"Back then, the old patriarch of the Tang family, because he didn't appoint the hidden heir of the Tang family as the family head in order, but instead appointed the young Tang Youxi as the manifest head, and made Tang Youxi's twin sister Tang Youli the hidden head," Xia Qingtian said to the Tang family head. "At that time, an entire batch of influential elders in the Tang family left in anger. You… were one of them, weren't you?"
"Hmph," Professor Tang snorted. "Many people know about the messy affairs back then. I'm not a member of the Tang family anymore."
"The Tang family bloodline is special. Only a pair of twins is born each generation, and these twins are designated as the manifest and hidden heads from birth." Xia Qingtian pointed at Da Ya and Er Ya. "You must have guessed long ago that Er Ya's surname isn't Di. You know she's from the Tang family."
Professor Tang's expression changed slightly. At first, he truly believed Er Ya's full name was Di Er Ya. But as he interacted with Er Ya more, he realized this girl knew many medicinal theories from the Tang family's secret classics.
Professor Tang began to have suspicions.
But seeing how spirited Er Ya was, grasping things instantly and being far more astute and outstanding than many Tang family members he had met.
Most importantly, Er Ya's character was pure and true, and her eyes were always so bright and clear.
He hadn't encountered such a promising talent in years, and Professor Tang felt a pang of compassion.
He speculated that Er Ya might just be a junior from a collateral branch of the Tang family, and Professor Tang thought he could turn a blind eye.
After all, developing that medicine was the main priority. Er Ya was stubborn and fierce as a person, but she was excellent in academics, intelligent, diligent, and innovative.
Although they always argued over some methodologies, Professor Tang still admired Er Ya.
If things continued this way, Professor Tang might even take Er Ya as his final disciple.
But the trouble was Da Ya's sudden appearance, which made Professor Tang immediately understand Er Ya's identity.
The Tang family's hidden head.
He had guarded against everything, especially the main Tang family, but he never expected to directly bring a hidden head of the Tang family upon himself!
What was this?
Was it fate?
Was this a calamity he couldn't escape?!
Retribution!
This was retribution!
Although Professor Tang didn't answer, his changing expression confirmed Xia Qingtian's deduction was correct.
Er Ya, on the other hand, looked at Professor Tang in shock, "How did you know!"
Her nameplate clearly read "Di Er Ya," and she had never claimed to be surnamed Tang to anyone!
Hearing Er Ya's words, Professor Tang glared at her impatiently, "Shut up!"
Someone so foolish, how could she be worthy of being the Tang family's hidden head?
The thought of the Tang family potentially falling into the hands of such a person made Professor Tang feel the Tang family was doomed!
Even though he had long since left the Tang family and those matters had nothing to do with him, thinking about it made Professor Tang feel stifled.
After going through such a long detour, to end up with this result, that old fellow had truly made a grand joke!
"Qingtian!" Er Ya looked at Xia Qingtian, confused. "What's going on!"
"It's probably because you both hate people surnamed Miao," Xia Qingtian didn't know how to explain it to Er Ya right away, so she just chuckled and gave a reason Er Ya could most easily understand.
"Doesn't everyone hate the Miao family?" Er Ya blinked. "Is there anyone who doesn't hate the Miao family?"
"Only the Tang family hates the Miao family so thoroughly," Xia Qingtian said.
"So that's how it is~" Er Ya nodded.
"I hate the Miao family too," Da Ya said to Er Ya with a serious expression.
"Sister!" Er Ya hugged Da Ya tightly, rubbing their cheeks together affectionately.
Seeing the actions of Da Ya and Er Ya, Professor Tang took a deep breath and said with a mix of self-mockery and感慨, "I never expected the Tang family's manifest and hidden heads to have such a good relationship."
"Professor Tang, those matters are long past. The Tang family's situation is very dire now." Xia Qingtian remembered A Long's solemn expression and felt heavy-hearted. "Er Ya is like this, and Da Ya… the manifest head was framed and poisoned, losing her memory. This poison is very serious; it attacks the central nervous system, little by little…"
"That wasn't poison from being framed, it's a poison she carried from the womb," Professor Tang interrupted Xia Qingtian. "Her parents both died from this poison."
"What?" Xia Qingtian was stunned.
Didn't they say the Tang family's manifest head was poisoned, causing…
"When she was just born, someone predicted she wouldn't live past twenty," Professor Tang said, looking at Da Ya. "Seven supreme yang poisons and seven supreme yin蠱, unresolvable."
"How could that be? Then Er Ya!" Xia Qingtian's heart sank.
"Er Ya is fine. The poison only settled in the manifest head. Er Ya was just weak when she was born, plus she has a very wealthy and powerful uncle. Raised with rare treasures, she's now strong as an ox," Professor Tang glared at Er Ya impatiently. "All muscle, no brain!"
"You call me names again! You call me names again!" Er Ya's eyes widened as if she were about to argue with Professor Tang, but Da Ya quickly held her waist to stop her.
"After such a long detour, the Tang family is still doomed. Heh heh," Professor Tang let out a sarcastic laugh. "First the Lu family, then the Tang family, the Miao family… they've made a brilliant move!"
Xia Qingtian felt it was a bit too hasty to define this matter as the Miao family's doing.
Although Miao Tong was a "white-cut-black" character, he wasn't exactly heartless.
Miao Sang was even more of a naive sweetie.
Just as Xia Qingtian was about to speak up for the Miao family, she heard an enraged voice from the doorway.
"You're talking nonsense!" Professor Miao pushed open the laboratory door, his eyes wide. "This matter has nothing to do with the Miao family!"
"The seven supreme yin蛊 are your Miao family's secret蛊-raising treasures. You say it has nothing to do with the Miao family, do you believe it yourself!" Professor Tang glared at the person who entered.
"The seven supreme yang poisons are also your Tang family's heirloom! Why don't you say your Tang family brought this upon yourselves!" Professor Miao strode in. "The Tang family tied their own noose!"
"The Miao family has caused immense harm!" Professor Tang retorted angrily.
"You, the one surnamed Tang! You claim to have long left the Tang family, but I think you're just itching for a beating! They'd rather appoint a baby as the manifest head than officially recognize you as the Tang family's hidden head! And you keep mentioning the Tang family! Does the Tang family care about you? If you were truly so loyal, why did you leave in a huff and lead the charge out of the Tang family!"
"What does that have to do with you, the one surnamed Miao! How many times have I told you!" Professor Tang stomped his foot in anger. "This! Matter! Is! Not! To! Be! Mentioned!"
"You're the one who started by slandering the Miao family!" Professor Miao said impatiently. "And how many times have I told you! Your Tang family's troubles have nothing to do with the Miao family!"
Watching the two old professors who had started arguing fiercely, Xia Qingtian sighed after her initial shock, then took out her phone and made a call. "Hello, Xiaoxiao? Add one more portion of food. Yes, buy food for eight people."