The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 169 - 133: Don’t Let Their Appetite Grow

"Uncle Chen, actually, the plum trees are easy to handle," Chun Nuan wasn’t really reluctant to spend ten taels of silver; she just wanted to see how greedy the Chen family would be, "I’ll find a few people to dig them up and transplant them elsewhere; it won’t be affected."

"Who says so? Trees die when moved, people thrive when moved. The plum trees have grown so big that one move and they’ll surely die, really. We don’t particularly want the plum trees, it’s just a remembrance left by my mother; we can’t let it just get ruined like that."

"That’s true. Well, let’s forget it, we’ll have the Geomancer choose another place." Chun Nuan turned to Zhao Minghua and said, "Let’s go, we can’t be too selfish and put Uncle Chen in a difficult position."

Zhao Minghua was stunned for a moment but quickly caught up with Chun Nuan’s pace.

After walking a few steps, Zhao Minghua wanted to ask if Chun Nuan really didn’t want it anymore, but then the Chen family called out from behind.

"Oh, big brother, really, it’s just two plum trees, why be so serious about it? The Xiao family is not outsiders, they’re relatives." Old Mr. Chen spoke up, "Do you think the Xiao family will shortchange us? In life, you must be considerate. Chun Nuan, you can just take that piece of land if you want it; just handle it according to the land adjustment."

That straightforward?

The more straightforward it was, the more cautious Chun Nuan became, fearing that after inviting neighbors to dig the shadow well, the Chen family would come back to cause trouble, leading to genuine complications.

"Grandpa Chen, since you’ve said that, I’ll be straightforward too." Chun Nuan turned around, "We aren’t desperate for this land. Of course, if we take it, I will compensate you. Our family has no land to swap. A grave doesn’t take much space; the land plus the two plum trees, I’ll give a total of two taels of silver. Also, the plum trees would belong to me, whether I transplant them or cut them for firewood; you can’t interfere. If you agree, let’s sign an agreement. If not, I’ll immediately have the feng shui master find another location."

Chun Nuan didn’t bother to haggle with them, cutting through the nonsense, not everything had to cater to her.

The need for a coffin and old clothes was real, as was the land... But the more you needed something, the more others would hike the price. Only when you act indifferent, after weighing the pros and cons, would they make a choice.

After all, two taels of silver could buy an acre of land.

Sure enough, after Chun Nuan’s words, the Chen family looked at one another and finally at Old Mr. Chen.

"Why are you looking at me?" Old Mr. Chen said, "It’s not a big deal. Don’t say we’re relatives with the Xiao family; even neighbors would be accommodating in such matters. Just follow what Chun Nuan suggested, don’t make things difficult for her, a young girl."

So, that’s how the matter was resolved.

Zhao Minghua, while writing the contract, thought: I always considered myself good at business dealings, but now I realize that there’s always someone better. Chun Nuan is the truly formidable one, masterfully grasping people’s intents.

The Chen family signed the agreement and pressed their fingerprints, making that piece of land and the two plum trees belongings of the Xiao family.

Leaving the Chen family, Zhao Minghua praised Chun Nuan once again.

"It’s not that I can’t spend the ten taels of silver," Chun Nuan said quietly, "It’s because our Xiao family plans to live in this village for the long term. If we handle everything like you do, paving everything with silver, it will only inflate others’ greed. Over time, our family will become an easy target in others’ eyes."

This kind of situation can never be allowed to happen again.

"I didn’t consider thoroughly," Zhao Minghua admitted, understanding that sometimes his help only caused more trouble, "Your ability to stay calm in situations is something worthy of learning from."

Chun Nuan glanced at Zhao Minghua beside her and couldn’t help but think that this person might make a good partner in collaboration or life because he genuinely understands and respects her decisions, listens to opinions, notices others’ strengths, and excels at complementing each other’s weaknesses. Not blindly thoughtless... Well, sometimes a little thoughtless, impulsively straightforward and honest, which the people of Shu City would call naive; the more she looked, the more endearing he seemed.

Zhao Minghua wouldn’t realize that his standing in Chun Nuan’s heart had risen yet again.

Anyway, regarding the elderly woman’s funeral arrangements, Zhao Minghua knew his role well - contributing financially or physically as needed.

"Nanny, look, I always thought the third young one was a kid who never grew up. Now, he actually seems quite alright, doesn’t he appear like a proper adult now?"

Mrs. Zhao was pleased to see Zhao Minghua always following Chun Ning, helping her handle various trivial matters.

"Madam, our third young master has always been very obedient and sensible. You’ve set high standards." Nanny Zhong laughed, "See, the third young master is quite good!"

"Haha, you’re right, my standards were high, my son is excellent." Mrs. Zhao smiled comfortingly after hearing Nanny Zhong’s words, "Other people’s sons being great wouldn’t concern me. My son, good or bad, is still my son, and I shouldn’t resent him."

Nanny Zhong... Her lady was becoming more humorously eloquent.

"Mother, who are you resenting?"

Zhao Minghua happened to pass by and overheard this sentence, purposefully staying behind to inquire.

"I resent myself, for having eyes clouded by lard, not seeing how wonderful my own son is, how could I ever resent him?"

"So wonderful, mom, were you talking about me," Zhao Minghua purposely asked, "or were you talking about big brother, or second brother? Oh, I get it, you must mean second brother. Second brother is preparing to take the scholar examination, so outstanding, so good."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhao rolled her eyes listlessly.

Zhao Minghua was being cheeky, the youngest loved to be envious, always competing with his brothers, despite being capable at everything, he could never admit defeat.

"Nanny Zhong, see, that’s truly how my mother feels about me." Seeing his mother roll her eyes, Zhao Minghua burst into laughter, "Honestly, if she praised me one day, I wouldn’t know how to react."

"You little rascal, hurry up and go help, don’t dawdle in front of me, always so frivolous..."

Mrs. Zhao felt she couldn’t bear it a bit, the relationship patterns developed from childhood couldn’t be easily changed, pretending to show motherly compassion and filial piety, everyone’s tired with the act.

But with playful bickering and teasing anger, the interactions remained light and enjoyable. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Alright, I’m off to help." Zhao Minghua was still very filial, turning to Qingsheng, "Send my mother and the rest back to town later, make sure to be careful on the road. Those people are certainly still lurking. We’re in the open, they’re hidden, caution is paramount."

"Yes, young master."

The young master wanted him to be extra vigilant, keeping an eye on the safety of the young children from the Xiao family, and now also Mrs. Zhao’s safety; Qingsheng felt his responsibilities were quite significant.