CHAPTER 1320: CHAPTER 674: THE DECISION

The first watch, asking for pink support. It’s the last day of the month, asking for pink.

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Lian Manman’s words stirred up a storm in Lady Chiang’s heart. When Lian Manman finished speaking and looked at her with a smile, she was briefly stunned and then her eyes turned red.

"Manman, these words... thank you for telling me these things. You know what the family’s situation is like, Manman, so I won’t say anything about the difficulties." Lady Chiang took Lian Manman’s hand, shook it twice, and said, her tone somewhat unsteady.

"Sister-in-law, if you weren’t the eldest grandson’s wife, if I didn’t believe that you’re the wisest and most capable person in the old house, I wouldn’t have said these things." Lian Manman smiled and said.

To be honest, given the environment of the old house, it’s quite remarkable that someone like Lady Chiang, with her status, could manage to be so diplomatic. Lady Chiang is a smart person, one could say she’s too shrewd in her dealings. Yet, as someone who will inherit the family business and manage affairs in the future, she’s too selfish, wanting benefits but not responsibilities.

Of course, if Lady Chiang weren’t so slippery and was a bit more upright and straightforward, courageously stepping forward when issues arose, she wouldn’t have been able to please both Lady Zhou and Lady Gu. But at the same time, perhaps the old house wouldn’t be in the state it is today.

After Old Master Lian eventually passes away, the old house will undoubtedly need a head of the household. Although Lady Chiang isn’t a very suitable candidate, the conversation reached a point where she understood that Lian Manman knew everything, yet she still felt the need to explain her helplessness. This further demonstrated Lady Chiang’s character of shying away from responsibility.

But among everyone in the old house, Lady Chiang was actually the most suitable. Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi were clearly not fit to be in charge. Lian Manman couldn’t imagine what it would be like if Lady Zhou, or Lian Jizu, or even Lady He were to manage things.

After Old Master Lian, Lady Chiang is the most suitable and the only possible candidate to lead the household in the old house.

Such is the reality. Fortunately, Lady Chiang is smart enough, and Lian Manman believes she can coordinate the people in the old house and keep Lady Zhou in check. As long as Lady Chiang understands the stakes, she should be able to handle things well, or at least maintain the stability of the old house.

Yes, stability. Given the current situation of the old house and the circumstances of each person, asking for development is impossible. Why did Old Master Lian suddenly change and let go of many things over the past half year? It was likely a helpless act after realizing this. The old house can only seek stability. As long as the old house is stable, there will be no issues.

"Manman, you’re putting me on a pedestal." Lady Chiang gave a bitter smile, then raised her eyes to look at Lian Manman and said, "But since you’ve said it, I’ll give it a try and do my best."

"Sister-in-law, I believe in you; we all believe you can do it." Lian Manman said.

Lady Chiang still wore a bitter smile, but she nodded solemnly.

To Lady Chiang, Lian Manman’s words could be said to have awakened her from a dream. She herself was the one in that dream. It’s not like she didn’t understand the truths that Lian Manman spoke of; she just felt it wasn’t the time for her to step forward. It was Manman’s words that made her realize she couldn’t avoid it any longer, not for others, but for herself.

Her father-in-law, Lian Shouren, and husband, Lian Jizu, were neither good at writing nor martial arts; they couldn’t lift with their hands nor carry on their shoulders. They were scholars unable to use their skills to support the family. They were two useless people needing others to support them.

In the dead of night, how often did Lady Chiang not find her tears soaking her handkerchief, secretly lamenting her bitter fate.

But with things as they are, she had no other way and could only struggle to continue living. Of course, Lady Chiang also considered future matters; with Old Master Lian supporting the old house now, there was nothing to fear. Even if something unexpected happened, with Old Master Lian there, even Lian Shouxin wouldn’t let things go unchecked.

However, how many more years can Old Master Lian live? Once Old Master Lian is gone, firstly, dividing assets will be a troublesome matter. By rights, being the eldest branch, they should take the largest share. But Lian Shouyi and Lady He weren’t easy to deal with. Without official status or the scholar’s title as protection, Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu weren’t opponent enough for Lian Shouyi of the second wife.

And they simply couldn’t withstand any financial loss. Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu were only adept at spending, not earning. They had to rely on the old house’s property and land to survive. Thus, she worked hard to please. To please Old Master and Lady Zhou, to please Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.