Chapter 895: Chapter 895: Everyone Objects in Unison: "No!
This nearly made Cao De stumble.
The Emperor laughed heartily; his Little Concubine’s candid words were truly delightful.
Lih Qingshu also joined in the laughter.
After bidding farewell to Lih Qingshu, Lian Hua went over to chat with Su Ran and others.
Looking at Lian Bingcheng, she felt that her clan uncle looked like a disaster victim, with all his bones sticking out and worrying to the eye.
She said, "Clan Uncle, you’re too thin, you should eat more. I think I heard a saying somewhere that you are what you eat. Clan Uncle, you should eat more fatty meat, maybe it’ll help you regain some weight."
Mentioning fatty meat, she couldn’t help but recall the large pieces from the banquet. Seeing how thin Lian Bingcheng was, Lian Hua asked the Young Eunuch at the Star Palace to bring him a lot of fatty meat. Piece by piece, he was content because she asked for it. While boasting to Lian Changhe, he ate two or three pieces, which left him so overwhelmed that he couldn’t eat anymore. He had to forcefully eat the remaining fatty pieces, and it’s estimated he won’t be able to touch meat for the next few days.
However, he was very touched at the time, continuously saying "yes yes yes" in agreement, promising Lian Hua to take good care of herself and visit her again sometime.
Lian Hua nodded with a smile, also expressing concern about Lin Yuejuan’s back, and only felt relieved when she was told it had improved. She advised Lin Yuejuan to visit the Huang Family again, as she heard from Charcoal Head that persistence was key for back problems.
When she reached Lian Wanzhen, she put on a stern face and said earnestly, "Second Brother, you must apply the ointment I gave you daily; it’s from Grandma and is said to be effective for scar removal. You’ll be taking a wife someday, and mustn’t neglect that."
Lian Wanzhen felt a warm sense of joy, patting his chest as he assured her, "Don’t worry, little sister, while I might fail at other tasks, I will certainly handle what you’ve given me."
Lian Hua beamed with joy and turned to Lian Bao, saying, "Third Brother, you’re very handsome. Your future wife might not be as good-looking as you; please don’t disdain her. Just as I’m not as handsome as His Majesty, he has never found fault with me. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?"
The Emperor chuckled and pinched her cheek, "Do not belittle yourself. In My heart, Nannan is the most beautiful."
Lian Hua quickly covered her mouth to hide her laughter, feeling sweet to the core from his words.
Lian Bao shook his head helplessly. Ah, his little sister, though the youngest, had taken their marriage matters as her top priority now, sigh...
He said, "Little Sister, no need to worry. The matter of wives is entirely up to our mother. How could we disdain her judgment? But marriage has to be in order of seniority, with the eldest brother first, followed by the second brother, and finally me. So, let mother worry about the eldest and second brother first."
Lian Wanzhen shouted, "Xiao Bao, you’re saying that prematurely. Who knows, maybe by next spring, Eldest Brother and I might already find you two wives, and then you’ll be the only one unmarried."
Su Ran laughed, "Mother understands now; you’re all urging me to find matches for you."
Lin Yuejuan interjected, "That’s great! It’s better to mature early. Given your age, we should plan this tomorrow. We know some families in Yanqing Mansion..."
She held Su Ran’s hand and started discussing the girls she knew in Yanqing Mansion and their dispositions.
Lian Hua curiously leaned in to listen, wanting to help her brothers with advice.
Seeing her curiosity, Su Ran patted Lin Yuejuan’s hand, indicating that it wasn’t the right time to discuss this and they should speak later.
Lian Hua was greatly disappointed. Apparently, she would be the last to know what her sisters-in-law would be like.
On the other side, Lian Changhe was lecturing Lian Wanzhen and Lian Bao, "You two rascals, our family is finally a bit more relaxed. We still have to find a house and move again later. The old businesses need going over. There are lots of things to do, and you need to help more so your mother doesn’t get tired..."
Lian Wanzhen and Lian Bao both agreed aloud.
A thought struck the Emperor’s heart. He knew of a residence perfect for the Lian Family, but it needed a justification for bestowment to avoid arousing suspicion against the Lian Family.
Lian Bingcheng fell silent. He’d been pondering this for days. Their daughter, Lian Huihui, was in Baoding Mansion, and with nothing tying them to Yanqing Mansion, he and Lin Yuejuan had labored for half their lives; it was time to think about their future.
He and Lian Changhe got along well, and moving to the Capital together would be ideal for both families. But despite the benefits, they still needed a way to make a living; they couldn’t continue running a sundry shop in the Capital. The high living costs and fierce competition worried him; he wasn’t sure he could make it.
After reprimanding Lian Wanzhen and Lian Bao, Lian Changhe then said to Lian Bingcheng, "Brother Bingcheng, you know the North well; don’t think about shrugging it off and running. I still have my tea-making skills. Next year, the two families will work together. You bring the effort; I’ll bring the craft, along with Old Ma and those lads Wang San. We’ll make it happen."
"Why don’t you move to the Capital, Clan Uncle," suggested Lian Wanzhen directly.
"Exactly!" Lian Changhe patted Lian Wanzhen on the shoulder, with great approval. Good lad, he’s becoming perceptive.
Lian Bingcheng was taken aback, "Ah? That wouldn’t be right, he and Lin Yuejuan could only burden Lian Changhe ."
Lian Changhe immediately wrapped an arm around his shoulder, firmly declaring, "Good, settled then. Brother Bingcheng, you’re well-read and articulate, good at handling people and things. I’ll handle the tea-making, you handle the store. That’s it! Wait, you wouldn’t expect me to handle the store, would you? I’d run it into the ground."
Lian Bingcheng, having been hesitant, was convinced; indeed, his Brother Changhe managing the books would be far worse than Xiao Hua, that just wouldn’t do.
Lin Yuejuan was overjoyed but hesitated as she looked at Su Ran, "Sister-in-law, we..."
Opening a store in the Capital required substantial funds. The upfront investment alone was significant. After the collapse of the Guo family, the Lian family’s assets were restored, leaving the couple with some savings, but nothing compared to Lian Changhe. Starting a shop would undoubtedly mean significant investment from Lian Changhe, which clearly was helping them.
Su Ran held her hand, smiling gently, "Husband is right, this is a collective decision. We meant to discuss it with you but have been delayed by other matters. Sister-in-law, if you’re uneasy, why not discuss this in detail later?"
"Mother, how about letting me help too? I can make tea, the kind His Majesty has tasted, I can manage a shop, like the time I managed the store for Clan Uncle, and I can..."
Lian Hua was eager, itching to be involved. Bored every day, she was anxious to do something and chimed in, listing her skills one by one.
But before she could finish, everyone opposed in unison, "No way!"
Lian Hua’s face fell immediately, feeling sulky. She just wanted to help the family.
Lian Changhe’s heart softened; Lian Wanzhen and Lian Bao quickly comforted her, finally unable to hold back any longer.
"Your Majesty, Ranran / Mother, how about..." the father and sons spoke in unison, all looking towards Su Ran and the Emperor.