"Working at night harms your eyes. You can take time to sew after finishing your daytime tasks." Chun Nuan realized that what her eldest aunt said was probably a case of unrequited love. Mrs. Wu was solely focused on her career and had no intention of starting anything with him.
Or maybe the eldest aunt simply misunderstood.
However, the next day, when Chun Nuan saw Qian Yuanli getting medicine, the way he looked at Mrs. Wu revealed it all: this older gentleman truly had feelings for the young widow.
It’s really not surprising, considering he claimed he was injured years ago and always thought himself incapable, never marrying or having children.
After all those lonely decades, he found warmth in Mrs. Wu, who cooked, cleaned, made soups, and prepared medicine—doing everything a wife would, except warming his bed.
It’s no wonder his long-repressed heart began to stir!
When an iron tree blooms, it’s unstoppable.
Chun Nuan relayed Qian Yuanli’s peacock display to Zhao Minghua.
"That old fellow, I thought he was a good guy. What’s this, trying to undermine your household? I’ll go warn him."
"No need," Chun Nuan said. "I’ve confirmed it; he’s interested, but Nanny Wu isn’t. There won’t be any story between them."
"Even so, we can’t let this ruin the atmosphere."
"I don’t mind," said Chun Nuan. "Mrs. Wu is originally a free person. She’s under contract with us for three years, and after that, if she wants to leave, we can’t hold her back. As long as Qian doesn’t deceive her, it’s fine."
"You really have a kind heart."
In the Zhao family, if a servant had any improper thoughts, they’d be kicked out immediately.
"Those who want to leave can’t be kept, and those who should stay will not leave." Chun Nuan thought, especially since she had agreed to Mrs. Wu helping Qian Yuanli: "What’s your take on Qian’s character?"
Chun Nuan couldn’t quite judge, and Zhao Minghua, having seen many people, might have clearer insight.
"He’s got some smarts, but not much; some courage, but not a lot; his heart isn’t bad—he’s okay."
Chun Nuan thought... What an enigmatic evaluation!
She had already considered that if Mrs. Wu wanted to remarry, she wouldn’t stop her.
Of course, if Qian Yuanli could stay, that wouldn’t be bad either; after all, his news from the Capital arrives swiftly.
Sure enough, soon Chun Nuan received the news she was waiting for.
"The Emperor has finally established the Eldest Prince as the Crown Prince."
As an advisor to the Eldest Prince’s maternal family, Qian Yuanli was so excited he rubbed his hands together.
Knowing that the Xiao family had always supported the Empress, he naturally wanted to share this good news.
"Is there any other news?"
"What do you mean?"
"I want to hear all the interesting news from the Capital."
"I’m afraid I haven’t received any other news. The news I get is all significant."
For instance, he reported that Chun Nuan could diagnose and make medicine. The Lord said he’d done well and should stay in Shu City, watching over Chun Nuan’s family—it might be useful at some point.
Chun Nuan mused... Yes, yes, the Eldest Prince becoming the Crown Prince is indeed good news.
Her eldest sister wrote, saying Panpan and the Eldest Prince were quite close, and the little one even called him Big Brother.
Imagine the concept of having a Crown Prince as an older brother!
What if, one day, this Big Brother ascended to that position?
Plus, Xia Guangcheng remained loyal to the Emperor, and when that day came, his status would rise in tandem. At the right moment, offering medicine might enhance the Xiao family’s prospects of returning to the Capital a bit more.
While having the family make winter clothes for relatives in the Northern Desert, Chun Nuan felt a surge of impulse: she wanted to see the Northern Desert.
The desire stemmed from reading in her great-grandfather’s medical notes that several traditional Chinese herbs thrived in the Northern Desert.
Things like Ural licorice, Niujiayingzi ginseng, silvery windflower, Alashan snow lotus, Doloon red peony, Atractylodes, celosia goji, Niujiayingzi bellflower, etc.
Going to the Northern Desert, she’d see her father and relatives and find the herbs she sought.
But the moment Chun Nuan brought it up, the family unanimously opposed the idea.
"Sister, if anyone goes to the Northern Desert, it should be me. Traveling is difficult for you, especially since it’s far, and you’re not physically up for it," Chun Ning was the first to disagree. "There are so many responsibilities here. If you leave, I wouldn’t know what to do."
In Chun Ning’s eyes, his sister was like a stabilizing force, teaching him skills and how to act; she could predict several steps ahead.
He, himself, had much to learn.