The Daily Life of a Down-on-Hard-Life Medicine Girl Supporting Her Family

Chapter 174

"Aunt Wu, that..."

Qian Yuanli came to see Wu Ma again, but hesitated to speak.

“Mr. Qian, just let me know what you need, and I’ll do it for you when I have time.”

Wu helped Qian Yuanli cook and do laundry with Chunnuan's consent.

Chunnuan wanted to get some useful information from Qian Yuanli; how could she expect a return without investing?

He was grateful for the help he received from Ms. Wu.

As the saying goes, it's easy to owe money, but hard to repay favors.

What she wants is to be swayed by sweet talk and persuasion, so that it will be easy for her to get any information she wants in the future.

Wu Ma was efficient in her work. The Xiao family didn't have much to do to begin with, so she could earn two salaries all by herself. Wasn't that killing two birds with one stone?

"My dress was torn, did you mend it for me?"

"Yes, I noticed it was a bit torn when I washed it. I rubbed it a little too hard, which made it tear even worse. I sewed it up for you after it dried. Is it still okay to wear?"

"Okay, very good, um..."

Why does Mr. Qian stutter so much?
It's never been like this before.

"Mr. Qian, is there anything else?"

If there's nothing else, she should go cook; it's almost noon.

"Um, I'd like to buy some fabric. Could you make me two new outfits?" Realizing her request was a bit abrupt, she replied, "I can pay you for the work."

"Of course it's possible."

Who would turn down money?

She's not stupid.

Since the divorce, Wu has been working for the Xiao family with her daughter. She has no worries about food or clothing, and even her daughter has a job, so she doesn't have to spend money to support her anymore. She is full of energy, very happy, and has a much better temper.

“Okay, I’ll go to the market and buy some fabric tomorrow, and you can make me two new outfits.” Qian Yuanli breathed a sigh of relief: “You don’t know, I haven’t worn any new clothes for a whole year, these clothes are really old.”

Wu gave Qian Yuanli a meaningful look. Is this what life is like for the rich?
Does she feel wronged because she hasn't worn new clothes for a year?
We poor people live on the principle of "new for three years, old for three years, patching and mending for another three years," and we still manage to get by.

It wasn't until Mr. Qian brought the cloth back for her to make clothes that Ms. Wu realized what it meant to be rich.

"Mr. Qian, how many clothes are you making?"

"Isn't winter coming soon? I didn't bring much luggage to Sichuan, so I have to make all of this."

The fabric shop's three assistants carried back the garments—the ones for making inner garments, outer garments, and cotton-padded clothes—and placed them in the Xiao family's courtyard.

Mrs. Wu was dumbfounded.

Am I to become his personal embroiderer?
"I don't have enough time; I still have errands to run."

Comparatively speaking, Wu was more willing to keep her job with the Xiao family. After all, this was an outsider who could leave at any time. She couldn't afford to lose the big picture for a small gain. It was more important to hold on tightly to the Xiao family, especially since her contract was with the Xiao family.

"It's alright, make as many as you can." Qian Yuanli was very generous: "By the way, make two inner garments, one outer garment, and one cotton-padded coat. You can use the remaining fabric to make clothes for yourself and your daughter."

What?
"Consider this as payment for your wages; I won't pay you separately."

After silently calculating, Ms. Wu felt that she was not at a disadvantage.

Since there's no time limit, this job is still worth doing.

Then, with great effort, she carried the cloth and cotton into her room, intending to make clothes for him during her rest time that evening.

Xu saw and remembered Qian Yuanli's actions.

When Chunnuan returned, she quietly reminded Chunnuan.

"I think that Mr. Qian is like a weasel paying respects to a chicken; he has no good intentions."

Chunnuan paused for a moment, then laughed.

“Aunt, Aunt Wu has a contract with a three-year term that is about to expire. She is now a free agent.”

Ms. Wu is divorced and still so young; it's impossible for her to remain a widow for the rest of her life.

If it were Qian Yuanli... oh dear, that doesn't seem quite right. He's already in his forties or fifties, twice the age of Wu Ma. It's like an old ox eating young grass; isn't he afraid of breaking his teeth?

After dinner, Chunnuan went to Wu's house.

"Second Miss has arrived, please have a seat."

"No need to sit down, I'm just digesting my food. I saw your light was on and came to check on you." Chunnuan pretended not to notice: "Oh, you bought so much fabric?"

“It wasn’t bought, it was made by Mr. Qian. Mr. Qian asked me to make it for him…” Madam Wu repeated Qian Yuanli’s request word for word, and added at the end: “Don’t worry, Second Miss, I will do it at night so as not to interfere with my daytime work.”

