The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

“Hmm…” Chu Jinnian paused slightly, “From this incident, it’s clear to see that Miss Zhuang is calm and composed, with considerable wisdom.”

A high evaluation, very good.

Fan Wenxuan immediately brightened, “Is there more?”

“She is fearless in the face of danger, attentive in her observations, and knows how to repay kindness.”

“And what else?”

After a moment of silence, Chu Jinnian looked at Fan Wenxuan, “It seems Mr. Fan has something to add? How about we hear Mr. Fan’s evaluation of Miss Zhuang?”

Fan Wenxuan straightened up slightly, a bit more mirth appeared on his face, “If you want my words, there’s a lot more.”

“You probably don’t know that Miss Zhuang lost her parents at a young age and set up a female-headed household to take care of her young sister, which shows that she is quite independent.”

“In addition, Miss Zhuang is well-versed in literature. Her elegant handwriting is pleasing to the eye. Looking at her well-manicured courtyard, you can tell that she’s a person of depth.”

“Miss Zhuang has a keen understanding of business. She has opened a tofu workshop, a tofu skin workshop, a century egg workshop in her house, and it seems that she recently developed a mosquito-repellent herb bag, which works very well. We are using it in our garden too.”

“What’s even more remarkable is that Miss Zhuang cares deeply for the villagers, constantly devising ways to profit them. The village chief praises her without cease, and the villagers are very grateful…”

“It sounds very good,” Chu Jinnian nodded lightly.

Yes, yes!

Fan Wenxuan looked expectantly at Chu Jinnian, hoping to hear the next sentence he wanted from his mouth.

“Unfortunately…”

“Yes, unfortunately…Huh? What’s unfortunate?” Fan Wenxuan was taken aback.

“Unfortunately, Miss Zhuang is a woman. If she were a man, with her intelligence, she could be useful to me. It would be beneficial even to the Fourth Prince in Beijing,” Chu Jinnian said.

“Perhaps she could have some accomplishments in the court. Having such kind consideration for others would be a great blessing for the people.”

What did you say?

I’ve been painstakingly searching for a wife for you, and you’re just looking for an assistant?

Forget it, forget it. You, who only think about power and politics, do not deserve sweet love.

Fan Wenxuan, who was full of energy, felt like Chu Jinnian had thoroughly doused him with cold water. He instantly deflated.

I made two decisions in my heart.

First, I must find a husband who knows how to appreciate affection and understand human feelings for this wonderful girl, Zhuang Qingning. There are many talented youths among my students. I can pick from them slowly.

Second, I need to teach Chu Jinzhou well to prevent him from becoming as cold and expressionless as Chu Jinnian.

Chu Jinnian glanced at Fan Wenxuan, who was clearly sulking. He raised his eyebrows, “Mr. Fan has not yet mentioned this urgent matter for which you came.”

Fan Wenxuan,”…”

It’s not over yet!

You are truly irredeemable!

Fan Wenxuan didn’t want to say another word to Chu Jinnian. He just flung his sleeve, turned around, and left.

Chu Jinzhou came over and saw the displeased Fan Wenxuan. He bowed properly, “Good morning, sir.”

“Hmm.” Fan Wenxuan stroked Chu Jinzhou’s head and left.

Chu Jinzhou watched Fan Wenxuan stride off, then looked at Chu Jinnian in the flower hall. He quickly ran over, “Big Brother, what’s wrong with the teacher? He doesn’t seem very happy. Did you argue with him again?”

“Not really,” Chu Jinnian responded with a smile, “As for why the teacher isn’t happy, I don’t know either.”

“Alright, let’s see if you’ve grown taller during this time.”

I’ve grown,” Chu Jinzhou lifted his chin, his eyes sparkling, “I’ve grown nearly an inch.”

“Speaking of which, the teacher said that my calligraphy has improved. Do you want to have a look later?”

“Good, but now it’s time to eat breakfast.” Chu Jinnian pinched Chu Jinzhou’s nose and passed a bowl of chicken congee made with glutinous rice, brought by Ning Feng and the others, to Chu Jinzhou.

The few dishes on the table were exquisitely prepared. In addition to the usual ones, there was a kind Chu Jinnian had never seen before.

It was brown, had a texture like amber, and was crescent-shaped. It was served with garlic and chili, among other condiments.

Having a taste, it was flavorful and very delicious.

“What is this…” Chu Jinnian asked.

“This is a recent popular delicacy here, called the century egg. It tasted very good when I tried it, so I thought that Master might like it,” Ning Feng answered, “It’s actually sold at the tofu shop, the one owned by Miss Zhuang…” This is something sold by Zhuang Qingning.

Chu Jinnian took another piece to eat, feeling that the taste of the century egg was indeed delightful and seemed to linger.

One must admit, Zhuang Qingning really is meticulous in her considerations.

She can make such a thing, and even according to Mr. Fan’s implication, opened a workshop to make a profit, thereby enriching the countryside.

Admittedly very good.

Chu Jinnian lowered his gaze, concealing a flicker of light in his eyes.

Zhuang Qingning, accompanied by Gancao, was rushing to the village.

Before they reached the village, they spotted a horse carriage parked by the roadside from a distance. The man standing next to the carriage was none other than Ding Gaochang.

“Master Ding?” On seeing this, Zhuang Qingning hurriedly got off the carriage, “Why are you here?”

Last night you were in a dangerous situation because of my oversight,” Ding Gaochang began with an apology, “I searched for you all night but found no trace of you. I was only relieved when the county government office informed me that Jiang Yu and others had been arrested and you were saved by Master Chu.”

But when I think of you going through such crisis because of me, I’m still restless. So I waited here specifically to apologize to you.”

Having said this, Ding Gaochang bowed to Zhuang Qingning.

“Master Ding, this is not suitable.” Zhuang Qingning hurriedly stopped him,

“Last night’s event was evil people’s doing. If there was any mistake, it was

Jiang Yu and others’. It had nothing to do with you. It’s not right for you to feel guilty because of the incident.”

Besides, I’m back safe and unharmed now, there’s no need for you to take it to heart.”

“By the way, how’s Shi Bao?”

Zhuang Qingning remembered the “thump” from last night, it was probably Shi

Bao being knocked down.

“Shi Bao’s fine. He got injured, but the doctor said he’s fine now and just needs to rest for a few days,” Ding Gaochang replied.

“That’s good to hear.” Zhuang Qingning was relieved. Seeing Ding Gaochang still looked like he had a lot to say, she said, “If you really want to do something, could you perhaps trouble yourself to go to Miao Village again and bring back some sweet potatoes? That way, I can get started on making sweet potato glass noodles and jelly noodles.”

After last night’s turmoil, no one had probably attended to those sweet potatoes. Heaven knows where they were now..