The three of them entered Lord Guo's study, where the desk was piled high with various documents and files. Lord Guo pointed to one stack and said, "These are the cases we have been reviewing recently. Guan Chunyi, please help your father organize them by date."
Guan Chunyi obediently agreed and began to sift through the files. Nangong Shuang stood nearby, her gaze casually sweeping over the bookshelf and the desk, searching for any clues related to the Nangong Family.
Lord Guo sat down to review the documents and casually asked, "Nangong Shuang, I’ve heard that your medical skills are exceptional. May I ask where you learned your craft?"
Nangong Shuang was prepared for this question and replied calmly, "Your Excellency, I learned from an old doctor who lives in seclusion in the mountains. He is highly skilled, especially in toxicology. However, my master does not seek fame or fortune and prefers to remain anonymous. He only taught me to prioritize virtue and to have a compassionate heart as a healer."
Lord Guo nodded thoughtfully, "No wonder your techniques are unique and different from others. Interestingly enough, I encountered the medical practices of the Nangong Family in my youth, and they bear some resemblance to yours."
Nangong Shuang's heart tightened at this remark, but she forced herself to remain calm. "The Nangong Family? Is that the family of medical officials accused of treason? I have lived in the countryside for so long that I know little about court affairs. Would Your Excellency be willing to elaborate?"
Lord Guo set down his brush with a sigh. "The Nangong Family is a lineage of physicians known for their loyalty and exceptional medical skills. Ten years ago, they were suddenly accused of treason, leading to their entire family being executed. It is truly a pity." He paused and lowered his voice, "Strangely enough, the evidence at that time was not sufficient; it seemed more like someone had framed them."
Nangong Shuang struggled to suppress her inner turmoil and asked, "What do you mean by that? The court has its conclusions; how could there be room for doubt?"
Lord Guo glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before he spoke softly. "In the court, it's easy to dodge open attacks but hard to guard against hidden ones. The Nangong Family's extraordinary medical skills brought them misfortune. The reasons behind this are not easy to discuss; however..." He suddenly stopped as if recalling something important and shook his head. "Never mind; this matter happened ten years ago; there's no need to bring it up again."
Understanding that Lord Guo had his reservations, Nangong Shuang refrained from pressing further and instead asked, "Are there any remaining records of the Nangong Family's case? I am quite interested in medicine, and if I could glimpse into their medical heritage, it might greatly benefit my understanding."
Lord Guo shook his head. "Those case files have long been sealed away; ordinary officials cannot access them. However, I do have some records regarding the Nangong Family's medical practices. If you are interested, you may take a look."
He stood up and walked toward the bookshelf, retrieving a long-dusty wooden box from the top shelf. Carefully opening it, he took out a beautifully bound book.
"This is a copy of 'Shanghan Zabing Lun' annotated by Old Mr. Nangong himself, which he gifted me years ago. It contains his personal notes. If you are interested, you may borrow it."
Nangong Shuang took it with both hands, her heart racing with excitement. This book contained her father's handwriting! Every annotation and mark was infused with her father's dedication.
"Thank you very much for your generous gift; I will cherish it," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Lord Guo smiled and said, "Since you are skilled in medicine, you will surely glean valuable insights from it. Though the Nangong Family is no longer present, their medical essence should not be lost. If you can inherit and carry it forward, it would be a blessing for all people."
Nangong Shuang nodded respectfully but felt turmoil within her heart. Lord Guo's implication seemed to acknowledge the injustice faced by the Nangong Family while subtly encouraging her to continue their legacy. Did he already suspect her identity? Or was it merely out of respect for the art of medicine?
As she pondered this, hurried footsteps approached from outside, followed by the voice of Steward Zhang Lu: "Your Excellency, we have reached a verdict!"
Lord Guo replied sternly, "Come in and speak."
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