The mule and ox carts, loaded with all manner of belongings, rolled through the village. After a brief flicker of curiosity, the villagers went back to their own affairs, as if nothing had happened at all. Even the women, who were usually most fond of gossiping in clusters, scattered early at the mere sight of the carts from a distance, fearful of getting involved in any trouble. This showed clearly just how the old estate was regarded by the local folk.
The carts pulled up and stopped in front of the Lin Zenwen residence. Li Tieshuan was waiting at the entrance with his eldest son, his fourth son, and his fifth son. Li Tiezhu was also there with his four sons—Li Gendi, Li Genshan, Li Gonsong, and Li Genzhu. The two families had heard rumors days ago that the owner had changed, and that the new master was none other than the young master from the old estate who was moving out of the family residence. Ever since hearing the news, they had been uneasy, unsure of how this new master would treat them. Early that morning, the Lin family servants had summoned them to the estate to settle accounts. Having finished that, they had come straight here to wait for the new master.
Lin Zezu took one look at the formation and understood the situation instantly. He walked forward with a beaming smile. "Uncles of the Li family, you are the first guests to welcome me to my new home. I'm afraid I have neither pots nor a stove yet, so I cannot host you properly today."
Chapter 21