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

Chapter 86

When spring arrived and Luo and her younger siblings returned to the village to weed the wheat in the sandy fields, Aunt Luo also came to help.

"Aunt Luo, did Uncle Luo go out to set up his stall again today?"

"Yes, he's really enthusiastic now. He gets up before dawn and keeps saying that several of his buddies booked massages with him yesterday." Aunt Luo was very satisfied that the man didn't have to go down the river to pull the boat, and his income was even higher than that of the boat pullers.

She even considered having Sanya learn from Chunnuan and become her apprentice, which would be quite nice.

His son, Xiaogang, could learn his father's massage techniques and make a living in the future.

"That's very good."

Uncle Luo sells medicinal wine from me, and although I don't sell it at a high price, I still make some money.

What's most commendable is that Uncle Luo never mentioned asking her to sell him the prescription. She had even offered to give him the prescription herself, but Uncle Luo insisted on refusing, saying that it was the Xiao family's secret recipe and that she should keep it safe and not leak it.

After all, not everyone has such a good recipe.

He always told his brothers that it was an old hunter's secret recipe, and that he only had the medicinal wine but not the formula.

If they find out that Xiao Chunnuan came from here, it will definitely be a disaster for the Xiao family.

"By the way, auntie, do you know where I can find Chen Ai?"

"Artemisia argyi? In February and March, the mountains are covered with Artemisia argyi, especially along the streams and creeks over there, both sides are full of Artemisia argyi."

"If you have some free time, you can go and cut some down and sell them to me."

"Sell?" Aunt Luo quickly shook her head: "Chen Ai is worthless, why would I sell it to you? If you want it, I'll go and cut a big basketful for you right now."

“I will buy it with money, no matter how much or how little, so that your hard work will not be in vain.”

"No need, Chunnuan, you really don't need to be so polite with us. These are just some cheap mountain herbs. If you need them, just tell me, and I'll definitely bring them back for you." Aunt Luo said, "If it weren't for you teaching your Uncle Luo massage techniques, and if it weren't for you persuading him not to go into the river, we don't know if he'd still be alive. Our whole family is grateful to you. For things like this, you can just tell us. Why talk about money? Talking about money with your aunt is just insulting us, isn't it?"

Aunt Luo stated that her family were not ungrateful people.

In fact, many families in the village are grateful to Doctor Xiao and are willing to help his descendants overcome their difficulties.

Unlike the ungrateful Xiao clan, who relied on Physician Xiao to make their fortune but then turned against him and refused to acknowledge his kindness.

"Okay, auntie, I'll remember that."

When spring arrives, let them go and harvest the old mugwort.

"Artemisia capillaris in March, Artemisia argyi in April, and firewood in May and June." Chunnuan said, "I'm using this to process medicinal herbs and exchange them for money, so I should definitely give you some compensation. That's the right thing to do."

"You mean you want to make money, so you're including us in the profit-making scheme?"

"Yes, let's all make money together."

Of course, I'll definitely want to earn more.

"Moreover, I will need your help in many areas in the future, so this rule must be established. From now on, we will follow this rule so that no one will be at a disadvantage."

Even close brothers should keep clear accounts; relationships may differ even with money. What is due must be given.

"Okay, then we'll get rich with you."

It turns out Chunnuan wanted to make her family rich together. How wonderful.

She can just cut down old mugwort!
As a result, the villagers discovered that the Luo family was keen on cutting Artemisia argyi.

The doorway of my house was covered with dried mugwort.

"Hey Aunt Luo, what's going on with your family? It's only March, not even Dragon Boat Festival yet, why are you already drying mugwort? What are you doing doing that?"

"Hehe, I'll air them out to use as pillow stuffing."

Things that can make money should naturally be kept secret; you can't tell anyone.

After all, there's only a small amount of Artemisia argyi on the mountain, and if you cut it down, it won't grow back until next year. So, the opportunity to make money can't be left to outsiders.

Quietly put in the effort, and then make a fortune as spring arrives.

After all, she had said that there would be many more opportunities to pick medicinal herbs in the future, and with the arrival of spring, good fortune would truly come.

"I don't believe you for a second." The neighbors said, "Everyone knows that your husband is quite famous at the docks now, and people even call him Doctor Luo. I knew it! When did your husband become a doctor? It's hilarious!"

"Yes, Sister-in-law Luo, you should really keep an eye on Brother Luo. If he keeps acting like this, what will you do if he causes a murder case?"

Aunt Luo looked at the woman in front of her; she was the cousin-in-law of Lin Niangzi from the embroidery workshop on the street.

"If I remember correctly, your man's name is Lin Dongsheng, right?"

