Chapter 205 - 205: A Beggar

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingyue turned to look at the direction Luo Yinhuan left, her heart filled with confusion. However, she did not ask. It was not appropriate, and it was not her place to ask.

“Master, when can I come to learn embroidery from you?”

The old woman gently patted Chu Qingyue’s head. “Wait for me first. I’ll tell you in a while.”

Chu Qingyue nodded. “Ok.”

The old woman returned to her room and took a purple jade pendant. She then placed it in Chu Qingyue’s palm. “My name is Ying Zilan. My master left this for me. I’ll pass it to you now.”

Chu Qingyue took the jade pendant with both hands and said happily, “Thank you, Master.”

“Good. In the future, come and learn embroidery from me in the morning. You can practice in the afternoon. I don’t have any rules here. You don’t have to be so reserved.”

“Yes, Master.”

The master and disciple chatted very happily. After that, Chu Qingyue left.

In the Chu Village.

When Chu Qingzhi returned home, she called Shen Ruyue to her room and told her what had happened in the county.

When Shen Ruyue heard that someone had imitated making the rice dumplings, her delicate brows furrowed. “Qingzhi, what’s your plan?”

Chu Qingzhi tapped her fingers on the edge of the bed and said, “I don’t think the person who brought outsiders here to work knows. Otherwise, if the rice dumpling business goes bad, she won’t be able to earn money.”

Shen Ruyue looked at Chu Qingzhi. “Then we’ll remind her first. If she doesn’t listen, we’ll kick her out next time.”

Chu Qingzhi hesitated for a moment and nodded. “Let’s do that first.”

Shen Ruyue left the room and went straight to the rice dumpling workshop.

The rice dumpling workshop was usually very busy in the morning. However, when the rice dumplings were being cooked in the afternoon, everyone would have some free time. They all cherished this job opportunity and worked very hard.

Shen Ruyue first patrolled the workshop before saying, “Qingzhi encountered a very bad thing in the county today.”

Someone asked with concern, “What is it? Was Qingzhi bullied?”

Shen Ruyue’s expression was solemn. “No one bullied Qingzhi. Instead, someone imitated our rice dumpling and brought it to the restaurant to sell. However, she didn’t make it well. Not only did the rice dumpling have a moldy smell, but it was also especially salty.”

Hearing this, one of the women slowly tensed up.

Shen Ruyue’s gaze swept across everyone. “Shopkeeper Qian was very angry and asked Qingzhi for a refund. He said that he would never buy our rice dumplings again.”

These words made everyone nervous. If no one wanted the rice dumplings, they would lose this job.

Shen Ruyue was very satisfied with everyone’s reaction and continued, “However, Qingzhi managed to convince the shopkeeper. She even found the person who made the rice dumplings. In the end, this person paid the shopkeeper twelve taels of silver.”

The woman’s vision darkened and she almost fainted. ‘Twelve taels of silver was an astronomical figure to her.

She would never bring anyone to the rice dumpling workshop again. She should not have agreed just because her niece pestered her. She almost got herself killed!

Shen Ruyue had an acute vision and immediately saw that someone’s expression was not right. “However, Qingzhi doesn’t intend to hold the person accountable this time. However, if such a thing happens again, she’ll definitely find the culprit and punish her.”

The woman was originally on tenterhooks and regretted it endlessly. After hearing Shen Ruyue’s words, she relaxed a little. She swore that she would not bring anyone here again.

From then on, no one dared to bring outsiders to the workshop.

Shen Ruyue came to the room and said apologetically, “Qingzhi, 1 didn’t supervise the staff well. I’m sorry. 1’11 pay closer attention in the future.”

Chu Qingzhi knew very well how hard Shen Ruyan had been working. How could she blame her? “You’re as busy as a dog all day long. I understand. It’s not your fault.”

Shen Ruyue smiled. “Qingzhi, it won’t happen again.”

Chu Qingyue patted Shen Ruyue’s shoulder. “I trust you.”

As Li Qingyu walked into the house, she said loudly, “Qingzhi, there’s a little beggar outside looking for you!”

Chu Qingzhi was puzzled. She got up and walked out.

There was a little beggar. His clothes were tattered and dirty, and his hair was disheveled. Beside him was a broken bowl and a bamboo pole.

He stood at the door of the courtyard with a nervous expression, his eyes filled with anticipation.

When Chu Qingzhi saw him, she felt that the little beggar looked familiar. “You are?”

When the little beggar immediately knelt down and covered his face as he cried. At the same time, he said excitedly, “Sister Qingzhi, 1 finally found you. 1 finally found you.”

Chu Qingzhi remembered who the little beggar was. “Li Zhangjie, is that you?”

As the little beggar cried, he said, “It’s me, it’s me, Sister Qingzhi.”

He had traveled so far that he ended up becoming a beggar. Chu Qingzhi helped him up. “Why are you here?”

Li Zhangjie’s eyes were filled with tears. “Sister Qingzhi, I specially came to look for you.”

Chu Qingzhi paused. “Why are you looking for me?”

Li Zhangjie knelt down again. “Sister Qingzhi, I’m here to repay you. I’m willing to do anything.”

He crossed mountains and rivers just to repay her? Chu Qingzhi was a little touched. “Get up quickly. Don’t kneel. Let’s talk standing.”

Li Zhangjie looked at Chu Qingzhi as if he was in a dream. “Sister Qingzhi, I am very capable. Let me help you, okay?”

It happened so suddenly that Chu Qingzhi had yet to think of what to do. “Go take a shower and eat something before we talk about this okay?”

Li Zhangjie nodded. “Ok. I’ll listen to you, Sister Qingzhi.”

An hour later, Li Zhangjie put down his chopsticks and burped. It had been almost a year since he had a full meal. He was so happy. “Sister Qingzhi, arrange work for me.”

“There’s no hurry. Let me ask you, does your family know that you came to look for me?”

“They all know and are very supportive.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at the young man’s sparkling eyes and couldn’t bring herself to send him back. “If you stay, you’ll have to do very dirty and tiring work…”

Li Zhangjie interrupted Chu Qingzhi. “Sister Qingzhi, I’m not afraid of hardship or fatigue. As long as I can work for you, I’m willing to do anything.”

Chu Qingzhi was speechless. Forget it. If he wanted to stay, so be it. “What can you do?”

Li Zhangjie thought about it seriously. “I know how to hoe, farm, and harvest. I can also read a little.”

If he could read, Chu Qingzhi could arrange for him to work in Second Sister’s shop. He could also follow Eldest Brother to discuss business. Oh right, Eldest Brother really needed an assistant now. Why not give Li Zhangjie to him? This young man wanted to repay her kindness and would definitely help Eldest Brother..