"Making clothes at night will hurt your eyes. You can make clothes in your spare time during the day after you finish your chores. Don't be so formal." Chunnuan could tell that her aunt's words were just a case of unrequited love. Wu was focused on her career and had no intention of having any kind of relationship with him.

Or perhaps, my aunt was mistaken.

However, the next day, Chunnuan could tell from the way Qian Yuanli looked at Wu when he went to get the medicine that the old man had really fallen for the young woman.

It's not surprising when you think about it. He said that he was injured in his early years and felt that he was no longer capable, so he never got married or had children.

He had been lonely for decades, but he found warmth in Wu Shi, whom he had never received before. Every day, she cooked three meals a day, did the washing and cleaning, and prepared soup and medicine. She did everything a wife should do except warm the bed.

It would be strange if his restless heart didn't move!
The cycad has blossomed, and nothing can stop it.

Chunnuan told Zhao Minghua about Qian Yuanli's peacock display.

"I thought this old guy was a good person, but what, he's trying to poach your employees? I'll go warn him."

"No need, no need," Chunnuan said. "I've confirmed it. He's willing, but Wu Ma isn't. It's destined that nothing will happen."

"That won't do either, we shouldn't set a bad example."

“I don’t have any problems,” Chunnuan said. “Ms. Wu was originally a free person. She signed a contract with our family. If she wants to leave after three years, there’s nothing we can do to stop her. As long as the man surnamed Qian isn’t lying to her, it’s fine.”

"You really are kind-hearted."

In the Zhao family, any servants with any improper thoughts could be immediately kicked out.

“Those who want to leave can’t be kept, and those who can stay won’t leave,” Chun Nuanxin said, especially since she had agreed to Wu’s help Qian Yuanli in the first place: “What do you think of the character of people surnamed Qian?”

Chunnuan is a little unsure about this, while Zhao Minghua, who has seen countless people, should be able to see things more clearly.

"This guy has some brains, but not much; he's a bit daring, but not much either; he's not a bad person, so he's alright."

Spring is here... What kind of amazing comment is that?

She had actually thought it all through; she wouldn't stop Wu from remarrying.

Of course, it would be good if Qian Yuanli could stay, at least he would get news from the capital quickly.

Sure enough, Chun Nuan soon received the information she wanted.

"His Majesty has finally named the eldest prince as the crown prince." Qian Yuanli, an advisor to the eldest prince's maternal family, rubbed his hands together excitedly.

He knew that the Xiao family had always sided with the Empress, so he naturally wanted to share this good news.

"Any other news?"

"What do you mean?"

"I want to hear all the interesting news from the capital."

"I haven't received any other information. All the information I've received is important."

For example, when he reported that Chunnuan could see doctors and make medicine, the Marquis said that he had done a good job and told him to stay in Shu and keep an eye on Chunnuan's family, as they might be useful if necessary.

Spring is here... Alright, alright, it's good news that the eldest prince has become the crown prince.

My elder sister wrote that Panpan has a very close relationship with the eldest prince, and the little girl calls the eldest prince "big brother".

Imagine what it would be like to have an older brother who is the crown prince?
What if one day this older brother actually sits in that position?

Furthermore, Xia Guangcheng is loyal to the Emperor. When that day comes, his status will rise accordingly. If he then presents the pills at the right opportunity, the likelihood of the Xiao family returning to the capital will increase significantly.

When Chunnuan asked her family to make winter clothes for their relatives in Mobei, she had a sudden impulse: she wanted to go and see Mobei.

It was because I had seen my great-grandfather's medical notes mention that several Chinese medicinal herbs were abundant in the northern desert.

Such as Ural licorice, Niujiayingzi sand ginseng, saposhnikovia root, Alashan cistanche, Duolun red peony root, atractylodes rhizome, xianfeng wolfberry, Niujiayingzi platycodon root, etc.

If I go to the northern desert, I can see my father and the others, and I can also find the medicinal herbs I want.

However, when Chunnuan made her request, it was met with opposition from the whole family.

“Sister, even if we’re going to the northern desert, I should go. It’s very inconvenient for you to travel, and besides, the northern desert is far away. Your body can’t handle it.” Chun Ning was the first to disagree: “There are so many things to do at home. I don’t know what I’ll do if you leave.”

In Chun Ning's eyes, his elder sister was like a reassuring presence. She taught him skills and how to act, and she always thought three steps ahead, or even further, before taking any action.

As for myself, there is still a lot to learn.

Knowing that his older sister will get married next year after her mourning period ends, and that he will have to support the family, he is already trying to learn to be independent. However, he also knows that he is still a fledgling bird with weak wings. The family can leave him, but it cannot leave his older sister.

