I know that next year my elder sister will leave mourning and get married, and this family will rely on me to support it. That’s why I’ve already started to learn to be independent. But I also know that I am still a little bird with soft wings. This family can do without me, but it can’t do without my elder sister.
"Chun Ning, you need to learn to handle things on your own, and I need to learn to let go," Chun Nuan said. "Besides, if you go to the Northern Desert, do you know those medicinal herbs?"
Chun Ning was immediately at a loss for words.
It’s no exaggeration to say that he currently recognizes fewer herbs than two-year-old Xiao Muyang.
"Nuannuan, you’re a young lady, it’s neither safe nor convenient for you to be traveling outside," the aunt wasn’t relieved about Chun Nuan traveling either. "To us, no matter how precious the herbs are, they’re not as precious as you."
"I plan to go to the Northern Desert and give grandfather, father, uncle, and several brothers a pulse diagnosis to help them regulate their health."
After all, the climate in the Northern Desert changes greatly, it’s both exhausting and the food isn’t good. They’ve been there for almost three years, and they’re all frail scholars; how can they withstand such hardships?
This reasoning instantly rendered the family speechless.
"We’re really reluctant to let you endure hardships."
"It’s not a hardship. As long as our family is safe and sound, and can reunite on the day of return with no one missing, everything we do isn’t a hardship."
Mrs. Xu, Mrs. Xu, Mrs. Huang, and Mrs. Zhu were all deeply touched.
"Next, you should start making winter clothes while I prepare for the journey to the Northern Desert and aim to return quickly."
If I go any later, it would truly be arduous.
The cold and bitter weather leaves Chun Nuan uncertain about retreating safely.
"Sister, are you traveling to the Northern Desert with Tang Liu and his caravan?"
Chun Ning had heard Tang Liu mention about the caravan heading to the Northern Desert.
"Yes, I’ll go with their caravan." Not to mention that Master Zhou Qi is indeed very trustworthy; ever since diagnosing his confidante, he kept his promise and became a protective shield for the Xiao family, providing conveniences in every way.
Chun Nuan was grateful to Zhou Qi, and after learning that his mother had issues with inconsistency in consciousness, being confused, and sleepless, she prepared Peace of Mind ointment for Zhao Minghua to deliver.
It’s said that after the elderly lady used the Peace of Mind ointment, her health improved, and she praised extensively.
Master Zhou Qi is a filial person, hence he has been even kinder to Chun Nuan.
When Chun Nuan proposed to travel to the Northern Desert, he only said one sentence: "If you can endure hardships and are willing to go, my caravan will ensure your safety."
This seemingly casual sentence carried great responsibility on his shoulders.
And it was due to Master Zhou Qi’s promise that Chun Nuan decided to bravely head to the Northern Desert.
Heading to the Northern Desert, Chun Nuan naturally had to prepare thoroughly.
She also made some Peace of Mind ointment to bring along.
After all, grandfather, father, and uncle are no longer young at their ages; maintaining good health is essential, especially when reaching the age of knowing one’s destiny, even in advanced times.
On this day, Chun Nuan taught Chun Ning how to make Dragon Gallbladder and Gentian Pill.
"Gentian, coptis, rhubarb, curcuma..." Chun Nuan instructed, while Chun Ning recorded and then followed the formula to gather herbs, grind them into fine powder, and shape it into pills.
"Second aunt, can Muyang take this?"
"No, he can’t." Chun Nuan immediately stopped him. Xiao Muyang learns quickly, but he has one drawback: he’s greedy.
Just like how she used to sneak bites in the pharmacy years ago, he too wants to taste everything.
"This is a medicine for clearing heat and relieving fire. If you eat it, you’ll have diarrhea."
The child is still so young; he can’t eat medicine carelessly.
"Then can Muyang taste just a bit, just to see if it’s bitter or sweet."
Chun Nuan... Some kids are truly greedy, but for someone like Xiao Muyang, who is so persistent in tasting various herbs, can we really call him greedy?
Tasting a bit isn’t out of the question.
"Is it bitter or sweet?"
"Bitter, so bitter. Aunt, why is it so bitter?"
"Because there’s bitter hog gall in it," Chun Nuan laughed, "Good medicine tastes bitter but is effective for illness. You understand now, right?"
"I understand, Muyang gets it."
Chun Ning... How come I feel I don’t have the courage to taste medicine like my little nephew does?
Yes, he’s learning how to make medicine now, but he never asks to taste it nor does he have such thoughts.
In his view, every medicine carries some toxicity, and as long as you’re healthy, there’s no need to take any medicine, even tonics.
Xiao Muyang genuinely understood because he even consulted Chun Nuan on the effects of the various herbs and the ailments the pills target.
Once Chun Nuan explained, he remembered everything.
Chun Ning... Having such a smart nephew is really quite pressuring.
Of course, he also clearly understands that people are different, and Xiao Muyang is indeed the one who should inherit the Xiao family’s medical legacy; he only needs to know a little.