Chapter 309: Chapter 309: Encounter on the Road
Nanny Pang had been keeping an eye on the surroundings, and now looking at this piece of land, she couldn’t be more satisfied.
By the roadside, what others saw as weeds appeared as treasures in her eyes.
Not to mention the resources in the surrounding mountains. Once the young lady recovered, she definitely wanted to go into the mountains; there might be unexpected gains.
It seems that this place was not all worthless for the young lady; she wanted to study medicine, and this place couldn’t be more suitable.
"Nanny, what are you looking at?" Bai Suihe noticed Nanny Pang staring blankly at the distant mountains, and asked worriedly.
"It’s nothing, I just feel this place is beautiful and not as unbearable as the legends say."
Bai Suihe, "I heard that when the weather warms up, there will be miasma in the mountains, and due to the weather, the humidity will be heavy too.
I heard there are many snakes, insects, centipedes, so you have to be extra careful."
Nanny Pang chuckled, "Young lady, this might be unacceptable to others, but to this old servant, this is a treasure land.
The so-called indistinguishability of medicine and poison, they are all useful in my eyes.
As for those snakes, insects, rats, and ants, later I’ll prepare some medicine to ensure they don’t come near the house."
Bai Suihe, "You really have a way, Nanny. I was thinking of going to the medicine shop to get some snake and insect repellent in spring.
If you need anything, just let Lin Hua know. They often go to town and will bring it back."
"There’s no need for that. There are so many usable things around here, no need to waste silver." Nanny Pang currently didn’t want to explain which plants were medicinal, just fearing her curiosity might get the better of her and she might bend over, which wouldn’t be good for her belly.
Bai Suihe, "Speaking of which, I sorted out some medical books earlier, and I’d like to ask you to help me identify which ones are suitable for me to read now."
Since she was going to learn in this field, Bai Suihe naturally had to make adequate preparations.
Previously, some books were collected in her space, and a few days ago when Gu Kaiyuan went to town, she asked him to buy some more.
"That’s fine, I’ll take a look later, but you, young lady, must also remember to rest. Studying medicine is not something that can be accomplished overnight."
Bai Suihe, "Don’t worry, Nanny, I know what I’m doing.
It’s just that this period has been boring, so I occasionally take them out to pass the time in my room.
If I have some basics, it’ll make learning smoother in the future."
As the master and servant chatted, they arrived at the riverside. The land behind them all belonged to them. The men brought by Nanny Pang were working passionately, having even dug the ditches, just waiting to open the waterways, so water could be led into the fields.
"Being close to the water indeed has great advantages," Bai Suihe observed that their land was upstream, needing only minor diversion to ensure a continuous water supply.
If it weren’t previously a small forest, such a good place wouldn’t have fallen into their hands.
"After a few years of cultivation, this will be a prime paddy field." Nanny Pang nodded in agreement. Though she had been dwelling mostly in medicinal studies at the manor, she understood some basics of agriculture.
"Purchasing this land was worthwhile, though it’s truly unnecessary to waste silver on the barren mountains nearby." Having spent some days with Bai Suihe, Nanny Pang had discerned the couple’s temperament before broaching this subject.
Though the mountain was cheap, it still cost a considerable amount of silver.
Actually, buying all the nearby land could give them a small manor with income.
"Nanny, don’t underestimate these mountains. Come spring, we’ll have people clear them to plant fruits and tea, and maybe raise chickens and ducks up there. Though it won’t generate income immediately, in a few years, it will be a treasure."
Nanny Pang considered and indeed agreed, "It’s just that the initial investment is too large. If you truly plan to raise chickens and ducks, I could prepare some medicine for you later."
Large-scale livestock farming wasn’t unheard of; it was just unattempted.
If any disease struck, it could be financially ruinous.
"Nanny knows this too," Bai Suihe thought her greatest asset was Nanny Pang, envisaging a bright future with such a versatile person by her side.
"More or less," Nanny Pang modestly added, "though supplying medicine, management is still crucial, and preliminary work must be prepared well..."
While the master and servant were talking, preparing to head back, they saw Liu Yun and her daughter approaching them with baskets.
In just a few days, Liu Yun had become much more haggard, with disheveled hair and increasing gray strands.
As for Gu Antong, she was radiant, her head adorned with a silver hairpin. If not for her coarse clothing dulling her colors, it was as if she’d returned to the Gu Mansion.
That disdain in her eyes was the same as before.
The hardships endured hadn’t dulled her edges.
"Third sister-in-law, are you out for a walk? It’s been some time since we met, and your belly is much bigger now."
Liu Yun forced a smile, but it was stiff.
Gu Antong lightly supported her mother’s arm, bowing towards Bai Suihe, "Greetings, Third Aunt."
"Greetings," Bai Suihe was puzzled as to why they suddenly appeared again. Was it a coincidence they met on the road?
"Elder sister-in-law, where are you heading?"
Liu Yun, "I was just on my way to see you. I’ve been busy with household matters and always said I should come by to chat, but never found the time.
Your situation is improving, and though I don’t have much to offer, I bought a basket of eggs from villagers."
Bai Suihe, "You are considerate, elder sister-in-law. Your days aren’t easy either. You should take these back to nourish your children well."
"These kids won’t lack for it," Liu Yun took a step forward, "Your child will be born soon, and we wanted to contribute a little."
Bai Suihe quietly moved away, slowly walking towards her home, "I thank you on behalf of the child, but as you see, we lack nothing at home.
Elder sister-in-law, please take them back, as it’s cold outside, and I’m tired."
Despite Bai Suihe’s bluntness in sending them away, Liu Yun and her daughter seemed oblivious, following persistently, "It’s fine, we’re free now and can visit you.
We were in a panic that day, without options, so we sought your help.
Though we disturbed you that night, we haven’t yet expressed our apologies."
At this, Bai Suihe stopped, facing the mother and daughter, "Elder sister-in-law, we are well aware of each other’s situation. You don’t have to beat around the bush with me; there’s no sentiment between us, so speak plainly."
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