Charles Turner’s study was spacious, housing six bookshelves, which were filled with various books. Besides that, there was also a large desk.
Alice placed the painting by William on the desk and carefully removed the stiff paper casing around it. Charles stood in front of the desk, eyes glued to the painting on it, and as it gradually revealed itself, Charles’ body began to tremble.
He and James had spent no short amount of time with William, but they had rarely seen William in the act of painting. In those days, it was Timothy Hill who prepared William’s painting tools, and after completing his work, William generally stored the paintings away.
At least Charles had never had the opportunity to see William paint.
“This painting…” Charles couldn’t help but smile when he saw the piece.
He remembered William once saying not to enter the study, as viewing the paintings within could trap one in the illusions depicted.
Charles felt he was nearing the end of his life, and deep down, he truly wished to see William’s paintings, thinking it would be worth it even if he became trapped within one, never to awaken.
If that were the case, it seemed there would be no regrets in this life.
“Alice! If I pass away, just cremate me. I hope my ashes can be placed in the same room as this painting,” Charles said, taking a deep breath, eyes welling up with tears. “Don’t place it too close, though; you still need to view the painting regularly.”
Alice was startled and quickly responded, “Grandfather, what are you talking about? You’re so healthy…”
Charles waved his hand, saying, “I know my own body; I don’t have much time left.”
After speaking, he looked at the painting again and smiled.
He originally thought he might become entranced and die upon seeing William’s painting, but now he found that he hadn’t died.
That was good!
“Let’s go, let’s see what your Uncle Russell and your father are arguing about.”
After saying this, Charles didn’t inquire further about Alice’s day with William. Seeing the few words on the painting, he understood that William had accepted Alice.
Receiving a painting from William was Alice’s greatest fortune.
As for what they did today, there will be time for that discussion later.
Charles Turner and Alice slowly made their way to the hall. Before entering, they could hear Russell and others’ voices, but the moment they stepped in, all fell silent.
Calvin and Russell both stood up, all eyes on Charles Turner.
Charles slowly walked up to Calvin. Just as Calvin was about to offer his seat, Charles placed his hand on Calvin’s shoulder, keeping him seated.
“What were you discussing?” Charles’s gaze fell on Russell as he spoke, “Russell, I heard your voice as soon as I entered. You tell me.”
Russell pursed his lips, his voice considerably softer than before, “Dad, the thing is, there’s a patient kneeling outside. Big Brother believes he might not be able to cure him…”
“Speak up and get to the point!” Charles closed his eyes, evidently not wanting to hear any unnecessary details.
Russell shivered in fear and finally spoke up forcefully, “Dad, I believe that, given our family’s reputation in medicine, the position of the head of the family should be occupied by someone capable. We should also give the younger generation a chance. Hence, I proposed that the younger members of our family attempt to cure the patient. Whoever succeeds should be the next head of the family.”
Only after hearing this did Charles Turner open his eyes, staring intently at Russell, and spoke in a deep voice, “Russell, is there something wrong with your brain, or have I grown old and my ears have stopped working?”
Russell dared not speak.
Charles’s gaze swept over everyone present, finally saying to Russell, “You bring in someone even your big brother can’t cure and expect the young ones to heal him? Which young person are you thinking of?” He laughed as he said this, then turned to Russell’s son Aaron, “Aaron, can you cure him?”
Aaron, around the same age as Alice and also turning twenty this year, was somewhat nervous when questioned by Charles Turner, but he still firmly replied, “Grandfather, I can cure him.”
“Then you go ahead and show me. If you really can cure him, the Turner family will be led by you in the future!” Charles paused before adding, “But if you can’t, you will reflect upon your actions at home, study diligently and observe carefully. Medicine is not like other professions; there is no room for recklessness.”
“Recklessness in this field makes one a butcher with blood on his hands!”
Aaron bowed his head and humbly said, “Grandfather, I will remember your teachings.”
Charles nodded and said, “Bring the patient in, let me see you cure him!”
Calvin remained silent. Since he had invited his father, he would unconditionally comply with his father’s decision. If Aaron truly had the capability, he was not opposed to yielding his position.
Soon after, Powell was brought in.
Upon entering the hall, Powell immediately saw Alice and fell to his knees before her.
“Alice, save me!” Powell, as if he had found a lifesaving elixir, clung to Alice’s legs, tears streaming down his face, and shouted, “It’s my fault for not heeding advice, for allowing wealth to cloud my judgement. Please save me!” After speaking, he even began to kowtow in front of Alice.
Powell’s skin was already as fragile as paper, and the kowtowing had left blood all over the floor.
The blood was somewhat dark, looking quite abnormal.
“Calm down! If you wish to be treated, you must first compose yourself. My brother will treat you.” Alice wasn’t one to stand by and watch someone die, but since Aaron had claimed he could cure him, it wasn’t her place to step in.
“Your brother? Can your brother cure my disease?” Powell’s eyes darted around, unsure who Alice’s brother was, he could only cry and say, “I beg you all, if you can cure my disease, I will give you all my assets! I don’t want them anymore! I don’t!”
Charles scrutinized Powell deeply. The man was gravely ill, apparently suffering from some severe poisoning. Saving his life would be very difficult…
Charles asked himself, at most, he might only be able to extend Powell’s life for a few more days. As for a complete cure, only William could accomplish that.
Thinking of this, he glanced at Alice again. Perhaps, his granddaughter could indeed save this man’s life.
She was, after all, William’s apprentice!
Even they, as William’s servants, had learned some extraordinary skills, let alone William’s direct disciple.
With this in mind, Charles smiled and said to Aaron, “Aaron, you shall treat him.” ．
Aaron bowed to Charles and then took out his medical tools from his bag, signaling for a portable examination bed to be brought over. Once Powell was settled, he put on gloves and began the diagnosis and treatment.
Charles Turner stood by, watching, his brow furrowing progressively. This method of treatment was not something he had taught!