The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Ding Gaochang instructed, “Also, call more people tomorrow to avoid any messes. After bringing him back later, summon some people to persuade those at the entrance of the Government Office to leave.”

“Yes, Master,” responded the two government officials.

One of them, named Shen Quan, praised, “Miss Zhuang is really clear-headed. When we first met, I thought we had found the wrong person. I didn’t expect such a young lady.”

“Yes, I didn’t expect that either.” Shi Bao agreed, “Looking at Miss Zhuang’s demeanor, she seems to have a solution. I suppose tomorrow’s matter should be successful.”

“Hmm.” Ding Gaochang nodded.

I do hope so.

“Also, in addition to what Miss Zhuang said earlier, Shi Bao, you should go to the cloth shop and get a face veil for tomorrow,” Ding Gaochang ordered.

“Oh?” Shi Bao was surprised, “Why is that?”

“Miss Zhuang’s actions will certainly provoke reprisal from the charlatan’s gang. Even if we want to clear them out, we might not be able to do so completely. If Miss Zhuang is implicated in this matter again, it would be very inappropriate.”

Ding Gaochang explained, “Have Miss Zhuang cover her face with a light veil during her journey. Unknown to others, she will naturally be safe, and we can consider this as our part in looking out for her.”

“Yes, Master Ding’s consideration is thorough. I will prepare it when I get back,” Shi Bao agreed.

“Also, things may be very chaotic tomorrow. You all must protect Miss Zhuang first,” Ding Gaochang ordered.

“Yes.” Shen Quan and Shi Bao gave a loud affirmative reply.

After giving a few more instructions, the three of them arrived at the County Government Office and went about their duties.

Zhuang Qingning was busy in the shop until Zhuang Sifu brought the goods over, and they returned home together.

After a short rest, Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui went to check on their new house.

The house was completely built by this time. The walls inside were already plastered with white lime, the doors and windows had been installed, and everything inside and outside had been cleaned up. The furniture that Zhuang Qingning had entrusted Ye Dayong to custom-make had also been neatly arranged.

They would wait for the delivery of the rest of the furniture and little items for decoration.

Zhuang Qingning added all the necessary items she could think of temporarily, and for those that she couldn’t, she planned to move in first and gradually add whatever she needed later.

In the courtyard, the stone table and stone bench she wanted were already set up, and the ground was paved with blue bricks. The place left for planting flowers, the corner for growing vegetables, and the trees she planned to plant were all done.

Two Osmanthus trees that hadn’t grown yet, a few peach and apricot trees, and several grapevines suggested by Ye Dayong were all planted. Two large water tanks were set up in the yard, with lotus plants moved into them.

At this moment, the lotus leaves were verdant, the lotus buds were about to bloom, and they reflected the slowly setting sunset, making a beautiful scene. Below the lotus leaves were several small Koi, swimming lively.

Zhuang Qingsui strolled around the courtyard for a long circuit, and finally bounced to Zhuang Qingning’s side, “Sister, our new house is built very well, and the courtyard is beautifully arranged, but I think we’re missing something.”

“What is it?” Zhuang Qingning looked at the openwork flower pattern, wondering whether she should plant a row of roses at the base of this wall.

When the roses would climb up the flower wall in spring and summer, a full wall of blooming roses would surely make a beautiful scene.

And that wall, if painted white might look a bit plain, but leaving the blue bricks exposed might seem monotonous. It might be better to use dry coarse bamboo poles to create walls in various heights, this way it would be beautiful no matter what decoration hung up or flowers planted there.

While Zhuang Qingning was thinking about this, she heard Zhuang Qingsui say that something was missing and immediately became interested, “What’s missing? Let me hear.”

“A swing.” Zhuang Qingsui giggled, “If we could set up a swing, it would be great to sit in the shade and swing in the courtyard.”

“That’s a good idea.” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “I’ll ask Uncle Dayong if he knows someone who can make a swing. Arrange a slightly better one to be placed here.”

Zhuang Qingning pointed near the stone table and chairs, “By that time, it will be cool under the grape trellis in the summer, and in the winter it can also get sunshine, which is very comfortable.”

“That’s right.” Zhuang Qingsui nodded, “Also, we can raise a puppy, watching it running around the courtyard, it will definitely be interesting.”

Seeing that Zhuang Qingning didn’t agree or disagree, Zhuang Qingsui asked with a twinkle in her eyes, “Sister, don’t you like raising dogs?”

“That’s not it. I think, it would be good to raise a cat too. Then our home would be more lively.” Zhuang Qingning smiled, “This matter should be discussed with Aunt He, Aunt He would know whose dog is having puppies and whose cat is giving birth. Let’s ask her later, and if someone does have, we will get one after a month.”

“Okay.” Zhuang Qingsui nodded excitedly.

In the village, cats and dogs were semi-freely raised. They usually guarded the house and roamed around during their leisure time, moreover, they were not neutered, so many of them would often get pregnant. The offspring could not all be kept in the house, so they were given to others,

So, finding a kitten or a puppy was easy, one just needed to find out who had them and go to their house to ask for one, a few eggs were often enough in return.

Thinking of having two fluffy critters to accompany her and her sister at home, and being able to pet their smooth fur, Zhuang Qingsui was excited to the point of wanting to run circles around the yard.

Zhuang Qingning watched her sister’s excited face, reached out and rubbed her little head.

The happiness of this child is really simple.

The two sisters, after discussing some other things in the yard, they went back, prepared dinner, went to check the tofu factory, and then went early to the tofu factory to see the production of tofu the next day.

Just like usual.

When they arrived at the tofu shop, Ding Gaochang was already waiting at the entrance of the shop.

“Miss Zhuang.” Seeing Zhuang Qingning approaching, Ding Gaochang saluted.

“Master Ding.” Zhuang Qingning bowed slightly, “I’m sorry to bother you, Master Ding. Just wait a moment, I will settle things down and then I will go with you.”

“No problem, Miss Zhuang should take care of her own business first.” Ding Gaochang said. Seeing Zhuang Qingning and others moving tofu, tofu products, and bean sprouts inside, he and Shen Quan helped to carry the things into the shop and put them all in their proper places.

“Miss Zhuang, this tofu…” When Ding Gaochang smelled the fragrance of the hot tofu, he couldn’t help licking his lips, “The taste of this tofu, it smells just like the tofu used in Hanfeng Tower in the county town.”

It’s very very similar..