CHAPTER 88: CHAPTER 81: TWO LETTERS HOME IN ONE DAY (PART 2)

For Chun Nuan, this was both a challenge and an opportunity. In order to gain Master Zhou Qi’s favor, she directly overturned Liu’s foundation.

At the time, she still felt a bit guilty, but the instant she met her, there was no kind face to greet her. If Liu had been a bit kinder initially, her methods would have been much more tactful.

So, you see, do not provoke her, as she is not the type of person to swallow her anger.

"Tang Liu, you’re quite bold, daring to gossip about Seventh Young Master."

He wouldn’t know that the fates of these two are intertwined with Chun Nuan, hence listening to them feels a bit awkward.

"Is there gossip in the Capital?"

Relative to other things, Chun Nuan was more eager to know about the news from the Capital.

"Oh, there’s plenty in the Capital," but it’s unclear which piece Chun Nuan wants to hear.

"I heard previously that they posted imperial notices seeking a miraculous physician for the eldest Prince. Did anyone answer the call?"

"No, honestly, Doctor Xiao could have treated the eldest Prince’s illness but was..." cough, Tang Liu recalled that Doctor Xiao is her grandfather: "Serving the Emperor is like serving a tiger, and no one dares to answer the call. One may have the skill to earn money but not the ability to spend it."

Who would prefer money over life?

Because of Doctor Xiao’s previous warning, who would dare to step forward?

"In September, Noble Lady Wei gave birth to a Princess," continued Tang Liu. "Next year, the palace will hold a selection."

Heh, let them select away; no matter how many concubines enter, having another Princess would be a blessing.

Others might not understand, but Chun Nuan has seen the pulse records written by her grandfather, which require no explanation for her to understand: what they dealt with today was oligozoospermia. From marriage at sixteen to now, having one Prince and four Princesses is all thanks to the Imperial Hospital physicians.

That’s the benefit of being an Emperor; what precious medicinal ingredients could he not have?

Various medicines have supported him for twenty-one years since ascending the throne, producing five children through hard work, and now another Princess, which counts as good fortune.

Naturally, the Emperor doesn’t see himself as having a problem; he thinks the three thousand women in the harem are incapable of producing sons.

If nothing unexpected occurs, as he ages, the eldest Prince will likely be his only son.

Select more? No use!

After Tang Liu left, Chun Nuan took the New Year gifts sent by her elder sister.

"Grandmother, Aunt, these are New Year gifts from elder sister."

The gifts consisted of many types, with fabrics being the most abundant.

All arising from new trends in the Capital.

"Good, good, good, as long as Chunyu is doing well with the Wu family, we’re at ease."

She believes she’s well off in the Wu family because sending New Year gifts must use public funds; when coming from there, it signifies satisfaction with the daughter-in-law, thus continuing cherishing her even after the Xiao family returns to Shu City.

"Grandmother, this is the family letter written by elder sister."

Chun Nuan had read it, detecting no flaws before daringly presenting it to the elderly woman for review.

Chunyu’s letter was circulated among the family, bringing them joy.

Chun Nuan showed a happy face too, but her heart was aching for her elder sister.

Indeed, that year, her elder sister was heartlessly abandoned by the Wu family; all her dowry became part of Wu’s estate, only to be confiscated later. Yet, her elder sister received rewards from the Empress Dowager and the Empress, so she should have some silver tael at hand. Without any marital bonds now, she can completely manage her own business.

Earlier, when Chun Nuan considered the rouge shop, she thought about making rouge and face powder.

Now, maybe this recipe could be used by her elder sister.

She immediately returned to her room, wrote down the recipe, and penned a family letter, waiting for Tang Liu to deliver it to her elder sister in half a month.

As she was writing, Nanny Wu came running to call her, saying there’s someone looking for her again.

This time, it was a letter from the Northern Desert.

Seeing that familiar handwriting, Chun Nuan was tearful.

The Xiao family shares a common habit: report joy, not sorrow.

Brother Chun Quan’s letter detailed their situation over there—hardship as it was, everyone was well, and they’ve learned to light fires and cook, slowly adapting to the physical labor.

Brother said everyone is striving together, and we all must be well, hoping for the day when the family reunites.

She wiped away her tears, delivering the letter to her grandmother.

"Grandmother, today truly brings double happiness; we’ve received the New Year gifts from elder sister in the Capital, and also a family letter from the Northern Desert."

"Let me see, let me see."

The elderly lady was also moved, wiping her tears.

"Grandmother, should I read the family letter to you?"

Chun Ning promptly offered.

"Yes, let Ning read the letter, everyone should listen to how they are living."

The whole family gathered, then Chun Ning unfolded the letter and began reading.

Filled with joy and happiness, Chun An knew the letter was meant for the whole family to see—the full sheet had no hint of bitterness, only humor, making everyone want to laugh, though the laughter was tinged with tears.