Chapter 130: Chapter 130

"Little... little sister, is... is this really for us to live in?"

"Such a big courtyard... and this bed, ah! It's so soft!"

The canopy bed taller than a person, the wardrobe, the dressing table, the curtains embroidered with various patterns...

Chen Daya's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she took in every detail of their new surroundings. Ah! Her little sister was truly too clever!

The sisters' accommodations weren't far apart, though An Ning's quarters were noticeably better appointed. The bedding was clearly newly made, and anticipating the winter chill, a stove had already been lit in the room, making it quite comfortable. Though still far from her living standards in previous lives...

But this level of care was excessive, clearly beyond what a mere physician could provide.

After quickly surveying the room and closing the door, An Ning idly poked at the system who seemed preoccupied with something: "Did something happen earlier with Physician Liang?"

"Yes, ah? Host, you figured it out again?" Recalling what it had witnessed, the system sighed. "Host, you wouldn't believe how tragic this old doctor's situation was. All the physicians in Yangzhou knew the case was hopeless, yet they conspired to push Physician Liang forward as the sacrificial lamb."

"Including one of his former close friends."

The system couldn't help shaking its head. While Commissioner Lin didn't seem like the unreasonable type to harass medical staff, the incident had clearly terrified the old physician.

No wonder they're being so meticulous!

Understanding the reason, An Ning simply nodded. Such principled yet unprotected individuals inevitably suffered in any era.

But now things were better. If she wasn't mistaken, this residence had clearly been recently prepared, its scale and decor far beyond Physician Liang's means. While the Lin family might want their doctor nearby in case of emergencies, such arrangements unmistakably signaled to outsiders that the Liang household now enjoyed their protection.

Excellent. As long as Young Master Lin remained safe, this was currently the most secure environment possible.

After bathing, An Ning comfortably nestled into the fragrant, soft bed. That night, she slept exceptionally well...

In stark contrast, Physician Liang in the front courtyard pored over medical texts by dim lamplight, repeatedly studying passages he still couldn't fully comprehend. Even the lifesaving prescription he regarded as miraculous remained partially obscure—its underlying principles eluded him, let alone how to improve it...

Thinking of Young Master Lin still weakly bedridden, Physician Liang felt his hairline receding further. For the first time in his life, he doubted his medical aptitude.

He wondered which master had authored this text—meeting such a person would make his life complete! But considering the book's age, its author had likely long returned to the earth.

The old physician went to bed filled with regret.

Little did he know greater shocks awaited him.

Several months later.

"What? You're saying you've memorized all these medicinal herbs and these books on the desk?"

Looking between the pile of texts half a person's height and his confident young apprentice, Physician Liang nearly tore out his carefully maintained beard in disbelief.

"Child, don't joke with this old man!"

Despite having witnessed his apprentice's cleverness, Physician Liang remained skeptical. Literacy alone took time—he'd started reciting medical rhymes at three, using the Yellow Emperor's Canon as his primer. Just mastering the foundational texts had taken years, and that was with comprehension.

How could this be possible?

While he'd been blind to some things before, Physician Liang prided himself on having a sound mind.

Before he could voice his doubts, his grandson—looking like his soul had left his body—confirmed the unbelievable.

"Grandfather, it's true! Junior sister really is this brilliant." Liang Yuan said dazedly. Any character taught, she remembered after one viewing. Those thick books? Memorized after one or two readings.

Glancing at his little sister who barely reached his chest, the eight-year-old senior brother who'd suffered repeated blows these days couldn't help looking skyward, his small face etched with existential doubt: "Grandfather, perhaps my brain isn't suited to inherit your legacy..."

Physician Liang: "......"

After thoroughly testing the girl's memorization abilities, the one plunged into existential crisis became the old physician himself.

Could his inability to comprehend that text truly be due to... lack of talent?

Observing the identically shell-shocked old and young pair.

What to do? Suddenly feeling a pang of conscience...

In her consciousness space, the system dog was rolling with laughter, its entire body shaking uncontrollably. "I told you not to overdo it, host. Serves you right!"

Hmph! Shooting a glare at the system. While feeling slightly guilty, not exaggerate? An Ning chuckled softly. Impossible.

In medicine, especially Chinese medicine, most achieve recognition or make breakthroughs only in their later years. Only as a prodigy would all accomplishments be accepted without question.

Just like when she was Siya—her photographic memory made all subsequent achievements appear perfectly natural. No one ever doubted.

As for exposure? Who would bother testing such things? And even if someone did, wasn't there the system to cheat with?

Moreover... glancing at the still-dazed Physician Liang, An Ning lowered her eyes: Gratitude was one thing, but why would an unrelated person devote themselves to you without demonstrated worth?

Indeed, after confirming his new apprentice's genuine talent, Physician Liang's brief crisis immediately transformed into enthusiasm. Far beyond merely keeping his teaching promise, the old physician now lamented not having enough time to personally nurture this rare gem—to cultivate her for medical advancement and leave precious texts for posterity.

With such gifts, who cared about gender?

Watching his apprentice diligently grinding herbs, Physician Liang actually felt grateful she was female—with such a mind, she'd have been wasted as a physician when she could excel in the imperial examinations.

As for his formerly treasured family medical texts? The old physician no longer cared. Given his apprentice's brilliance, in a few years she might consider these "treasures" beneath her notice!