Chapter 188 - 188 A Caring Heart
188 A Caring Heart
Su Wenzhe did not know whether or not he was right, but he thought his brother-in-law was diligent and rarely spoke. Luo Jin’an was more of a man of action.
It was apparent that Luo Jin’an was innocent, so how could he be cunning?
…
Everyone ate their lamb skewers and chatted happily. After returning home at night, Su Binglan first went to her parent’s place and helped them peel chestnuts.
After some thought, she said, “Father, Mother, I might have to go on a long trip tomorrow.” Her words were like a bomb that had just exploded.
Shen Qiuhua asked anxiously, “Why did you suddenly decide to go on a long trip?”
Everyone looked at Su Binglan with concern.
“Y-Yeah, where would you want to go?” Su Fengmao could not accept the thought of his daughter leaving for a long while.
‘She must be worried about something, but I don’t know what it could be.”
At that moment, Su Fengmao did not know where his two other sons were or how they were doing. He would have even more trouble sleeping if his daughter had gone away for a while.
Su Fengmao knew his daughter was a determined person and that no one could interfere with her decisions. Still, he and his wife could not help but feel anxious since they were Su Binglan’s parents.
Su Binglan knew her parents were concerned for her, but she also knew she had to look for her brother.
Even Luo Jin’an’s hands trembled when he heard what his wife said. At that time, he was peeling chestnuts but subconsciously tightened his grip so hard that the chestnut shot out of his hand.
Su Binglan instinctively grabbed the rogue chestnut and put it back into the basket. When her eyes met with her husband’s, she noticed the worry in his eyes.
Su Binglan thought she had imagined it, so she blinked and looked carefully, only to find that Luo Jin’an had already lowered his head to continue peeling the chestnuts.
The family would typically talk whenever one could not sleep after dinner. This time, they talked and worked simultaneously. Still, Su Wenzhe and his wife remained silent because they probably knew why Su Binglan had planned to leave for a while.
Most customers would talk about many things while eating at their shop, so the couple would overhear the customers talking about the incident concerning Hundred Herbs Hospital.
Liu Yinyin and her husband listened to the customers’ stories but did not tell Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhua about it because they did not want the two to worry. However, they could not hide it for long since Su Binglan had mentioned she was going on a trip.
Su Binglan explained, “I received news about Second Brother recently. The people from Hundred Herbs Hospital said he went to the capital. It just so happens some of their staff members are going there, so I decided to follow them in hopes of bringing Wenxiu home.”
She deliberately omitted details about what had happened to Hundred Herbs Hospital’s goods and only said she wanted to bring her second brother home.
Despite what she told her parents, Hundred Herbs Hospital would never send more people to the capital. In actuality, the people from the capital were the ones who were looking for medicinal herbs and capable people. Su Binglan simply omitted the crucial details because she did not want her parents to worry.
“Y-You’re going to the capital?”
Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhua’s expressions changed. Previously, they went to town and heard from others that there was a war in the capital.
“B-But they’re at war, and Wenxiu doesn’t know what the situation is like there. We can’t allow you to go.” Su Fengmao and his wife did not forget about their second son, Su Wenxiu, but they had to know what was going on before impulsively and foolishly taking action.
They could not let their only daughter go and look for Su Wenxiu simply because they did not know what it was like in the capital. Su Binglan’s parents did not want to put her at risk. They wanted to protect their family while thinking of another way to get Su Wenxiu back.
Su Binglan said, “Influential forces and connections are supporting Hundred Herbs Hospital, so their paths to the capital are clear. They have branches all over the place and have already taken care of everything.
“Nothing bad will happen to the team and me. Besides, Wenxiu and Wenwu went to the capital to earn money for me, so it’s only right that I bring them back.”
Su Fengmao said thoughtfully, “There’s nothing wrong with the fact that they went to earn money for you. You’re all siblings, so it’s normal for you guys to help each other.
“Even if they didn’t go to the capital to earn money for you, they still needed jobs. Don’t feel guilty because your mother and I were the ones who allowed them to go there. They want to earn money and live good lives too.”
Su Binglan knew her father only said that to comfort her.
“But, you just said they’re my siblings and that we must help each other. I want to go to the capital to get some medicinal herbs since they have the ones we don’t have here. Don’t worry, Father. I’ll be okay.”
Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhua knew how insistent their daughter was and that it was pointless to try and persuade her otherwise.
“All right, I’ll go with you,” Su Fengmao said.
Shen Qiuhua got annoyed. “You should stay home since you have a bad foot. I’ll go with Binglan instead.”
Su Binglan’s head started to hurt, yet she felt a warmth in her heart. He realized how loving her family was.
This love made one remember their home no matter where one went. One would only think of returning home whenever one was away.
Su Fengmao looked abandoned when he heard his wife’s words. He thought his two sons would not have gone to the capital to earn money if his foot was not in that condition. Still, he could not do anything to help his daughter.
Su Binglan noticed her father lowering his head, so she said, “Father, I brought home a big bag of herbs when I returned in the afternoon. They’re for your feet. I separated them into small bags so you can put them in hot water and soak your feet every day till I return. When I return, I will treat your foot, and you will be okay.”
She did not know how long she would be gone, but she had already prepared several things before leaving. Of course, she would inevitably return.
“Also, I’ll be going with a team from Hundred Herbs Hospital, so I can’t bring anyone with me. Their carriage can’t hold too many people. You all know I am capable, so there’s no need to worry about me.”
…
Su Binglan was highly insistent. After speaking her heart out, she finally convinced everyone to let her go. However, Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhua instructed her to return as soon as possible, and Su Binglan agreed.
Shen Qiuhua was worried and nagged on for a long time, but Su Binglan agreed to everything her mother said.
She thought of something and told Shen Qiuhua, “Remember that I left money for you guys to spend. You can look for Uncle Zhengde concerning the new house too. Just spend as much as you need, and don’t worry about it. Father, remember to soak your feet, and Mother, don’t work too hard.”
…
Su Binglan did not expect to talk so much, but that was what a worried person would do, after all.
…
Su Binglan and her husband returned home shortly after. She silently looked at Luo Jin’an and fell into deep thought for a while. Then she said, “I told Wenzhe to take the oxcart with you to the academy in the morning and to pick you up in the evening.
“My parents will take good care of you. Also, remember to take your medicine on time. Although the medicine will not cure you, it will suppress the cold poison. Father and Mother told me they won’t let you do too much work, so you must rest and allow your body some time to heal.”
Su Fengmao and his wife knew Su Binglan would worry about her husband, so they a.s.sured her they would take excellent care of Luo Jin’an and not let him overwork himself. They told Su Binglan not to worry.