Chapter 128: Chapter 128
An Ning wasn't surprised by the sudden change in attitude from the person before her. She was already quite certain he would agree.
The Salt Inspection Commissioner might not hold the highest position in the imperial court, but only the emperor's most trusted officials were appointed to such roles. Married to the daughter of a duke, even the local prefect would show him deference. Given that this involved his only son—evident from how nearly every physician in Yangzhou had been summoned—the stakes were clear.
If the treatment succeeded, all would be well. If it failed...
An Ning mused silently. No matter how amiable Commissioner Lin usually was, when it came to his sole heir, who could predict a nobleman's thoughts? Especially since this old physician Liang, though skilled, wasn't well-liked among his peers. If things went wrong, he'd likely be made the scapegoat.
Moreover, considering Physician Liang's circumstances—his advanced age and desire to secure his young grandson's future—he would grasp at any possibility.
Indeed, after a long deliberation while staring at the tantalizing medical text before him, the old physician finally sighed. "You stubborn little thing! Judging by your attire, life in the Lin household can't be too bad. Why not stay?"
Being a physician—let alone a female one—was no easy path.
"No matter how comfortable, I refuse to spend my life serving others," An Ning declared without hesitation, her youthful face set with determination. This wasn't entirely an act.
Though the Lin family treated their servants kindly, masters remained masters. Their kindness was a privilege, not a right. When trouble came, they wouldn't hesitate to discard you. Most people reserved their compassion and kindness for those of their own class. Servants? Expendable objects at best.
As for saving money to buy her freedom? Impossible. The meager monthly wages would take forever to accumulate, and two young girls alone would be like fresh meat for predators.
This opportunity was too precious to waste. An Ning's dark eyes glistened with resolve.
"Ah..." Old Physician Liang sighed, his gaze filled with pity and a hint of trepidation. After another long sigh, he accepted the medical text but pressed his most treasured jade pendant into An Ning's hands.
"Child, regardless of the outcome, since I've taken this book, I'll do everything for you and your sister. Consider yourself my apprentice now."
Touched by his sincerity, An Ning felt a stir in her heart. This was the same man who'd exiled his own son for cutting corners with medicine, refusing to compromise even after his eldest son's death, choosing to raise his grandson alone instead. Some might call him stubborn, but when vulnerable, dealing with someone of such high moral standards brought comfort and security.
Tucking the pendant close, An Ning returned as dusk fell. The mansion buzzed with urgency; even Xue Yuan, usually so cheerful, wore a grim expression. Since the young master fell ill, the entire household had been tense, the air thick with incense smoke. Even their Mingxue Pavilion felt the strain.
With her parents distraught over her younger brother's condition, Lin Daiyu's cough had worsened, worrying the maids further.
"Where have you been, A-Ning? Were you feeling unwell again?" Xue Qing asked. When An Ning shook her head, Xue Qing simply said, "Before it gets too dark, go to the main kitchen and ask Cook Xi to prepare something light for the young mistress. She's barely touched her congee all day..."
Worried, Xue Qing hurried off to prepare bathwater. Before she left, An Ning quickly pressed a piece of red bean cake into her chilled hands. "You've been working all day without eating, Xue Qing-jie."
The older maid blinked, only now noticing her own hunger. Devouring the cake, she tugged An Ning's braid affectionately. "Such a thoughtful child. Hurry now! Get some rest after—Xue Yan and I will manage tonight."
"Thank you, Xue Qing-jie!" With a grin, An Ning darted away.
The winter night was bitterly cold. An Ning stamped her numb feet as she hurried along. With the New Year approaching, even young maids like her were kept busy, though others had it worse.
In the main kitchen, nine-year-old Chen Daya was still rinsing glutinous rice and soybeans—ingredients that needed soaking overnight for tomorrow's pastries. Hearing her little sister's voice, she wiped her hands on her apron and beamed.
"Why are you here so late? You must be freezing!" She pulled An Ning inside. Despite her youth, Daya was strong from years of labor, her hands rough but capable.
After a brief chat, An Ning prepared to leave—Daya never let her help with kitchen work, fearing it might ruin her prospects. Daya herself had been assigned menial tasks due to her coarse hands, missing out on better positions like embroidery.
But just as An Ning turned to go, Daya suddenly tugged her aside. "Little sister, that book we dug up near the village the other day—what's it really for?"