Chun Nuan gave the impression of being a quick-witted, spirited woman, always straightforward, rarely seen hesitating.
"It’s nothing, just sell me some of these herbs."
"If you need them, just take them, no need to pay. Our family isn’t short of much else, but we have plenty of herbs."
Though he spoke truthfully, Chun Nuan didn’t wish to owe him too much.
Often, it’s easy to repay monetary debts, but debts of gratitude can last a lifetime.
"I must pay, otherwise I won’t take them. I’ll go buy them elsewhere."
"No, no, no, I’m a businessman, and it goes against reason to turn away a profit. Let me give you a price, and see if it’s acceptable to you."
Zhao Minghua’s price was genuinely cost price, and Chun Nuan expressed deep gratitude.
"Is there anything I can help with at your village entrance courtyard?"
"For now, Uncle Luo is helping to oversee it, and Chun Ning is learning alongside him, so there’s not much that needs doing."
"Your Uncle Luo truly is a kind-hearted person."
Zhao Minghua wanted to lend a hand too but realized he was more of a liability than help, so he decided against it.
"That’s right, Uncle Luo is wonderful; he’s taught us to grow crops and vegetables..."
Without his help, many tasks for the Xiao family would remain undone.
Chun Ning felt a bit resigned to working in the fields, yet knowing survival depended on it, he persevered.
"Also, your brother Chun Ning—within just a year, yes, it’s been about a year now—has managed to shoulder responsibilities on his own," Zhao Minghua continued, "Honestly, Chun Ning’s competence only highlights my own ineptitude. Heaven forbid my parents find out about Chun Ning’s capabilities."
Zhao Minghua particularly disliked engaging in such mundane affairs, seeing them as a waste of time.
If problems could be solved with money, he’d never opt for exhausting labor.
In instances like the Xiao family building a house, there was no need for laborious efforts; simply hiring a few craftsmen and telling them the desired layout would suffice, negating the need for meal provisions and the like.
"The children of the poor learn to manage early on, hardship forces us to mature," Chun Nuan sighed in empathy.
The siblings of the Xiao family had to grow up overnight.
Their first departure from the Capital was actually a return to their ancestral home in Shu City.
After being expelled by the Xiao clan upon returning to Shu City, the Xiao Family faced numerous firsts.
First time cooking, though the sister-in-law ended up setting the kitchen ablaze.
First time foraging for wild vegetables, first time plunging into a river to catch crabs out of sheer hunger.
First time digging and planting in the dirt, first time watching the plants they sowed grow daily, blossom, and bear fruit...
Returning to Shu City, each first experience was a lesson that naturally spurred growth.
After seeing Zhao Minghua off, Chun Nuan stood by the wall for a long time.
"Miss, what are you doing here...?"
Nanny Wu looked at her with confusion, wondering if perhaps a certain rogue from next door was climbing the wall again.
"Nanny Wu, I remember there’s a type of bamboo that doesn’t grow very tall but can reach the height of this wall?"
"Yes, we call it mottled bamboo; it’s not tall and quite small."
"Where can we get seeds to plant by this wall?"
"My family’s house has some."
"Then tomorrow, go back to your family and dig some to plant here."
Nanny Wu agreed.
Nanny Wu was efficient, never requiring others to worry.
Early the next day, after feeding Xiao Muyang, she informed Chun Nuan she’d head out to dig mottled bamboo.
"Nanny Wu, wait a minute."
Chun Nuan quickly went to the kitchen, wrapped up two packages of the pastries made that morning.
"Nanny Wu, since you’re visiting your family, you shouldn’t just take things without offering something in return. These pastries are soft and chewy, perfect for elderly folks; you can take them back for your mother."
"Miss, these pastries are too precious, I can’t accept them."
Nanny Wu repeatedly declined.
She knew how costly Chun Nuan’s pastries were, since they contained not only eggs but also various herbs.
"Eating these benefits digestion," Chun Nuan explained, "That’s why they’re especially suitable for the elderly."
"Well, in that case, thank you, Miss."
Nanny Wu hadn’t expected that though she was just a nanny, Chun Nuan was so kind, even thinking about giving pastries for her family visit.
Nanny Wu returned to her family’s home and offered the pastries to her mother.
"Mother, didn’t you have digestive issues? Try this pastry," Nanny Wu said, "Our employer’s daughter made these by hand; have a taste."
The old lady tried it and couldn’t stop praising it.
"If you could get this recipe, we could open a shop too..."