Chapter 210 - 210 Can Grow Herbs
210 Can Grow Herbs
One would need to hire carpenters to build a house in the countryside, but one would also have to prepare food for the workers.
Since Shen Qiuhua and the others were too busy, Su Fengmao told Su Fengzhi to prepare meals for the workers instead.
Previously, Su Fengzhi could not help because of his damaged nose and throat, so Shen Qiuhua told Su Zhengde to handle it because Su Binglan wanted to start building the house.
Of course, Shen Qiuhua would pay for everything. She could distinguish and prioritize things well. If the family spent more money, they could spare some effort and not affect their shops.
Otherwise, building the house would not be worth sacrificing their business. Therefore, the family no longer needed to cook meals for the workers since Su Zhengde would take care of it.
Su Wenxiu listened with great interest when his mother spoke of these things. “Uncle Zhengde can handle it.”
Shen Qiuhua could not stop smiling as she said, “Using red bricks for our new house was your sister’s idea. Even your Uncle Zhengde praised her gratefully.”
She was proud of having such a brilliant daughter. Even the villagers were envious of her.
Su Fengmao said smilingly, “You don’t know how envious everyone is of our big house, not to mention the red bricks. It’s the only beautiful house in the village.
“Many came to inquire about it and want to build a similar-looking house. Still, building an entire house is expensive, so some just want to buy the bricks from Zhengde to build a wall. It’s also easier to build a wall with red bricks.”
Su Wenxiu thought this was all very novel. “I felt like I was dreaming when I returned home with Little Sister and saw the big house back there.”
Su Fengmao sighed. “You’re not the only one who felt that way. Your mother and I watched the workers build the house bit by bit. We were so excited that we couldn’t help but wake up with a smile every day.”
He smiled as he continued, “Our family’s life has improved exponentially, Son. You can stay with us and not go too far to work.”
Shen Qiuhua had just tidied up the boards and put them away when Su Fengmao hurriedly went forward to help her.
“Father, your foot. Here, let me help.”
The board was giant, and Su Wenxiu was worried his father would fall, so he quickly took the board and put it behind the wall. The children of the Su family were respectful and would feel sorry for their parents. No one was selfish.
Su Binglan felt the atmosphere among her family was excellent.
After putting the board away, Su Wenxiu said, “Father, I’m home now and can learn medicine from my little sister, pluck herbs to earn money since I recognize them now, and help my big brother with his business.”
Shen Qiuhua said, “You don’t have to help your big brother since he can handle it. Your father and I have already decided to set up a shop for you so you can do some business.”
She looked at Su Binglan and said, “How about we set up a dumpling shop for your second brother, Binglan?”
Su Binglan explained, “Mother, anyone can imitate dumplings at a glance, so let’s think of something more unique for Second Brother. I have many ideas, but I know Second Brother is passionate about medicine, so let’s take advantage of that.
“We have bought so much land, and once the house is complete, Second Brother can grow medicinal herbs and sell them. Learning about medicine while growing herbs is like killing two birds with one stone.”
Su Fengmao said, “I agree with that idea. Your sister has considered everything for you, Wenxiu.” He reminded his second son to remember his little sister’s kindness.
Su Wenxiu said, “I know, Father. Little Sister has saved my life, and I will listen to her from now on.”
“Second Brother, we’re family. There’s no need for such things,” Su Binglan said smilingly, “Are you interested in doing a business of your own, Second Brother?”
Su Wenxiu did not know how to answer that question.
Su Binglan said softly, “You won’t have to worry about anything, Second Brother. I can help you decide if you speak your mind.”
Su Wenxiu finally knew how to answer, “I-I don’t want to do business. I only want to study medicine and become a doctor to treat patients and save people. Still, I think that would require too much silver, so I want to earn money before that.”
Su Binglan was surprised and did not expect her second brother to say such sensible words. She agreed that one needed to earn money before deciding what to do.
She said, “Your words are wise, Second Brother.”
Su Wenxiu was embarrassed to hear his little sister’s praise.
“In the past, I wanted to learn but needed money to become an apprentice. With how our family was last time, I couldn’t bear to burden you guys with debt so that I could learn things. Since then, I knew I had to earn money to support myself.”
Su Fengmao sighed and said, “We were careless in the past and didn’t know you thought of such things.”
At that time, the Su family could not afford much by relying only on crops. They could not save much, no matter what they did. Even food was tight, so how could the family do much else? Su Fengmao and his wife wanted to send their children to school but could not.
“It’s my fault, Wenxiu.”
Su Wenxiu said anxiously, “D-Don’t say that, Father. Our family is good enough, honestly. I only realized how great my family is when I went to the capital. I can sleep peacefully with you and mother around.”
Su Binglan had told him to speak his mind, so he did. However, Su Wenxiu did not expect his father to react that way.
Su Fengmao noticed his second son’s anxious expression. He patted Su Wenxiu’s shoulder and said, “It’s all in the past now, and our family has improved.
“Your mother and I will support whatever you want to do in the future. We’re willing to spend as much money as you need so you can live your dreams.”
Su Wenxiu smiled lightly and said, “I can learn from Binglan, so there’s no need for us to spend money.”
Su Fengmao said, “Oh, right. You can learn from your sister since her medical skills are much better than most doctors. You won’t have to suffer being an apprentice elsewhere.”
Shen Quihua echoed, “Your father is right. Your sister will be more sincere if you learn from her.”
The family was cooking and talking when Su Wenzhe and the others returned home atop their oxcart. They could smell the fragrance as soon as they reached the door. Su Wenzhe and the others thought the fragrance differed from their previous dishes.
Su Wenzhe’s eyes lit up. “Little Sister told us to come home earlier tonight and that she would make something delicious, but I don’t know what she made.”
Liu Yinyin laughed, saying, “Is eating the only thing you know how to do?”