As expected, Old Physician Liang found himself marveling daily at his young disciple's remarkable intelligence. The deeper their interactions went, the more apparent it became that her genius was no exaggeration—not only did she possess extraordinary memory, but her comprehension of ancient medical texts far surpassed what he'd achieved even in his youth. Truly, she was born to practice medicine.
She outshone his unfortunate grandson by leaps and bounds. Especially now:
"This... modifying the prescription ... will it work?" Old Physician Liang hesitated unusually as he examined the ancient book nearly worn smooth by fingerprints over four years. But when his young disciple made the final notation, enlightenment struck. "Of course! This makes perfect sense!"
By the medicine cabinets, the long-bearded physician in stone-blue robes nearly slapped his thigh in excitement. The adjustments to the ratios of astragalus and angelica roots, along with the age of the ginseng used, seemed minor yet perfected the entire prescription significantly. Comparing it with Young Master Lin's current pulse diagnosis, any experienced physician could easily discern the superiority of the new formula.
Why hadn't he thought of this before? The old physician smacked his forehead, gazing at his under-ten-year-old disciple like she was a priceless treasure, his wrinkled face blooming into a chrysanthemum smile. "Ning girl, you must be tired after today's studies. Finish reading and rest early! Children shouldn't strain their eyes with prolonged reading."
An Ning, who secretly used specially crafted eye drops from her space daily, nodded internally in agreement. If nothing else, ancient oil lamps were truly harsh on the eyes! After bidding farewell to her master and senior brother, she scampered off with practiced efficiency—clearly not her first hurried departure.
Liang Yuan, still laboriously studying pulse diagnosis records nearby: "..."
"Grandfather, actually my eyes these past few days—"
"Didn't I tell you countless times?" The physician engrossed in the brilliant prescription didn't even look up. "The slow bird must fly first! Without your junior sister's brains, stop dreaming idly! In our profession, laziness is an unforgivable disease that must be cured!"
Sigh. So stupidity meant no right to slack? Meanwhile, his genius junior sister slept in daily and still complained it wasn't enough! Yet remembering her meteoric learning curve over the years, he could only sigh enviously. If only he could borrow a fraction of her brains...
Rubbing his sore eyes, the resigned senior brother resumed his studies. Now, where was he again...?
Ignoring his grandson's lamentations about unfairness, Old Physician Liang impatiently knocked on the Lin residence's gates at dawn the next day with the new prescription. The results spoke for themselves in his increasingly radiant complexion. Soon, he even brought his prized disciple for a follow-up consultation.
Midwinter was prime season for chills, especially for the constitutionally weak. Familiar with the Lin household from years of visits, An Ning followed her master in a neat lantern-patterned satin jacket and voluminous fox fur cloak, resembling an exquisite doll. Though previously disguised as an apprentice during outings, today she entered properly.
Soft coughs echoed from the inner chamber. Commissioner Lin, ever worldly, showed no surprise at the girl accompanying his physician, even inviting her to take pulses. With a mild gesture, he addressed the pair: "My son's condition troubles you both..." His respectful tone towards even a child made An Ning pause momentarily.
In truth, while visiting the Lin residence frequently to meet childhood friends, she'd rarely encountered the Commissioner beyond distant glimpses. Truly befitting a Tanhua scholar—his refined elegance and handsome features still evident despite age.
Her fingers already on the pulse, seven-year-old Young Master Lin blinked curiously at the older girl, flushing when her fingertips touched his wrist. Seeing An Ning's subtle nod to her master, the physician's worried expression eased noticeably—a detail Commissioner Lin didn't miss.
The subsequent days proceeded normally, except Young Master Lin recovered remarkably faster than previous years, able to leave bed within half a month—a first in recent memory. The festive New Year atmosphere at the Lin residence grew especially lively, with even servants like Xue Qing receiving doubled bonuses.
On New Year's Eve, the four-member Liang household gathered properly. With both parents deceased, a disowned son, and only opportunistic nephews remaining, Old Physician Liang was practically alone in Yangzhou City. The sisters, equally devoid of meaningful family ties, had grown accustomed to their small circle—Eldest Ya especially cherished the physician's paternal care.
When Lin servants delivered festive gifts, the quartet was happily sharing white jade square cakes. That evening, opening an exceptionally valuable rosewood box revealed a pair of exquisite warm jade pendants carved with playful koi patterns tailored for a young girl's taste.
Holding the jade plaque, An Ning smiled faintly. Truly, she preferred dealing with intelligent people—especially clever, ungreedy ones. But the Lin family's sincerity extended further. As the new year began, after Old Physician Liang's Baoren Hall released a new health-boosting pill, one of Madam Lin's senior matrons paid a personal visit...