The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Earlier, Chu Jinnian had specifically mentioned bringing a female doctor, which would definitely make it easier to examine her injuries in detail.

“indeed, Miss Zhuang could stay at Qingzhuyuan for the night. It would save her the trouble of having to rush back home afterwards,” Fan Wenxuan echoed.

After considering it, Zhuang Qingning did not decline, “Then I shall impose on Master Chu and Mr. Fan.”

“There’s no need to mention imposition, we would be delighted,” Fan

Wenxuan stroked his beard.

This way, Zhuang Qingning would have a chance to meet the talented young men that he had educated…

The writings that they have penned, and the paintings that they have produced, perhaps she could find one amongst them that met her approval, selecting the best marriage partner for her earlier.

Excellent, truly excellent.

As Fan Wenxuan thought about this, a wave of satisfaction swept over him.

However, why did he feel a chill down his spine?

After all, it was August and the mornings and evenings were quite chilly. The cooling effect was inevitable when riding in a fast-moving carriage.

Fan Wenxuan felt his neck shrink, and then began planning for his own affairs.

Zhuang Qingning, who was somewhat exhausted, sat on one side of the carriage. She leaned against a soft pillow, covered herself with the thin blanket provided in the carriage and could not help yawning.

The swaying of the carriage gradually made her even sleepier. Zhuang Qingning simply closed her eyes, leaned against the soft cushion and comfortably fell asleep.

When Zhuang Qingning opened her eyes again, what she saw was the familiar ceiling of a canopy, similar to the one she had seen when she had stayed at Qingzhuyuan the previous time.

This is…

Could it be that she was so deeply asleep that someone had carried her from the carriage into the house without her noticing?

Zhuang Qingning tried to sit up with some effort.

“Sister, you’re awake!” Zhuang Qingning’s awakening brought immense joy to Zhuang Qingsui, who quickly propped her up and slipped a soft pillow behind her to make her more comfortable when sitting up.

After making sure Zhuang Qingning was comfortably seated, Zhuang Qingsui quickly brought her a cup of tea. “Sister, how are you feeling now? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

“Earlier, a female doctor examined you and stated that you hadn’t sustained any bone injuries. Although the wounds on your body might appear shocking, they are just superficial and will heal within a few days of applying ointment.” “She also said that the reason you slept so deeply was because of the shock you received today. She advised you to get plenty of rest. Only then did I feel relieved and stayed by your side while you slept.”

Zhuang Qingning gave a slight smile and reached out to touch Zhuang Qingsui’s little head.

Looking at the darkness outside, and then at the candle burning on the table, she asked with a smile, “What time is it now?”

“It’s just after dusk. Are you hungry, Sister?” Zhuang Qingsui asked with a smile.

“Everyone hasn’t had dinner yet. They said they were waiting for you to wake up so we could all eat together. However, this afternoon, Jinzhou and I ate some of the mooncakes you made, so we are not starving.”

Upon hearing about food, especially mooncakes, Zhuang Qingning’s belly responded with tiny growls.

“I’m indeed hungry,” said Zhuang Qingning, rubbing her empty belly.

Not having eaten anything since breakfast until now, she was indeed hungry. “Then, Sister, let’s get up quickly,” Zhuang Qingsui said with a chuckle, extending her hand to get Zhuang Qingning’s.

Gancao came in with a set of clothes, “These are the clothes that Master Chu ordered his servant to fetch from Miss Zhuang’s residence. Miss Zhuang can freshen up a bit.”

“The servant has already informed Master Chu and Mr. Fan that dinner is ready in the flower hall. Miss Zhuang can have her meal once she is done.”

“Thankyou for your trouble,” Zhuang Qingning said, getting up.

After freshening up, changing into new clothes, and tidying up her hair under Gancao’s guidance, she went to the flower hall.

Chu Jinnian, Chu Jinzhou, and Fan Wenxuan were already seated.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui arrive, Chu Jinzhou quickly stood up, pulling out chairs for the two of them, “Please take a seat, Big Sister Ning, Qingsui.”

“Thankyou,” Zhuang Qingning nodded with a smile, and sat down with

Zhuang Qingsui.

“The cooks here may not be able to make many exquisite dishes, and I’m not sure about Miss Zhuang’s preferences, so I asked them to prepare a few of their best dishes. I hope Miss Zhuang won’t mind,” Chu Jinnian raised his hand and laughed.

“Thankyou, Master Chu.”

The few people did not make much small talk and began to eat.

There were a few delicate dishes, all of which were beautifully presented with aromatic flavors. Zhuang Qingning was also a bit hungry, so she concentrated on eating the meal.

“Seeing this crystal skin jelly reminds me, our dear Sibo used to love this dish dearly,” Fan Wenxuan suddenly remarked.

Chu Jinzhou picked up the conversation, “Does the Mr. Sibo you refer to happen to be Xing Sibo from the Imperial College, whom you mentioned earlier?” “Indeed,” Fan Wenxuan looked at Chu Jinzhou with satisfaction, stroked his beard and sighed, “Ah, Xing Sibo. He is truly a man of considerable learning, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He is a rare gentleman, known to be the most focused on literature and completely unconcerned with state affairs.”

“If I were to say that he is most skilled in one among music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, it would be painting. His bird and flower paintings are lifelike, devoid of any pretentiousness or flamboyance, only full of realistic beauty which elicits admiration.”

Realistic painters were indeed very rare.

They required extraordinary patience and perseverance; probably only those traits could produce such skills.

Zhuang Qingning, although not particularly fond of art, did hold those who were experts in their field in high regard.

Zhuang Qingning swallowed the crystal skin jelly in her mouth and nodded subconsciously.

Seeing this, Fan Wenxuan was overjoyed, “Miss Zhuang, do you have some interest in paintings?”

“Um…” Zhuang Qingning was caught off guard by the direct question. She didn’t know how to respond and merely nodded, “I suppose I have some liking towards it.”

“That’s really great,” Fan Wenxuan’s face lit up with a bright smile, “If Miss Zhuang is interested, shall we go to the study after dinner?

“I have a few pictures drawn by Xing Sibo called ‘Kingfishers Playing in the Water.’ Miss Zhuang can take a close look at them…”

Zhuang Qingning wasn’t particularly interested in the paintings. However, considering that it was Mr. Fan’s invitation and she didn’t wish to reject his kindness outright, she decided to accept after thinking about it.

However, before she could nod her head in agreement, Chu Jinnian picked up a sliver of century egg and placed it in Fan Wenxuan’s bowl, “Mr. Fan, please.” “Um…” Fan Wenxuan was taken aback. Chu Jinnian looked quite terrified as well, as though he had seen a ghost. “Thank y-you, Master Chu.”

“This is Longjing shrimp. Miss Zhuang shouldn’t eat it because of her injuries, but I remember that it’s Mr. Fan’s favorite. Don’t refrain from eating more.” “And this Jinhua ham tastes quite delicious, Mr. Fan, you should have some of it too.”

“Crystal skin jelly, stuffed mushrooms, lotus root with sticky rice…” Chu Jinnian quickly filled Fan Wenxuan’s bowl until it was overflowing.