The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

The clear, righteous gaze of the man before her didn’t remind Zhuang Qingning of a scoundrel. In fact, him being a teacher reminded her of her past life, when she had been taught by a stern yet kind old professor. These memories brought inexplicable warmth toward the stranger before her.

Moreover, given the assignment she had just received…

For the sake of the sizeable reward, charge on!

“Please, come in.” she said.

“Thank you, miss.” Fan Wenxuan thanked her politely, following Zhuang Qingning through the door.

Sister, you’re back.” Zhuang Qingning’s younger sister Zhuang Qingsui flew over to her like a small bird upon seeing her return home, “I’ve already fed Snow Globe as you ordered – I cooked some chicken meat and chicken heart, even added some egg yolk. Snow Globe really enjoyed it.”

Having quickly finished her words, Zhuang Qingsui tilted her head curiously at the stranger beside her sister, “And who is this gentleman?”

“He’s a traveler who stopped by for a drink.” Zhuang Qingning gently patted Zhuang Qingsui’s head, “Why don’t you fetch a pot of cool tea?”

“Okay.” Zhuang Qingsui assented, running off to the kitchen with excitement.

Zhuang Qingning brought over a stool, “Please have a seat, sir.”

Thank you, thank you.” Fan Wenxuan sat down, heaving a long sigh of relief. Finally, he found a place where he can catch his breath and rest for a moment. Especially in this pleasing, fresh, and elegant setting, where it felt comfortable just to stay.

Combined with a pot of cool, refreshing tea that was delicious without being too cold, it was incredibly soothing on the palate…

Fan Wenxuan felt he was truly lucky!

I truly am grateful, miss. May I ask what your name is?” Fan Wenxuan asked.

My surname is Zhuang.” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile.

In the presence of strangers, it’s inappropriate for a woman to tell her full name. Zhuang Qingning had come to understand this requirement.

“Thank you, Miss Zhuang.” Fan Wenxuan thanked her again, “I was really fortunate to have met you today. If not for you, I would have had to knock on several doors to find water.”

Pardon my intrusion, but this beautifully unique courtyard intrigued me. Could you tell me what your father does for a living? It’s quite rare to see such an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.”

With its refinement and charm, this elegant courtyard was a rare sight. It exuded a more picturesque ambiance than the typical farmhouse, and a more rustic appeal than the deliberately constructed estates of wealthy households. To be honest, compared to Fan Wenxuan’s own residence at Qingzhuyuan, this courtyard was more to his liking.

If he could meet the person with such an extraordinary taste, he would definitely look forward to it.

Whether or not they were a well-read scholar was irrelevant, as this person surely has a spectacular understanding of life and literature.

“Without concealing anything from you, Mr. Fan, my parents passed away earlier, leaving me and my younger sister behind. I recently finished tidying up this courtyard and moved in.” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile.

Can it really be that such a young lady had created this sublime environment?

Fan Wenxuan was utterly stunned. Yet, seeing Zhuang Qingning’s composed demeanor and more dignified manner than that of a typical country girl, he found it somewhat plausible. Embarrassed, he hurriedly said, “I apologize for my rudeness just now. I hope you can forgive me, Miss Zhuang.”

“Not at all, there’s no need to fret. Since you weren’t aware, no fault can be placed on you,” Zhuang Qingning replied, “Mr. Fan, it appears that you’ve lost your way. Do you remember where your home is? Can you find your way back?” “I teach in the west side of Qingzhuyuan. I have no idea about the roads here. It’s uncertain how much time I’ll need to get back home if I were to ask for directions along the way,” he sighed as he brought up the topic.

Had he known, he wouldn’t have sneaked out alone. He would’ve instructed his servants to hitch up the carriage and taken an outing as a cover-up. Who could’ve guessed what he was really up to?

Turns out, his clever plan to discreetly leave ended in failure. He couldn’t find his way back home. It was likely difficult for him to return now.

Though getting back was not an impossible task, it would mainly be a matter of endurance. Meanwhile, poor Chu Jinzhou was probably worried sick about him.

The thought of his beloved disciple, looking miserable and worried made Fan Wenxuan let out one hundred and twenty sighs in his heart.

“I’ve not heard of Qingzhuyuan, but I’ve heard that the west is where merchants and nobles gather. It’s a place where people from our village rarely venture, so I suppose few would know of it,” Zhuang Qingning thought for a moment, before suggesting, “I’ve opened a shop in the town and will be heading there shortly to deliver goods. If Mr. Fan doesn’t mind, he could come to town with us. There are many shops there that deliver goods to the west. Someone there may know where Qingzhuyuan is, and Mr. Fan could easily hire a carriage in town to take him back home.”

“What does Mr. Fan think about this plan?”

“Miss Zhuang has come up with a brilliant idea. I will gladly accompany you. But I must apologize for causing you such inconvenience,” Fan Wenxuan said as he rose to thank her.

There s no need for such formalities,” Zhuang Qingning said with a smile, “If one can lend a hand when someone is in trouble while away from home, it’s their duty to help.”

Zhuang Qingning was a genuinely good person.

Fan Wenxuan couldn’t resist stroking his chin thoughtfully.

“Sister,” Zhuang Qingsui blinked, tugging at Zhuang Qingning’s sleeve, “Can I come with you when you head to town later? I’ve been telling Sister Qiuying for a while now that I want to show her Snow Globe.”

Zhuang Qingning rubbed Zhuang Qingsui’s nose, “Perhaps you’ve forgotten

that you haven’t finished today’s lessons?”

Zhuang Qingsui immediately wilted at the reminder, hanging her head and tugging at her own sleeve.

“Mingli will be coming over to practice reading with you later. Would you have the heart to leave him by himself or have you forgotten what you said earlier?” Zhuang Qingning teased, rubbing Zhuang Qingsui’s nose again.

I didn’t forget…” Zhuang Qingsui lifted her drooping head slightly to nod.

“That’s right, what has been said should never be forgotten. And you shouldn’t give up easily on a decision you’ve made,” Zhuang Qingning advised with a smile, “Didn’t we just talk about it earlier? You have a day off every five days. You can accompany me to town then to see Sister Qiuying. There’s no rush.”

Okay, sister. I’ll wait for my day off then.” Zhuang Qingsui eagerly agreed. Chasing after Snow Globe, she ran off to play.

“Is little Miss Zhuang learning to read?” Fan Wenxuan raised an eyebrow and asked.

Yes, she’s learning to read and write. She once mentioned wanting to be a teacher, so I thought of sending her to school. But there are no schools nearby that accept female students. The only women’s college located in the county town has high admission criteria and wouldn’t accept someone who doesn’t know a single character. So, for now, I’m teaching her a few words at home. When I think the time is right, I’ll try to enroll her in school,” Zhuang Qingning explained.

In her previous life, Zhuang Qingning had a deep fascination for classical literature and was familiar with many characters. It wasn’t a problem for her to teach Zhuang Qingsui now. However, she was not very familiar with systematic teaching methods and therefore thought it was best to send her to a women’s college when the time comes.