"We have arrived." Lord Guo straightened his attire and led the way out of the carriage.
The gates of Xiao Mansion swung open, and two rows of servants stood in formation to welcome them. Nangong Shuang walked slowly into Xiao Mansion with the Guo family, her heart tumultuous. Ten years ago, her family was annihilated, and the Xiao family was one of the masterminds behind it. Now, she was stepping into the lair of her enemies—what a bitter irony!
The inner courtyard had been transformed into a banquet venue, adorned with lanterns and decorations that exuded an air of opulence. Guests gathered in small clusters, chatting and laughing.
"Lord Guo has arrived!" a voice announced.
All eyes turned toward the Guo family. Lord Guo nodded slightly and proceeded forward with his family. Nangong Shuang kept her head down, discreetly observing her surroundings. She spotted several high-ranking officials and a few familiar merchant faces; it seemed that the Xiao family had deep connections in both political and commercial circles.
"Lord Guo, madam, your presence graces Xiao Mansion!"
A gentle voice came from ahead. Nangong Shuang looked up to meet a pair of smiling eyes—Xiao Zhongyan stood before her in a light blue robe, adorned with a jade crown, exuding elegance.
Lord Guo quickly returned the greeting with cupped hands: "Xiao Gongzi is too kind. We are honored by your esteemed invitation."
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Zhongyan's gaze shifted to Nangong Shuang and Guan Chunyi. "Both ladies are well. Today, Miss Guan Chunyi is radiant, while Nangong Shuang is ethereal; truly the twin jewels of Guo Residence!"
Guan Chunyi's face flushed instantly as she shyly bowed her head. "Xiao Gongzi overpraises me."
Nangong Shuang merely nodded coldly and replied indifferently, "Xiao Gongzi is too courteous." She deliberately maintained her distance, unwilling to engage in further conversation with Xiao Zhongyan.
Seemingly unfazed by Nangong Shuang's aloofness, Xiao Zhongyan continued amiably, "Nangong Shuang, my mother has heard of your exceptional medical skills and specifically asked me to bring you to see her ailment. Would you do us the honor?"
Nangong Shuang replied expressionlessly, "Since Madam has requested it, I shall do my best."
Lord Guo nodded repeatedly from the side. "Nangong Shuang's medical skills are indeed remarkable; Madam Xiao is fortunate. Nangong Shuang, you go ahead to see her while we head to the banquet hall."
Nangong Shuang nodded and followed Xiao Zhongyan into the inner courtyard. Along the way, he attempted to strike up a conversation, but she responded only briefly, maintaining a cold demeanor.
"Nangong Shuang seems somewhat displeased with me?" Xiao Zhongyan finally couldn't help but ask.
Nangong Shuang replied coolly, "Xiao Gongzi worries too much. I am merely not good with words; I hope you can forgive me."
Xiao Zhongyan gave her a meaningful glance but said nothing further.
Soon, they arrived at an exquisite courtyard. The garden was lush with flowers and trees, creating a serene environment clearly designed for relaxation. Xiao Zhongyan gently knocked on the door. "Mother, Nangong Shuang has arrived."
"Please come in," a gentle woman's voice responded from within.
Nangong Shuang entered the room alongside Xiao Zhongyan and saw a dignified woman reclining in a chair by the window. She appeared to be in her forties; despite looking unwell, she retained an elegant demeanor and grace.
"Mother, this is Nangong Shuang," Xiao Zhongyan introduced.
Nangong Shuang stepped forward to bow respectfully. "I greet you, Madam."
Madam Xiao smiled and nodded. "I have long heard of Nangong Shuang's exceptional medical skills. Today, seeing you in person, your extraordinary demeanor is indeed remarkable. I intended to personally welcome everyone in the banquet hall, but unfortunately, this wind illness has plagued me. I hope you can forgive my rudeness."
"Madam, you are too kind," Nangong Shuang replied politely before stepping forward to take Madam Xiao's pulse.
Gently resting her fingers on Madam Xiao's wrist, she closed her eyes to feel the pulse. After a moment, Nangong Shuang opened her eyes, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"What is it?" Madam Xiao asked eagerly.
Nangong Shuang withdrew her hand and said seriously, "Madam, your ailment is not an ordinary wind illness; it is caused by the accumulation of cold energy within your body over the years. The pulse is sometimes strong and sometimes weak, occasionally floating and occasionally sinking, which indicates that the Cold Poison has not yet been cleared."
Comment 0 Comment Count