Chapter 24: Yuanshi Traditional Medicine Hall

Everything had returned to calm.

Although Yan Yuanqing and Shi Yurou’s lives still seemed to be shadowed by the subtle targeting of some members of the Shi family, Yan Yuanqing was able to defuse every situation with ease. Especially those who had previously been admonished by him—none dared to confront him openly again. Even if they came up with petty tricks, they could only lurk in the shadows, sneaking about, constantly worrying that their schemes might be discovered by Yan Yuanqing.

Life gradually settled into peace once more. On the second weekend, the long-awaited day finally arrived: Yan Yuanqing’s appointment with Yuan Hongyu to attend consultations at Cangzhou Central Hospital. He had been waiting for this day for nearly two weeks.

“Master, let me accompany you. Everything has been arranged; as soon as you arrive, you can begin your work immediately!” Yuan Hongyu announced. “Here, let me give you your work ID first.”

To Yan Yuanqing’s surprise, Yuan Hongyu had come in person to the Shi family residence to escort him. This made Yan Yuanqing feel rather ill at ease, given the considerable age difference between them and the reversal in their master-disciple roles—it was hard not to feel a little awkward.

“Cangzhou Central Hospital, Traditional Medicine Hall?” Yan Yuanqing asked. “How come I’ve never heard of such a place in the hospital before?”

Yuan Hongyu, despite his age, gave a somewhat embarrassed smile, tinged with a shy modesty. “Master, the Traditional Medicine Hall was set up by the hospital especially for me. I also invested in it myself, so you could say I’m one of its shareholders.”

“So far, there are only two members in the hall—you and I. Occasionally, some of the hospital’s specialists and doctors will come by to learn and exchange ideas with us. It’s a place for healing the sick and for study and discussion.”

Yan Yuanqing nodded slowly at Yuan Hongyu’s explanation. This innovative creation intrigued him.

“Not bad. I’m rather curious to see what you’ve made of this Traditional Medicine Hall.”

Yuan Hongyu laughed, “No matter what, I promise I won’t let you lose face, Master!”

Half an hour later, Yan Yuanqing stood before the entrance of the Traditional Medicine Hall. Above the door hung a grand plaque bearing five bold characters: Yuan’s Traditional Medicine Hall.

“Impressive. Quite imposing,” Yan Yuanqing remarked. Once inside, he was surprised to find a crowd already waiting for the hall to open. Some of the hospital’s specialists were already seeing patients who had come in search of renowned treatment.

At the sight of Yuan Hongyu’s arrival, all eyes turned toward him with the utmost reverence. Yan Yuanqing, standing beside him, was all but ignored. Clearly, they had mistaken him for the famous doctor’s assistant, not worth a second glance.

“Master Yuan, you’re finally here! I heard the Central Hospital opened a traditional medicine clinic with you as the chief physician. I rushed over, hoping for your help!” one exclaimed.

“Yes, Master Yuan, we’ve waited so long for you. With your expertise, I’m sure my chronic illness of over a decade will be cured at last!” cried another.

“Master Yuan, could I have your autograph?” someone else called out.

A large crowd gathered around Yuan Hongyu, filling the hall with lively chatter. Yan Yuanqing could only shake his head helplessly at the bustling scene. It seemed his much older disciple truly was in high demand.

Yuan’s Traditional Medicine Hall quickly settled into its regular routine. In stark contrast to Yuan Hongyu’s bustling side of the hall, Yan Yuanqing’s area was quiet and deserted. Even though Yuan Hongyu tried to direct some of the waiting patients over to Yan Yuanqing, few were willing to take his advice. They had clearly set their sights on the famous physician before them.

But as noon approached, the sound of a large, disorderly group of footsteps echoed from outside. A cluster of young people in matching uniforms escorted an elderly man with flowing sleeves and a youthful, dignified face crowned by white hair. With an air of supreme authority, they strode boldly into the Traditional Medicine Hall.