Chapter Twenty-Seven: We Accept!

Yan Yuanqing had been watching coldly from the sidelines the entire time. Although his relationship with Yuan Hongyu was not ordinary, since the challenge was aimed at the Traditional Medicine Hall, the appropriate person to step forward and respond could only be Yuan Hongyu himself.

However, should any unexpected incidents or interludes arise during this period, Yan Yuanqing would not hesitate to lend his assistance.

“Since there’s a challenge, shouldn’t there be a penalty for the loser as well? How should that be decided?” The elder from the Zhao family smiled faintly, having already prepared in his heart.

“Heh, that’s easy enough. If you win, every person from the Zhao Family Traditional Medicine Hall will work for you for free for a full month! Whatever you require or whatever problems arise, we will handle them. And I promise you, from this day forth, we will never again do anything to tarnish your name, Yuan Hongyu.”

Yuan Hongyu nodded slightly upon hearing this.

“But if you lose, well, then you’ll take down that signboard of Yuan Family Traditional Medicine Hall. I don’t want to see those two characters out front! I won’t drive you out of Cangzhou, but that name is not to appear anywhere in this city!”

“Isn’t there something a little unequal about the penalties on both sides?” Yuan Hongyu frowned, his tone displeased.

“It’s very fair. Isn’t working for you for a month enough? Besides, I’m not stopping you from earning a living here—you don’t really lose much…” Seeing Yuan Hongyu still hesitate—after all, this was a matter of his reputation and not a decision to be made lightly.

But just then, Yan Yuanqing suddenly stepped forward, placing himself between the two parties.

“Let it be settled thus. The Yuan Family Traditional Medicine Hall accepts the challenge!”

“And who are you?” The Zhao elder glared at Yan Yuanqing, who had appeared so abruptly, his voice full of displeasure. “Divine Doctor Yuan, your Medicine Hall is sorely lacking in decorum, isn’t it? Even a greenhorn can meddle in such important matters between us. It seems your reputation as a divine doctor is nothing but an empty title!”

“Ah, Master, why did you come out all of a sudden? They came for me, not you—there’s no need for you to be troubled by this!” Yuan Hongyu hadn’t expected Yan Yuanqing to intervene, and hurried to speak, not wanting him caught up in such a trivial affair.

“Heh, you’re all making such a ruckus here—if this keeps up, will anyone even get treated? So I went ahead and accepted for you, so that these people will be on their way once it’s over. Just looking at them is unlucky enough.” Yan Yuanqing had not the slightest patience for the challengers gathered nearby, and his words instantly enraged the Zhao elder.

“Divine Doctor Yuan, did you hear that? Such a junior shows no respect for his elders whatsoever—is this the kind of person your Medicine Hall attracts?”

“Master, just now Divine Doctor Yuan seemed to call that young man ‘Master’…”

“What? Are your ears failing you? How old is that boy—how could he be Yuan Hongyu’s master?”

“I heard it clearly, Master…”

“Fine, whatever the case, since you’ve accepted, we’ll see how this plays out!” At last, the Zhao Family Traditional Medicine Hall’s group departed, and Yuan Hongyu could finally breathe a sigh of relief as the work of the Medicine Hall returned to its usual order.

Yet, everyone who had witnessed the events was now deeply invested in the coming challenge. All were eager to see whether the voice of Liangzhou would prove stronger, or if the local Zhao Family Traditional Medicine Hall would prove superior.

“Master, I can handle this—you needn’t trouble yourself.” As they were about to set off for the main building of the Central Hospital and saw Yan Yuanqing about to accompany him, Yuan Hongyu said apologetically.

“Haha, there’s no need for that. You’ve called me ‘Master’ for so many days, and I’ve done little to help you. Consider this small matter a token of my appreciation for your sincerity. Besides, this concerns the reputation of the entire Medicine Hall. Those people are clearly well-prepared—if something truly goes awry, could you bear the consequences?”