The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

“Just as well, I was about to say that the shop’s getting busy, so I was planning to leave early today. Let’s head out sooner rather than later, lest it gets too hot.”

Upon hearing Zhuang Yutian say this, Zhuang Qingning tidied up a bit and followed Zhuang Yutian to the county town together with Zhuang Qingsui.

Upon arriving at Zhuang Yutian’s cloth shop, Mrs. Meng and Zhuang Wencheng saw the carriage returning and hurried out to welcome them, helping carry things. To their pleasant surprise, Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui were present.

“Miss Ning is here.” Mrs. Meng enthusiastically led the way to the backyard, “You must be hot after the journey. Come in and cool down.”

While speaking, she called Zhuang Wencheng over to cut some watermelon and bring cool tea over.

Zhuang Wencheng was quite surprised at Zhuang Qingning’s sudden visit to the county town. He hurriedly went to fetch the watermelon and tea as instructed by Mrs. Meng, but hesitated towards the idea of explaining why he was now at the cloth shop.

After thinking it over, he went to find Zhuang Yutian, hoping to inquire if Zhuang Qingning was aware that he was no longer working at the pharmacy.

But before he could speak, Zhuang Yutian had already called out to Mrs. Meng, “We’re swamped up front. Could you lend a hand?”

“By the way, Miss Sui, a customer had commissioned a tailor to make a summer outfit a few days ago, but the clothes ended up too small and the order couldn’t be filled. The clothes have been lying in the shop since then. They look like they would fit you. How about you try them on?”

New clothes?

Childish excitement lit up Zhuang Qingsui’s face at the mention of new clothes, but she still looked to Zhuang Qingning for permission.

“Go ahead.” Zhuang Qingning patted her little head, smiling.

Zhuang Qingsui ecstatically followed Zhuang Yutian away.

Realizing Zhuang Yutian’s intent when he called Mrs. Meng over and specifically asked Zhuang Qingsui to inspect some clothes, Mrs. Meng cheerfully responded, “Miss Ning, rest a while. I’ll be right back.”

“Do what you need to, Auntie.”

“Wencheng, look after Miss Ning for me. You two grew up together, and it’s been a while since you last saw each other. This would be a good chance to catch up.”

Before leaving, she specially instructed Zhuang Wencheng.

Zhuang Wencheng, who had been quite flustered, quickly acknowledged her command, bringing the watermelon and cold tea, “Little Sister Ning, try some of this watermelon. It’s quite sweet.”

“Thank you, Brother Wencheng.” Zhuang Qingning smiled.

Perhaps due to his longing from not seeing Zhuang Qingning for some time, Zhuang Wencheng thought she seemed lovelier than before. Seeing her smile, his face instantly turned rosy, not knowing where to place his hands.

“Brother Wencheng, I heard from Uncle Yutian that you are no longer at the pharmacy?”

Zhuang Qingning’s voice resounded like a cool breeze on a sweltering July day, rustling the riverside willow trees, pleasant to the ear.

Zhuang Wencheng managed to steady his thoughts, his blushing face fading, and he nodded, “Yes, after much thought, I realized that I was not really cut out for studying medicine. So I decided to quit and learn business with Uncle Yutian, maybe run a small business in the future.”

Still the same explanation.

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips, “Brother Wencheng, I’m sorry… the misunderstanding over the mosquito repellent herbs ended up implicating you…”

Zhuang Wencheng was stunned for a moment, looking at Zhuang Qingning, and after meeting her clear eyes, he sighed deeply.

Indeed, she knew.

“It’s not quite like that…” Zhuang Wencheng scratched his ear, “My master was quite critical of me during that time. I could clearly see it myself. It was just a matter of time.”

“As for the mosquito repellent herbs issue, the pharmacy only sells what my master prepares himself. Those aren’t even as good as the herbs from Uncle’s shop. As an apprentice, how could I have concocted a better recipe? It was just an excuse my master found, hence when I left, I didn’t even bother explaining…”

“Actually, Little Sister Ning, I might as well tell you the truth. Even before this episode, I was considering whether or not to continue staying at the pharmacy.”

“You’ve seen it, there are two apprentices at the pharmacy, Brother Huzi and me. Master has no sons, and he can only pass his skills on to one person. He definitely won’t pass it to two people. Brother Huzi has been there the longest. Although Master always says Brother Huzi lacks natural ability, he is diligent in teaching him. On my side, Master once held great expectations of me, saying that my values were upright. Therefore, neither of us knew who Master would pass his medical skills on to.”

“Regarding the swapped herbs, the truth is different from what you heard. Afterwards, I thought it through. There was no way my master would have done it. I didn’t do it, so the only one left who could have swapped the herbs is Brother Huzi. After realizing this, I noticed that sometimes Brother Huzi would speak ill of me to Master subtly, and Master’s impression of me worsened, probably due in part to Brother Huzi’s efforts.”

“This was clear to me, and I thought it through thoroughly. I even considered confronting my master and Brother Huzi about it. But eventually, I realized that if Master believed Brother Huzi and not me, it was because he wanted to believe him, not me. Arguing would have been useless, and it would only add to the trouble.”

“There’s also the fact… I heard that Brother Huzi’s parents died when he was a child and he grew up with his aunt. His life has been rather tough. Now his aunt is ill and his uncle has left due to certain circumstances. The family is facing hard times. Brother Huzi probably switched the herbs in order to earn some money. He tarnished my reputation, intending that after I got kicked out, he could inherit all of the master’s skills. He is pitiable, after all. I could find other ways to make a living after leaving the pharmacy, and my family wasn’t placing all their hopes on me. For Brother Huzi, it was different. This was his only hope. So, I…”

Gave way to Han Hu.

Having heard all this, Zhuang Qingning clenched her fingers.

As she thought, her childhood friend was indeed a kind-hearted person.

She had thought that Zhuang Wencheng was too kindhearted, resulting in him forgetting to be wary. Now it appeared that he understood everything clearly, but simply chose not to pursue the matter.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning look at him, Zhuang Wencheng smiled somewhat awkwardly, “I didn’t tell Uncle about this. Knowing his temper, if he found out, he probably wouldn’t let it slide. I merely said that I’m no longer willing to work there.”

“But I do realize now that keeping it from him may not have been the best course of action. This county isn’t too big or small, and there are plenty of gossips. Uncle has likely heard some rumors. Given that you’ve come to the county town all of a sudden, you probably believe that my conflict affected you somehow. You must feel guilty, and if you think so, Uncle is likely thinking the same. I should have a talk with him to prevent him from feeling burdened.”