The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Now, viewing from the foot of the mountain, you can see these lush trees spread across the slopes, their leaves either dark green, fiery red, or apricot yellow. Layer upon layer, these create a vivid, still picture much like an oil painting, providing a feast for the eyes.

The valley echoes with the sweet melody of bird calls, the soft murmur of spring water, and the occasional splash of a small waterfall cascading down a cliff. The long-distance chants of the mountain workers also beckon invitingly, making one want to linger amidst this beautiful scenery.

After securing the horses at the foot of the mountain, the four individuals and their three servants began their ascent.

“What a wonderful mountain,” Zhuang Qingning, while going up the stairs, inhaled deeply the fresh air mixed with mountain trees, and admired the surroundings, as she walked.

“Indeed,” Fan Wenxuan chuckled, stroking his beard. “Apart from its beautiful scenery and clear spring water, there’s an interesting legend behind Cuiwei Mountain.”

“It is said that after Pangu created the heavens and earth, and Nuwa created humanity, people began to toil on this land, reproduce, and live in groups, thus forming many small tribes, each making their home in different parts.

“Nearby, there were several small tribes originally, supporting each other and living peacefully together. However, one day, disaster struck. A larger tribe from afar coveted this land’s forests and fields, attacked this area, plundered and killed, sparing no evil in their actions. They even butchered all the elderly and weak in the tribes to prevent future retribution.”

“Just after these thieves had committed their atrocities and were celebrating, the sky suddenly darkened, becoming covered in dark clouds accompanied by thunder and lightning. A whirlpool-like phenomenon appeared in the sky and in an instant, a gigantic mountain descended from the heavens, crushing all the thieves underneath it.”

“From the moment this mountain descended, torrential rain poured down for several days regardless of day or night. When the rain eventually ceased and the clouds dispersed, all that was left were the mountain and a lake. Because this mountain had come to punish evil, it was named Zuiwei Mountain, and the lake was called Zuiwei Lake.”

“During the previous dynasty, the emperor, who passed by this place, felt that although the landscape was beautiful, the name was somewhat morbid, so he changed its name to Cuiwei Mountain and Cuiwei Lake.”

“Until this dynasty, the name has remained the same, and the tellings of the legend have become less and less. Now, many people are only aware of the exceptional beauty of this mountain and the incomparable sweetness of the spring water.”

Zhuang Qingning blinked after hearing the story Fan Wenxuan told. An incredibly beautiful mountain like this had such an origin.

Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou, who were both engrossed in the story, also felt rather contemplative.

“Heaven’s law is impartial, and evil will be rewarded with evil. Such heinous actions will certainly receive divine punishment, and justice will be restored to the people,” Chu Jinzhou asserted, his voice soft but full of conviction.

Zhuang Qingsui, after a moment’s thought, remarked, “It’s rather fortuitous to depend on the will of Heaven. It’s actions that count. If those tribes had united, they would have been able to resist the enemy and avenge their deceased relatives.”

Zhuang Qingning listened to the two with interest, thought for a moment, and then smiled without saying anything, instead turning to look at Fan Wenxuan.

“Hmm, both of your points have some merits,” Fan Wenxuan nodded. “However, one of you spoke about divine providence and the other about human effort, with each of you focusing on different aspects.”

“Can you both think about why you made your respective statements and why the other person made theirs?”

“This question is a bit difficult, so you don’t need to rush to answer. You can take your time to think about it.”

Fan Wenxuan looked up, “There’s a gazebo up ahead. Let’s go there to rest and have some water.”

“Alright,” Chu Jinzhou and Zhuang Qingsui both agreed before they acted out their childish curiosity, laughing and running towards the simple gazebo made of four pillars and thatched with straw.

Their laughter tinkled through the air like a string of silver bells.

Fan Wenxuan slowed down, leisurely following them.

Zhuang Qingning, who was originally at the back, caught up with him and smiled, “Mr. Fan, surely the origin of Cuiwei Mountain isn’t simply that.” “Keep quiet if you know the truth,” Fan Wenxuan signaled Zhuang Qingning to lower her voice, offering a slight smile before continuing his leisurely march forward, his hands clasped behind his back.

Zhuang Qingning shook her head in amusement.

This Mr. Fan is indeed extraordinary. At first glance, it seems he doesn t act seriously or teach children to read and write properly, yet on closer examination, it could be said that he manages to integrate learning and instruction into every moment. Children are young and no matter how hard you push them, their memory and comprehension capabilities are limited. Therefore, it is better to use this lengthy time to establish a solid foundation, cultivate good habits, and train their thinking skills and methods. When they grow a little older, they can learn much faster and achieve a qualitative leap in their knowledge, for a remarkable improvement.

Even in modern society, many educators still don’t understand this principle or this teaching method. Yet, Fan Wenxuan is able to discard conventional beliefs, hold his unique thoughts, and seamlessly integrate this method into all aspects of life. He truly is out of the ordinary.

Zhuang Qingning felt a touch more admiration for Mr. Fan and hastened her pace to catch up.

Upon reaching the gazebo, Chu Jinzhou, Zhuang Qingsui, and their servants had already brought out some food and drinks. Various types of mooncakes, pear juice, and the readibly available mountain spring water were shared among them. Everyone sat in the gazebo halfway up the mountain, enjoying the gentle breeze and engaging in idle chatter, making it a rather comfortable experience.

As the sun climbed higher, Cuiwei Mountain gradually filled with visitors.

Just like Chu Jinzhou guessed, there were quite a few tourists. In the time it took for one to finish a cup of tea, several groups of people had already passed by them, all in small groups.

Some were families on an outing, others were scholar-like individuals in groups, some were women and young girls, and even white-haired elderly people helping each other climb the mountain.

Everyone who passed by was discussing the same thing, which was an “auspicious sign” that appeared on Cuiwei Mountain a few days ago.

“What exactly is this so-called ‘auspicious sign’?” Zhuang Qingning asked curiously.

“I know about it!” A servant named Banqing nearby quickly responded. It seems that on the evening of the day before yesterday, someone saw a colorful auspicious cloud rise from the middle of Cuiwei Mountain, swirling around the mountain three times, and then falling into a narrow rift.”

“They say that the cloud descended on a rock in the narrow rift. In an instant, the rock burst forth with brilliant rays of light and emitted a strange fragrance. When the light and fragrance subsided, there appeared an unknown green plant on the rock.”