Xiao Zhongyan smiled slightly and said, "My mother is concerned about your medical skills and has sent me to bring you along. I didn't expect to meet you at this alley, it seems almost like I was following you, which is quite rude of me."
Nangong Shuang discreetly observed Xiao Zhongyan, her mind racing with questions: Was he here by chance or had he been waiting for her on purpose? If it was the latter, what could his intentions be?
"Xiao Gongzi, you are too polite. As it happens, I am also visiting your esteemed mother; why don't we go together?" Nangong Shuang replied casually.
"That would be wonderful," Xiao Zhongyan gestured for her to lead the way.
The two walked side by side in silence. The spring breeze of the capital brushed against their garments, creating a subtle atmosphere between them.
"Nangong Shuang, you must be exhausted after saving Lu Shilang last night," Xiao Zhongyan suddenly broke the silence.
Nangong Shuang nodded slightly, "I am a bit tired, but it's nothing to worry about. I just didn't expect Lord Lu to fall victim to such a vicious attack; it is truly concerning."
"Indeed," Xiao Zhongyan's expression darkened slightly. "Lu Shilang has recently been supporting the Crown Prince in reopening old cases, which has offended many people. This morning, I heard that his home was robbed; it’s quite suspicious."
Nangong Shuang's heart stirred: "Reopening old cases? Are you referring to the Nangong Family case?"
Xiao Zhongyan looked at her meaningfully: "It's not just the Nangong Family Case. In recent years, many wrongful convictions have been brought back into discussion. The Crown Prince intends to rectify the bureaucracy, which naturally displeases certain individuals."
Nangong Shuang nodded without revealing her thoughts but pondered deeply: Xiao Zhongyan seemed to be hinting at something. If the Crown Prince were to reopen the Nangong Family Case, could it mean that the truth would soon come to light?
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of Xiao Mansion. The towering gate stood majestically, flanked by two imposing stone lions that showcased the power of its master.
"Please," Xiao Zhongyan gestured for Nangong Shuang to enter.
They passed through several courtyards and arrived at a tranquil garden. The area was lush with flowers and trees, and an old plum tree was in bloom, filling the air with a pleasant fragrance. Nangong Shuang recognized this as Madam Xiao's residence.
As they approached the courtyard door, they heard a cough from inside, followed by Madam Xiao's gentle voice: "Is that you, Xiao Zhongyan? Has Nangong Shuang arrived?"
"Mother, Nangong Shuang is here," Xiao Zhongyan pushed open the door and stepped inside with Nangong Shuang closely behind.
Madam Xiao sat in a grand chair by the window; her complexion appeared slightly pale but her demeanor was calm. Upon seeing Nangong Shuang, a glimmer of joy flashed in her eyes as she extended her hand: "Nangong Shuang, you've come! Please have a seat."
Nangong Shuang stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Madam. I heard about your wind illness and came specifically to treat you."
Madam Xiao warmly took Nangong Shuang's hand and gestured for her to sit beside her: "Thanks to you saving Lu Shilang last night, otherwise my Xiao family would bear an enormous disgrace."
Nangong Shuang humbly replied, "Madam is too kind; saving lives is a physician's duty."
Xiao Zhongyan interjected from the side: "Mother, Nangong Shuang’s medical skills are exceptional; she will surely cure your wind illness. You can trust her completely."
Madam Xiao nodded and extended her wrist. Nangong Shuang gently placed her fingers on Madam Xiao's pulse and closed her eyes to feel it. After a moment, she opened her eyes with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Madam's wind illness is not caused by ordinary wind or cold," Nangong Shuang stated seriously. "From the pulse condition, it seems that many years ago you were afflicted by a peculiar poison. Although its potency has diminished over time, it still lingers in your body and flares up during rainy weather or emotional fluctuations."
Madam Xiao was taken aback and exclaimed, "Miss, are you serious? I indeed suffered from a strange illness ten years ago, experiencing excruciating pain throughout my body. After I recovered, I was left with this ailment. But no one has ever diagnosed it as poisoning!"
Nangong Shuang felt a stir in her heart. Ten years ago? That was precisely when the Nangong Family was annihilated. Could Madam Xiao's illness be related to the Nangong Family Case?
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