Chapter 447: Chapter 434: Should be

“Is this the house of Village Chief Zhao from Zhaojiazhuang?” Shi Bao asked with a bow.

“Indeed, it is. I am Zhao Qiancheng.” Zhao Qiancheng responded hastily, “May I ask why you are here?”

“Master Ding has sent us to fetch Village Chief Zhao for a matter.” Shi Bao raised his hand and said, “There’s no time to delay. Please come with us, Village Chief Zhao.”

Could it be that this matter has even alarmed the county official?

Ding Gaochang, known for his stern impartiality, if he investigates this matter, tracing back to its source, he is bound to unravel his dealings with Zhao Ziping.

When that happens, his position as the village chief would certainly be at stake…

It couldn’t be saved!

Zhao Qiancheng’s complexion turned as white as a sheet.

Zhao Ziping, however, didn’t seem to mind but even started laughing. “Second Uncle, this is like getting a pillow when you’re tired. We were just complaining about how Enji Village has been bullying us, and lo and behold, Master Ding has sent someone.”

“He must have heard about our grievances and has come to support us. Those baseless rumors spread by Enji Village, once Master Ding investigates, he will certainly know they are false. He will definitely give us justice.”

What does he know!

Even if Enji Village’s rumors are exposed, they not only coveted the workshop’s prescriptions but are also guilty for coveting Zhou Daya. They were definitely on the wrong, and, in the end, the problem wasn’t resolved cleanly.

Ding Gaochang sending someone to question him now most certainly isn’t to back him up. It might even be to chastise him!

“Second Uncle…”

Seeing Zhao Qiancheng silent, Zhao Ziping was somewhat puzzled, “Why aren’t you happy when Master Ding is helping us?”

Haddi!

“How could I have such a foolish nephew!” Zhao Qiancheng, too tired to speak with Zhao Ziping, swiftly gave Zhao Ziping a harsh kick.

Caught off guard, Zhao Ziping toppled to the ground, face-planting onto the dirt floor.

—-

After the wind blew from the west, it rained.

The autumn rain brought one layer of chill after another, prompting people to add a layer of clothing. Those who were more susceptible to cold even put on thin padded jackets.

Zhuang Qingning was one of those who felt cold and had put on a cotton-padded jacket. Wrapped tightly against the rain, she went to see Zhou Daya with an oil paper umbrella.

Zhaojiazhuang had received news that Zhao Qiancheng was reprimanded by Ding Gaochang, stripped of his office as the village chief, and Zhao Ziping was also scolded. Furthermore, because Zhao Ziping got Zhao Qiancheng in trouble, Zhao Qiancheng severely punished him.

In short, the incident in Zhaojiazhuang could be considered to have ended.

Zhou Daya, since that day she attempted suicide and fell, was kind of disoriented. Although she took several doses of soup medicine, her spirit was still weak. These past few days, the weather had cooled, and she developed a high fever due to the cold.

Zhuang Qingning had visited yesterday when Zhou Daya was asleep and did not stay for long. Today she felt uneasy and planned to check on her again.

When she arrived at Mrs. Wen’s house, Zhuang Sifu was in the kitchen, watching over a small stove brewing medicine. Seeing Zhuang Qingning, he hurriedly put down the cattail leaf fan he was using to fan the fire, “Little Sister Ning, you’re here.”

“Hmm, I came to see Sister Zhou. How is Sister Zhou doing? Has the fever subsided?” Zhuang Qingning put her oil paper umbrella away near the door. She noticed another oil paper umbrella near the door and her eyebrows slightly raised, “Is the doctor in there?”

“Yes, Wencheng is inside.” Zhuang Sifu nodded, “I am afraid that the doctors outside are not capable and might not take good care of her. I specifically called for Wencheng when I was delivering goods to the tofu shop in town to check her out.”

Zhuang Wencheng had been practicing medicine in town for some time and was well-received by everyone. He even had a small reputation around the area. As a fellow villager, people were more likely to trust him. It was only natural for Zhuang Sifu to ask Zhuang Wencheng to see Zhou Daya.

But…

Having just recently declined Zhuang Wencheng again, their meeting now could be…

A little awkward.

As Zhuang Qingning was contemplating whether to visit Zhou Daya later, Zhuang Wencheng happened to come out from the room. He was softly instructing Mrs. Han, “Aunt, there’s no need to worry. The fever has subsided. It was due to the scare earlier and catching a cold. Prescribe this prescription and after drinking the medicine for a couple of days, she will recover.”

“Just make sure to keep warm and avoid spicy foods in the next few days. Take plenty of rest and avoid overworking. With some rest, she should be back to normal.”

“Thank you, Doctor Zhuang.” Mrs. Han responded with multiple thanks.

“Aunt, you’re too courteous. We’re all villagers here. In the future, just like with Third Aunt, simply call me Wencheng.” Zhuang Wencheng replied with a smile, “Aunt, don’t bother seeing me out. Go take care of Sister Zhou.”

As Zhuang Wencheng was about to pick up the umbrella, his gaze caught someone standing at the entrance of the kitchen. When he looked up, he saw Zhuang Qingning and immediately broke into a grin. “Little Sister Ning is here. Are you here to see Sister Zhou?”

“Yes, I was worried, so I came to see her.” Zhuang Qingning nodded. Seeing Zhuang Wencheng’s natural demeanor, her earlier apprehension diminished significantly.

“Sister Zhou is not in serious condition. She will recover in a few days. Little Sister Ning, you don’t need to worry.” Zhuang Wencheng said, “However, I noticed that you seem a bit pale and weary. Have you had trouble sleeping recently?”

Zhuang Qingning nodded in agreement.

Zhuang Wencheng was indeed correct.

These past few days, she indeed hadn’t gotten much sleep, mainly because she was occupied with two matters. One was thinking about how to gain the support of the villagers.

Business at Cheng’s was booming, and as the demand for tofu skin and century eggs increased, the workshop was continuously expanding. However, with Zhou Daya falling ill, Zhuang Qingning had to devote a significant portion of her energy towards looking after the shop.

On top of that, she was contemplating where to find a so-called fiancé…

With these issues tangled together, Zhuang Qingning found herself mentally and physically drained, leading to many sleepless nights.

“Perhaps it’s just the change in weather causing restlessness. It will probably be fine in a couple of days,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a laugh, “It’s nothing serious.”

“Even minor issues can accumulate and lead to a more serious condition over time. What may seem like no big deal can also result in illness if it persists. If you’re having trouble sleeping, I can write you a prescription for a sedative. I’ll have it prepared with the medicine. When Brother Sifu goes to town again to deliver goods, he can bring it back for you. Take it before going to sleep every night.”

Zhuang Wencheng added, “You don’t have to worry about this, I’ll arrange it.”

“Thank you, Brother Wencheng.”

Now, although Zhuang Qingning didn’t have any romantic feelings for Zhuang Wencheng, she had to admit that he was exceedingly good to her, even better than a real brother would be.

“If you thank me, you’re being too formal. You’re my sister, and I’m your brother. Taking care of you is what I should do,” Zhuang Wencheng replied with a smile.

Zhuang Qingning became slightly startled and looked up at Zhuang Wencheng.

It was the same warm and pure smile as always, untainted by anything else. Zhuang Qingning could see that there was no pretense in the smile – just sincerity and openness.