The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 191 - 145

Tang Liu was injured on the way back from the Capital when he encountered bandits.

Chun Nuan thought about how it was not easy that her family, consisting of women and children, safely arrived in Changzhou, Shu City from the Capital without encountering bandits.

Chun Nuan tipped the waiter, and he departed joyfully.

When she opened the letter again, it was written by her elder sister.

These fabrics were sent back by Tang Liu on her sister’s behalf, claiming they are the popular styles in the Capital.

Looking at these bolts of fabric, Chun Nuan had an idea: to use them for embroidery and then transport them to the Capital to sell, opening an embroidery shop there.

Moreover, she knew that Shu Embroidery was also exceptional. Her aunt and others excelled in Su Embroidery, Xiangxi Embroidery, Shu Embroidery, and Cantonese Embroidery, all possessing remarkable skills.

Using the most popular fabrics from the Capital to create Shu Embroidery and sending them to the Capital, hmm, it was also a business opportunity.

"Elder sister mentioned that considering the mourning period, the fabrics sent are not brightly colored, all quite plain. Aunt, let’s make one summer outfit for each of you and my mother."

"No need, we have enough clothes." Mrs. Xu said: "These plain fabrics are perfect for embroidery."

"Right, embroidery would be great." Mrs. Xu also remarked: "We rarely go out now, as long as we have clothes to wear, there’s no need for new ones. "

No longer were the days in the Capital when one needed to visit their maiden home and entertain guests.

In the Capital, one had to visit their maiden home and attend banquets according to the seasons, with different outfits for each to avoid others thinking poorly of your circumstances.

Especially when visiting the maiden home, although not explicitly stated, there was intense competition among sisters.

Back then, what one wore was not just clothing but a representation of dignity and confidence.

Now in Shu City, opportunities to go out were rare, mosquitoes in summer and fall, and cold in winter made sitting in the courtyard unbearable.

Besides, residing in the countryside, their fair appearance would become fodder for the village women even if they wore a burlap sack, negating the need for such trendy fabrics.

All three sisters-in-law decided against making new clothes.

"This piece of fabric is suitable for boys." Mrs. Xu picked out a grayish-white satin piece: "Make an outfit for Chun Ning, Chun Qiang, and Chun An."

"Give that light blue one to Nuannuan, Chunyan, Chun Shu, and Chunxin to make an outfit each."

Adults could do without new clothes, but children needed them.

They were all in a growing phase, last year’s clothes would seem a size smaller this year.

"No need to make one for me." Chun Nuan said: "I don’t seem to have grown much since last year; I can still wear these clothes."

Chun Nuan was actually embarrassed to say that she had just received several sets of clothes made by embroiderers sent by Zhao Minghua, based on last year’s colors and styles, which did not stand out when worn.

"Then let’s make them for Chun Yan and the others, and use the rest for embroidery." Mrs. Xu suddenly noticed her daughter-in-law Zhu Lingling: "Lingling, you should also make an outfit; it’s been a while since you had new clothes after giving birth to Muyang, apologies for that."

"Mother, it’s okay; those clothes are still wearable."

In fact, they appeared quite baggy. Previously, during pregnancy, the clothes were loose, and nearly two years after childbirth, her figure had slimmed significantly since arriving in Shu City. Wearing old clothes, she realized it was her own negligence, forgetting that she was no longer in the Capital, where she lacked monthly allowances and dowry. It was challenging for a daughter-in-law with no income to acquire a new outfit.

"Go ahead, you are our family’s young mistress. You must have fitting clothes to wear when going out, as they represent our family’s dignity."

Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Huang both nodded in agreement.

Thus, the decision was made.

"Chunyu mentioned many things about Panpan in the letter."

One could discern someone’s well-being from their letters.

Previously, Chunyu would briefly mention things in a few strokes, never elaborating on Panpan’s happenings.

Now the family letters were exceptionally detailed, vividly depicting Panpan’s lively and adorable nature, making it impossible not to chuckle and eager to personally hold the lovely granddaughter in the Capital.

Knowing that Mrs. Xia treats Panpan as her own granddaughter, and even made a public show of protection during a banquet at Miss Jiang’s in Minister’s Mansion by striking a lady for Panpan, Mrs. Xu was filled with emotions.

All along, Mrs. Xia had a not-so-positive reputation in the Capital, labeled as spoiled by favoritism from Old General Xia. In reality, Mrs. Xu believed most wives envied and resented her good fortune.

Old General Xia had neither concubines nor even a single maid, only one wife, an uncommon fortune others did not possess.

Particularly those with numerous singing girls and courtesans in their inner courtyards, they were extremely envious.

Yet they refused to admit their envy, gathering to declare Mrs. Xia as possessive. Old General Xia had only Xia Guangcheng as a son and refused to take concubines for more offspring, claiming it was her duty for family prosperity, but she kept Old General Xia firmly in check, leaving him without a concubine or an illegitimate son, and this was her crime!

Mrs. Xu had only met Mrs. Xia a few times, merely acquaintances by nodding.

Regarding the insinuations among noblewomen’s circles about her, Mrs. Xu maintained a mindset of just lending an ear.

Families without concubines or illegitimate sons in the Capital could be counted on one hand, including Doctor Xiao’s family at the Xiao family residence.

It’s rare for women to control men; a man’s virtue is inherent. Harmonious couples with no concubines or illegitimate children were not frowned upon by the Xia family, yet outsiders stirred such a commotion.

What is this but blatant envy and hatred?

Mrs. Xu once witnessed Old General Xia picking up Mrs. Xia after a banquet, embodying an elegant man, they boarded the carriage hand-in-hand, leaving behind a group of women without husbands receiving them, seething with envy and resentment.

Unfortunately, it was not long after that Mrs. Xia attended another banquet, and Old General Xia went to the frontier. The news that followed was his death in battle, leading Mrs. Xia to mourn for her husband, send her son to war, close doors to guests for recovery, and she hadn’t been seen outside for five to six years.

Mrs. Xu never imagined in her dreams that one day she would become an in-law to Mrs. Xia.

The Xia family’s rule against taking concubines was the same as the Xiao family’s.

Therefore, this should indeed be her daughter’s destined match.

After reading her daughter’s letter, seeing her sending all good things to Shu City, Mrs. Xu finally believed that Xiao Chunyu truly could manage in General Huaiyuan’s Mansion, leading a genuine life.

Her anxious heart finally settled.

Chunyu was no longer a source of worry, but there were still endless concerns: the harsh winter had again descended upon the Northern Desert.

According to Chun Nuan’s plan, winter clothes and another batch of pills were sent.

For this batch of pills, Chun Nuan merely guided, letting Chun Ning personally make them.