“Chun Ning, you need to learn to handle things on your own, and I also need to learn to let go,” Chun Nuan said. “Besides, when you go to the northern desert, will you recognize those medicinal herbs?”

Chun Ning immediately fell silent.

It's no exaggeration to say that he doesn't recognize as many medicinal herbs as two-year-old Xiao Muyang does now.

"Nuan Nuan, you're a young lady, it's not safe or convenient for you to go out alone." Her aunt was also worried about Chun Nuan's trip: "To us, no medicinal herb is as precious as you."

"When I go to the northern desert, I also want to take the pulses of my eldest uncle, father, third uncle, and several brothers and help them improve their health."

After all, the climate in the northern desert is drastic, and the food is poor and exhausting. They have been in the northern desert for almost three years, and they are all frail and weak people. How could they endure this hardship?

This reason left everyone in the family speechless.

"We still really don't want you to suffer."

"It's not hard. As long as our whole family is safe and sound and can reunite on the day we are all together, everything we do is not hard."

The Xu family, along with the Xu family, the Huang family, and the Zhu family, were all deeply moved.

"You guys can make the winter clothes next. I'm also getting ready to go to the northern desert. I'll go as soon as possible and come back as soon as possible."

Going any later would be really tough.

It's freezing cold, and I'm not sure I'll be able to escape unscathed when spring arrives.

"Sister, are you going to the Northern Desert with Brother Tang Liu's caravan?"

Chun Ning had heard Tang Liu mention that the caravan was going to the northern desert.

"Yes, go with their caravan." It must be said that Master Zhou is very trustworthy. Ever since he treated his confidante that time, he has kept his word and become the Xiao family's protector, providing everything he needs.

Chunnuan remembered his kindness. After learning that his mother was mentally unstable, often confused, and unable to sleep, she made Ningzhi Ointment and asked Zhao Minghua to deliver it to her.

It is said that the old lady's health improved after taking Ningzhi Ointment, and she praised her highly.

Grandpa Zhou was a filial son, so he was even more kind to Chunnuan.

When Chunnuan suggested going to the northern desert together, he only said one sentence: "If you are willing to endure hardship and go, my caravan will ensure your safety."

A seemingly casual remark carries a weighty responsibility on one's shoulders.

It was because of Master Zhou's promise that Chunnuan decided to bravely venture into the northern desert.

If you're going to the northern desert, you'll naturally need to be fully prepared for the warmer spring weather.

I also made some Ningzhi ointment to take with me.

After all, my eldest uncle, father, and third uncle are all getting on in years. At this age of fifty, which is considered advanced age, it is essential to take good care of their health.

On this day, Chunnuan taught Chunning how to make Gentian and Sophora flavescens pills.

"Gentian root, sophora flavescens, rhubarb, turmeric..." Chunnuan said, Chunning wrote it down, and then, according to the prescription, she prepared the herbs, ground them into a fine powder, and made them into pills.

"Second Aunt, is this Muyang edible?"

"You can't eat it." Chun Nuan quickly stopped him. Xiao Muyang learns things quickly, but he also has a flaw: he's greedy.

Just like when he used to sneak food from the pharmacy, he wanted to try everything.

"This is a medicine for clearing heat and purging fire. If you take it, you will get diarrhea."

The child is so young, he shouldn't take any medicine to clear heat.

"How about Mu Yang tries a little bit, just a little, and see if it's bitter or sweet?"

Spring is here... Some children are indeed greedy, but how can you say that Xiao Muyang, who is so persistent in trying all kinds of herbs, is just greedy?

It's not a bad thing to try a little.

Is it bitter or sweet?

"It's so bitter, Auntie, why is it so bitter?"

"Because it contains bitter pig bile," Chunnuan said with a smile. "Good medicine tastes bitter, but it's good for the disease. Now you know, right?"

"Understood, Mu Yang understands."

Chun Ning... I feel like I don't even have the courage to taste the medicine as much as my little nephew does.
Yes, he is now learning to make medicine, but he would never ask to taste the medicine, let alone have such an idea.

In his view, all medicines have some degree of toxicity, and as long as one is healthy, there is no need to take any medicine, not even tonics.

Xiao Muyang truly understood, because he even asked Chunnuan what the effects of each of these medicinal herbs were, and what diseases they could treat after being made into pills.

He remembered everything about the arrival of spring.

Chun Ning... Having such a clever nephew must be a lot of pressure.

Of course, he also knew clearly that people are different, and Xiao Muyang was the one who should truly inherit the Xiao family's medical skills, while he only needed to know a little bit.