The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 189 - 144:

"A-jie, aren’t you skilled at preparing medicinal herbs? I was thinking, why don’t we process them ourselves and sell them?"

"Which pharmacy are you targeting?"

"It’s not about that. I just feel we are somewhat familiar with this line of work," Chun Ning said. "We are just starting, and we need to gradually open up the market, accumulate customer resources, and develop slowly..."

"In three years, you’ll be getting married. I hope the Xiao family remains a family of medical practitioners, and I hope you can put in the effort to train one or two apprentices to uphold the Xiao family’s prestige."

Chun Nuan listened to Chun Ning’s analysis, feeling that he must have done considerable homework.

"Who do you want to follow and learn herb processing?"

"I hope Chun Qiang and Chun An can learn."

They are children of the third branch; their third aunt, Mrs. Huang, might not agree.

"Of course, I can learn too," Chun Ning added. "Although I’m a bit older, I will study diligently."

"Chun Ning, if someone truly wants to learn, I would prefer it to be you," Chun Nuan said. "It’s just that right now, the entire Xiao family relies on you, and you can’t have the peace of mind to study. And third aunt has always looked down on operating a business and studying medicine; she hopes more that Chun Qiang and Chun An can become great scholars like the ancestors of the Huang family."

"That’s easier said than done!" Chun Ning replied. "Our Xiao family is forbidden from taking the imperial exams for three generations. Third aunt’s wish for Chun An and Chun Qiang to take that path is indeed very difficult."

"Human effort can achieve anything."

Chun Nuan thought about how her two younger brothers were still young, and anything was possible. Maybe one day, fortunes would change, and someone would clear grandfather’s name, providing an opportunity to take the imperial exams.

"Third aunt’s aspirations give hope for this."

After all, third aunt was different from her eldest aunt and mother.

After experiencing great hardships, her eldest aunt and mother had become very peaceful, just wishing for the family to live safely and well; however, third aunt still had high hopes, always dreaming of returning to the Capital, and waiting for the day her children would succeed. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Chun Nuan thought everyone has the right to dream. If dreams come true, it’s a great joy, and even if they don’t, it doesn’t matter. At least such aspirations can support her through these lonely and dark years.

"If you want Chun An or Chun Qiang to learn herb processing, you must get third aunt’s approval."

"Okay, I understand." Chun Ning said. "A-jie, you should teach me first. I will do my best to learn."

"Alright."

The inheritance of a family business relies on male heirs, which is why many families pass traditions to sons but not daughters.

Chun Nuan was very grateful that her grandfather didn’t impose so many rules restricting her from learning. Instead, he taught her generously, always keeping the study and pharmacy open to her and even pleading with her grandmother to give her special treatment.

This is why, after her grandfather’s incident, she tried her best to shoulder the family’s responsibilities, to repay her grandfather’s kindness.

Chun Ning wanted to learn, and Chun Nuan was willing to teach with all her might.

Yes, the Xiao Mansion, the Xiao family, two generations of Imperial Physicians, how glorious. Her grandfather’s medical formulas and secret recipes indeed needed to be passed down.

Yet seeing Chun Ning so busy, she felt a little uneasy.

Chun Ning went to find third aunt.

"What did you say?"

"Third aunt, I plan to set up a Xiao Family Pharmacy stall, to carry on some of our ancestral formulas. Chun An and Chun Qiang are still little; it’s a great time for them to learn, third aunt, what do you think..."

"No, they cannot study medicine," Mrs. Huang firmly rejected. "Look at the outcome for your grandfather. And look at your uncles and father; why did none of them study medicine? Because even your grandfather found it pointless."

Is that really true?

Chun Ning felt that third aunt’s thoughts were somewhat biased.

"Chun Ning, I’m very grateful for the efforts of you and your siblings. Without you, the five of us might not have survived."

Mrs. Huang was initially very afraid of splitting the family.

After all, there are precedents in the Capital, where a husband and wife, once partners, would separate in times of trouble.

If even a couple behaves this way, how much more so would sisters-in-law?

Back then, for the sake of her children, she didn’t choose to separate from her husband. Her mother’s servant hinted that if she separated, she couldn’t take the children back or live at home. She would have another identity to live in a remote place, return to the family a few years later with another young lady’s name, and remarry.

While seemingly well-arranged, it was essentially an expression of contempt towards her.

She understood clearly; as a member of a prestigious family of great scholars, having a separated woman would tarnish the reputation of other young ladies in the clan.

Moreover, as a mother, leaving the children to indulge herself was something Mrs. Huang could not do, so she chose to stay with the Xiao family in Shu City.