The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 572: Chapter 559 Zhuang Qinglan

“I bore no ulterior motives, I simply liked that poem.” Zhuang Qingsui replied earnestly, “I find this poem to be succinct yet powerful, capable of expressing the poet’s emotions in an exceptionally thorough way. It truly is a masterpiece that has withstood the test of time.”

“Furthermore, isn’t it precisely because this poem is written so well that so many people recite it, making it a verse known to all, that it is so popular?”

“You make a fair point,” the teacher nodded, “Many scholars tend to view popularly known works as mundane, believing that possessing esoteric knowledge truly demonstrates one’s own distinct cultural refinement and intellectual depth—a point they overlook.”

“You, despite your young age, have an unusually clear understanding of many things. This is indeed impressive.”

The teacher looked carefully at the name Zhuang Qingsui had written below the dictation, asking with a smile, “Your name is Zhuang Qingsui?”

“Indeed,” Zhuang Qingsui nodded.

“Mr. Ye, it seems to me that this student can bypass your task and proceed directly to the next level,” the teacher laughed and suggested to one of his lean tall female colleagues.

“Indeed,” Mr. Ye nodded slightly, “Upon proving such profound insight, the student has undoubtedly achieved the necessary level of qualification. You may proceed to the next task now.”

“Thank you very much, both of you,” Zhuang Qingsui bowed thankfully, received the scroll Fan Wenxuan gave her, and went on to the third stage where she handed over the scroll.

Mr. Feng, who was in charge of the third stage, received the scroll and opened it. After scrutinizing it for a while, he asked with a knitted brow, “You have…?”

“This was written by my mentor. I hoped to offer it as a token of my respect,” Zhuang Qingsui explained with a smile.

“And may I ask what your mentor is known as?” Mr. Feng continued to question.

“His name is…” Zhuang Qingning began to respond.

But before she could finish, a woman dressed in red from the side interrupted, “I suppose it’s just some anonymous teacher from a private school who hasn’t even passed the examination for an academic degree.”

“It’s inappropriate to present such a piece, moreover, it’s not even your own work. This certainly shows a lack of respect. Mr. Feng, I would advise you not to accept it.”

“And you are…?” Mr. Feng put down the scroll momentarily and looked at the newcomer.

“Good day, Mr. Feng.” The lady in red offered her greeting with a curtsy, “My father is Magistrate Zhuang Qisheng of Ningming. My family name is Zhuang and my given name is Qinglan.”

Zhuang Qinglan?

An interesting name, quite similar to her own and her sister’s.

Upon hearing the name, Zhuang Qingsui took an astonished look at Zhuang Qinglan.

Zhuang Qinglan, thinking Zhuang Qingsui was startled by her stature, became increasingly confident and raised her eyebrow in a derisive smile.

“So, it is the esteemed daughter of Master Zhuang,” Mr. Feng smiled, “Last winter, a series of heavy snowfalls damaged several houses. The roofs began to leak, and the academy couldn’t find suitable workers for repairs. We were fortunate that Master Zhuang heard of our plight and sent help, sparing our students the discomfort of a dripping roof. I have yet to extend my gratitude for this.”

“Oh, Mr. Feng, you are too kind. My father merely considered it an easy task and no more than his responsibility. It is certainly nothing to thank us for,” Zhuang Qinglan responded modestly, her face alight with a radiant smile. She opened the box in her hand and declared, “This is a set of rosewood paperweights. It was an unexpected acquisition of my father’s—something he has cherished greatly and only kept for special occasions. He asked me to present them to you.”

“Miss Zhuang, you’re very kind.” Mr. Feng nodded appreciatively and smiled.

“As long as you are happy with it, that’s what matters,” Zhuang Qinglan promptly replied, placing the paperweights and the box on the desk. As she placed them, she swung her arm out purposely, knocking the scroll that Mr. Feng had put aside earlier onto the floor.

“Oh dear!” Zhuang Qinglan feigned alarm, “I’m sorry, I accidentally knocked your scroll off the table. Let me pick it up for you.”

As Zhuang Qinglan bent over to collect the scroll, she planted her foot deliberately on the corner of the scroll. When she pulled it, the scroll tore into two with a ripping sound.

Mr. Feng’s face fell at once.

Zhuang Qingsui’s face, too, turned ashen.

Zhuang Qinglan didn’t notice Mr. Feng’s reaction, however, upon seeing Zhuang Qingsui’s expression she felt a wave of satisfaction. Concealing her glee beneath a courteous smile, she said, “I’m terribly sorry. I was intending to pick up the scroll for you, but accidently broke it. Please forgive my unintentional blunder.”

With that, Zhuang Qinglan tossed the torn scroll into Zhuang Qingsui’s arms.

Seeing that the words penned by Fan Wenxuan had been ruined, tears welled up in Zhuang Qingsui’s eyes. She squatted down to pick up the fragments of the scroll from the floor.

“This Zhuang Qinglan has taken things too far!” Banqing was beside herself with anger, “I must go to check on Miss Sui.”

This young lady, with her fair and tender features, always filled Qingzhuyuan with cheer whenever she popped in. Everyone was greatly fond of her. But now she was being tormented by a girl whose father was nothing more than a Magistrate. Banqing couldn’t bear to see it any longer.

“Wait,” Zhuang Qingning stopped her, “As cruel as this may sound, Qingsui is growing older and can’t always have someone around her. She has to learn to bear many things on her own.”

“If she encounters people like this during today’s examination, they will likely be present in the academy as well. If she only stands by expecting someone else to stand up for her, not willing to resolve things herself, harder lessons will await her.”

“Let’s allow her to try and manage this time.”

This is, after all, one of the experiences life throws our way.

Fan Wenxuan also nodded in agreement, “That’s right, and from my perspective, Miss Sui seems to have a plan. You all should just wait and see.”

So saying, all eyes turned back to Zhuang Qingsui’s ongoing ordeal.

They saw Zhuang Qingsui organise the collected scroll pieces, then forcefully brush the rosewood paperweights, which Zhuang Qinglan had placed on the table moments ago, onto the stone-paved floor with a somber countenance.

The paperweights landed on the rigid stone ground with a loud “thud.”

Zhuang Qinglan was momentarily taken aback, then quickly picked up the paperweights and closely examined them. Noticing the faint, newly formed cracks on them, her face turned sour.

“I apologize. I accidentally knocked over your paperweights,” Zhuang Qingsui said in a solemn voice.

“You did it on purpose!” Zhuang Qinglan ground her teeth furiously, “There was no reason for you to knock them over!”

“Now that’s curious. Didn’t you also knock my scroll for no reason, even conveniently managing to tear it? If you can claim that as an accident, why can’t I?”

Zhuang Qingsui continued, “Since you’re so determined that I did it on purpose, could it be because you did it intentionally previously and hence perceive my actions as retaliation?”