CWTGD Chapter 244 - The Elder Brother is Like a Father, Tang Ning Will Definitely Take Care of Lord Xiao in His Old Age

 The begonia flowers in the back garden of the Tang residence had already bloomed to their fullest, and Tang Ning, stepping on the final days of their bloom, led several maidservants to pick the most perfect flowers.

"Sister, what are we picking flowers for?" Xue Ru asked, her large eyes full of confusion.

Standing next to the Princess of Cheng Wang, Qin Niangzi smiled and said, "The little girl doesn’t understand. Begonia flowers are quite useful. They can be used to make perfume or dried for medicinal purposes."

Xue Ru was surprised. "Flowers can be used for medicine?"

Qin Niangzi smiled, "Of course. In this world, everything, even grass and trees, can be used for medicine. Soil, stones, and even hair can serve as medicine guides. Begonias have many uses."

She raised her chin and pointed to the garden. "The hanging begonia flowers in front of you can regulate blood and heat and detoxify. Those west-facing begonias, their fruit can soothe the liver, stomach, and stop diarrhea. The roots of the autumn begonias can stop bleeding, and begonia leaves can be used to make tea that stops itching and diarrhea."

The young girl widened her eyes in shock and looked up at the vibrant flowers, her mouth agape. She had always known the flowers were beautiful, but had no idea they could be so useful. She couldn't help but curiously glance around.

Tang Ning smiled and said, "Once these flowers bloom and wither, they’ll be of no use. It’s better to pick some now. Besides medicinal uses, Sister Qin has also taught me how to make perfume. We can try it when we get back."

She had used peach blossom, plum blossom, and orchid perfumes before but had never tried begonia. The perfume could be added to tea or used as incense.

Hearing that Tang Ning wanted to try, Xue Ru immediately said, "I’ll help you pick them, Sister!"

Tang Ning smiled, "You’re still recovering. Let Xichun and the others help..."

"I’m fine now."

Xue Ru felt that she hadn’t done much to help her sister and, since this was something Tang Ning wanted, though it was a small favor, she couldn’t hide her excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she said, "Don’t worry, Sister. I’m fine now, I’ll pick more flowers and help you make perfume!"

Without waiting for Tang Ning to speak, she grabbed a small basket and dashed into the begonia grove.

Rong Yue couldn’t help but laugh, "This child is much livelier than before." Seeing Tang Ning helpless, she added, "This is your own house, and there are maids and guards outside. Let her be. It’s better if a child is a little mischievous than if they’re too quiet."

Before, Xue Ru had been too well-behaved, looking almost pitiful. Now, this was much better.

Qin Niangzi also laughed, "Your aunt is right. A Ru’s body is still weak, but a little running around is good for her. I’m here, nothing will happen."

Tang Ning thought about it and agreed. Since Qin Niangzi had spoken, it seemed that Xue Ru’s body could handle it. She looked up at the sun, "It’s quite sunny here. Aunt and Sister Qin should go to the pavilion to rest."

"Yes, it is a bit hot."

After Rong Yue had a miscarriage, her body hadn’t fully recovered. Prolonged exposure to the sun made her dizzy, so she shielded her eyes from the light and said, "Then we’ll sit there for a while. Tang Ning, you come along too. Don’t get sunburned."

"Aunt, you go first. I’ll get the water."

They had prepared some cool tea under the trees in anticipation of picking flowers.

Tang Ning, worried about her aunt’s health, urged, "Aunt, please go ahead. I’ll come in a moment."

Knowing her niece was concerned, Rong Yue didn’t refuse. She followed Qin Niangzi to the pavilion, and once they left, Tang Ning walked toward the water station.

After finding the water station, Tang Ning left two pots behind and planned to take one to her aunt, but at that moment, her gaze suddenly froze. She stared at the sea of blooming flowers before her.

How beautiful!

Tang Ning’s eyes lit up in amazement as she noticed a particular branch of begonia on a nearby tree. The flowers on it were exceptionally lush, with a large cluster of pink blooms stacked up and resting on the branch tips like a ready-made hairpin.

