Chapter 354 - Chapter 354: Chapter 341: The Illegitimate Son (1/2)

Chapter 354: Chapter 341: The Illegitimate Son

But at the time, Chu Jinnian also admitted that he was no longer involved. Although that man was somehow ruthless, he did keep his word.

He probably didn’t even have the energy to think about it…

No need to dwell on it any longer.

Regardless, this matter was geared towards his needs, and teaching Zhuang Qingsui to read was all there was to it.

Speaking of which, he hadn’t truly taught a female student before. If Zhuang Qingsui could truly become accomplished in the future, and become an excellent female instructor, that would be considered a complete merit — a great contribution to society.

As Fan Wenxuan thought this, he felt much more relieved. He sipped his tea and chatted awhile with Zhuang Qingning, then led Zhuang Qingsui and Zhuang Mingli to the study.

In a short span of time, the study was filled with the sound of reading and Fan Wenxuan’s explanations.

Zhuang Qingning prepared some tea, snacks and fruits for them to enjoy in the study.

Just as she finished up, someone came to the door.

It was the merchant from the county town that Mrs. Cao had mentioned, a man by the surname of Cheng.

As stated by Mrs. Cao, the visitor was called Cheng Ruize, a young man in his late teens. Dressed in fine silks, he had no hint of a businessman; instead, he was handsome and refined, carrying an air of scholarly sophistication and looking more like a scholar than a merchant.

“Here I am, troubling Manager Zhuang today to speak about something else. I heard in the county town that the century eggs sold here had a unique appearance and an excellent taste. I investigated and found out they are sold by Zhuang’s Tofu Shop, and I wonder if you’d be willing to sell these century eggs in the county town?”

“I have been to your tofu shop several times, and found the tofu skin and tofu among other products to also be of excellent taste. I wonder if Manager Zhuang would like to transport those commodities to the county town for sale.”

Cheng Ruize chuckled softly, continuing, “I should perhaps have introduced my family background before jumping straight to my intentions.”

“My family has been in business for generations, with shops in the provincial town as well as its neighboring counties. We have a herbal shop, a spice shop and a tea shop in the county town, and business is alright.”

“I didn’t say this to show off my family’s wealth. I only wanted to inform Manager Zhuang of two things: firstly, my family has been in business for generations and I have been learning about business from a young age, so I’m quite familiar with running a shop; secondly, my family has some wealth, so even if business doesn’t go well initially, we can certainly hold out.”

“I understand what Manager Cheng means,” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “You said that you’re from the Cheng family, and you have a herbal shop in the county town. May I presume to ask if your herbal shop is the one supplying medicinal herbs to Zhuang’s Cloth Shop?”

“Yes, that’s exact.” Cheng Ruize paused, a questioning look crossing his face, “But how did Manager Zhuang know?”

A moment later, Cheng Ruize laughed, “Since it’s called Zhuang’s Cloth Shop, so is it owned by a relative of Manager Zhuang?”

“Yes, it’s run by a village uncle of mine, and the mosquito repellent herbs packages are sold by this uncle and myself.” Zhuang Qingning said with a smile, “My uncle mentioned before that the Cheng family is huge, having a bustling business, a family of merchants. As you are the young master of the Cheng family, I assume the business won’t need much managing in the future.” “Manager Zhuang is overly kind. The title ‘young master’ is too much for me. There are three sons in the family, and I am just one of them, moreover a concubine-born son. It was only because my parents saw that I had some insights into business that they entrusted me with the shops in the county town.”

Cheng Ruize grinned, “It would be best if Manager Zhuang continues to call me ‘Manager Cheng’.”

“I misspoke; please, forgive me, Manager Cheng.” At Zhuang Qingning’s slight pause, she promptly apologized.