The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 556: Chapter 543: Not Even a Single Lantern

The two hirelings who had driven the cart, were observant and quickly lent a hand to help unload the goods.

The abundance of items took an entire tea brewing time to move, back and forth, before they were finally transferred inside the shop.

“Thank you both.” Zhuang Yutian wiped the perspiration from his forehead, handed each man a small amount of change, “I had the intention to treat you both to a cup of tea to rest a bit, but the shop is stacked full at the moment leaving no room to even step in. Instead, please accept this money and enjoy a cup of tea at your leisure.”

The two hirelings initially refused but finally accepted when Zhuang Yutian insisted.

Zhuang Yutian was good at dealing with people, and never questioned where these two had come from or whose goods they were transporting, demonstrating deep trust and reassurance in Zhuang Qingning.

The two hirelings’ esteem for Zhuang Yutian increased in their hearts.

Upon returning, they reported the incident accurately to Cheng Ruize and even offered the money they received from Zhuang Yutian.

“Since it was given by Manager Zhuang, and you both have indeed worked hard, take it and enjoy a cup of tea,” Cheng Ruize chuckled. “After traveling this far with me, you must be exhausted, go rest a little. Tonight, let’s have the cook in the backyard prepare an extra meat dish.”

“By the way, there is half a lamb that has been frozen in the ice cellar. We haven’t had time to cook it. Today is the fifteenth, it would be just right to take it out and stew it with some vegetables for everyone to enjoy the warm lamb soup.”

“Right, right, also buy more Lantern Festival treats, like eight treasure and red bean variety. Make sure we have enough for everyone.”

Seeing Cheng Ruize’s generosity, the hirelings broke into smiles. Expressing their gratitude to Cheng Ruize, they went off to tidy up their things and rest awhile.

“This Zhuang couple is indeed courteous,” Fang Hou added tea for Cheng Ruize.

“Those who Zhuang would go to such lengths to help must indeed be worth helping,” Cheng Ruize squinted his eyes. “Today is the Lantern Festival. I guess the incense appraisal event in Yangzhou must have started.”

“It should have started by now,” Fang Hou nodded. “Didn’t the First and Second Young Masters write in their letter that the sign-up caused a stir and everyone was extremely curious about the Moon Incense?”

“I suppose there are not only curious ones but also those who are waiting to mock us.”

Cheng Ruize laughed softly, “However, no matter the reason, there will be a great show to watch by then.”

The Moon Incense would definitely astonish everyone.

“Young Master, all we have to do is wait for the good news,” Fang Hou laughed again.

—

After Zhuang Qingning left Zhuang’s cloth shop, she went straight ahead to find Zhuang Qingsui and the others.

After a long walk, she finally found Fan Wenxuan and the others at the teahouse mentioned by Zhuang Yutian.

As they were engrossed in conversation at the entrances of the teahouse, upon seeing Zhuang Qingning, they excitedly went to greet her.

“Big Sister, you’re finally here,” Zhuang Qingsui gave Zhuang Qingning’s arm a cutesy shake. “We’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

“There were some things that kept me back, and it got late. Seeing that it was getting late, I hurried over to find you guys,” Zhuang Qingning playfully nudged Zhuang Qingsui’s nose while laughing. “How is it going? How is the guessing of the lantern riddles progressing?”

While talking, Zhuang Qingning scanned the entrance of the teahouse and let out a surprised, “Wasn’t it said that the teahouse was the place to guess lantern riddles? Why not a single lantern in sight?”

Riddle-guessing involves writing the riddles on paper and sticking them onto a variety of lanterns. If the riddle is answered, the lantern can be taken away. The more lanterns one can answer, the better the luck one could get.

During this festive season, all shops would hang numerous lanterns to bring about a lively atmosphere and attract more customers.

As Zhuang Qingning walked along, lanterns of various shapes and sizes hung along both sides of the shop, even on the ropes above her head. It was quite beautiful and rather spectacular.

Zhuang Yutian had earlier mentioned that this particular teahouse was the most lively. Zhuang Qingning was eagerly anticipating the number of lanterns here. However, upon arrival, the absence of even a single lantern was both surprising and a tad disappointing.

“About that–”

We’ve answered all the riddles before you arrived, so all these lanterns are ours,” Chu Jinzhou explained. “But it was impossible to take so many back. So we selected and kept the most beautiful lanterns and gave away the rest to passing children…”

So…instead of coming here to enjoy guessing lantern riddles, they had wholesale intentions?

No wonder on her way here, she saw every child happily holding a lantern. At first, she thought the children were delighted because their parents bought them lanterns. As it turned out, they got them for free.

No wonder when she approached the area, she saw the attendants’ faces filled with resentment. After all, if all the lanterns were gone, anyone would be resentful.

“Is something wrong?” Zhuang Qingning raised her eyebrows, gave them a glance and asked.

These children would not play without boundaries. Even if a child got excited and forgot to take it easy, Fan Wenxuan and Banqing, who were with them, would have reminded them. This kind of situation should not have happened.

“Impressive as always, Miss Zhuang. You hit the nail on the head,” Banqing giggled. “When we first arrived, Young Master Mingli wanted to guess the riddles, but those who look down on others said the lanterns were expensive and should not be casually touched or damaged. If damaged, the person responsible would have to pay.”

“Young Master Mingli was offended and stepped forward to reason with them. Upon seeing Third Young Master’s non-shabby appearance, they changed their attitude drastically. Their courtesy was almost overly respectful, which angered Third Young Master even more.”