Chapter Nine: The Teacher (Part Two)

Although Yan Yuanqing had heard that Fan Yongfeng had threatened to take ruthless action against Shi Tianhe and Shi Yurou, the Shi family had already sent someone, so it was not a matter of refusing to honor their promise—it was the Fan family's own scheming at play. He doubted that Fan Yongfeng truly dared to do anything to the former governor of Cangzhou. In response to the mocking laughter of the crowd, Yan Yuanqing retorted in kind.

"Ridiculous! If you haven't heard of something, it's merely because your horizons are narrow. Frogs at the bottom of the well, yet you claim to have glimpsed the world?"

Ignoring the slight change in the expressions around him, Yan Yuanqing continued, "Director Fan, I hope you understand. You demanded that my Shi family send someone, and we have done so! I, Yan Yuanqing, am standing here in good health, answering your call. If you refuse to let me help, then the consequences are yours to bear!"

"So, according to you, am I unworthy to treat your daughter? As you wish!"

With that, Yan Yuanqing turned to leave, but at that very moment, a loud voice rang out from outside the Fan residence.

"Director! The renowned master of traditional medicine from Liangzhou, Mr. Yuan Hongyu, has arrived!"

Fan Yongfeng's face instantly brightened upon hearing this, joy replacing his earlier gloom.

"Quick, invite him in! Hurry!"

The experts in the room were visibly shocked upon hearing the name.

"The Saint of Liangzhou—Divine Doctor Yuan?"

Even Shi Tianhe was surprised by the name; Fan Yongfeng’s influence was formidable, to be able to summon even the legendary healer of Liangzhou!

The crowd was delighted.

"Miss Fan’s illness may finally have hope!"

In their excitement, they forgot all about Yan Yuanqing, rushing to welcome Yuan Hongyu. To witness the demeanor of a divine healer was a chance few could ever dream of.

As Fan Yongfeng hurried to greet Yuan Hongyu, he poured out his troubles regarding his daughter’s condition, imploring Yuan Hongyu to do his utmost to save her. By coincidence, they happened upon Yan Yuanqing, who was about to leave with hands clasped behind his back. The two groups met face to face.

When Yuan Hongyu caught sight of Yan Yuanqing, he was first taken aback, then overjoyed, quickly bowing in respect.

"Divine Doctor Yan, Yan...Master?"

Yuan Hongyu’s eyes were filled with shock and delight. He had never imagined he would encounter him here. But Yuan Hongyu’s words left everyone else dumbfounded.

Yuan Hongyu, the present-day Saint of Liangzhou, was calling a fool his master? Addressing him as teacher?

This?

“Shocked” was far too mild a word for what they felt.

Fan Yongfeng swallowed hard, then managed to ask with difficulty, "Divine Doctor Yuan? You know him?"

Yuan Hongyu laughed and replied, "Of course I know him! Years ago, while traveling the land, I met a villager struck by a terrible disease. No matter what methods I used, the condition did not improve, and I began to doubt my own skills. Unexpectedly, Divine Doctor Yan appeared, guided me through my confusion, and imparted medical knowledge to me—it was as if a bucket of enlightenment poured over my head! Ha! My achievements are thanks to Divine Doctor Yan!"

"Sadly, I searched for Master Yan afterward, but could not find him again."

Yuan Hongyu shook his head and sighed as he finished speaking.

Everyone was stunned, slack-jawed. No one could believe what they were seeing. Yuan Hongyu, in his sixties, a master of traditional medicine, was calling a young man in his twenties "Master."

This?

Even “shocked” could not describe the depth of their astonishment.

Shi Tianhe’s eyes were wide with amazement, while Shi Yurou’s gaze was strange and wondrous.

Her own husband!

Who exactly was he?

Only Yan Yuanqing looked at Yuan Hongyu, raising his sword-like brows slightly and said, "Perhaps I have met you before?"