The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 659: Extra Chapter – Childhood Sweethearts (Three)

In a blink of an eye, it was already the end of summer.

July was aflame, in the final struggle of sweltering summer, the lotus flowers in the pond were virtually gone.

Zhuang Qingning instructed people to collect the last batch of lotus flowers. Fresh petals were picked and fried to make the crispy and sweet lotus cakes, which were distributed to Chu Siyu and Chu Zimo to satiate the little snack-lovers.

“Mother.” Chu Siyu, his mouth full of delicious lotus cake, asked, “Can we take some of these to share with Auntie? She’s been so busy with work at the academy and looks exhausted.”

“And Uncle.” Chu Zimo added from the side.

“Your aunt and uncle indeed care about you two.” Zhuang Qingning responded with a smile, “I made extra lotus cakes and already set aside some for them. Since you guys are so thoughtful, gather up the cakes and go deliver them.”

“Your uncle must be at the academy by now, you two can go together.”

“Alright…” The two little ones, dragging out their words, quickly finished what was left of the lotus cakes in their plates, cleaned up, picked up the food containers prepared by Zhuang Qingning, and headed towards the academy guided by Banqing and others.

Upon arrival at the academy, the two children hopped off the carriage and were about to go in.

“Excuse me.” Stopping Banqing was a young man dressed in a long gown. Looking scholarly and good-natured, he asked, “Could you be from Ningde Academy?”

Seeing Banqing stopped, Chu Siyu and Chu Zimo returned and asked, “Master Zhuang of Ningde Academy is our aunt. May we ask what you need?”

“So you are the young masters.” The young man smiled and bowed, “My name is Fang Hongyun, an old friend of Master Zhuang.”

“So you’re Aunt’s friend.” Chu Zimo nodded, “Are you looking for Aunt? If you something to say, we can pass the message on for you.”

“The young master really is kind-hearted and eager to help.” Fang Hongyun was delighted and took out a small pouch from his breast pocket, handing it to Chu Zimo, “Could you please give this to Master Zhuang. Once she sees it, she’ll know what it means.”

Chu Zimo did not immediately agree. He examined the pouch for a while and said with furrowed brows, “The embroidery on this pouch looks very familiar.”

“I’ve seen this pattern before, it’s called mandarin ducks.” Chu Siyu chimed in, “Brother, do you remember? There was a pattern like this on the sachet mom made for dad. But mom’s embroidery isn’t that good, they look more like ducks than mandarin ducks. However, dad seems to really like it, he carried it with him every day.”

This pattern was usually found on gifts exchanged between husbands and wives.

Chu Zimo’s face turned serious and said, “Are you proposing to marry my aunt?”

His intentions seen through by Chu Zimo, and Fang Hongyun felt very embarrassed but could not deny his feelings for Zhuang Qingsui. He stuttered, “I, indeed, have feelings for Master Zhuang…”

“Then don’t think about it.” Chu Zimo interrupted Fang Hongyun, “My aunt is meant to marry Uncle in the future. You’re an outsider and cannot marry her. It’d be better to let go of the idea now. It’d save yourself some embarrassment later on.”

“Right.” Chu Siyu nodded in agreement, “It’s best to not consider it. One can only marry within their close family circle. You can’t…”

“Enough, stop talking so much. If we keep dilly-dallying, the lotus cakes will be cold.” Chu Zimo grabbed Chu Siyu’s hand and headed into the academy without a second word.

Banqing hurriedly followed them.

Fang Hongyun was left standing there, struck with shock and confusion.

Are they suggesting that Master Zhuang already has someone in mind to marry?

Also, what does it mean that one can only marry someone within their family…

Something doesn’t feel right…

Chu Zimo and Chu Siyu quickly strode into the academy. After they had walked some distance, Chu Zimo suddenly halted, “It won’t do.”

“What’s wrong?” Chu Siyu paused, “Brother, do you think we can’t let Auntie and Uncle eat the lotus cakes?”

“You, always thinking about eating and drinking.” Chu Zimo said grimly, “Didn’t you see that man attempting to woo Auntie? Such a serious matter requires a serious talk with Uncle. We must persuade Uncle and Auntie properly.”

“So… how do we persuade them?” Chu Siyu scratched his ear.

*”Let me think…”*

After pondering for a while, Chu Zimo whispered a plan into Chu Siyu’s ear.

*”I understand!”* Chu Siyu stood up straight and confidently answered, “You can trust me with this, Brother.”

With that, he ran off to find Zhuang Qingning.

Chu Zimo, looking serious, went to find Chu Jinzhou.

*”Zimo’s here.”* Chu Jinzhou was busy copying books and was both surprised and delighted at his sudden visit.

*”Mother made lotus cakes and asked us to bring some for Uncle.”* Chu Zimo placed the food box on Chu Jinzhou’s desk.

Upon hearing that these were treats made by his sister-in-law, Chu Jinzhou quickly stopped his writing, “It’s been a long time since I’ve tasted her cooking. I didn’t finish lunch due to some matters and was just thinking about where to find something to eat. And here you are.”

*”You really are Uncle’s lucky star.”*

Chu Jinzhou stretched out his hand to pinch Chu Zimo’s cheek, washed his hands in the wooden basin next to him, opened the box and upon seeing the golden, crispy lotus cakes, promptly ate one.

The cake was crispy and delicious, from the first bite, you could taste the fragrance of the lotus. It seemed as though the withered lotus flowers of the pond had been revived in your mouth.

*”Delicious!”*

Chu Jinzhou squinted his eyes in delight.

*”Uncle!”* Chu Zimo was exasperated “At a time like this, can you think of anything other than food!?”

*”Hmm? When you say… ‘a time like this…'”*

Chu Jinzhou looked at Chu Zimo with some confusion. After swallowing the bite he took, he smiled and said, “Earlier, I noticed that you didn’t look so good when you walked in. Tell me, have you run into some trouble?”

*”Yes, I did run into some trouble. But it’s not mine, it’s yours.”*

Chu Zimo glanced at him and said quietly, “Uncle, you may not know. When Siyu and I got to the gate of the academy, we met a young man with the surname Fang. He claimed to be fond of Master Zhuang and had us deliver a pouch with the mandarin duck pattern embroidered on it…”

What?

Chu Jinzhou’s pupils contracted sharply.

The lotus cake just picked up by his hand, dropped to the floor with a “thud”.

Seeing Chu Jinzhou’s reaction, Chu Zimo rolled his eyes.