The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

“How can I be considered the wealthiest? I just earn some hard-earned money. After paying wages to various people, subtracting the cost of beans and the rent for my shop, there really isn’t much left,” said Zhuang Qingning. “Village chief, please don’t give me such a high hat. I can’t bear it.”

Zhuang Jingye suddenly felt like he had misspoken.

Some people care about face, like saying they have two coins when they have one, or asserting they live a life free from worry about food and drink as long as they can afford a pound of pork in their homes. Yet, some people are steady and reserved, unwilling to show off.

Obviously, Zhuang Qingning is the latter.

It’s said that wealth should not be flaunted too openly; otherwise, it could easily invite disaster. Zhuang Qingning is a young girl without elders at home. She can only rely on her sister Zhuang Qingsui. If someone gets jealous, even if he could protect them from any harm, it would still be uncomfortable for her.

It’s better to keep their family wealth hidden. Only then can they live peacefully and uneventfully.

“That’s true. I wasn’t thoughtful enough,” Zhuang Jingye awkwardly laughed. “I was so delighted that I forgot this matter. You’re indeed more thoughtful than I am, Qingning.”

“Well, it’s getting late. Why don’t you go back and get busy? There’s no one here anymore. If anyone comes, they’ll be looking for me. If the beans aren’t enough, I’ll let you know.”

“Alright, village chief, I appreciate your hard work,” Zhuang Qingning thanked him. “Once my tofu skins are done, I’ll save some for you. Consider it a token of my gratitude.”

“Excellent, it’s settled then,” Zhuang Jingye replied, his face full of smiles.

Watching Zhuang Qingning leave, he began to think about how to enjoy the tofu skins.

Tofu skins mixed with peanuts and cucumber should make a tasty cold dish. Tofu skins with green onions also sound appealing. When stewed in a big pot, tofu skins would be undoubtedly delicious. If nothing else, he could braise it. Rich in taste and chewy…

Thinking about all this made him hungry.

Zhuang Jingye rubbed his now empty stomach, looked at the remaining people, and started to pack up his things: “I’m going to leave now. You folks take your time. Look for me when you’ve made up your minds.”

Then, with half a bag of bean seeds in hand and a bench on his shoulder, he headed home.

Seeing that Zhuang Jingye had no intention of persuading them, some people chased after him to inquire about the bean seeds.

Those remaining were neither chasing after Zhuang Jingye nor going home. They were discussing whether or not to try this new bean seed.

“Will your family try it?”

“I don’t know. If we can’t decide, we’ll consult with the wife.”

“You’re too timid. When I get home, I’ll consult my parents. They have eaten more salt in their old age than the rice we’ve eaten, they are more experienced and surely see further. It’s definitely the right thing to ask them.”

“We can wait and see how the beans everyone else plants grow, and then make our decision. There’s no rush to plant them now.”

“Hey, do any of you think there could be some trick? Could the bean seeds be a scam?”

“You’re overthinking it. Tell me, he isn’t charging you for the seeds right now, so what can he scam you out of? Make you not harvest beans? The village chief would never hurt his reputation with such tricks. If it was someone else… it would be too much trouble just to cheat you once. Who has that kind of time?”

“That’s true. Let’s just go home and wait. See what happens when others plant their beans. Then we’ll know.”

“That’s right…”

“Alright, let’s disperse. I’m going home to have dinner. I’ve been busy all morning and now my stomach’s grumbling. I won’t waste any more time here with you all.”

If II

When the last group of people dispersed, there was no one under the tung tree.

Only Zhuang Ruman remained. After circling the tree a couple times, he felt tired and spotted a half brick on the ground, considering to sit on it and rest.

But just before he sat down, he jumped up and took in a sharp breath.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he forgot his bottom was injured and he couldn’t sit down.

It was truly a hard life. When he got tired, he couldn’t sit, only lay down. If he got tired from working in the field, he could only lay down on a bench for a while. He felt like a toad, ugly and unable to take a good rest.