The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

“If any rumors or gossip were to spread, it would be bad for both children. Not only would it delay their opportunities to court and marry, it could also make them the butt of jokes.”

“Even though marriages among the same surnames can happen, we live in the same village and belong to the same clan. If such rumors were to spread, it wouldn’t just be embarrassing for us adults, but it would tarnish the reputation of the entire village.”

“You’re adults now, act and speak prudently. Don’t let others think that adults are tactless. It would be an even worse example for the children.”

Her words had essentially punctured the elephant in the room.

Not only had she struck a chord with Mrs. Wang’s intentions, but she also rejected them quite strongly.

An awkward grin spread across Mrs. Wang’s face. She couldn’t stay here any longer. She awkwardly twisted her mouth, “What are you talking about? I’m not a tactless person. How could I deliberately stir up such talk?”

“It was just a casual remark, just a casual remark…”

Alright then, I left the stuff I brought for you here. Remember to eat it before it spoils. I left dinner cooking on the stove at home, so I should be on my way.” Chuckling awkwardly, Mrs. Wang turned around and practically fled.

Once Mrs. Wang had left, Mrs. Wen spat on the ground in disgust, “What a piece of work!”

“Auntie.” Zhuang Qingning giggled and took Mrs. Wen’s arm, “Auntie, you’re really wonderful.”

This coquettish sentiment made Mrs. Wen blush. She turned away and pulled her arm away from Zhuang Qingning, “Go away. What are you talking about? Since when am I a good person? Don’t attach that label to me, I haven’t done anything that wonderful.”

“How can you say that? Auntie, you helped me fend off such a huge peach blossom tribulation. How can you say you didn’t do anything good?”

Zhuang Qingning’s giggles rang out, “Just for that, auntie. You are a good person, a truly good person.”

“Don’t get any ideas. I’m not doing this out of the kindness of my heart. It’s just Mrs. Wang’s calculating nature that I can’t stand,” Mrs. Wen grumbled.

“I understand.” Zhuang Qingning laughed heartily. Joy radiated from her pretty face like a sunset glow in the western sky.

“I’m telling the truth,” Mrs. Wen found a stool to sit on.

“At first, I was really fond of the idea of you and Wencheng. Both of you are good kids, kind-hearted, and filial. It would be a good thing if you two could be together.”

I was so sure about this, and I intended to talk to you properly when I had the chance. Although Yutian and Yucheng tried to talk me out of it twice, saying that it depends on your feelings as well, I didn’t listen.”

“But lately, seeing Mrs. Wang showing up every day, bringing gifts or making small talk, and she never fails to mention you or Wencheng. Even as an old woman, I’m not a fool. I can guess what she’s up to.”

“Initially, I was rooting for you two. However, after seeing Mrs. Wang’s behavior, I gave it a second thought. A mother-in-law like her would be a nightmare. Just think about it, a simple-hearted and soft-spoken girl like you might get taken advantage of under her control.”

“So, I’m totally against this idea now. The sooner we clear up Mrs. Wang’s misunderstanding, the better. It will prevent her from fantasizing and making a mess.”

“That’s why I said, auntie treats me really well,” Zhuang Qingning giggled,

“You can’t bear to see me suffer or be taken advantage of.”

Mrs. Wen was unaccustomed to, and thus even more affected by this kind of charm from a young girl. She couldn’t keep a straight face and, finally, she burst into laughter. She gently tapped Zhuang Qingning’s forehead, her voice affectionate, “You, you…”

“But, you should tell me the truth, do you have feelings for Wencheng? I noticed that Wencheng seems to have feelings for you. If you do, I will buffer things from Mrs. Wang’s end for you.”

You should not worry about what I just said. I said those things for Mrs. Wang to hear. Nothing should be feared less than reputation in life. Don’t feel on pins and needles about it.”

“If you have no feelings for Wencheng…”

Mrs. Wen paused and looked at Zhuang Qingning.

Zhuang Qingning scratched her ear, “Auntie, to be honest. I don’t have romantic feelings for Brother Wencheng. I only see him as a brother.” “Brother Wencheng has been protective of me since we were children. After my parents died, he felt sorry for me and often helped me. I know all of that and I’m grateful for it.”

“I won’t hide it from you, auntie. I used to wonder if Brother Wencheng saw me as more than a sister, but Brother Wencheng never said anything. If I were to say something first, it would seem that I was overthinking things and it could cause embarrassment. So, I never said anything.”

“If you think that Brother Wencheng really has those feelings for me, then I must find time to have a good talk with him, and clarify my feelings to him as soon as possible, so as not to delay him.”

“Indeed, you should make it clear,” Mrs. Wen nodded, “This way you won’t waste each other’s time.”

At the same time, this should put an end to Mrs. Wang’s wishful thinking.

So she can stop bothering us.

However…

Mrs. Wen sighed, “Why do I feel a little regretful about how this has turned out?”

“Oh well, I’m old and I don’t know how many more days I have left. I shouldn’t be meddling with your generation’s affairs. You can do as you please.”

“But there’s one thing you must promise me – if you find a husband who is not as good as Wencheng, I will never accept it.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you, auntie.”

Zhuang Qingning laughed and squinted her eyes. She took a mooncake out of

the bamboo basket, “Enough about this, try the mooncake I made.”

“By the way, where are Mrs. Han and Sister Zhou? I don’t see them anywhere.”

Zhuang Qingning looked around, but she indeed didn’t see either of them.

“Mrs. Han said she was going to pick some cabbages to make a dish with meat. Daya is still in the workshop and hasn’t returned home yet,” Mrs. Wen replied.

She started eating a mooncake, “Since they’re not here, I’ll have a few bites.”

Take your time, auntie,” Zhuang Qingning advised while laughing at Mrs.

Wen, who was stuffing her face, “There are still plenty of mooncakes left. If there aren’t enough, I can make more. It’s no trouble at all.”

“It’s not that I’m afraid I won’t get any mooncakes,” Mrs. Wen mumbled, “You probably don’t know but Mrs. Han’s cooking is so bad, not even a dog would eat it.”

“Otherwise, why do you think Daya learned how to cook at such a young age?

She was forced to!”