Chapter 61 – We’ll Still Need You to Save the Day, Master

“Li’er, if anyone dares to disturb me, throw them out!”

Jiang Wan shot a threatening glance at Hua Xiao and instructed Song Jiuli. She couldn’t afford any interruptions while administering the acupuncture—she didn’t want to mess up Lin Tingyu’s treatment.

And she certainly didn’t want Hua Xiao distracting her!

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry. I’ll keep watch.”

Song Jiuli crossed her arms and stood right in front of Hua Xiao, adopting a guarded stance that made Hua Xiao so angry she nearly spat blood. But she could only stand there obediently and watch.

Lin Tingyu’s upper garments were removed. Jiang Wan steadied her breathing and concentrated her focus. One by one, long silver needles were inserted into various points on Lin Tingyu’s body.

No one dared to make a sound, afraid of disturbing Jiang Wan.

A total of forty-nine needles were precisely placed across Lin Tingyu’s body. By the time she reached the last three, Jiang Wan’s forehead was dripping with sweat.

Carrying Song Jiuyuan all that distance had drained her strength significantly. Her hands were trembling as she inserted the final needle.

Lin Tingyu’s complexion visibly improved. Steward Lin was overjoyed and exclaimed excitedly, “Young master’s face is looking a bit rosier!”

“Yes. Remove the needles after a quarter of an hour. I’ll write two prescriptions—one for oral decoction, and one for medicinal baths. If he follows the regimen for half a month, his body should fully recover.”

Being imprisoned in the mines had severely damaged Lin Tingyu’s health. It was sheer luck that he had encountered Jiang Wan.

Otherwise, he might not have survived at all. No wonder such a brilliant man didn’t appear in the original book—it was probably because he had died too early.

“Understood. Thank you, Madam Song!”

Steward Lin nodded repeatedly, then called for someone to bring ink and paper. He didn’t understand the prescriptions, but he would keep them safe for the young master to review once he awoke.

Seeing Jiang Wan grow increasingly close to the Lin family, Hua Xiao felt sour inside. “The official doctor should be arriving soon.”

She deliberately reminded Steward Lin. If the doctor didn’t approve of Jiang Wan’s treatment, then the real show would begin.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. The moment she spoke, a hurried voice echoed outside.

“Where’s the patient?”

A man around sixty years old rushed in, followed by a young boy carrying a medicine box.

The voice just now had come from the boy.

“Over there.”

Hua Xiao quickly pointed to the bed where Lin Tingyu lay. Doctor Quan’s eyes immediately landed on the figure covered in silver needles, and he burst out angrily:

“This… Who did this?!”

The corners of Hua Xiao’s lips curled up—looks like Jiang Wan’s skills weren’t appreciated after all.

“I did.”

Jiang Wan set down the brush and handed the finished prescription to Steward Lin, then turned to face the old doctor and the boy.

“One illness, one healer. Since you’ve already invited my master, why let someone else lay hands on the patient?”

The young boy’s childish face was full of disapproval and fury, as if Jiang Wan had just insulted his master.

“We truly apologize. Our young master’s condition was too urgent; we had to act,” Steward Lin said apologetically to the old doctor and the child. Hua Xiao also wore a tactful, understanding expression.

“Yes, we couldn’t confirm whether Madam Song is a real doctor, but her intentions were good.”

“You’re not a doctor?” Doctor Quan glared at Jiang Wan in anger and disapproval. The boy, acting as his mouthpiece, immediately scolded:

“If you’re not a doctor, how can you treat patients so carelessly? Acupuncture is a mystical and delicate art—a minor error could lead to catastrophic results!”

Despite being only around ten years old, the boy spoke like a seasoned scholar. Jiang Wan was momentarily speechless.

“I understand, but I’m confident in what I’m doing.”

“Master, don’t be angry. Please examine the patient first—that’s the priority.”

The boy tugged on Doctor Quan’s sleeve, adding, “If the patient’s truly been harmed, it’ll be up to you to save him.”

Jiang Wan: …

“Yes, the child’s right. Steward Lin, why not let the doctor check on Brother Tingyu?” Hua Xiao said with hidden glee. She hoped the elderly doctor would find something wrong with Jiang Wan’s treatment—that would be satisfying.

Steward Lin frowned and looked at Jiang Wan, who said directly, “Young Master Lin’s condition has already stabilized.”

“You’re young and reckless!” Doctor Quan huffed and angrily flung his sleeves, clearly furious. He turned on his heels to leave.

“My master is the most renowned doctor for miles around. Even if you beg him later, he won’t come back!” the boy shouted in defense, trying to comfort the old man. “Master, please don’t be angry. They were rude today, but there’ll come a time they’ll regret it.”

Jiang Wan: …

This kid’s sharp tongue was seriously irritating.

“Old doctor, wait a moment,” Steward Lin sighed. “I’m sorry to have troubled you for nothing. Of course, we’ll still pay your consultation fee.”

He knew they were in the wrong, so he remained polite. But Doctor Quan’s beard practically bristled with rage.

“Are you mocking me?!”

Taking payment without treating the patient? If word got out, what would his peers think?!

“I apologize, truly. I meant no disrespect.”

Steward Lin was growing frantic, constantly glancing over at his young master.

Hua Xiao’s eyes lit up. With a soft tone, she said, “Although Madam Song is confident, people make mistakes. Since the old doctor is already here, having him examine Brother Tingyu is a good thing, don’t you think, Steward Lin?”

Her words were reasonable and hard to argue with. Though Jiang Wan found it annoying, it did calm the old doctor.

“This young lady is quite sensible.”

Doctor Quan stroked his graying beard and finally stopped in his tracks. Steward Lin looked helplessly at Lin Tingyu lying on the bed.

He muttered silently to himself, Young master, if only you’d wake up. I can’t make this decision for you…

“The time is up!”

Jiang Wan suddenly spoke and stepped up to Lin Tingyu’s side, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

“My sister-in-law said she can cure Young Master Lin, and she will. If you don’t believe her, just watch.”

Song Jiuli raised her chin proudly and stood firmly by Jiang Wan’s side, guarding against any interference from Hua Xiao.

Hua Xiao pursed her lips in frustration, throwing a disappointed glare at Doctor Quan and the boy, but nervously moved closer to the bedside.

Doctor Quan and the boy walked over too, curious. When they saw Lin Tingyu’s body covered with silver needles, Doctor Quan’s eyes bulged wide.

“This is outrageous!”

“Master, is something wrong?” the boy asked, scowling at Jiang Wan as if she had committed a crime against heaven.

Hua Xiao sensed an opportunity and quickly said, “I told you not to be reckless, Madam Song. You pride yourself on your medical skills, but you’re no match for an experienced doctor. I think we should leave the rest to the old doctor.”

Her words made Steward Lin’s heart pound nervously. For a moment, he doubted whether he had trusted the wrong person. But when he looked at his young master’s visibly healthier face, confidence returned.

He cautiously turned to Jiang Wan and asked, “Madam Song, how is the young master now?”