No need to carve it—nature had already shaped it perfectly.

Tang Ning quickly walked over, standing on tiptoe to try to reach the branch, but it was still too far. She jumped up in place but still couldn’t quite reach it.

That branch was so beautiful. Tang Ning hesitated, but worried that once people returned, she might not be able to find it again in the vast sea of flowers.

Seeing no one around, she lifted her skirt and stepped closer to the tree. She tested the tree trunk, finding it sturdy enough to climb. Just as she was about to start climbing, she suddenly heard a sound behind her.

"Be careful."

Someone gently steadied her waist, and a familiar voice rang in her ear.

"Brother?" Tang Ning bumped into him.

Xiao Yan helped her stand steady, then glanced at Jin Yun.

Jin Yun’s scalp tingled, and he quickly lowered his head. "It’s my fault. I startled the young lady."

Tang Ning took a breath, feeling a little embarrassed to be caught climbing the tree. Seeing Xiao Yan looking at her disapprovingly, she quickly waved her hand, "It’s not Jin Yun’s fault. I wanted to get that branch, but I lost my balance..."

"Which one?"

"Huh?"

Seeing Xiao Yan look above, Tang Ning suddenly realized and quickly pointed to the branch she had been eyeing. Xiao Yan’s feet barely touched the ground before he was already airborne. In the blink of an eye, he returned with the very branch that Tang Ning had been unable to reach.

Xiao Yan handed the begonia branch to Tang Ning, and she looked up at him with sparkling eyes, full of eagerness and admiration. After a pause, he suddenly spoke, "Do you want any other branch?"

"No need..."

Tang Ning quickly tried to speak, intending to say one branch was enough, but before she could finish, Xiao Yan reached out and took her in his arms, lifting her up once again.

Tang Ning nearly shouted, "Brother, what are you doing?"

"Picking flowers."

The begonia branch was not very thick, and it swayed precariously under their combined weight.

Jin Yun’s eyes went wide with shock, but Xiao Yan acted as if he didn’t see it, holding Tang Ning with one arm and saying, "Pick whichever one you like."

Tang Ning clung to his shoulder in panic. Seeing her still hesitating, Xiao Yan asked, "None of them? Then let’s try another tree..."

"No need!"

Tang Ning quickly spoke up, blushing, "I like this one!"

Xiao Yan froze for a moment, looking at the young girl so close to him, his grip on her waist tightening.

Tang Ning suddenly realized what she had blurted out and her face turned crimson. She quickly grabbed two branches of flowers, patted his shoulder, and whispered, "I’ve picked them..."

As they landed on the ground, Tang Ning’s face was even redder than the begonia in her arms.

Xiao Yan, his eyes full of amusement, didn’t tease her. He just asked, "What made you want to pick flowers?"

"It was Sister Qin who said she wanted to use some begonias for medicine."

"Sister Qin is here?"

"Mm." Tang Ning, relieved that Xiao Yan hadn’t mentioned what happened earlier, continued, "Aunt came back from the palace, and Sister Qin came with her. She checked on Aunt and Xue Ru’s health, and seeing that it was getting late, I asked her to stay for dinner."

As she spoke, Tang Ning realized that Xiao Yan should be busy at the yamen by now. Today, her aunt had gone to the palace, and he should have been working on some official matters.

Tang Ning quickly looked up at him, "Brother, is something wrong at the palace?"

Xiao Yan reassured her, "No, everything went smoothly. The decree to appoint Lady Rongguo will be delivered tomorrow at the latest."

"That’s good." Tang Ning exhaled in relief and, noticing that Xiao Yan had taken off his official robes, added, "Did you finish your shift? Have you eaten? If not, I’ll have someone prepare something for you..."

Xiao Yan grasped her wrist, "Not yet, but no need to prepare anything. I’m here to take you out."

"Out?" Tang Ning was confused. "Where to?"

"To the Hengting Pavilion."

Tang Ning knew that the Hengting Pavilion was Prince Huan’s place. She blinked and wondered what they were going there for.

"I’m taking you to see some fun."

