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墨書 Inktalez
“Miss, I apologize for the interruption,” came the voice of the innkeeper. “A distinguished guest has specifically requested to see you.”
Nan Gong Shuang furrowed her brow slightly. “Who is it?”
“It’s… the young lady from the Shen Residence.”
Nan Gong Shuang was a bit taken aback. She set down her silver needles, adjusted her clothing, and walked to the door.
Standing outside was the young lady from the Shen Residence whom she had met in the afternoon, now dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, accompanied by two maidservants.
“Miss Shen, what brings you here at such a late hour?” Nan Gong Shuang asked as she stepped aside to invite her in.
Miss Shen stepped into the room somewhat awkwardly and bowed gracefully. “I apologize for intruding, but I truly wish to express my gratitude for your kindness in saving my mother.”
Nan Gong Shuang shook her head. “It is the duty of a healer; there’s no need for thanks.”
“Not only that,” Miss Shen said as she took a brocade box from one of her maidservants and presented it with both hands. “This is a token of gratitude from my father. I hope you will accept it.”
Nan Gong Shuang opened the brocade box to find a set of exquisite silver needles and several bottles of precious medicinal herbs—treasures that any healer would dream of possessing.
“These are too valuable; I cannot accept them,” she said, closing the box and pushing it back.
However, Miss Shen insisted, “Please don’t refuse, Nangong Shuang. If it weren’t for you, my mother and younger brother might have…”
Her eyes reddened slightly as she spoke.
Seeing her sincerity, Nan Gong Shuang hesitated for a moment before accepting the brocade box. “In that case, I will graciously accept your gift.”
“That’s wonderful!” Miss Shen exclaimed with delight. “By the way, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Shen Xinyao, the legitimate daughter of Duke Shen.”
“Miss Shen is too kind.”
Shen Xinyao looked around with some concern. “It’s not safe for you to be alone outside as a woman. Why not come back to our residence for a few days? My father has prepared accommodations and promises not to disturb you.”
Nan Gong Shuang smiled gently. “Thank you for your kind offer, but I am new here and have many matters to attend to; it wouldn’t be appropriate to trouble your household.”
Shen Xinyao was about to say more when suddenly there was a commotion outside.
“What’s happening?” Nan Gong Shuang frowned.
A maidservant rushed in to report, “Miss, several officials in uniforms have arrived outside. They claim to be from the Imperial Medical Bureau and specifically want to see this young lady.”
Nan Gong Shuang’s gaze turned cold. “The Imperial Medical Bureau?”
“Is it that court physician from this afternoon?” Shen Xinyao asked in surprise. “Why has he come here?”
After pondering for a moment, Nan Gong Shuang turned to Shen Xinyao. “Miss Shen, I’m afraid I need your assistance.”
Shen Xinyao nodded without hesitation. "Nangong Shuang, please speak."
"You go out and handle it for a bit, just say that I have already left," Nangong Shuang quickly packed her belongings. "I will leave through the back window."
Though Shen Xinyao did not fully understand, she agreed with a nod. "Alright, leave it to me! Nangong Shuang, hurry."
"Thank you." Nangong Shuang grabbed her bundle and deftly climbed out the window, landing silently in the backyard like a swallow.
She crept along the wall and happened to overhear a conversation in the front yard.
"Miss Shen, I apologize for the intrusion. On the orders of the Chief Physician of the Imperial Medical Institute, I have come to consult this Nangong Shuang about a few medical matters." It was indeed the voice of the imperial physician.
Shen Xinyao feigned regret. "What a pity, but Nangong Shuang just mentioned having urgent business and has already left."
"Left?" The physician clearly did not believe her. "But we have been waiting at the inn's entrance and have not seen anyone come out."
"Perhaps she left through the back door," Shen Xinyao replied firmly. "Since Nangong Shuang is no longer here, you all should return."
The physician wanted to say more, but a commanding voice interrupted him. "Enough! Since Miss Shen has said so, it must be true. You may withdraw."
"Yes, my lord."
Nangong Shuang recognized that it was another person's voice, evidently of a higher rank. She did not linger and quickly left the inn under the cover of night.
The next morning, many onlookers had gathered outside the Execution Ground.
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