Chapter Thirty-Two: Reaping What One Has Sown

The entire hall erupted in enthusiastic applause. Yet, in one particular area, there was a sudden hush, as if silence had descended.

"This can't be, it's impossible... How could I lose? How could I possibly lose to this old fraud?"

"This is absolutely impossible!"

The elderly man from the Zhao family muttered under his breath, as if speaking to himself. Suddenly, he made to rush out, but found a tall figure blocking his path.

Yan Yuanqing stood before him, smiling gently.

"Master Zhao, have you forgotten that we still have a wager between us?"

The elder's face turned ashen, despair flickering in his eyes.

He looked around at the lively atmosphere in the Traditional Medicine Hall, and at the Zhao family members now busily sweeping floors and tending to chores. Yuan Hongyu could barely contain his laughter.

"Haha! Master Yan, this time, those fellows have really hit a hard wall. I daresay today's events will become a lifelong humiliation for them!"

"They brought it upon themselves. Unable to bear seeing others make money, unable to abide someone earning more than they do—seeing others prosper pains them more than their own losses. Consider this their punishment!"

The duel between the two Traditional Medicine Halls became the headline for every news outlet and media platform in Cangzhou that very night.

The story even began to spread beyond Cangzhou, with a momentum that hinted at further expansion. The greatest impact was felt, of course, in Liangzhou.

Everyone in Liangzhou held their heads high with pride. Yan Yuanqing did not seize much of the spotlight in this affair, and as for the Divine Taiyi Needle, no one knew of its existence.

Even those in the industry who speculated about the Taiyi Needle could only attribute such a miraculous artifact to Yuan Hongyu.

A day later, life returned to its usual course.

Yan Yuanqing resumed his consultations at the Shi Family Traditional Medicine Hall. Yuan Hongyu's face-offs with others never interfered with Yan Yuanqing's own work; countless people still came from far and wide, eager to witness his skill.

As Yan Yuanqing solved more and more difficult cases and rare illnesses, his reputation steadily grew.

The number of patients seeking treatment at the Shi Family Hall increased daily, and the hall became ever more popular.

Within half a month, it was necessary to queue in advance and take a number for a consultation.

"Why has our Medicine Hall become so popular lately? Just the other day, I went to help and nearly collapsed from exhaustion!"

"You haven't heard? Of those coming to us for treatment, at least half are here for that useless son-in-law. Who knows what attracts them to that fool, but he certainly draws a crowd!"

"What? They're coming for that idiot? Are these people out of their minds? What skills does he have? Wasn't it just dumb luck that he cured Lord Fan's daughter?"

"Ah, who can say? I suppose it's good for business, but I worry that one day a truly tough case will come along. With that fool's medical skills, his real abilities will be exposed in an instant!"

...

"Reporting! Lord Fan has arrived!"

With the porter’s shout, most of the people in the Shi Family Medicine Hall stopped what they were doing and looked towards the door.

Fan Yongfeng strode in, ignoring the flattery from those around him.

His gaze quickly locked onto Yan Yuanqing.

"Haha! Master Yan, it's been a long time!"

Those nearby were astonished to see the legendary Lord Fan show such respect to Yan Yuanqing.

What happened next from Fan Yongfeng left them utterly dumbfounded.