Chapter Twelve: This Dock Bears the Name Xiao

“Chunning, I’m going to take a walk around. I’ll come back here to find you all in half an hour.”

“Sister, the docks are full of all sorts of people…”

“It’s fine, broad daylight, no need to worry. I won’t go far, just a quick look around.”

Chunning wanted to say more but then thought about how her elder sister had taken care of the whole family from the capital all the way to Shu, brave and meticulous, and she could only try her best not to hold them back.

The docks were bustling, with boats of all sizes arriving now and then, and the crowd was lively.

No wonder people flocked to the Xiao family’s small stall paying twenty wen — it really was a good place for business.

Passengers disembarked from the boats and mingled on the docks, speaking in various accents.

Suddenly, Chunnuan overheard someone talking about the capital.

“All the male members of the Noble Consort’s family were beheaded, not even the children spared. The women were sent to the brothel bureau.”

“Alas, serving the monarch is like living with a tiger. The royal favor comes swiftly and can vanish just as fast.”

“Isn’t that the truth? Honor and disgrace are but a moment’s matter.”

“The Noble Consort’s case implicated many court officials. Even court physicians from the Imperial Hospital were executed…”

“I heard the Crown Prince’s health was poor. It was always Doctor Xiao treating him before, but now none of the physicians can help. The emperor has posted a royal decree inviting renowned doctors from all over.”

Hearing news of her grandfather from others, Chunnuan’s heart ached deeply—how innocent he was!

The Noble Consort’s pregnancy was false, yet her family was uprooted completely; the Imperial Hospital was involved, and both her grandfather and the court physician responsible for monitoring the pregnancy lost their lives.

Once, Chunnuan thought it was the Empress’s doing, but now it seemed not necessarily so, since her grandfather had long been treating the Crown Prince. Then, whoever set this trap must be the hidden puppeteer behind the scenes.

But who could have orchestrated this plot?

It had been a long time since she’d heard news from the capital, and she wanted to hear more, but the two men boarded a large boat, which then set off…

Watching the boat’s departing direction, Chunnuan wondered when she would next hear news from the capital.

Judging by the time, her eldest sister would soon give birth, and her days at the Wu family might not be easy.

With so much weighing on her heart, Chunnuan felt helpless, only able to protect her family and survive… because survival was the only hope.

Turning her gaze, she noticed many artemisia plants growing along the riverbank.

“Artemisia in March and April, firewood in May and June.”

Quickening her steps, she found these artemisia thriving by the river, tender enough to be used as medicinal herbs.

Thinking this through, she began pulling them up.

As she did, a loud commotion erupted on the dock.

“We’ve paid; here’s the proof of payment. Why are you taking our things? Return them at once!”

It was Chunning’s voice!

Chunnuan hurried over, forgetting the artemisia she had just gathered.

“What’s going on?” asked Xiao Changfu, arriving at the same time.

“We’ve paid, but these people say we have to pay them because we’re on their turf,” Chunning explained reluctantly, not wanting to call on the Xiao family but needing to clarify the matter.

“You… you’re Young Master Xiao?” The young men demanding money froze upon seeing Xiao Changfu.

“We… we were just joking, didn’t mean it seriously.”

In truth, they were bullying newcomers on the docks, hoping to get a free handout.

Today, however, they were unlucky to run into Xiao Changfu.

“This joke isn’t funny at all,” Xiao Changfu said, grabbing two of them by their collars and tossing them into the river. “You dare act so boldly on the Xiao family’s dock? Do you think I’m dead?”

“Master, we were wrong. We won’t dare again.”

The two struggled in the water, trying to get up, but Xiao Changfu’s attendant casually grabbed a wooden pole from the crowd and placed it across, clearly blocking their way ashore.

“Master is so kind.”

“Master, they often bully newcomers.”

“Exactly, bullying two kids like that, how can it be?”

The small-time vendors on the dock criticized the bullies, while those in the river begged for mercy.

“Let them soak for an hour before letting them out,” Xiao Changfu said, stepping away then turning back. “And don’t let me see you on the Xiao family dock again. Remember, this dock belongs to the Xiaos!”

“Yes, yes, Master, we remember. We won’t dare again. Never again.”

As Xiao Changfu left, the crowd murmured.

“Serves them right. You dare make trouble on the Xiao family’s turf? You just got lucky to meet Young Master. If it were Sixth Master, he’d strip you to the bone.”

“That’s right. With Young Master watching over the dock, we feel safe.”

Chunnuan reflected: so twenty wen could buy peace!

These small vendors were actually willing to pay?

No, the “Young Master” they spoke of seemed kind-hearted, while the refined Sixth Master was fierce.

One should not judge by appearances; indeed, this was true.

Young Master Xiao, Xiao Changfu, a concubine’s son—Chunnuan took note.

“Sister.”

“Chunning, how many packages do we have left?”

“Sister, only two packages.”

Just then, a young girl approached.

“The flower cake seller, what kind of flower is in your cakes?”

“It is…”

“Purple magnolia. These flower cakes are not only fragrant but also help warm the lungs, clear the orifices, and dispel wind and cold.”

“Oh, really? I’ll take them all then.” The girl counted the money and handed it to Chunning before carrying away two packages.

“Sister?”

I thought it was called wàngchūnhuā (hope spring flower)? Why call it purple magnolia now?

Ah, it also goes by the name magnolia flower.

“If the product were too ordinary, who would spend money on it?” Chunnuan instructed him. “Rare things are precious; changing the name makes it sound special.”

People here knew it as wàngchūnhuā and might not understand other names.

“Chunnuan sister, are we selling again tomorrow?”

Luo Xiaogang was excited; he should make some money today.

“We’ll sell, but you’ll have to work hard picking flowers early tomorrow.”

“We’re not afraid of hard work, really, Chunnuan sister. We’ll make more tomorrow and come earlier.”

“All right.”

Chunnuan did the math: after paying twenty wen to the Xiao family, she still had a few dozen wen left, so after costs, she could make a profit of over ten wen.

Spending money was like water washing away sand; earning it was like trying to pick up sand grain by grain.

Before, she couldn’t even bring herself to tip twenty wen to the maids; now, after hard work all day, she earned a little.

Of course, every wen counted; she would not disdain it.

“Sister, shall we go home now?”

Her family must be worried.

“Don’t rush. Help me carry these artemisia back.”

“Sister Chunnuan, these grow everywhere on the mountain. Why bring them back?”

“To make medicinal herbs to brew tea.” Chunning feared that if Chunnuan said it could make money, Luo Xiaogang would spread the word, making it harder for her family to find herbs, so she quickly took over the explanation.

Chunnuan glanced at Chunning: indeed, experience breeds wisdom. This boy was getting craftier.