The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 315 - 195:

The government might not be able to take good care of these two children.

Having started on a path of kindness, Mrs. Xu thought she might as well wait at the teahouse.

When Xiao Xi heard Mrs. Xu mention buying maidservants, she quickly begged Mrs. Xu to take them in.

"We can serve by your side without wages until we find our mother..." As she said this, Xiao Xi’s tears started to flow again: "If we can’t find our mother, we will sell ourselves into servitude to serve you."

This child, so young yet so astute, knows how to find a way out for herself.

"You are still young, and there is a long road ahead. Selling yourself into servitude means a lifetime."

Mrs. Xu was unwilling to see two smart and literate children sell themselves into servitude.

"Then..." Xiao Xi thought for a moment, "Madam, I can sell myself into servitude, and my brother can sign a service contract, whether for three years, five years, ten years, or eight years."

By the time the service contract expires, her brother Xiaoqing would be an adult.

Once an adult, he can do what he wants to do.

"What does Xiaoqing want to do when he grows up?"

"Take the imperial exams," Xiaoqing said. "Grandfather says Xiaoqing is a little smart, and with more diligence, he could pass the exams."

Mrs. Xu nodded; indeed, he is a clever one.

No, both children are smart.

"Alright, if you are willing to come with me, you may."

Mrs. Xu thought of Chun An and Chun Qiang from the third branch; Mrs. Huang was determined to have them study.

Their path to taking the imperial exams was cut off due to the Xiao family’s troubles, but she remained persistent, even to the point of affecting her health.

Xiaoqing is a bit older than Chun An and Chun Qiang, and can read a few words; perhaps he could stay with them.

Xiao Xi... she is also literate, just as Nuannuan requires, and she is young and clever.

So, it was decided to take them along.

"What if you find your mother?"

"As long as Madam doesn’t mind, Xiao Xi is also willing to serve you."

Xiao Xi clearly understood that even if they found their mother, surviving would still be difficult for the three of them.

All along the journey, their mother kept saying that finding their father would solve everything.

But, is it really that easy to find their father?

They have been out of contact for over three years—either something happened to him or he has changed his mind.

In either case, he wouldn’t be able to care for the three of them.

In these chaotic times, to make a living, they need a source of income and a place to stay.

Selling herself to provide a stable place for her mother and brother is also a viable option. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Alright, here’s the plan—you can stay here for three days. If after three days you still haven’t found your mother, Xia Yu will arrange to have you sent to our home," Mrs. Xu said. "But, I must make one thing clear: our family is not wealthy, and there will certainly be work to do, possibly even tiring work, you..."

"Xiao Xi is willing."

What could be more difficult than wandering the roads without a stable meal?

Zhao Minghua soon brought Uncle Wu, the human trafficker, along with more than thirty others.

"Madam, the eight maidservants are well-trained; they have all previously worked in wealthy households, are skilled, and understand the rules."

Uncle Wu was thin and wiry, appearing to be a cunning man.

Yet he showed great respect to Zhao Minghua.

"As instructed by the Third Young Master, I selected them for you, Madam. You can choose as you wish."

"Step forward and answer."

"Yes."

The eight maidservants spoke in unison and stepped forward.

Judging by their demeanor, they were indeed trained and well-mannered.

"What are your names?"

"Servant Chunfen, servant Taohong, servant Xia Yu..."

"Servant’s original name is Fen’er, if Madam does not mind, please grant a name."

Mrs. Xu examined the maid called Fen’er; she was indeed very astute.

As a servant, one does not have a name; the name given by the master is the one to be used.

"Servant’s original name is Yuan’er, please grant a name, Madam."

They were good, all smart; the latter three said the same thing.

Mrs. Xu asked some more questions about where they had served and their skills.

With specialties in embroidery and cooking, although they all claimed literacy, only Taohong and Yuan’er, among Fen’er and the others, could answer correctly when questioned by Mrs. Xu.

"Xiao Xi, you come here."

Uncertain, Xiao Xi stepped forward, and Mrs. Xu said to everyone, "You take a look—who would be more suitable?"

"For whom is Madam selecting?"

"For our second young lady Chun Nuan, as her dowry maid," Mrs. Xu said. "Someone literate, clever, and lively."

"How many?"

"Four."

"Madam, Xiao Xi..."

"Speak your mind boldly, it’s alright."

"Yes, Xiao Xi believes Taohong, Yuan’er, and Fen’er are suitable, and also Chunfen; however, her name conflicts with the young lady’s and should be changed."