Chapter 296 - Chapter 296: Chapter 283: Not Bad (1/2)

Chapter 296: Chapter 283: Not Bad

Translator: 549690339 |

So this means Miss Zhuang can read and recognize characters?

The high-ranked families have always considered that a woman’s lack of talent is a virtue. Even the wives in the inner quarters could only recognize a few characters, just enough to manage the household and look over accounts. Even less could be expected from a typical farmer’s daughter.

Fan Wenxuan looked at Zhuang Qingning with a new level of admiration in his eyes.

“I never expected Miss Zhuang to be educated.”

“Not really. I merely read a few books and learned a few characters,” Zhuang Qingning modestly replied.

The more modest she is, the more books it is likely she has read.

Fan Wenxuan nodded his head in appreciation of Zhuang Qingning’s polite and modest manner, “Earlier, Miss Zhuang mentioned her wish to send her younger sister to women’s college…”

“I have been a teacher for many years and may know some principals of these academies. I will discuss this matter with the principal of the women’s college to see if I can manage to get your sister admitted earlier.”

“If it is possible, it would be a great fortune. Thank you in advance, Mr. Fan.”

Zhuang Qingning thanked him verbally, but she simply regarded Fan Wenxuan’s words as mere courtesy, not taking it too seriously.

The one taking it seriously was Fan Wenxuan, who stroked his beard, pondering over his secret plan.

After their small talk, Zhuang Qingning’s brothers, Zhuang Mingli and Zhuang Minghao, came to find their sister Qingsui for calligraphy practice at home. Zhuang Qingning, having caught a ride on Zhuang Sifu’s bullock cart with Fan Wenxuan, left for the town.

“If I am not wrong, there is only one tofu shop in this town.” Fan Wenxuan looked at the signboard bearing the ‘Zhuang’s Tofu Shop’ and asked.

Indeed, it’s the only one now.” Zhuang Qingning nodded, thinking that he was curious about her shop and explained with a smile, “After setting up a female household with my younger sister, we started selling tofu for a living. Luckily, the tofu turned out to be quite flavorful, and so we opened a tofu shop in town.” “I see.” Fan Wenxuan nodded.

Previously, the delicious tofu balls soup in Qingzhuyuan, as well as various kinds of tofu skin, were reportedly from a tofu shop in town. It must have been this shop.

Unexpectedly, this tofu shop turned out to be run by Miss Zhuang.

And it doesn’t just taste okay, but extremely delicious!

Who would have thought that this lady also knows how to make tofu?

Apparently, she is very good at doing business.

Earlier, didn’t Miss Zhuang mention that she had set up a women-only household?

Generally, children without parents are taken in by uncles or aunts, but Zhuang Qingning chose to set up a women-only household, likely due to the difficult days spent under someone else’s roof.

In this case, Miss Zhuang must be a resourceful woman with strategies. Only a household completely managed by women would allow them to live a peaceful life, and the mere fact of her being able to set up such a household suggests that Miss Zhuang has great wisdom and ability.

Is Miss Zhuang in front of me just a farm girl?

Fan Wenxuan blinked his eyes.

After giving instructions to Mrs. Cao and Zhang Qiuying to collect some items, Zhuang Qingning went to ask someone about the Qingzhuyuan.

As Zhuang Qingning anticipated, people in town occasionally brought food, clothes and utensils to the western part of the town. Although they didn’t know the exact location of Qingzhuyuan, they had a general idea.

Fan Wenxuan also said that if they could get to that area, he would be able to find his way back on his own. So, Zhuang Qingning found a reputable carriage driver in town to take Fan Wenxuan back.

“Thank you very much for today’s help, Miss Zhuang. I will make sure to return your kindness another day.” Before getting on the carriage, Fan Wenxuan still thanked her repeatedly.

“I was just lending a helping hand, Mr. Fan. You don’t need to worry about it,” Zhuang Qingning gave a slight smile, “Take care, Mr. Fan.”

“See you.”

Only when the carriage was far away, did Fan Wenxuan reluctantly drop the curtain.

Miss Zhuang, she really is something.

With a broad smile on his face, Fan Wenxuan stroked the beard on his chin.

Zhuang Qingning smiled as she watched the carriage move away.

[Ding! Congratulations host for completing the task of lending a helping hand.