"Of course, no problem. Lead the way."
Upon hearing Song Donglou's words, Shen Lang agreed without hesitation. After all, treating a patient was a minor matter for Shen Lang, a mere effort.
"Thank you, Master. I appreciate it."
Seeing Shen Lang agree so readily, Song Donglou was overjoyed and clasped his fists in gratitude.
As they walked and chatted, Shen Lang asked Song Donglou, "Little Song, you've gained quite a reputation. It seems you've made significant progress with the *Tian Hui Yi Jing*. Congratulations."
"Master, nothing escapes your notice."
Song Donglou looked at Shen Lang with immense joy and said, "I've been studying the *Tian Hui Yi Jing* lately. The more I delve into it, the more profound and vast it appears, embodying Bian Que's clinical experience and exceptional theoretical knowledge. I've spent months and have only deciphered a tenth of it, yet it's already incredibly beneficial. To fully comprehend it and achieve mastery might take another eight to ten years."
"Don't rush. Take your time. If it were easily mastered, it wouldn't be Bian Que's medical text," Shen Lang advised Song Donglou. "I've read the contents of this medical scripture and have basically grasped it. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to ask me, and I'll explain."
"Thank you, Master."
Song Donglou looked at Shen Lang with deep gratitude and said, "Meeting a master like you is a true honor for this disciple. Rest assured, I will use the medical scripture you bestowed upon me to benefit the world."
Seeing the renowned physician showing such deference, even reverence, to Shen Lang left Zhou Jian and Yang Junlin stunned. What was going on?
"Master, my two martial brothers, this is my consultation room. Please, have a seat."
Five minutes later, Song Donglou led Shen Lang and his two companions into his consultation room and gestured for them to sit on the sofa.
After Shen Lang and his companions were seated, Song Donglou turned to Zhao Yuanshan and Zhao Shanhe with a hint of embarrassment. "Mr. Zhao, Young Master Zhao, I apologize for making you wait."
He then gestured to Shen Lang and introduced him, "Allow me to introduce my Master, Shen Lang, and my two martial brothers."
"It's you lot?"
Hearing Song Donglou's introduction, Zhao Yuanshan and Zhao Shanhe both looked towards Shen Lang and his companions. Upon seeing them, Zhao Shanhe froze, his face a mask of disbelief. "How can it be you?"
"What? Is there a problem?" Shen Lang asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Master, do you know Young Master Zhao?" Song Donglou asked, surprised by Shen Lang's reaction.
"We just met. This Young Master Zhao here mocked us, saying poor people like us aren't fit to register," Shen Lang replied, his personality being one that never forgot a slight.
"Is that so?"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Song Donglou's expression darkened. He might not care if others disrespected him, but he could not tolerate anyone disrespecting Shen Lang. After all, Shen Lang was his master, and his medical skills had advanced significantly thanks to the *Tian Hui Yi Jing* gifted to him by Shen Lang. In Song Donglou's heart, he truly considered this man over forty years his junior as his master and revered him from the bottom of his heart. Disrespecting Shen Lang was a far graver offense than disrespecting Song Donglou himself, and so, Song Donglou was genuinely angry.
"Elder Song, this is all a misunderstanding, a minor spat between young people," Zhao Yuanshan, an old fox, quickly interjected upon seeing Song Donglou's displeasure. He couldn't fathom why a reputable and elderly physician like Song Donglou would call Shen Lang "Master," but some things could be figured out later; one shouldn't offend people casually.
"Shanhe, apologize to Mr. Shen and his friends immediately," Zhao Yuanshan commanded his son as Song Donglou's anger began to subside. Zhao Yuanshan's voice was not loud, but each word carried an imposing weight, leaving no room for defiance, not even from his own son.
Although Zhao Shanhe was resentful, he obeyed his father and walked up to Shen Lang. "Mr. Shen, I apologize. My words were offensive earlier. Please accept my apology. I'm sorry."
"Haha, you're quite adaptable," Zhou Jian mocked, seeing the usually defiant Zhao Shanhe bow his head and apologize. "It seems your father's words are sometimes more effective than your moral compass."
"You..." Zhao Shanhe's eyes flashed with malice at Zhou Jian's sarcastic taunts. However, remembering his father's presence, he suppressed his anger.
"Mr. Shen, we've apologized for the misunderstanding. Can we let this matter go?" Zhao Shanhe, knowing Shen Lang was the key, smiled at him and spoke.
"Since Mr. Zhao and your son have apologized, I shall be magnanimous and not hold a grudge. Let's put this behind us," Shen Lang said with a smile, looking at Zhao Yuanshan. "A prime minister's mind can hold a boat; a great person overlooks minor faults."
"Haha, Mr. Shen, you are indeed magnanimous. I am impressed," Zhao Yuanshan replied, his smile strained as he concealed his displeasure at being implicitly called a petty person.
"My legs were injured by an opponent in my youth, and I've been unable to walk for many years, relying on a wheelchair. Elder Song mentioned he had only a thirty percent chance of treating my legs, while you, Mr. Shen, have a ninety percent chance. Would you be willing to treat me?" Zhao Yuanshan continued, "If you can heal my legs, whether it be money, women, or a mansion, just name your price, and I won't haggle."
"Haha, Mr. Zhao, you jest. I don't treat patients based on such things; I treat based on my mood," Shen Lang replied with a smile. "My mood is not good today, so let's discuss this another time."
"Master..." Song Donglou started to say something but stopped himself. He knew Shen Lang's temperament and understood that he was displeased with Zhao Yuanshan and his son. If that was the case, there was nothing more to say.
"Kid, don't push your luck. We've already apologized. What more do you want?" Zhao Shanhe exclaimed angrily after Shen Lang's statement. "Asking you to treat my father is giving you face. I advise you to treat him obediently, or I guarantee the consequences will be severe."
*Slap—*
As Zhao Shanhe finished speaking, he was struck across the face. The assailant was none other than the silent Zhou Jian.
"You dare hit me?" Zhao Shanhe roared, furious that Zhou Jian had dared to slap him. "Believe it or not, with a single word from me, I can ensure you don't leave this hospital."
*Slap—*
As Zhao Shanhe uttered his threat, he received another slap across the face. This time, the assailant was Yang Junlin.