhao, Lady Wu Wang, and others to share laughs and trivial chats, exchanging rustic tales, whereas with these city ladies, they discussed different topics.
Therefore, Lady Zhang was not without loneliness. This Yan Daopo, traveling the neighborhoods, well-spoken and versed in talking with people in a way that suits them, was someone Lady Zhang enjoyed listening to for idle gossip, which was one reason why Lady Zhang was always happy to meet her.
In this regard, there was little Lian Manman could do.
It seems only when Qin Ruojian marries in and soon has a child with Wu Lang, will Lady Zhang’s mind be occupied, leaving no room for boredom, and no further interest in entertaining these meaningless folks. Thinking this, Lian Manman noticed it was getting late and went back to her room to rest.
The next morning, after getting up, Lian Manman washed up and went to Lady Zhang’s room. Wu Lang and Xiao Qi also came over, and the family gathered for breakfast.
The family had long established a routine: after breakfast, while having tea, they would discuss all household matters.
"...In a moment, I’ll take Xiao Qi to see Master Chu," Wu Lang said, emphasizing that no matter how busy the household might be, Xiao Qi’s studies must never be neglected.
"I have some items for Ninth Miss and Tenth Miss, Brother. Please wait a moment so I can pack them, and you can help deliver them," Lian Manman said.
Wu Lang nodded.
"I also have things for Master Chu and Brother Xiao Jiu," Xiao Qi added.
"There’s something on the estate today I need to check on so I won’t be going to the Shen Family," Lian Shouxin said. "Wu Lang, please convey my respects to Master Chu and Third Master Shen."
"Okay," Wu Lang nodded again.
"Just earlier, the staff told me Steward Sun is bringing furs over today for you to come back and select," Lady Zhang said.
Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi all laughed and waved their hands.
"There’s no need to wait for us. When the furs arrive, you and Manman manage it," they said.
"That works," Lady Zhang said, "These furs are primarily for Manman, and also for Wu Lang. We’ve almost finished making the winter clothes. After the siblings have selected, if there are any good ones left, I will keep two pieces for you two."
"You decide; you don’t need to discuss these matters with us," Lian Shouxin said with a smile. Though their family and personal status had changed, Lian Shouxin maintained his original demeanor. He wasn’t particular about food or clothing, accepting whatever Lady Zhang arranged without complaint.
