The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 579: Chapter 566: Don’t Understand

“But it’s true, constantly running a business at a loss, even with deep pockets, would be unsustainable, not to mention embarrassing.”

“Manager Cao, even though you’re older and have more experience than me, there’s something I want to remind you. It’s best not to do dishonest things. Once or twice might be permissible if others let it slide. But if you keep it up, it’s unavoidable that you’ll be tripping over your own deeds, and your ill-gotten gains will eventually bring about your own loss. It’s never worth it.”

“I, Zhuang Yutian, usually don’t like to stir up trouble. Even if others court controversy, as long as it’s not something significant, I won’t make a fuss. However, I’m not a soft-hearted person who lets others walk all over me. If you keep bullying people, don’t blame me for taking drastic measures.”

Zhuang Yutian, who is tall and robust himself, made his statement with fierce determination, his face covered with ferocity, causing a wave of fear to anyone looking at him.

Cao Jiande felt a sudden thump in his heart, his face turned pale.

It took him a long time to stabilize his emotions, he laughed awkwardly, “Manager Zhuang, your words are somewhat difficult to understand.”

“If you can’t understand, then take your time to ponder them at home!” Zhuang Yutian snorted coldly, flung his sleeve, and walked back into his shop.

Cao Jiande was left in a daze, standing on the spot for a long time before finally returning to his shop.

Returning to his shop, the more he thought about it, the angrier he became, which eventually led to the broken cup incident.

Remembering that he loses seven taels of silver every month, and that Manager Li might have known about it but said nothing, he felt anger welling up in him. After thinking for a long time, he stormed off to find Manager Li.

Knowing that Cao Jiande would eventually come to him, Li, the shop manager, prepared for the confrontation calmly. He claimed he was clueless about the matter until he was confronted by the distressed Jiande. Throughout the conversation, Li implied that it was Cao’s own fault since one walking near the river cannot avoid wet shoes, saying it’s pointless blaming others.

Li wasn’t cordial in any sense. To make matters worse, he didn’t give any indication of refunding any money, leaving no room for Cao to negotiate.

Cao Jiande returned empty-handed, failing to reach consensus or recover his money, but getting a tongue-lashing instead. Dejected, he returned home.

Once home, he couldn’t avoid his temper, venting his anger for several days on end.

—-

As the days of spring became warmer, it was time for Zhuang Qingsui to go to school.

Zhuang Qingning and others sent Zhuang Qingsui to the academy.

It was said that the women’s academy was extremely selective, choosing the cream of the crop out of an extensive group of applicants. Only a dozen or so out of the many who came for the examination qualified.

So enrollment day was far quieter than the day of examination.

The candidates selected through multiple rounds of examinations were all humble and respectful individuals, so there were no disputes or issues.

Looking at the future students, Zhuang Qingning noticed that Zhuang Qinglan was absent.

From what she heard from Fan Wenxuan and observed herself, Master Xue was someone who tailored his approach to each student, highly valuing their character and requirements. Thus, it was not surprising that an arrogant, disrespectful person like Zhuang Qinglan would not pass the examination.

Clearly, Master Xue was not influenced by the fact that Zhuang Qinglan was a magistrate’s daughter. His women’s academy was justifiably admired and pursued by scholars worldwide.

Zhuang Qingning pondered silently.

Due to academy rules forbidding anyone other than students entering, Zhuang Qingning and the others had to say goodbye to Zhuang Qingsui at the main entrance, handing over all her prepared luggage.

“Sister, I’m going in,” Zhuang Qingsui said, slinging her luggage, which was twice as big as anyone else’s, onto her back.

It was full of various items prepared by Zhuang Qingning, Fan Wenxuan, Chu Jinzhou, Zhuang Mingli –

Though each person’s contribution wasn’t much, collectively, it added a significant amount of weight, but Zhuang Qingsui wanted to cherish everyone’s sentiments and carry the entire load.

“Mm-hm.” Zhuang Qingning, unable to hold back her laughter, nodded, “Go ahead.”

Zhuang Qingsui took a few steps forward before turning back, “Sister.”

“What is it?” Zhuang Qingning was slightly surprised by her sister’s action.

“Don’t you have any advice for me?” Zhuang Qingsui looked up and asked.

“Well.” Zhuang Qingning stretched out her hand and pinched Zhuang Qingsui’s cheek, “That’s because you’re already grown up. I believe you can handle anything and don’t need my reminders.”

“Besides, I hope that you can handle matters in your own way.”

“I understand, sister,” Zhuang Qingsui nodded, “I’m going in now. You need to take care of yourself at home. Remember to eat on time, sleep early, don’t overwork yourself.”

“Oh, I’ve also prepared a daily meal plan for Snowball. If you’re too busy to decide what to cook, just follow that.”

“Almost forgot, Aunt He sent crispy twists yesterday. Remember to eat them, if you don’t want to, share them with others early to prevent them from going bad.”

“Also, remember to eat up the ham stored in the kitchen quickly. As the weather turns warmer, I’m afraid it won’t last much longer.”

Zhuang Qingsui was excitedly talking, attracting the attention of others who also came to send students to school.

It was hard to tell which one between the two was the bigger sister.

Zhuang Qingsui chatted nonstop, listing many things. Only when she felt she had covered everything did she finally smile with satisfaction, “Ok, that’s all, I’m going to report in.”

With her heavy bag, she hopped off cheerfully towards the academy alongside the other students.

Not until Zhuang Qingsui’s figure disappeared from sight did Zhuang Qingning finally take her eyes off, accompanied Fan Wenxuan and others down the mountain.

As Zhuang Qingsui was now attending the women’s academy, and Zhuang Qingning’s life was obviously busier, they were afraid that Chu Jinzhou and Zhuang Mingli would be too preoccupied by Zhuang Qingsui’s absence and would be unable to concentrate on their studies. Furthermore, they didn’t want Zhuang Qingning worrying about their meals in addition to her own chores.

After some discussion, it was ultimately decided that Fan Wenxuan would continue to offer his lessons at Qingzhuyuan in ordinary times.

As for Zhuang Mingli, he would travel to Qingzhuyuan to attend Fan’s classes.