Seeing the puzzled expression on her face, Xiao Yan smiled, "Don’t worry, once we get there, you’ll see. The fun will definitely make you happy."

Tang Ning was intrigued by his mysterious tone. Since there was nothing urgent at the house, she thought for a moment and said, "Alright, Brother, wait for me. I’ll tell Aunt and the others, then change my clothes. I can’t go out looking dirty."

Xiao Yan looked at her face, "You’re not dirty, you look good."

Tang Ning’s face flushed again. She felt that his serious words of affection were even more embarrassing than his usual teasing.

She hid her face behind the flowers, muttering in a low voice, "Brother, you’re such a smooth talker."

Xiao Yan smiled, "Not as sweet as little Tang Ning’s sweet words."

Seeing the girl’s face turn even redder as she glared at him, he gently rubbed her forehead, "Go change, I’ll talk to Aunt for you."

Tang Ning’s face was even redder. "Brother!!"

What aunt? She was her aunt!

...

When Rong Yue and Qin Niangzi saw Xiao Yan, they were both surprised. Not only because he had come to the Tang residence at this hour but also because of the smile in his eyes, which seemed to reveal a lighter mood than usual.

They had seen him before, cold and ruthless, decisive and distant, but this was the first time they saw him with such a visible expression of happiness.

"Lord Xiao is in a good mood today?" Rong Yue asked with a smile.

Xiao Yan replied gently, "Everything went smoothly in the palace today. His Majesty has not raised any suspicion. Lady Rongguo will be able to officially sever ties with the royal family, and the situation with the Lu family has also made progress. Of course, it’s something to be happy about."

Rong Yue’s gaze softened when she heard him mention the palace, "As for the divorce, I have to thank Lord Xiao for his help."

She had been ready to take the risk of offending Emperor An if he didn’t agree, but it was Xiao Yan who found her and taught her how to handle the situation, how to tread on Emperor An’s boundaries to gain the greatest benefit.

Though the method was the same, Rong Yue knew that if she had done it herself, even if she had succeeded in the divorce with Prince Cheng, she would have offended Emperor An and the entire royal family, and never been compensated by the palace. She would never have gotten the title of Lady Rongguo and the safety of Tang Ning and herself in the capital.

Rong Yue had never held any prejudice against Xiao Yan because of his status. Now, looking at him, she felt more favorably toward him. "Although Tang Ning’s past was hard, without parental protection, and I, as her aunt, nearly caused her trouble, she met Lord Xiao. If not for you, she would have been…”

Seeing her guilt, Xiao Yan reassured her, “Madam, there is no need for this. Tang Ning and I are kindred spirits.”

“Yes, the two of you share a deep bond.”

As Rong Yue gazed at Xiao Yan, a trace of maternal fondness appeared in her eyes. She looked at him as if he were a younger member of her own family. “Though Tang Ning has not known you for long, her trust and reliance on you surpass even those of blood relatives. She treats you as an elder brother with deep respect. If Supervisor Xiao does not mind, why not find an auspicious day and formally have her recognize you as her brother?”

“She is younger than you, and an elder brother is like a father. No matter who she marries in the future or what children she bears, she will certainly care for you and see you through to your old age.”

Xiao Yan: “…”

Jin Yun: “!!!”

Madam Qin, listening to Rong Yue’s suggestion, was first stunned, then her lips twitched. She turned to look at Xiao Yan, whose face had gone rigid as if struck by lightning. For the first time, she saw confusion, panic, and even a fleeting existential crisis in his usually composed demeanor. Her shoulders began to shake.

“Princess Cheng’s proposal is quite thoughtful,” Madam Qin said with a mischievous smile. “It solves the issue of the Supervisor having no heirs and ensures he won’t be left unattended in his old age. What do you think, Supervisor Xiao?”

Xiao Yan shot her an expressionless glance, sharp as a blade.

What did he think?

He thought it was sh*t.

Did this barefoot doctor even realize what kind of absurdity she was spouting?!

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T/N: Aunt Rong and Doctor Qin, not too much on our Xiao Yan

Btw the author refers to him as Governor, Supervisor or Superintendent. 

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You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here

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