The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 621: Chapter 608: Jealousy

As if Mrs. He was initially terrified, stuttering every time she spoke to Chu Jinzhou and Fan Wenxuan. But after realizing the two of them had good temperaments and getting to know them better, she gradually loosened up quite a lot.

And once the villagers grew accustomed to her presence, she, in return, became as amiable and natural as she ever was.

Zhuang Qingning breathed a sigh of relief at this.

After all, she still favored the life in the village, along with the diligent, kind-hearted villagers who trusted her unconditionally and backed her staunchly.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning’s serious countenance gradually soften, Zhuang Jingye couldn’t help but break out in a grin, “You should listen to me, I am right.”

No matter what, he was the village chief, his experience was something to be reckoned with.

“Yes, yes, Uncle Village Chief is always right.” Zhuang Qingning couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hehe, since you think I’m right, Ning’er, could you do me a favor?” Zhuang Jingye scratched his ear, seeming to become a little embarrassed.

“What favor?”

“Could you write some calligraphy for me?” Zhuang Jingye said, “Any characters will do, any size is fine. Just write a few that you find convenient, but remember to sign your name at the end.”

“Calligraphy isn’t something you just write randomly. Even if you do, Uncle Village Chief, you still need to tell me what its purpose is, so I can tailor it to fit.”

“It really can be anything, anything at all, as long as it’s calligraphy.”

Zhuang Jingye became increasingly embarrassed as he explained further, “Not to hide it from you, Ning’er, I plan to have the calligraphy you write for me framed by a professional, before hanging it in our village ancestral hall, as a story for our future generations.”

“I will tell them, ‘Look, this calligraphy was penned by the Lord of Hening County, personally appointed by the Emperor, and she is from our village. From then on, no one should ever feel ashamed of laboring, farming, or running small businesses. Being well-read isn’t the only path to success – the farmer who cultivates his land well can also make something of himself.”

His words made perfect sense, and the strength and enthusiasm in Zhuang Jingye’s speech gave a sense of undeterred determination.

The smile on Zhuang Qingning’s face grew brighter, “With Uncle Village Chief saying so, I will write … umm… ‘Heaven rewards hard work’ then.”

Although perhaps cliched, its meaning was extremely appropriate. The more conformist the writing, the less room there was for criticism.

“Heaven rewards hard work… Hmm, perfect! Those who are honest and diligent will always be rewarded for their efforts by Heaven. Good! Very good!” Zhuang Jingye slapped his thigh in commendation.

“But we don’t have big enough paper and a brush at home. I’ll buy those when I find the time to go into town. I’ll bring it to you as soon as I finish writing,” Zhuang Qingning said with a smile.

“After going through the trouble of asking you to write, I can’t possibly let you pay for it.” Zhuang Jingye hurriedly waved his hand, “Don’t worry about the paper and brush, Ning’er. I will prepare and bring them to your house.”

“Alright, then. Just come see me when you have the time, Uncle Village Chief.” Zhuang Qingning willingly agreed.

After a little more conversation, Zhuang Jingye saw that it was getting late and went back home to eat lunch.

After Zhuang Qingning bid him goodbye, she returned inside where Xiangqiao had already begun preparing lunch. She was making steamed basket noodles, Zhuang Qingning’s favorite dish.

Zhuang Qingning decided to fetch some kimchi from the jar to eat with the steamed basket noodles later.

“Mistress…” Seeing what she was up to, Xiangqiao hastily intervened, “County Mistress, please allow me to do it.”

“Forget about the whole County Mistress business, just call me Mistress as you used to. I want us to continue just like before.” Zhuang Qingning laughed, “You keep an eye on the fire, don’t add too much vegetable soup to the noodles. They won’t taste good if they get too wet.”

“Yes.” Xiangqiao quickly agreed and rushed off to check the stove as well as the bean sprouts and pork belly soup cooking inside.

—-

In the following days, as Zhuang Qingning had speculated, the villagers would casually call her Ning’er before seeming to remember her current status, hurrying to right their ‘mistake’ by falling to their knees and offering customary greetings.

Zhuang Qingning would hastily dissuade them; it took a heap of persuasive chat to finally calm them down, and she “threatened” them that if such acknowledgments continued, she would move out of the village.

But Zhuang Qingning was their village’s lucky star and God of Wealth, the benefactor that allowed them to live comfortable lives. Not a soul dared, or wished, to offend her and prompt her to move away, agree and comply with her wishes and do what she said.

Never again did the villagers dare to show salutations or proffer complimentary words in front of Zhuang Qingning, neither did they treat her as a ‘county mistress’.

Moreover, Zhuang Qingning carried on her daily life as usual, visiting the workshop, picking vegetables in the field, chatting with acquaintances…

In essence, her routine remained unchanged as if her appointment as the ‘county mistress’ had never occurred.

Upon seeing Zhuang Qingning behaving this way, the villagers’ uneasiness and dread, originally triggered by her new status, completely dissipated. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

In the span of a few days, everyone in Enji Village, including those familiar with Zhuang Qingning, interacted with her as they did before, conversing and jesting normally.

Seeing this, Zhuang Qingning felt significantly relieved. She stayed busy by traversing between the various workshops.

Meanwhile, Xu Zhengping was also extremely occupied.

Besides his usual official duties inside the County Government Office, he was in charge of overseeing the construction of the mansion for the Lord of Hening County.

Given the honor of having a Countess from their county, especially one who was awarded for her notable contributions to the Common People, Xu Zhengping spared no effort in his management of the construction, endeavoring to make the mansion comfortable and elegant so that Zhuang Qingning would feel at ease when she moved in.

Knowing Zhuang Qingning enjoyed gardening, he used his own money to finance the purchase of plants for the mansion’s garden.

As for the rest, he followed the stipulated county mistress’ rules, and also took into account the items provided by Chu Jinnian, adhering to the principle of ‘suiting measures to local conditions’.

On one side, the mansion was under gradual construction. On the other, Zhuang Qingning’s attained status as the Lord of Hening County had been broadcasted throughout the nearby counties and cities.

Nearly everyone knew about a young girl, the inventor of the waterwheel, who had been appointed Countess by the Emperor and had received supreme honor. Zhuang Qingning’s story became the talk of the town during leisure time.

Some praised Zhuang Qingning for her well-deserved honor, while others admired her for her good fortune.

Yet, some are exceptionally envious.

Zhuang Qinglan was among them.

After burning with rage early in the morning, she smashed all the teapots and teacups in the house. She even broke the vase on the table.

Seeing the ceramics fragments scattered all over the room, her maid was both startled and afraid, hurriedly informing Zhuang Qisheng of the situation.