The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Meanwhile, another shop assistant came over to inquire about Manager Fang; Manager Fang followed the assistant up to the second floor.

Zhuang Qingning took another sip of tea from the side.

It seemed that Manager Fang was quite considerate, caring for his subordinates. Judging from the assistant’s attitude, he held great respect for Manager Fang.

But… Cheng Ruize is ill?

She hadn’t heard any news of this before…

And from the sound of it, he’d been sick for several days now.

She wondered how he was doing now.

Zhuang Qingning frowned, feeling obliged to pay him a visit since she knew about his illness.

[Ding! The host has triggered a random task – ‘Saving and Healing’; Task requirements – save Cheng Ruize; Task Rewards – the second half of the beginner’s soap making formula.]

The second part of the beginner’s soap making formula?

Zhuang Qingning paused, suddenly remembering that long ago, when she first started selling tofu in town, she had received the first part of the soap making recipe from a random task. Back then, the system hinted that the second part of the recipe would only be obtained from a mission involving saving someone’s life.

Because she hadn’t triggered any life-saving mission for a long time, and the system hadn’t brought up it again, Zhuang Qingning had completely forgotten about the mission and the recipe.

Turns out, the person she needs to save is Cheng Ruize.

It looked like she had to make the journey.

And judging from the description of the task, she must go immediately.

Zhuang Qingning quickly stood up and approached the shop assistant who had served her earlier, “Young man, may I ask where Manager Cheng lives?”

“Manager Cheng?” The shop assistant was surprised, but soon he understood, “Do you mean our ‘young owner’, Third Young Master?”

“Yes, Manager Cheng.” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “Not to hide anything, I supply century eggs and tofu to Cheng’s shop. My family name is Zhuang. I heard about Manager Cheng’s illness just now and I want to visit him.”

“You are Manager Zhuang?” The shop assistant was greatly surprised.

They knew about Cheng’s new shop that opened before the Mid-Autumn Festival in the county town. Also, they knew that the supplier was a young lady who was running several workshops.

They admired the legendary Manager Zhuang and always wanted to meet her out of curiosity. They were surprised that they met Zhuang Qingning in the spice shop today.

“Yes, I am.” Zhuang Qingning replied, “I’m wondering if you know where Manager Cheng is right now. Could you guide me?”

“Please wait a moment, Manager Zhuang. I’ll inform my manager and come back shortly.” The shop assistant hurriedly put down his work and went upstairs to find Manager Fang.

Soon, Manager Fang briskly walked down and greeted Zhuang Qingning, “I apologize, I didn’t recognize you immediately, Manager Zhuang.”

“There’s no need for formalities, Manager Fang.” Zhuang Qingning courteously responded.

“According to what the shop assistant told me just now, you want to visit Third Young Master. I must tell you that I just came from there. I was strictly instructed that Third young Master needs to rest and stay undisturbed.”

Manager Fang explained, “The doctor from the city has probably started examining Third Young Master. It might be inconvenient to receive visitors. If you would like to visit him, I can inquire about a suitable time…”

Zhuang Qingning furrowed her brows.

Although Manager Fang’s words made sense, considering the urgent phrasing given by the system, Cheng Ruize’s situation didn’t seem good.

It seemed she really needed to act on the mission now.

“Manager Fang.” Zhuang Qingning said with a serious expression, “I must tell you, I know a little bit about medicine. I could have a look at Manager Cheng’s condition.”

Manager Fang paused for a moment and then began to ponder.

Although they had called in a doctor from the city, who was highly renowned, it was still possible that he might not be able to cure Cheng Ruize’s sudden illness, especially since the doctors from the county town had been helpless.

If Zhuang Qingning turned out to be a skilled doctor who could examine Cheng Ruize, it would be the best outcome.

Even if she couldn’t help, it would be worth a try and certainly wouldn’t hurt.

After thinking it all through, Manager Fang looked up decisively and said, “In that case, please come with me, Manager Zhuang.”

“Thank you for guiding me, Manager Fang.”

After Manager Fang had instructed the shop assistants to watch over the shop, Zhuang Qingning followed him towards Cheng Ruize’s residence.

Cheng Ruize’s house in the county town was located not far on East Street, and was relatively close to the spice shop. Zhuang Qingning and Manager Fang quickened their pace, and they arrived within the time it took to drink a cup of tea.

As soon as they approached the gate, it suddenly swung open. Fang Hou walked out angrily, cursing, “Hurry up, take this incompetent doctor to see the magistrate.”

“Such claimed skilled doctors are nothing more than swindlers who only know how to talk nonsense and cheat money. If anything happens to my young master, I will take your life!”

As the words fell, two servants emerged from the gate, dragging a man out from the house.

The man was bound tightly, unable to move. He could not even walk properly while being dragged by the servants. His mouth was gagged with a rag, preventing him from speaking. He could only struggle desperately, attempting to escape.

When she saw the man’s face, Zhuang Qingning was taken aback.

Zhuang Wencheng, what was he doing here?

Zhuang Qingning quickly walked two steps towards Fang Hou and asked, “What’s going on here?”

“Manager Zhuang, why are you here?” Fang Hou, initially annoyed by the unexpected questioning, was surprised to see Zhuang Qingning and hurriedly explained, “I went to Huichun Hall to fetch a doctor. Huichun Hall said that this man was a superior doctor, so I brought him back to treat the young master.”

“After checking the young master’s pulse, he said the young master’s disease was not easy to cure and suggest applying acupuncture. We watched him insert the needle, but as soon as he did, the young master suddenly vomited black blood and fainted.”

“Then, Dr. Qin from the city arrived. We asked him for help, but Dr. Qin only said that the young master’s situation was very critical and that the acupuncture earlier had worsened his condition.”

“Now Dr. Qin is trying his best, but he said even if he can stabilize the condition, the young master will probably be weak in the future and cannot be without medical treatment.”

“So we planned to take this man to the official’s court, to accuse him of attempted murder!”

Fang Hou spoke indignantly. Out of anger, worry for Cheng Ruize, and concern for his condition, there were hints of tears in his eyes.