"Oh, Sister Luo, you must have a bad memory. We're from the same village, how come you don't recognize me?"

“My husband said that yesterday a young man named Lin Dongsheng asked him to give him a massage. Normally people would give him three or five coins, but this Lin Dongsheng gave him one coin.”

This is the first time Lao Luo has received so little money since he started performing massages at the dock.

It's not that I dislike the small amount of money, but rather that it shows a lack of respect for his efforts.

"Your husband, Lao Luo, might really be incompetent. From now on, tell your man not to go to Lao Luo for massages anymore. I'm really afraid something might go wrong, and then how could I face you?"

What the hell? Who do you think you are? Enjoying it while complaining? It's a one-cent deal, we don't need it, so we won't do it.

"Hehe, that's right, if you're afraid of something going wrong, then don't go." Aunt Zuo next to him said, "My husband went for a massage and came back saying he felt very comfortable. He also said he would get massages often in the future. They don't have much money, but they can afford to spend a few coins."

One penny! Someone actually only gave one penny! Aunt Zuo couldn't help but laugh to herself when she heard this, thinking that she would definitely tell her husband when he came back that night.

Seeing that Aunt Zuo was helping her, Aunt Luo smiled at her in a friendly manner.

The Lin family's wife, speechless after being rebuked, walked away muttering curses.

"That woman's just a chatterbox," Aunt Zuo said, equally disapproving. "Really, Sister Luo, you're cutting this mugwort..."

Aunt Zuo actually discovered a problem: ever since the Xiao family came, the Luo family has been living a more and more comfortable life for the past six months.

The Luo family told others that they had encountered a hunter who had brewed their family's traditional medicinal wine.

In fact, Aunt Zuo and her husband didn't believe a single word of it.

Who doesn't know that besides the Xiao family, there are others who can talk about medicine?
Therefore, the medicinal wine and massage skills were most likely taught by the Xiao family.

Thinking about how the Xiao family still rents out several of their old rooms, and the lease is about to expire, could they take the opportunity to ask for a higher price, or...?

But then I thought, the Xiao family probably wouldn't want to rent here anymore.

It's a real shame that we'll have less income every year.

"Hehe, Aunt Zuo, I'm only telling you about this." Aunt Luo waved her hand: "Chunnuan asked me to tell you about it too."

"Is it related to Chen Ai?"

"That's right, we cut and dried this wormwood and sent it to Chunnuan. Chunnuan gave us some money for our hard work." Aunt Luo said, "You can also cut it, just don't tell anyone, otherwise you won't have the opportunity to make money."

"real or fake?"

"Look at yourself! You asked me yourself, and even after I told you, you didn't believe me. Isn't that..."

"I believe you, I believe you." Aunt Zuo hurriedly asked, "How much does Chunnuan pay per pound, or how is it calculated?" "I don't know." Aunt Luo said simply, "I'll take whatever amount Chunnuan pays. I believe she will definitely not treat me unfairly."

"What's the purpose of the spring warmth?"

"You!" Aunt Luo regretted telling her for a moment. Why did she have to keep asking so many questions? "Chunnuan has its uses, you don't need to worry about that. If you want to make money, have your child go up the mountain to cut mugwort; just do whatever Chunnuan tells you to do, don't ask so many questions."

Should I tell her about Chunnuanhui's medicinal herbs processing?
"Alright, alright, I know." Aunt Zuo suddenly added, "You've already cut down all the Artemisia argyi on both sides of the ravine, and you're only telling me now."

"Hey, look at you, Chen Ai isn't just found in the mountains, she's everywhere. If she's not in this village, she's in that village. In short, as long as you're willing to look, you'll definitely find her."

"You've reminded me that there are quite a few Artemisia argyi trees behind my mother's house. I'll go take a look tomorrow."

Aunt Zuo's family also joined in cutting Artemisia argyi.

Chunnuan noticed that Aunt Zuo, who was delivering Chen Ai's medicine with Aunt Luo, was also very enthusiastic.

"Aunt Zuo, you've come at the right time. I was just about to talk to you about something."

"You speak."

"That's right, the lease on your house is about to expire, so we won't be living there anymore."

"I know, I know. You're living in a big compound now, it's great."

Aunt Zuo thought to herself that her thatched hut was probably really going to collapse. Apart from the Xiao family at the time, who would be willing to spend money there?

“This big courtyard is also rented,” Chunnuan said. “Ultimately, you still need to have your own land and your own house so you don’t have to worry about moving.”

"That's true. They say there's no place like home. Everyone needs their own home."

"Yes." Chunnuan considered it for a moment, "I wonder if Aunt Zuo wants to sell this old house?"

