Chapter 303 Striving to Earn Money to Build a Big House
Hua Murong stood in the courtyard and glanced at the roof, which was now just a frame. She felt sorry for Yun Zhaoxue and felt sorry for her. It was too rudimentary, not even as good as a dilapidated temple.
When Xiao Mingshu saw him, she exclaimed with delight, "Master? What brings you here?"
Although Hua Murong did not formally accept her as a disciple, he taught her medical skills, so she called him "Master".
The reason he didn't want to take on disciples was because he had taken on too many disciples in his early years, and he couldn't remember their names. Some of them used their medical skills to harm people and tarnish the reputation of Yao Guigu.
He made a vow before his master that he would never take on another disciple.
Pei Huaiji was his last apprentice.
Hua Murong waved his hand, "No need for formalities. There are no outsiders here, so please make yourselves at home. We just settled in the next village and came to see you. This house is too simple. That Pei boy will be heartbroken if he sees it."
Xiao Xuance said, "Divine Doctor, I will arrange for someone to go into the city to find craftsmen. The roof will definitely be repaired in the next two days."
"Then hurry up, why don't you all stay at my place for the next few days? We can squeeze in, and if that's not enough, we can rent a few more rooms."
Anyway, it'll be on Pei's tab.
He had personally witnessed the Pei family's wealth; they could afford to rent out a few rooms, or even build them for them.
With red dates and green branches around, Yun Zhaoxue didn't need to help in the kitchen. He wandered around the house, brought out two plates of food, and placed them on the table in the yard.
The tables, chairs, and cabinets were all prepared by the manager of the Pei family's shop.
They made two special trips. The first trip was just to pick up the house deeds, land deeds, fabrics, gold and silver jewelry, and other things that Pei Huaiji had prepared for Yun Zhaoxue.
The items were used for discovery, and they alone took up an entire room. Yun Zhaoxue told them to take them back, and they could retrieve them again if needed in the future.
The shopkeeper then sent several more carriages loaded with tables, chairs, beds, pots, pans, and other kitchenware.
These are more practical than gold, silver, jewelry, and property deeds.
With a table, you don't have to squat to eat.
“Divine Doctor, there’s no need. I know you’re worried about me, but all this trouble is too much. I’ve lived in the wilderness during my exile. Now I’m sheltered from the wind and have a tent. The sun won’t shine on me and the rain won’t get me wet. It’s fine.”
Having enough to eat and wear is better than many people; one can gradually improve their living conditions.
"Alright, if you don't like living here, you can ask anytime to come stay with us. Those two maids, Hongzao and Lüzhi, are looking forward to serving you day and night. They will be very happy if you come."
Hongzao, who came out of the kitchen carrying dishes, said, "This servant follows the princess. If the princess doesn't go, this servant will stay."
Yun Zhaoxue said, "What nonsense are you talking about? I can't bear to see you suffer. You should go live in the tile-roofed house with the divine doctor. This thatched house is too small. There aren't enough rooms. You can come and live here after we build a big house."
Hua Murong said, "Can I come over? Those two girls are good cooks. They always cook delicious food for me. They've spoiled my palate. I can't stand other people's cooking anymore."
"sure."
Xie Wanyun and Song Mingyan washed their hands and wanted to go into the kitchen to help.
Yun Zhaoxue called out to them, "Sister-in-law, don't go into the kitchen. Go wash your hands first. Dinner will be ready soon."
Eight dishes and a soup were served, and everyone sat down to eat.
Red Dates and Green Branches were maids. They were not allowed to eat at the same table as their masters, so they hid in the kitchen to busy themselves washing pots and pans.
The water in the vat was only half full, so they planned to take the pots and pans to the river to wash them, so as not to waste the water and to bring back two buckets of water.
"Dinner's ready. Where are you all going? I've served you some soup. Come and sit down to eat with us."
"Princess, we are not hungry. We will take the pots and pans to the river to wash them, and fetch two buckets of water while we are at it."
"No rush, let's wash together after we eat. You didn't eat tonight and you were busy in the kitchen for more than an hour. I could hear your stomachs rumbling. If you're not hungry, sit down and eat together."
Xie Wanyun asked everyone to move around and get closer together, but they still couldn't free up two seats.
The round table they used was of medium size, and it was a bit crowded for eight adults and three children.
She suggested, "The round table is too high for the children; they can't reach it. Why don't we bring out the square table inside and let Red Date and Lychee Girl sit at it with the other children? We can also share some food with them."
Mrs. Yang thought the arrangement was appropriate, "This is good too."
The round table they are sitting at has guests today; children shouldn't sit at the same table as adults.
Once everyone was seated, the meal was officially served.
Hua Murong was the eldest, a distinguished guest, and had even saved Yang's life, so Yang allowed him to sit in the main seat.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony."
"Don't be so polite, Doctor. We're all on the same side."
“I like what Your Highness said.”
"Miracle doctor, please have some food."
"The princess eats too, everyone eats."
During the meal.
Hua Murong glanced at the drafty roof and urged again, "Third nephew, you must work harder to build a big house. We can't let our child be born into a thatched hut with you."
"The miracle doctor is right, I will definitely work harder."
Xiao Xuanwu said, "I will work hard to save money to build a big house."
The two nephews at the next table echoed their fifth uncle, saying, "I also want to work hard to save money and build a big house."
Yun Zhaoxue turned around, looked at them, and smiled. "It's hard to save enough money to build a big house by working in the fields. You can barely make ends meet or go hungry unless you become an official or go into business. Children should study hard and pass the imperial examinations in the future."
If farming could lead to living in a large house, farmers wouldn't have to live in thatched huts or be homeless.
Ming'er said, "Then I will study hard and pass the imperial examination in the future! Even if I don't pass, there's still my older brother. He's so smart, he'll definitely become the top scholar."
Jun'er shook his head, "Exiled criminals cannot participate in the imperial examinations for three generations."
"Don't be discouraged. Maybe one day the Xiao family's injustice will be redressed and you'll be able to take the exam. You young people are the future of the country. If you want any books, tell your third aunt, and I'll buy them for you when I go to town."
"Thank you, Third Aunt."
"You're welcome. Eat more meat and grow taller."
The Xiao family ancestors were from the north, and the men were all very tall. Ten-year-old Jun'er was already almost 1.5 meters tall.
The food tonight was delicious, and everyone ate their fill.
Hua Murong also brought a jar of fine wine, and he and Xiao Xuance had a few drinks together.
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