Chapter 441 - 263
Chun Nuan has always been someone who keeps her word.
During these three days, she didn’t return to the Zhao family but stayed with Chun Ning at the pharmacy, making various pills.
They worked late into the night, with Chun Nuan explaining the effects and uses of different pills to Chun Ning, and having him repeat them back to ensure he remembered.
Indeed, evidence shows that he needs to be kept busy.
Just like their mother said, when she saw Chun Ning that day, he seemed a bit lost, but once he got busy again, he returned to normal.
"Rest well tonight, and join Master Zhou Qi’s caravan at Xiao Family Pier early tomorrow morning," said Chun Nuan. "It’s your first time traveling far, so you must follow the leader’s instructions and avoid acting on impulse."
"Understood, sister."
Chun Ning glanced at the moon in the sky, moved his lips slightly, but said nothing at last: "Sister, I’ll go rest now."
"Go ahead."
Judging by his demeanor, Chun Nuan could tell his mind was elsewhere.
"Nanny Wu."
"Second Miss, do you have any instructions?"
Nanny Wu hurried over.
"Is the main door locked?"
"It is locked," Nanny Wu said. "Second Miss, are you heading back to the town? It’s quite late, how about staying overnight?"
"I’m not going back to town," Chun Nuan replied. "Hand me the keys."
"This..." Nanny Wu hesitated, but considering Second Miss had married out and was still a master, she complied and handed the keys over.
Chun Nuan slept soundly with the keys in her possession.
She couldn’t believe that she couldn’t stop this guy’s mischief.
Early the next morning, Chun Nuan personally took Chun Ning to Xiao Family Pier to meet Yu, the leader of Master Zhou Qi’s caravan.
"My younger brother has never traveled far before, so I’ll rely on Uncle Yu to look after him."
"Miss Xiao, don’t worry, we’ll take good care of Mr. Xiao."
Chun Nuan gratefully gave a jug of wine to him.
"I brewed this myself, Uncle Yu can have a sip on the road to ease fatigue."
"Miss Xiao, that’s very kind of you."
Uncle Yu happily accepted it, knowing that anything from Miss Xiao would undoubtedly be exceptional.
As for having an extra young lad on the journey, it wasn’t a big deal. Young lads aren’t as delicate as young ladies and can fend for themselves, not requiring a burden on others.
"Chun Ning, listen to Uncle Yu along the way."
"Yes, sister, Chun Ning understands."
"Also, at home, things are always good, but out there, everything is difficult. Remember to heed Uncle Yu’s advice when faced with issues and avoid making decisions recklessly."
"Don’t try to be a hero while traveling; your greatest ability is self-preservation. By preserving yourself, you avoid being a burden to your companions."
"Alright, sister, Chun Ning gets it."
Although agreeing verbally, Chun Ning’s mind had already wandered far away.
It’s been three days since he last saw Xia’er, wanting to visit her last night but found the main gate locked, and Nanny Wu suggested his sister had taken the keys.
He always felt that his sister knew something, yet she said nothing, leaving him anxious.
"Sister, I’m heading off."
"Stay safe on the road."
Even though Chun Nuan was sending Chun Ning to the Northern Desert, she still felt uneasy, and after seeing him off, she promptly entered the teahouse nearby.
"Third Young Madam."
"Did you get a clear look?"
"Yes, I’ve identified Mr. Xiao."
"Just protect him discreetly on this trip, only intervene if there’s a real threat to life. Let him endure whatever hardships come his way."
"Understood, young mistress."
The master indeed had a unique perspective; Mr. Xiao was with the Zhou family caravan, so there was little risk, allowing this journey to be quite relaxed.
Watching Luo Qi following the caravan at a distance, Chun Nuan sighed deeply.
People indeed can’t be spoiled; this boy needs to be thoroughly tested.
Otherwise, who knows how muddleheaded he might become!
If hardship must be endured, let him fully experience it!
"Third Young Madam."
Luo Liu approached the teahouse to greet.
"Sit, did you find out?"
"Yes," said Luo Liu. "That woman lives in the sixth house on the east side of Smoke Rain Alley and is a clandestine prostitute."
Indeed, Aunt Luo’s information was not wrong.
"The girl is called Xia’er; her father’s identity is unclear, but she resembles her mother and has a fair amount of beauty."
Chun Nuan didn’t care to hear about this; without some charm, how would she earn her living?
She wanted to know whether the connection with Chun Ning was accidental or deliberate.
"After meeting the young master, it appears premeditated."
What?
Chun Nuan widened her eyes.
Indeed, with ill intent!
"Is someone behind?"
"No, I eavesdropped on the roof for two nights; it’s the woman wanting her daughter to become an Oiran. Xia’er doesn’t want to, so the woman demands a large dowry, two thousand taels of silver."
Then, they chose Chun Ning?
A fool with money?
"The girl Xia’er indeed chose him; she thinks the young master is handsome, comes from a good family, and might take her away from here, so..."
Ha, how presumptuous!
What makes them think the Xiao family would accept someone like her?
Smart and beautiful, yet unfortunately born to the wrong family; her attempts to change her fate were destined to fail.
"Let her be taken."
It’s not that Chun Nuan was heartless, but mercy towards the enemy is cruelty to oneself; keeping her was a hazard.
If she hadn’t schemed against Chun Ning, if it was purely youthful affection, Chun Nuan might have spared some sentiment.
But she schemed against Chun Ning.
Dare to plot against Chun Ning, then bear the consequences when the plot fails.
The woman sought money, the girl sought status, so fulfill their wishes.
"Understood, I’ll take care of it right away."
In Changzhou, there were quite a few lascivious young masters.
To handle this, Luo Liu said it would only require an hour.
Indeed, an hour later, Chun Nuan saw a small sedan chair carried past the teahouse.
"It’s the Lan family’s Fourth Young Master; he already has six concubines, gave the woman two thousand taels, and she happily sent the girl into the sedan chair."
"It’s good; it aligned with their wishes."
Though the Xiao family had fallen, it wasn’t a target for any random opportunist’s schemes.
Chun Ning, that fool, believed she truly cared for him?
He probably knew her disgraceful background and dared not mention it to the family.
Four months later, when returning from the Northern Desert, the girl Xia’er should be expecting Lan Fourth’s child.
Separating them wasn’t because Chun Nuan was heartless; she had to do it!
The Xiao family couldn’t tolerate even the slightest filth.
Chun Ning might be confused for a moment but couldn’t remain muddled for life.
His wife could be of humble birth but must be from a respectable family.
Resolving such a significant hazard discreetly made Chun Nuan breathe easy.
Fortunately, Zhao Minghua left her some help before heading to the Capital, or she would have struggled dealing with it.
Suddenly, she missed Zhao Minghua.
Having him around was bothersome, but without him, she found herself yearning for him.
Wonder what he’s doing now in the Capital?