The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Of course, another reason is that poverty and debt have made her diligent and capable.

“Master Chu, are you asking because, like others, you believe businessmen to be tainted by profit?”

“Not at all.” Chu Jinnian shook his head, “On the contrary, I think that businessmen are essential.”

“Though some businessmen are ruthlessly opportunistic, driven only by their own profit, they also move goods from one place to another, facilitating circulation and turnover everywhere because of the profit that can be made.” “From horses and iron ware to oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar, it’s all because of this that the common people can earn silver coins, ensure their livelihood, and continue to thrive.”

“Many people understand this principle, but the lure of silver often makes people lose their reason. Several have taken dangerous risks for huge profits and hoarded goods to the detriment of the common people. That’s why the imperial court frequently suppresses business to ensure it is not prioritized over other aspects of life.”

“Indeed, businessmen enjoy the comforts brought by silver coins, but it’s only fair that they pay a price in terms of reputation.” Zhuang Qingning smiled knowingly, “It’s a matter of give and take.”

It is indeed fair.

However, many people are quite greedy. In their desire for one thing, they would happily sacrifice another. But when they finally attain what they wanted, they still yearn for everything else.

It was rare to find someone like Zhuang Qingning, who could see through this and have her own thoughts, particularly given her young age.

From her childhood to the present, whether in the palace or in Beijing, or even her maternal home, all the women Chu Jinnian knew believed that women should be virtuous and unassuming.

Even the most prestigious princesses in the palace expected this, just like talented women skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They were expected to be weak and compliant. Like a marionette, they obeyed their parents at home and their husbands after marrying.”

The only stubborn and independent person with her own ideas might have been his mother, the queen.

After her death, Chu Jinnian thought he would never find another person like her who knew what she wanted and what she needed to give up. Yet, here she was, right before his eyes.

The light in Chu Jinnian’s eyes brightened a bit, and even his voice seemed a bit more cheerful, “Miss Zhuang, your insights are admirable. Since you enjoy doing business, I would love to make a deal with you.”

“Oh?” Zhuang Qingning’s eyes lit up in intrigue.

Doing business with such an official from the capital – wouldn’t that be like climbing a big tree for support?

It’d then be easy for business to reach Beijing, get credit for higher-level prescriptions like spices and such. She could then amass wealth throughout Beijing. It looked like her diligence value would multiply.

Paying off her massive debts seemed within reach.

Zhuang Qingning’s mood suddenly brightened as these thoughts filled her head, “I look forward to doing business with Master Chu.”

Seeing Zhuang Qingning so delighted, Chu Jinnian couldn’t help but smile at the corners of his mouth.

“Then…”

Before Chu Jinnian could say anything, Banqing’s voice came from below, “Young Master, the gunpowder is ready.”

“Good.” Chu Jinnian responded, subtly hiding the satisfaction in his eyebrows.

The top priority was to rescue Zhuang Qingning.

“Miss Zhuang, please wait a moment. I’ll be right back.”

“Alright,” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “Take care, Master Chu.”

Chu Jinnian acknowledged, walked calmly to the edge and lowered the hemp rope in his hand, “How much gunpowder did you use?”

“This person has been making fireworks and firecrackers all his life; he’s even worked with gunpowder for blasting rocks in mountain opening projects. He vouched for this amount and it seems just right. Don’t worry, Young Master,” Banqing assured him, binding the bamboo basket filled with gunpowder to the rope.

Chu Jinnian discreetly lifted the bamboo basket, which contained simple gunpowder wrapped in bamboo cylinders with hemp rope. Six large bamboo cylinders were bundled together, each with sufficiently long fuses.

He weighed the bamboo basket in his hand, and Chu Jinnian couldn’t help but smile, then proceeded to tie a knot in the hemp rope.

After a while, Chu Jinnian was ready, called into the hole, “Miss Zhuang, please make sure to hide.”

After thinking for a while, he took off his coat and stuffed it through the small hole he had just made, “Miss Zhuang, you can use this.”

It’ll provide some protection from the falling rocks and dirt.

Zhuang Qingning had already asked one of her assistants to prepare a protective shield to ensure her safety, but to avoid appearing unusual, she picked up Chu Jinnian’s coat and said, “Thankyou, Master Chu.”

Then she walked into the dark place where Chu Jinnian couldn’t see her, called out to her assistant to raise the transparent round protective shield, sat down properly, and waited for the upcoming blasting operation.

The faint crackling sound, like that of a fuse being lit, was followed by a soft “boom” after a while.

Zhuang Qingning instinctively closed her eyes.

When the sound of falling rubble eventually stopped, Zhuang Qingning opened her eyes.

The effects of the gunpowder were not that great, so the fallen rubble mostly just landed at Zhuang Qingning’s feet. However, the size of the hole had been enlarged two to three times, which was enough for her to escape.

Chu Jinnian had also lowered the hemp rope and tied a loop at the end.

Zhuang Qingning got the hint, put one foot in the loop, and held the rope tightly. Chu Jinnian then pulled her out with a strong tug.

When she stepped on the top of the mountain and felt the ground under her feet, Zhuang Qingning immediately breathed a sigh of relief, “I’m saved!” She looked relieved, as if she had just survived a catastrophe.

“Thank you for saving me, Master Chu.”

“It was my duty.” After Chu Jinnian secured the hemp rope around a big rock, he hesitated for a moment and then extended his hand to Zhuang Qingning, “Miss Zhuang, I hope you don’t mind…”

It was hard to send Zhuang Qingning down the rugged mountain wall with the hemp rope alone. Any careless move could result in falling. The best way was for him to take Zhuang Qingning down personally.

However, such intimate action…

Just as Chu Jinnian wondered if Zhuang Qingning would agree, she replied, “I appreciate your help.”

And then she came closer, her arm circling his neck.

Her delicate cheek gingerly just in front of him made Chu Jinnian feel a touch of panic.

However, since Zhuang Qingning had agreed, he felt a load off his chest. He extended his right hand to hug Zhuang Qingning’s slim waist.

One hand held the hemp rope, controlling their descent speed. Despite the extra weight of Zhuang Qingning, Chu Jinnian descended smoothly like a swift swallow.

At this moment, Zhuang Qingning, somewhat excited, had her eyes wide open.