Chapter 535: Chapter 276: Spring Plowing_1
Steward Zhong arrived, and Lian Manman’s heart filled with joy; she hastily went to greet him. Steward Zhong was carrying a bag and was exchanging pleasantries with Lian Shouxin. Seeing the bag in Steward Zhong’s hand, Lian Manman’s eyes couldn’t help but sparkle, and she became even more certain of the purpose of Steward Zhong’s visit.
After inviting Steward Zhong to sit down inside the house, Lian Manman busied herself with making tea and used a tiered box to pack the best pastries and fruit from their home, bringing them over.
"Miss Lian need not be so polite," Steward Zhong bowed slightly, thanking Lian Manman graciously.
"Steward Zhong, you shouldn’t be so formal with us once you are here," Lian Shouxin said with a smile.
"Are Sixth Master and Ninth Master both well?" asked Lian Manman with a smile after arranging the tea and fruits.
"Both masters are well and asked me to send their regards to you and your family," replied Steward Zhong, also smiling, as he handed over the bag he was carrying. "Before leaving, Ninth Master promised to send Miss some corn, so he specially had me deliver it."
"This is truly too kind of you," Lian Shouxin said hastily, "My daughter is young and doesn’t know much. The children spoke out of turn, and Sixth Master and Ninth Master actually took it to heart. You even made a special trip to deliver it; this ... this makes us feel quite undeserving!"
While Lian Shouxin was being courteous with Steward Zhong, Lian Manman had already reached out to take the bag. The bag was somewhat heavy, and when Lian Manman opened it, it was filled with shelled corn kernels. Fatty Shen had obviously picked out the best to send to her; the kernels were golden and plump. This bag of corn must weigh at least thirty or forty pounds.
This could sow several mu of land!
Lian Manman couldn’t help but smile with her eyes curved into crescents. Grasping a handful of corn kernels, Fatty’s image loomed larger in her mind. At that time, she had told Shen Fatty that she wanted more corn, but in her heart, she was uncertain whether the Shen Family would agree, nor could she be certain whether Shen Fatty would really take this matter to heart after returning to the Shen Family.
These past days, Lian Manman had always been preoccupied with this matter. With each passing day, her hope dwindled a little. Today, Steward Zhong delivered the corn. Lian Manman was overjoyed beyond expectation.
Shen Fatty was a true friend, although very young, he was someone who kept his word. This caused Lian Manman to reassess her impression of Shen Qian anew. Even though he was young and a bit too round, with a tendency to be a foodie, as long as he possessed the qualities of being a faithful friend and keeping his promises, Shen Fatty was a qualified little gentleman.
"Steward Zhong, when ... Ninth Master had you bring the corn, Sixth Master must have been aware of it, right?" Lian Manman finally managed to put the bag of corn down and looked up to ask Steward Zhong, "Did Sixth Master leave any words? Did Ninth Master send any messages for us?"
Having grown used to calling him Shen Fatty in her heart, it felt quite awkward and uncomfortable to switch to calling him Ninth Master, Lian Manman thought to herself with a chuckle.
"... Ninth Master did discuss it with Sixth Master. These corn kernels were prepared by Sixth Master’s men, knowing that Miss Lian wanted to plant them in the field, Sixth Master and Ninth Master both instructed to pick the best... Before I came here, I went to pay my respects to Sixth Master and Ninth Master. Sixth Master didn’t have any special instructions... just mentioned that if Miss Lian needs anything, she should feel free to send a message... Ninth Master, on the other hand, had many words to say..."
Steward Zhong chuckled to himself as he said this.
"Ninth Master inquires if Miss Lian, Fifth Young Master, and Seventh Young Master are well, to not forget about him if there’s any fun, and also asks when Miss Lian will have time to visit Prefecture City, she must remember to look for him."
This time, Steward Zhong spoke with much more courtesy than before, even addressing Wu Lang and Xiao Qi respectfully as young masters.
"Whenever Ninth Master is at home, he often speaks of Miss Lian, Fifth Young Master, and Seventh Young Master, wishing he could play with them every day." Steward Zhong continued, "He sent me to deliver the corn because he was worried that others might not handle it properly and delay Miss Lian’s affairs... Seeing that I have been reliable over the years and am familiar with Shopkeeper Lian, he specifically dispatched me. As soon as I was ordered, I didn’t dare delay for a moment, fearing to miss the best time for planting."
To deliver something, indeed anyone could have been sent, even a servant. Steward Zhong is obviously well-regarded in the Shen Family and capable in his duties, and he has previously interacted with the Lian Family. His being sent shows the importance Sixth Master and Fatty Shen placed on this matter.
"This is a grace from Sixth Master and Ninth Master to us," Lian Shouxin spoke with a full heart of gratitude.
