The Daily Life of a Down-on-Hard-Life Medicine Girl Supporting Her Family

Spring sunlight filters through the new green locust leaves, casting warm dappled patterns on the bluestone slabs.

The carriage stopped in the somewhat deserted streets. Zhao Minghua jumped off first, then turned around and carefully helped Chunnuan off the carriage.

He held her hand, not letting go immediately, and led her to look at a newly built white wall with gray tiles. Inside the wall, lush greenery was already peeking out.

His beloved wife and son have finally arrived in Beijing.

The parents went to the residence of their second brother, Zhao Minglang, who was a top scholar in the imperial examinations, and they took their son with them.

That's fine then. He can bring his wife back to see the courtyard he has carefully prepared.

"Come, look at this."

With a hint of anticipation in his eyes, as if presenting a treasure, Zhao Minghua pushed open the slightly ajar elm door.

The entrance revealed a hidden paradise. A small but exquisitely crafted garden unfolded before them, its neat rows of plants, moist soil, and newly planted medicinal seedlings thriving: mint, perilla, mugwort, rehmannia… and some rare and precious herbs, all stretching their leaves in the warm spring sunshine. In one corner, a small trellis had even been erected, beneath which were placed a stone table and benches, perfect for resting and reading medical books.

“This is…” Chun Nuan’s eyes suddenly lit up as she looked at her husband with surprise.

“The Hundred Herbs Garden,” Zhao Minghua smiled, his tone gentle yet firm, “was built especially for you. I know you can’t let go of these things. This mansion is very large, and I specially set aside a space to grow these, so you can come whenever you want.” He paused, gently putting his arm around her shoulder, his voice softening further, “I still support you in making pills and studying medical books. If you want to practice medicine, I won’t stop you. It’s just…”

He raised his hand, his fingertips gently tracing the non-existent fine lines at the corners of her eyes, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"I just can't bear to see you working so hard in Changzhou, for that family, for this and that, you've never stopped. I don't want you to be too tired."

As Chunnuan looked at him, the softest part of her heart was gently touched.

She knew his worries stemmed from the times she had worked tirelessly, neglecting sleep and meals, to the point of collapsing from exhaustion while studying medicine and treating patients.

She gripped his large hand tightly in return, her smile gentle and bright.

"I understand my husband's intentions, thank you."

She turned her head, her gaze sweeping over the vibrant herbs, her voice clear and calm.

"Don't worry, I won't be making house calls anymore. There's no shortage of doctors and medicine in the capital, and most people can afford to see a doctor." Chunnuan said, "I'm going back to the capital. I'm just the granddaughter of Physician Xiao, and your wife, Zhao Minglang."

"My medical skills were passed down from my grandfather and are a gift from heaven. If I were to let them go to waste, wouldn't that be a waste?"

Chun Nuan said, "Chun An is quite talented, and Mu Yang is also steady and willing to learn. The family has discussed it and decided that the two of them will pass on their medical skills. I will teach them medicine. In this way, they can inherit the Xiao family's medical skills and also have a skill to help people in the future."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Minghua's expression immediately relaxed, and his smile deepened.

“That’s wonderful! It fulfills your wish without causing you too much trouble. It’s a blessing for Chun’an and Muyang to have you as their teacher.”

……

A few days later, Chunnuan took Zhao Minghua back to the Xiao family's old residence.

The once bustling residence of the imperial physicians, though still tidy, exudes a sense of quietude. The bronze rings on the vermilion gate are not as shiny as I remember, and the imperial plaque above the door, inscribed with "Miraculous Healing Hands," seems to be covered with a thin layer of dust, quietly telling the story of fading prosperity.

The Xiao family mansion was once so glorious.

Although not among the powerful and wealthy in the capital, it was still a place respected by them.

"I am back again."

As spring warmed the air and I stepped into the hall, I seemed to see my grandfather, the Imperial Physician Xiao, reclining in a rosewood armchair by the window, dozing with a thin blanket over his knees. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating his full head of silver hair and the deep wrinkles on his face. His breathing was steady, yet it couldn't conceal the slow, deliberate air of old age. My grandfather, who had once been the head of the Imperial Medical Academy and a man of great influence, would sit there quietly when he had free time, his hands folded on the blanket, trembling slightly.

The backbone that had supported the Xiao family's glory for decades finally bent under the weight of that accident.

Grandfather's wrongful death is a source of pain for the Xiao family. "Sister, you're back."

A series of steady footsteps came from under the corridor.

Xiao Chun-ning, dressed in a blue official robe, was returning from court. His official hat was still on, which made his handsome face and upright posture even more striking. When he saw Chun-nuan and Zhao Ming-hua, a warm smile immediately appeared on his face, and he quickly stepped forward: "Sister, brother-in-law, you're back."

His demeanor had shed its youthful naiveté, revealing the composure and competence of an official. He naturally instructed his servants to prepare tea.

"I haven't gone to see my aunt and mother yet."

“Mother and Aunt are seeing guests. Sister and Brother-in-law, please rest for a while.”

"Alright."

Chunnuan looked at him, this younger brother she had raised herself, who was now the second-highest scorer personally selected by the emperor, serving in the Hanlin Academy, with a promising future. Unbeknownst to her, the reputation of the Xiao family had been restored from his slightly thin but firm shoulders.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside her, including relief,感慨, and a slight sense of bewilderment.

My grandfather's era has long since ended, and the glory and responsibility of that generation have been quietly handed over.

Xiao Chun-ning noticed her sister's gaze, turned to her and smiled slightly. That smile contained responsibility and reassurance, as if to say, "I'm here for you."

Yes, each generation has its own responsibilities.

My grandfather's responsibility was to bring honor to our family, improve his medical skills, and serve the emperor with honor.

Her responsibility is to inherit medical skills, teach diligently, and hope that the torch will be passed on.

Now, Chun Ning's responsibility is to support this family and continue the Xiao family's reputation and glory in the new court.

The sunlight flowed quietly, enveloping the younger brother's young yet strong shoulders, and also the steaming cup of tea in her hand.

Spring warmth gently sipped the tea, its aroma slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste.

Like the passage of time, and like life itself.

"Serving as an official in the court is not like being at home; one must always remain humble..."

After saying a few words, Chun Nuan realized that her younger brother had already grown into an adult, and her words of advice seemed somewhat superfluous.

"Your older sister is used to nagging, so please don't find it annoying."

"No, elder sister, Chun Ning likes to listen to your teachings." Chun Ning said, "Without elder sister, there would be no Chun Ning today, nor would the Xiao family be able to stand tall again."

"Those who survive a great calamity are destined for good fortune. Our Xiao family will only get better and better." Chunnuan said, "Are today's guests here to discuss your marriage with Miss Zhong?"

Chun Ning's face immediately turned red to the roots of her ears.

"Lord Zhong is a senior member of the Hanlin Academy and is now Chun Ning's direct superior."

Chun Ning felt a little pressured, firstly because her immediate superior was going to be a high-ranking official in the future, and she really couldn't afford to make any mistakes in following the rules.

“You are excellent to begin with, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Spring warmth smiled and encouraged him.

"It seems our Xiao family is about to have a string of happy events." (End of Chapter)