The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chu Jinnian’s whip spun in the air, “If you have something to say, ask. This hesitancy not only stifles you but also annoys others.”

“It’s better to speak up directly than to doubt and ponder each other, to avoid unnecessary imaginings.”

Being hit right in the heart of his troubles, Chu Jinzhou’s cheeks slightly reddened. He bit his lip and finally leaned out of the carriage, sitting side by side with Chu Jinnian in front.

“Big brother.” Chu Jinzhou shook his leg, “I remember you dislike cakes the most, particularly the osmanthus cake with lotus root powder.”

“You said this cake was too sweet, making you uncomfortable all over. But today, you told Big Sister Ning that you like the osmanthus cake with lotus root powder?”

“Did you say that because you thought it would offend Big Sister Ning’s goodwill if you said you didn’t like it? So, did you lie reluctantly?”

“So, you said it to save Big Sister Ning’s face, to make her happy? Actually, you don’t have to bother that much. Big Sister Ning has always been an open-minded woman and would not take offense over such little things…”

“This…” Chu Jinnian touched his nose, “Not really.”

“Oh? Why so?” Chu Jinzhou was utterly surprised.

“I genuinely love the osmanthus cake with lotus root powder.” Chu Jinnian answered earnestly.

Chu Jinzhou gaped, “But in the past, you always…”

“I love it now.” Chu Jinnian smiled.

Lowering his head, Chu Jinzhou thought for a while, “The teacher said that people’s temperament, appearance, and physique all change with time. Is the same the case with big brother?”

It must be so. He used to stay in Qingzhuyuan; it was quiet, but he still didn’t feel too happy. Now he has Mr. Fan, Big Sister Ning, Zhuang Qingsui, and Zhuang Mingli, and he feels happy every day.

Chu Jinnian did not like the osmanthus cake with lotus root powder in the past, but liking it now is not unusual at all.

Once Chu Jinzhou figured this out, he stopped worrying about Chu Jinnian and the cake. He reached into the carriage, pulled the food box to his side, and rubbed his belly, “I’ve been in class all day, and I’m starving. This cake must be freshly made by Big Sister Ning; it might be best to eat a couple while it’s still warm.”

While talking, Chu Jinzhou extended his hand to open the food box.

“Clang”

As soon as Chu Jinzhou lifted the lid, within the blink of an eye, Chu Jinnian slammed it shut.

Startled, Chu Jinzhou looked at Chu Jinnian’s hand pressing on the box for a while before looking up at his big brother, “Big Brother?”

“We will be at Qingzhuyuan soon. Eating while riding on the bumpy carriage isn’t pleasant. Just bear with it for a little while and we can eat when we arrive.”

Chu Jinnian didn’t look back and said, “I remember you being extremely fond of crystal shrimp dumplings. I’ll ask the kitchen to make some tonight. You’re still young and need to eat proper meals. Snacks are too sweet, and children can’t have too many.”

“Oh, okay.” Chu Jinzhou nodded blandly.

Watching Chu Jinnian reposition the food box, Chu Jinzhou scratched the back of his head.

Why does he feel like his big brother is somewhat off today?

The two brothers finally arrived at Qingzhuyuan.

There were people to receive them at the entrance as usual, except this time, there was an extra person.

“Master Chu.” Mr. Fan walked up with a grim face and clenched fists, filled with indignant anger, “Master Chu, you’re being too unreasonable. Teaching students is my duty. Why do you insist on taking over? What’s the reasoning behind this?”

If they found out that Chu Jinnian was actually teaching better than him, what should he do if Zhuang Qingsui and Zhuang Mingli were in the Chu faction, even when he was teaching them?

Having other mentors in his students’ hearts, leaving only a bit of space for him, was something that Fan Wenxuan found extremely unacceptable.

Especially considering that Chu Jinnian was probably not primarily concerned with teaching, but rather a way to mooch a living and gain more familiarity with Zhuang Qingning, having ulterior motives.

The thought of this made Fan Wenxuan so angry his precious goatee was standing on end.

“The days seem to be getting colder.” Chu Jinnian looked up at the darkening sky as the sun set, “Every winter, the monks at the Puti Temple always conduct Buddhist services and chant for blessings.”

“The abbot is not only known for his understanding of Buddhism but also for his excellent calligraphy skills. Over the years, those outside the temple never had a chance to acquire his work due to his frugality.”

“Master Chu, I was talking to you about something, and you’re just…” When Fan Wenxuan saw that Chu Jinnian didn’t respond to his question directly and was instead rambling, he got even angrier and started reprimanding him while pointing at him.

“However, this year, quite coincidentally, I helped the abbot with something. In gratitude, he offered to give me a piece of his handwritten poetry.”

Chu Jinnian glanced at Fan Wenxuan, “I imagine it should be ready soon.”

Calligraphy by the abbot himself?

Fan Wenxuan quickly smoothed his goatee, making it look less unruly.

“Ha ha ha, Master Chu, as for that calligraphy, it’s not that big of a deal as long as you think carefully about everything.”

Fan Wenxuan said with a smile, “For example, I’ve been feeling unwell these days and couldn’t school the two students. Despite all your hard work, you went in my stead; you’re so considerable, and I am really impressed!”

As he spoke, Fan Wenxuan not only bowed his fist in respect to Chu Jinnian but also showed him a thumbs up.

Ning Feng and Banqing looked at each other, eventually covering their eyes with their hands.

The words were enough to make one feel embarrassed, even nauseous. The key thing was his facial expression, being as obsequious as possible, and excessively flattering.

Compared with Fan Wenxuan from the past, who was a stubborn old man and quite arrogant, they seemed like two different people.

At present, it was really… unbearable to watch!

Especially Ning Feng, who had unintentionally seen Fan Wenxuan seriously in the past. Looking at him now, he felt particularly complicated.

What kind of situation could make Fan Wenxuan show so many different faces?

“I’m glad Mr. Fan understands, that’s great.” Chu Jinnian smiled lightly and responded politely, “I remember that Mr. Fan loves collecting various drawings and inscriptions. Coincidentally, I don’t like these. I’ll give Mr. Fan the calligraphy from the abbot as a gift instead.”

“Thank you, Master Chu, for your generosity.” Fan Wenxuan gratefully accepted with a smile.