The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

When she reached the village entrance, she saw a carriage parked there, which appeared to be unfamiliar to her.

Just as she was surprised, a man in his twenties of average build got down from the carriage.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning, the man greeted her with a bow, “You must be Manager Zhuang.”

“Indeed.” Zhuang took a look at him, confirmed that she didn’t know him, then responded with a bow, “May I know who you are…”

“My name is Zhong Yingcai, I’m the chief manager under Master Chu, mainly responsible for dealing with all of his businesses and properties. This time, since master Chu intends to engage in soap business with Manager Zhuang, he instructed me to work with you to get this business started.” Zhong Yingcai replied.

“So you’re sent by Master Chu.” Zhuang Qingning bowed again, “Greetings, Manager Zhong.”

“Would you join me for a cup of tea? We can discuss the details of the soap business.”

“Thank you, Manager Zhuang.” Zhong Yingcai and Qi Er stepped into the courtyard.

“Master Chu mentioned in his letter that he would like to make soap, but I’ve never seen soap before. Do you have any samples, Manager Zhuang?” Zhong Yingcai asked.

“Yes, I do.” Zhuang Qingning went inside and brought out some soaps.

Because she and Chu Jinnian had previously discussed the soap business, she had prepared many soaps for his representatives to evaluate during the New Year celebrations.

She had prepared various kinds of soaps — common soap, pearl powder soap, mugwort soap, sulfur soap, plum blossom soap, etc., cutting each into two-inch cubes to show to Zhong Yingcai.

Zhong Yingcai examined the soaps for a long time, sniffed them and even tried them with some water. The more he tried, the more he smiled, “These are really good.”

“Now I understand why the master wants to do this soap business. If these soaps are sold in Beijing, they will definitely sell very well.”

“If that’s the case, let’s not delay and start making soap right away. Master Chu had already indicated that the workshop should be built in the county town. When I was there, I had already purchased several courtyards, which have been cleaned up. One of them is very suitable for the workshop. Would you like to come and have a look, Manager Zhuang?”

“Moreover, what are the ingredients required for soap-making? Can you please make a list so that I can purchase them?”

“I’ll be busy for a few days training people at the noodle factory. It will be a few days before I can go and have a look at the soap workshop.”

Zhuang Qingning smiled and handed over a pile of papers that she had brought out with the soap, “This is a list of the ingredients I have drawn up. It shows what kinds of soap, need what materials, in what proportions, and how much you need to prepare.”

“In addition, these are some of the tools required for soap-making. I was afraid that I might not explain clearly enough, so I drew detailed diagrams and also made some prototypes. Manager Zhong just needs to make them according to the prototypes, and in the quantities indicated.”

Zhong Yingcai took the stack of papers, looking surprised and somewhat complicated.

He was happy that someone else could plan ahead of time. It was a pleasure to meet such a worthy competitor in business. Such people are not common, especially someone as methodical as Zhuang Qingning. Perhaps, just perhaps…

Just perhaps… if Master Chu is eager to do this soap business with Manager Zhuang, it must be because he admires her both as a person and her temperament.

Then the question is, why is the master who normally appreciates thoroughness like his, not treating him with the same respect?

Maybe…because he is not as good-looking as Manager Zhuang…

Everyone judges people by their looks, even the master is no exception.

Zhong Yingcai sighed inwardly, but his face didn’t show it. He carefully studied the prototype and diagrams Zhuang Qingning had made. If he didn’t understand something, he would ask her for advice.

Originally, they had planned to discuss the soap business in the evening, but as they continued, it became night.

Until Zhuang Qingsui added lamp oil for the second time, Zhong Yingcai realized that he had imposed on Zhuang Qingning for too long and left.

Before leaving, he arranged with Zhuang Qingning to go to see the soap workshop, and took all the soap samples she had shown him, planning to let others see them as well.

After sending Zhong Yingcai away, Zhuang Qingning finally got to preparing dinner.

“You must be starving. I’ll make some pimple soup for you.” Zhuang Qingning rubbed Zhuang Qingsui’s head.

“Okay.” Zhuang Qingsui nodded and rubbed her eyes.

Her eyes seemed sore and red from reading too long.

“Take a break. You can continue reading later.” Zhuang Qingning brought another lamp and some dried fruit for her to munch on.

Zhuang Qingsui shook her head, “The tutor at the women’s college has very strict requirements. I haven’t been studying long, and, if I don’t work hard, I may not pass the exam. I need to work harder as there’s not much time left.”

“Alright, but you can only read until I finish cooking. After dinner, you can’t continue. Whether or not you can pass the exam is one thing, but you might ruin your health.” Zhuang Qingning thus stopped trying to persuade her, and went off to cook the pimple soup.

—-

After several days of hectic training at Shijiazhuang village to make the noodles preparing the workshop, the noodle workshop finally opened its doors for business.

There were no colourful decorations or fireworks, just the busy figures inside the workshop, their harmonious cooperation, and the smiling faces of the villagers.

Seeing this, both Zhuang Qingning and Shang Chengen exchanged understanding smiles.

“Manager Shang has been busy with this workshop, is there any problem with the noodle shop?” Zhuang Qingning asked with a smile.

“Sharpening tools will not delay work. Even if the noodle shop is shut for a few days, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that making dried noodles can actually reduce the effort of kneading flour everyday. Plus, it gives us the opportunity to expand to new places. There are numerous advantages.” Shang Chengen said with a smile, “As for the sales of dried noodles, you should not be worried, Manager Zhuang. I’ve already booked the store fronts in several places that will sell these noodles. We can sell as much noodles as we produce.”