Chapter 190: Chapter 144_3

Throughout the journey, she was constantly torn between regret and compromise.

Seeing the Xiao family being expelled from the clan, Mrs. Huang felt uneasy, fearing that she and her four children would starve to death in Shu City.

Fortunately, with Chun Nuan’s arrangements, the Xiao family managed to enjoy simple days with food and clothing.

Compared to Chun Nuan and Chun Ning’s various ideas, Mrs. Huang had only one thought: she hoped her children would work hard and strive, to be capable of bursting out like a shooting star, flying out of Shu City.

Although the Emperor decreed that the Xiao family couldn’t take the imperial examinations within three generations, she knew another way: gaining fame and respect among the people could still lead one to become a revered scholar, brilliant and esteemed before others. She firmly believed that hard work would ultimately pay off.

“However, Chun Ning, you must understand Aunt Huang; she’s been influenced deeply by the Huang family over many years, knowing how difficult this path is, but still not giving up, just hoping Chun An and Chun Qiang can achieve something.”

Chun Ning nodded.

“Aunt Huang, I understand. Since you disagree, let’s pretend I never mentioned it.”

“Chun Ning, I’m sorry.”

“Aunt Huang, among family there’s no need for such formality; everyone has their own aspirations, and we won’t force each other,” Chun Ning said. “Let’s conclude this matter and not bring it up again.”

Originally, Chun Ning planned to choose one of the brothers to learn, but Aunt Huang wasn’t willing for either to study.

As the daughter-in-law of an Imperial Physician, she bluntly expressed disdain for studying medicine.

Forced fruits aren’t sweet; if they don’t want to learn, so be it.

Chun Ning rolled up his sleeves, determined to do it himself.

“So, did you hit a wall?”

“Sis, you really understand Aunt Huang well.”

“It’s not about understanding Aunt Huang; I know a mother’s thoughts.”

“Indeed, Aunt Huang asked me to understand her, and I can,” Chun Ning replied. “Sis, teach me, and I will study diligently.”

“Alright, I will teach wholeheartedly,” Chun Nuan found it good for Chun Ning to learn from her.

There’s no denying that Chun Ning studied quite seriously.

Every beginner starts by memorizing the Tangtou Song, and Chun Ning easily memorized it in no time.

Seeing Chun Ning’s confident look, Chun Nuan felt sympathy for him.

Indeed, within the Xiao family, the one who excelled at studying was not Chun An or Chun Qiang, but her younger brother Chun Ning.

With such talent, yet a sudden disaster caused him to fall into obscurity, becoming the least of merchants.

For survival, he did whatever it took, even tasks unbecoming of a merchant.

Memorizing Tangtou Song, recognizing medicinal materials, remembering properties and effects, as well as contraindications, Chun Ning had to learn everything from the thick medical manual.

“This isn’t something you learn overnight; no need to rush,” Chun Nuan comforted her brother. “Don’t feel pressured; learn as much as you can during the three-year period I have to teach you. If things don’t work out, no worries, I’ll always be the family’s support. Whenever you need my help, just say the word, and I’ll be there.”

“Thank you, sis. Your words give me much confidence.”

When Chun Nuan planned to open a weaving shop in Changzhou, with the aunties managing it, Chun Ning opposed.

“The aunties have never done business before; letting them manage it will only confuse them further.”

Thus, Chun Nuan’s worries weren’t unnecessary.

“Let the aunties go to Changzhou to check the shop first, then buy quality fabrics and threads…”

Just as she was speaking, a carriage stopped at the intersection, asking for Xiao Chunnuan.

“Did Tang Liu send you?”

Chun Nuan looked up and saw a young attendant she didn’t recognize, claiming to have a letter and items sent, yet it wasn’t Tang Liu?

“It’s Seventh Young Master,” the attendant replied. “Seventh Young Master sent me to deliver these fabrics.”

Chun Nuan stepped forward to inspect; these fabrics were top-notch, likely new releases this year.

“Did Seventh Young Master say anything?”

“No.”

Chun Nuan was at a loss; how did he know she needed fabrics? Were these sent from the town?

“Oh, there’s also a family letter,” the attendant quickly retrieved the letter from his pocket. “Sent by Seventh Young Master.”

See, she knew, Master Zhou Qi cheekily took credit for Tang Liu’s achievements.

Even for delivering items and letters, Tang Liu wasn’t arranged to come, making Tang Liu suffer losses.

However, she understood that Zhou Qi intentionally acted this way to strengthen bonds between both sides.

Perhaps this Master Zhou Qi wanted to leave an impression in front of her?

Master Zhou Qi was incredibly clever; holding tightly onto General Huaiyuan’s favor.

“Where’s Tang Liu now?” The attendant seemed unfamiliar.

“Sixth Brother got injured and is recuperating at home.”

What! Tang Liu got injured, how did that happen?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep