Nangong Shuang paid no attention to the surrounding commotion, fully focused on treating the man. She first used silver needles to stimulate several key acupoints, slowing the spread of the poison, and then took a packet of powder from her Medicine Pouch and fed it to the man.
"This is an antidote that can temporarily stabilize his condition," Nangong Shuang explained to Xiao Xiang. "However, the poison has already penetrated deeply into his system, and further treatment is necessary."
Xiao Xiang nodded. "Thank you for your efforts, Miss."
At that moment, Xiao Zhongyan hurried back. "Father, the imperial physician is on his way." He noticed Nangong Shuang was administering aid to the man, and a complex expression flashed in his eyes.
Nangong Shuang continued her work while observing the man's reactions. Soon, his complexion began to improve, and his breathing steadied significantly, indicating that he had escaped immediate danger.
Just as everyone let out a sigh of relief, Nangong Shuang suddenly noticed a fine powder at the man's collar. Cautiously, she dabbed her fingertip in it and sniffed lightly, her brow furrowing instantly: this was a residue of Purple Butterfly Poison!
Purple Butterfly Poison was an extremely rare toxin—colorless and odorless, yet highly lethal. Victims would turn purple within a short time, struggle to breathe, and ultimately suffocate. This poison was one of the secret techniques of the Nangong Family!
Nangong Shuang's heart sank: someone had poisoned at the Xiao Mansion banquet using Nangong Family's poison techniques! Was this an attempt to frame her or was there something more sinister at play?
She scanned the surroundings warily, trying to identify any suspicious individuals. Just then, her gaze met Xiao Zhongyan's; a complex look flickered in his eyes as if conveying some hidden message.
"Everyone, please remain calm; this man is out of immediate danger," Nangong Shuang announced steadily while deftly using her sleeve to brush away the remaining powder from the man's collar. "However, he needs to rest quietly; it would be best to move him to a quieter place."
Xiao Xiang nodded in agreement and instructed the servants to carry the man to a guest room for rest. The guests praised Nangong Shuang's medical skills profusely and came forward to express their gratitude. The atmosphere of the banquet gradually returned to calm, but Nangong Shuang's heart remained restless.
This was a premeditated poisoning incident; what was its purpose? Was it aimed at that man or an attempt to test her medical skills? Or perhaps someone wanted to frame her and associate her with the Nangong Family's poison techniques?
While handling the guests' compliments, Nangong Shuang pondered these questions in silence. She noticed Xiao Zhongmo's dark expression and the dangerous glint in his eyes; he seemed extremely dissatisfied with her performance.
"Nangong Shuang truly possesses remarkable medical skills; we owe you much today!" Xiao Xiang approached her with sincere gratitude. "I wonder how you determined that this man was poisoned?"
Nangong Shuang replied cautiously, "His complexion was purple, lips blackened, and eyes bulging—these are clear symptoms of poisoning. The elderly gentleman who taught me once shared similar emergency methods, so I have some knowledge."
Xiao Xiang nodded thoughtfully. "You are not only skilled but also well-informed; such qualities are indeed rare."
Nangong Shuang humbly lowered her head and refrained from saying more. At that moment, Madam Xiao approached with a gentle smile. "Nangong Shuang, as the banquet is nearing its end, why don't you come with me to the inner chamber so we can discuss the usage of that prescription in detail?"
Nangong Shuang nodded in agreement and followed Madam Xiao toward the inner courtyard. Before leaving, she glanced back at the banquet hall and caught sight of Xiao Zhongyan's penetrating gaze as if he were trying to see through her.
"Nangong Shuang need not worry; that man is out of immediate danger," Madam Xiao noticed her concern and comforted her softly. "Your medical skills are indeed astonishing; even my husband praises you highly!"
Nangong Shuang thanked her quietly as she followed Madam Xiao into an exquisite small hall. The decor was elegant, with a faint scent of sandalwood wafting from an incense burner, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Comment 0 Comment Count