"I heard that the manor owner has been unwell lately? I have some Cordyceps and ginseng, if you don’t mind, you could take some back with you."
Nalan Yan’er feigned concern.
"There’s no need, better to save it for the Crown Prince. My father is just suffering from his old issues, and medicine doesn’t help. He’s only worried about choosing the new manor owner."
Hong Xuan revealed a trace of worry.
"You are the only daughter of the manor owner, inheriting Poison Dragon Villa should rightfully be you."
Nalan Yan’er had known her since they were young, and was also aware of the affairs of Poison Dragon Villa.
The old manor owner had only one daughter, Hong Xuan, whom he truly doted on, but he was an extreme chauvinist. He hoped that the successor to Poison Dragon Villa would be a man.
For this reason, he once thought of inviting Dugu Wu to become his son-in-law, and even considered choosing one among several disciples to be Hong Xuan’s husband in order to take over the family business, but none of these options panned out.
"My father plans to choose Brother Lu as the manor owner."
Hong Xuan managed a bitter smile.
Manor owner or not, it really didn’t matter to her.
What she truly cared about was her father’s recognition.
Since she was a child, she had diligently studied medicine and poison, all to be able to inherit her father’s legacy.
But unexpectedly, her father wanted to pass on his unique skills to Lu Yin.
Although Brother Lu was a genius in medical skills, was she inferior to him?
Hong Xuan was not contented, but her father was convinced that Lu Yin’s medical skills were superior to hers, which she couldn’t accept.
"In fact, your medical skills may not be inferior to Lu Yin’s, you just lack an opportunity to prove yourself. After all, whether in Great Chu or other countries, historically, it has always been men who are famous doctors."
Nalan Yan’er saw the unwillingness in Hong Xuan’s eyes at a glance.
She was secretly delighted; this was a rare opportunity.
"An opportunity to prove myself is not so easily found. My brother has traveled the worldly society for many years and is widely known. I’m just a woman, and also young; no one would believe I’m a Divine Doctor."
Hong Xuan forced a smile.
"Aunt Hong Xuan, you will be a very good doctor."
Feng Xiaoli stuffed her mouth with pastries, moved her lips, and murmured a sentence.
"You child, that sweet mouth of yours could truly kill."
Hong Xuan laughed and pinched Feng Xiaoli’s chubby cheeks.
Nalan Yan’er sneered inwardly.
No wonder both the Empress Dowager and her own Jinjin were so beguiled by her.
"Right now, there actually is a good opportunity, it’s just that I don’t know if you’re willing or not. Recently, the Emperor has fallen ill."
Nalan Yan’er said with concern.
"I heard about this too. My brother went to see him, but he couldn’t determine the cause and thought it was due to the Emperor’s excessive thoughts."
"If you could take a look at the Emperor, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites told me that it may not be an illness, but that the Emperor may have been poisoned."
Nalan Yan’er whispered.
"This is not something you can speak recklessly about."
Hong Xuan was somewhat skeptical.
Brother Lu was also top-notch in the field of toxicology.
Is there a poison even he could not detect?
"Why would I deceive you? I also know how serious this matter is, so I haven’t dared to publicize it. We’ve known each other since we were young, and I’m aware of your medical skills, that’s why I dare to tell you. I do have an idea which might be able to clarify what poison the Emperor has been subjected to, and at the same time, it could give you the chance to make a name for yourself and inherit Poison Dragon Villa. My Medicine Shop is in need of a doctor, and if you could come and sit in, even just a few times a month, when the time comes, I’ll help recommend you to the Imperial Palace so you can treat the Emperor."
Nalan Yan’er spoke with a sincere expression, grasping Hong Xuan’s hand.
Hong Xuan felt a stir in her heart.
She knew this was indeed a perfect opportunity.
If Emperor Yongye had truly been poisoned, and it was a poison that even the Imperial Physicians couldn’t resolve, but Hong Xuan could, curing Emperor Yongye would surely make her the world-renowned Female Divine Doctor.
Just as Hong Xuan was hesitating, outside the building, a series of firecracker noises burst forth, interrupting their conversation.