Chunnuan would never approve of the old house, but she really likes its location. It's very sunny and can be expanded to the back and left.

As spring warmed up, I had the urge to buy it.

Regardless of the consequences, we'll buy it first, then build a courtyard so that our family can live comfortably without having to rent other people's houses anymore.

"I can't make that decision," Aunt Zuo said quickly. "I have to go back and ask my husband."

“That’s natural,” Chunnuan said. “Well then, Aunt Zuo, I do have my eye on the foundation of that house, and I will definitely build the house after I buy it. Secondly, I don’t have that much money to build the house right now, so I can only see how much the house is worth and buy it first.”

"Alright, I'll go back and ask his father."

Aunt Luo was overjoyed to hear that Chunnuan was going to buy the house.

"Once you get the house foundation, start building the house. I will definitely come to help when you are building the house."

"Thank you, Aunt Luo."

"Don't mention it, I've been dreaming of you coming back to live here."

There's another dream: that Sanya can learn some skills from Chunnuan.

Once you master this skill, you'll never have to worry about food or clothing.

Aunt Zuo went home and asked her husband and father-in-law.

Despite her capable demeanor in public, she is quite meticulous in her actions, requiring the consent of her in-laws and husband before daring to act.

"The Xiao family wants to buy the house on that old site?"

Old Man Zuo asked in confusion, "Those thatched huts aren't worth much, why did she buy them?"

"Miss Xiao said that at that time, it would be demolished and rebuilt."

"The Xiao family..." Old Man Zuo nodded, "Do you still remember the situation when the Xiao family came?"

How could I not remember? A group of wealthy ladies and young women came to the village.

It turned out they were renting a house. The family was managed by a fifteen-year-old girl, and the gossip only intensified. Of course, they only gossiped about it behind people's backs.

"Back then, the Xiao family relied entirely on renting clothes to buy rice and medicine. Now, in less than a year, they've already bought a house and land. It's amazing, truly amazing."

Don't underestimate them just because they are a group of women and children; they are very organized and methodical in their work.

"Father, what about this old house..."

“Since it’s an old house, it’s of no use to us. If the Xiao family wants to buy it, let’s sell it to them. Consider it a good deed.” Old Man Zuo said, “Back then, no one else dared to rent houses to them for fear of getting into trouble. Only I rented it to them to repay Doctor Xiao’s kindness. This favor should be repaid completely, so let’s sell it.”

"Dad, how much should we sell it for?"

"If the Xiao family provides the money, we can accept it. We will never do anything foolish like trying to raise the price on the spot." Old Man Zuo said, "Don't underestimate a young man's potential. In life, fortunes can change in thirty years. At this time, we should help the Xiao family with whatever they need. It won't do any harm."

"Yes, Father, I understand."

The next day, Aunt Zuo came to the door and said that her father-in-law and husband had agreed to sell the old house to the Xiao family.

"How much do you want?"

"It's up to you. You name the price."

Spring is here... I just learned how to bargain, but I haven't even put it into practice.

The Zuo family is far too open about their dealings.

“My father-in-law said that he was able to survive because Doctor Xiao treated him back then. It’s just a thatched hut, so you can just give him a token amount of silver.”

Since it was purchased, not given away, the Xiao family could save face.

"Aren't you going to tell me the price?"

"Yes, give whatever you think is appropriate."

"I don't know how much it is either. Maybe we should ask someone."

The last question was naturally asked of Uncle Luo.

“I’ll make sure neither of you loses out. The house’s foundation is the Zuo family’s old foundation, but because the house is dilapidated and only has three rooms, it’s not worth much,” Uncle Luo said. “The Xiao family also bought the foundation, which is a bit more expensive. According to our current market prices, it’s about one or two taels of silver. What do you think?”

Both parties were satisfied with the price quoted by Uncle Luo. Uncle Luo then acted as a mediator, Chun Ning wrote the contract, and both parties signed and sealed it. In the end, these rooms became the property of the Xiao family.

"Spring is here! When are you going to repair your house?" The happiest person was Aunt Luo: "If you don't know anything about repairing your house, you can ask your Uncle Luo. He has helped many people and knows many famous craftsmen in the surrounding area. He knows exactly who does good work and he won't charge you high prices."

"Okay, thank you, Uncle Luo." Chunnuan said, "But I don't have the money to repair it right now, so I'll have to wait a while."

"Will it be available after a while?"

"Yes, my eldest sister in the capital will send us some silver."

They never mentioned their business dealings with Master Zhang and Zhao Minghua.

The two companies used different ingredients, but the results were quite obvious; they were secretly competing with each other.

Chunnuan was unaware of this, but she knew the principle of not flaunting wealth.

(End of this chapter)