The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 125 - 103: Xiao Muyang’s First Birthday Grab

Chapter 125: Chapter 103: Xiao Muyang’s First Birthday Grab

If you want to propose marriage to a lady, you have to show your sincerity and advantages.

Mrs. Zhao felt that the only thing she could present was the Zhao family’s fine tradition: there were no concubines or maids in the backyard, the men of the Zhao family did not take concubines, and the women did not become concubines, and any violation of family rules would result in expulsion from the clan.

"Thank you, Mrs. Zhao, for your kind consideration. However, this is a matter of great importance, and I must report to the matriarch. Ultimately, it depends on Nuannuan’s wishes."

Mrs. Xu, with her years of experience as the headlady, quickly considered all the pros and cons in an instant.

If Nuannuan were to consider a marriage proposal in Shu City, the Zhao family might not be the best, but it was indeed the most suitable.

Of course, she would neither immediately agree nor outright refuse; everything depended on the matriarch’s decision.

The opportunity must be left for Nuannuan.

Upon hearing Mrs. Xu’s response, Mrs. Zhao felt reassured that the Xiao family was not opposed to a marriage with the Zhao family.

Thinking about possibly receiving her favorite girl as a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Zhao felt invigorated.

This young man indeed had value, at least in "winning" a daughter-in-law. The highlight of the birthday banquet was the Zhuazhou ceremony.

Xiao Muyang was taken by Zhu Lingling to be bathed and changed into new clothes before being led by Chun Ning to worship the ancestors, informing the Xiao ancestors that the youngest member of the Xiao family was turning one year old, and asking them to bless the descendants with health and growth.

Chun Ning specifically called out to grandfather during the ancestor worship.

"Grandfather, when the eldest sister-in-law was diagnosed with pregnancy, you allowed yourself a sip of wine. Grandfather, if you were still here, you would surely love this chubby child..."

Standing beside, Chun Nuan listened to Chun Ning’s words, feeling choked up.

Grandfather had always been a very good person, very loving towards the children of the family, and he especially doted on her.

After grandfather’s incident, the Xiao family fell into disarray, and Chun Nuan stepped up without hesitation to shoulder the heavy burden.

Looking at the spacious and bright mansion, filled with guests and laughter, and looking at her obedient eldest nephew, Chun Nuan felt that the hardships and exhaustion of the past year were all worth it.

To give the little one a full sense of ceremony, the Xiao family had prepared everything thoroughly.

The Four Treasures of the Study, scales, abacus, money, ornaments, food, and toys, even a bell were placed on the table; Chun Nuan even put a few medicinal herbs there.

"Come, Yangyang, come pick one you like."

The child was placed on the table, even allowed to crawl over it.

Sitting on the table, Xiao Muyang looked at the people around him, some familiar, some not. Unafraid, his big eyes blinked with curiosity, his small mind filled with question marks, seemingly unsure of what he should do.

"Little boy, it’s time for the Zhuazhou, come, quickly choose one you like."

Nanny Wu coaxed him eagerly.

Xiao Muyang seemed to understand, looking down at the items on the table, and casually grabbed a brush on his right side.

"The little boy grabbed a brush; he will surely succeed in his studies and become a Champion Scholar ranked at the top of the imperial exams."

Nanny Wu, having witnessed many Zhuazhou ceremonies, always spoke auspicious words regardless of what the child grabbed, and spoke them automatically.

Originally, it wasn’t wrong, but since the emperor had long decreed that the Xiao family could not take the imperial examinations or enter officialdom for three generations,

as soon as Wu’s words fell, the hearts of the Xiao family stirred.

Of course, the Xiao family had good self-restraint and did not show it.

"Yes, yes, the little boy will be a Champion Scholar in the future." Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Zhang followed suit, while Mrs. Xu smiled and thanked them for their kind words.

"Oh, the little boy grabbed an abacus."

Wu was surprised to find the little one actually lifting the abacus and handing it to Chunyan.

"Aunt... Aunt..."

"For Auntie?" Chunyan joyfully received the abacus: "Our Muyang is so well-behaved."

The praised Xiao Muyang obediently showed his affection, giving paper to Chun An, money to Chun Ning, and handing herbs to Chun Nuan... until all the items on the table were shared, with the brush still clutched in his hand.

"The little boy will surely grow up to be a scholar, a person of great talent!"

Wu marveled again.

Zhu Lingling felt both moved and saddened by her words.

For the Xiao family, at this time, being studious was more of a calamity than a blessing.

When survival itself was a challenge, studying didn’t hold as much importance anymore.

Back then, when Chun Ning, who had great academic potential, was barely twelve, he was forced to shoulder the family’s livelihood, learning farming from Uncle Luo, taking Chun Nuan’s directives to work at the docks, pharmacies, and teahouses, gradually becoming a shrewd little businessman.

Chun An and Chun Qiang were also learning words and reading from their third aunt, but her face no longer held the same smile it did in the Capital, and Zhu Lingling knew well what worried her.

For three generations of the Xiao family, the path of academia was blocked.

So, being studious might not necessarily be fortunate.

"Our boy is very attentive, to remember everyone’s hobbies at such a young age."

Usually cuddled, he saw Chunyan with the abacus, Chun Nuan with the herbs, Chun An writing... and remembered it all.

A child like this is truly smart.

"Grandmother, lunch is ready." The smarter he was, the more he required protection. Fearing wasted potential, Chun Nuan hurried to divert the topic, away from praises and onto eating.

"Okay, please invite Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Zhao to the table." The matriarch said, "Chun Ning, make sure you entertain Mr. Zhao well."

"Yes, grandmother."

Chun Ning invited Zhao Minghua to sit.

"Bro, make yourself at home. I come often, you know, I’m no outsider."

Chun Ning... Honestly, you really don’t see yourself as an outsider!

Is this really okay?

Though young, Chun Ning was sharp. He always felt Zhao Minghua’s frequent visits to the Xiao family were with some intent, but it was not the kind of intent he imagined.

This person needed to be watched.

The guests at Xiao Muyang’s birthday feast were only the Zhang family, the Zhao family, and the Luo family.

Aunt Luo and Nanny Wu prepared two tables of meals, one for the male and one for the female guests, making simple dishes delightfully tasty, especially the braised pork, making Aunt Luo suspect she was possessed by a culinary genius, using a certain spice packet Chun Nuan provided, simmering the meat to a tender and flavorful state.

Having cooked for more than thirty years, it was the first time she felt impressive in her culinary skills.

Of course, her chances to cook braised pork were few. Perhaps, she always had the skills, just not enough meat to showcase them.

Sure enough, even Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Zhao complimented her culinary skills.

Uncle Luo, seeing his wife’s glowing face, was puzzled: when did she acquire such abilities? Or perhaps, being with the Xiao family made the whole family smarter?

It seemed that the earlier decision to stay close to the Xiao family was correct.

After the meal, everyone enjoyed tea and exchanged praises.

Amidst the joy, suddenly someone outside called for Chun Nuan.

"Aunt Zuo, what’s the matter?"

Chun Nuan ran out to see Aunt Zuo with two somewhat familiar people beside her, but couldn’t quite recall who they were.

"Chun Nuan, your guests have arrived."

Guests? At this time? Are they here for dinner?

The critical point was, who were these guests?