CHAPTER 33: CHAPTER 33: A PLACE TO CALL HOME

"To get a prescription, you should visit a doctor at the pharmacy. My sisters don’t know how to do it, you’ve come to the wrong place."

Chun An knew to be cautious around strangers.

"It was Miss Xiao who diagnosed my master’s illness. Today, we’re here to ask Miss Xiao to check him again and prescribe two more doses." Uncle Ma thought, this child may be young, but he’s clever.

"Who is this gentleman?"

"My master’s surname is Zhang, and you are tenants on my master’s land."

"Ah, it’s Old Master Zhang. My apologies, my apologies." The young Chun An hurriedly clasped his fists to show respect, then said, "Please wait a moment."

Chun An knew of the kindness Old Master Zhang showed to the Xiao family, and the Xiao family’s upbringing was to repay kindness with gratitude. Even a small favor should be repaid many times over, which is why his sister was willing to prescribe medicine for Old Master Zhang.

Old Master Zhang had come himself, and as the saying goes, guests are always welcomed. There was no reason to refuse.

Just as Old Master Zhang and Housekeeper Ma thought the young man had gone to fetch Miss Xiao, Chun An struggled to bring out two old benches.

"My sister and brother are out right now, but they should be back soon according to the hour. Old Master Zhang, please sit down first."

Is that so?

Was the Xiao family’s hospitality really in an open courtyard, without even allowing them inside?

"Old Master Zhang, please forgive us. Our house is full of women, so it’s inconvenient to meet with men from outside," Chun An noticed their confusion and clarified: "Please wait a moment."

Just as he spoke, Chunyan brought out a pot of tea, followed by Chun Shu carrying a small bamboo basket with four bowls inside.

Chunyan ladled the tea into the bowls, and Chun An delivered them one by one to the men in front of Old Master Zhang, even handing one to the servants carrying the sedan chair.

"Please, have some tea."

"What kind of tea is this?" Uncle Ma asked as he held the tea.

He wasn’t trying to pry, it’s just that his master had many dietary restrictions. Some things couldn’t be eaten or touched, and he had to be responsible for his master’s health.

"This is herbal tea made by my sister, Old Master Zhang can drink it."

Chun An had heard his sister and Ning brother discuss Old Master Zhang’s illness, so he knew what was forbidden for him.

"Oh, thank you."

To be honest, he was indeed a bit thirsty.

Though the bowls were plain, the Xiao family’s hospitality was undeniable.

Old Master Zhang took a small sip, then several more.

"This tea is truly refreshing."

Ah Cheng and Ah Da, the chair-bearers, spoke in unison, gazing eagerly at the ceramic pot as if there wasn’t much left.

"If you like, have more." Chun An generously offered, "This herbal tea was prepared by my sister. It has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing dampness, generating saliva, moisturizing dryness, and soothing the throat."

"Thank you, thank you, let’s have another bowl."

Old Master Zhang watched as Ah Cheng and Ah Da finished the pot of herbal tea, thinking to himself how unreserved they were, they didn’t even leave him any.

Hmm, he’ll have to ask Miss Xiao for the herbal tea recipe and prepare some at home.

As he was thinking this, Chun Qiang shouted from afar, "Sister and Ning brother are back."

Together with Chun Nuan and Chun Ning, Luo Xiaogang returned. Each carried back a small basket of spring flower buds. As the spring flowers were about to wither, Chun Nuan personally took the two to pick them for processing into medicine.

Seeing guests in the courtyard, they slowed their pace.

"Sister, it’s Old Master Zhang and Housekeeper Ma."

"Oh, it’s them."

Good, they’re not enemies or bad people.

"Miss Xiao has returned."

"Old Master Zhang, Housekeeper Ma, please wait a moment."

Chun Nuan hadn’t climbed trees, but she still ended up rather disheveled, with holes in her dress, hair in disarray, and naturally, her face had sweat marks—a look unsuitable for meeting guests.

While grooming herself inside, Mrs. Xu asked Chun Nuan why Old Master Zhang had come.

"It’s probably because he wants me to prescribe medicine," Chun Nuan replied, "Mother, don’t worry, there won’t be any problems."

"You... sigh..."

Mrs. Xu swallowed the words about how young ladies shouldn’t show themselves outside. The Xiao family’s daughters now lacked the privilege of staying indoors for their entire lives. At fifteen, she had become the pillar of support for the Xiao family... and it really made her heart ache for her daughter.

"Mother, it’s okay. I’ll go and see Old Master Zhang."

Once out of the room, Chun Nuan and Chun Ning formally greeted the guests.

"Our home is narrow and full of women, so please excuse any discourtesy, Old Master Zhang."

"No problem, no problem."

Old Master Zhang glanced at the shabby house and expressed his understanding.

"Old Master Zhang’s complexion is much better than the last time I saw him, it seems the recuperation has been successful."

"It’s all thanks to the miracle healing of Miss Xiao." Upon seeing Chun Nuan, Old Master Zhang offered his sincere gratitude: "I clearly feel better, which is why I came specially to ask Miss Xiao for two more doses to adjust my condition."

"Alright."

Chun Nuan took Old Master Zhang’s pulse, asked about his recent diet, and after considering for a bit, requested Old Master Zhang to wait a moment.

Upon returning to her room, Chun Nuan used the pen, ink, paper, and inkstone she had bought the day before to write the prescription, dried it off, and brought it out.

"Old Master Zhang, follow the prescription and get two doses first. After consuming them, there’s no need to take more medicine."

"Does this mean after these two doses my illness will be completely cured?"

Old Master Zhang’s eyes shone with excitement.

"No." Chun Nuan’s calm tone was like a splash of icy water dousing Old Master Zhang: "There’s basically no possibility of completely curing this illness. You just need to pay attention in your daily life and avoid allergens."

"Does this mean I still need to be equipped like this when going out?"

Why does he have a look that can’t be shown in public?

Old Master Zhang felt his life was truly dull.

He couldn’t eat or drink freely nor wander around. His activity range was pathetically small.

"It can’t be cured, but with reasonable treatment and preventive measures, allergic symptoms can be effectively controlled, and Old Master Zhang’s living range can be expanded a little."

Old Master Zhang nodded, yes, one shouldn’t demand too much.

Compared to before, when a few steps would leave him panting and sneezing, he’s definitely improved a lot now.

At least now, he dare to go out.

"Just refrain from going out in spring and autumn, Old Master Zhang."

"Understood, I’ll go out in winter and summer then."

Chun Nuan smiled slightly, seemingly approving.

Old Master Zhang gave the consultation fee, and as usual, Chun Nuan only accepted one tael of silver.

Moreover, since they had come to her instead of requiring her to visit, one tael seemed appropriate.

"Miss Xiao, do you and your family live here?"

Old Master Zhang looked at the three dilapidated rooms.

"A temporary place of shelter."

Chun Nuan believed that with their efforts, they would definitely lead better lives in the future, and this wouldn’t be their lifelong residence.

"I have a small courtyard in town, with a total of six rooms. It’s not spacious, but it’s quite elegant. Miss Xiao, why don’t you move in with your family?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Old Master Zhang."

Eating from someone else’s hand and speaking softly, Old Master Zhang’s generosity felt overwhelming for Chun Nuan: "Chun Nuan and my family are actually quite comfortable living here, and the neighbors are very cordial."

So they’re not willing to move?

"Miss Xiao, please don’t worry. That small courtyard is unused, empty as it is. Moving there would definitely provide more space and safety."

Safety?

The words tempted Chun Nuan a bit.