Chapter Fifty-Nine: If I do not avenge this hatred, I swear I am not worthy to be called human!

"Son!"

Huang Yuanxiang was overjoyed beyond measure. He rushed forward, wrapped his son in a tight embrace, and asked with trembling excitement, "How do you feel? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Dad."

In the past, Huang Pianqiang had been so frail that he could barely move, his voice barely audible. But now, his voice was full and strong, so much so that his father’s hug left him a little uncomfortable. Instinctively, he pushed him away a bit. "Dad, take it easy. I can hardly breathe."

"All right, all right!" Huang Yuanxiang, once the aloof and dignified president of the family alliance, always stern and solemn, now seemed as giddy and exuberant as a child.

When he finally let go, Huang Pianqiang took a few deep breaths, but his emotions suddenly wavered. "But Dad, how am I well again?"

"Just a few days ago, I felt so unwell, and then my mind grew hazy. I thought I was about to die, that I’d never see you or my sister again. But now..."

"Brother, it was Mr. Ye who saved you," his sister interrupted, tears brimming in her eyes as she walked forward and clasped his hand tightly. "A moment ago, you were at death’s door. Luckily, Mr. Ye acted in time and with acupuncture pulled you back from the brink. He’s your savior, and the benefactor of our family!"

"Our benefactor!"

At those words, Huang Pianqiang cried out in gratitude. Following his sister’s gaze, he looked toward Ye Wushang and said, "Thank you, Mr. Ye. I am not afraid of death, but I couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing my family again. I thought only in the next life would we be reunited, but now..."

"It was a small effort. No need for thanks, Young Master Huang," Ye Wushang replied with a calm smile, stepping forward to reassure him. "Besides, this treatment is only the first step. You’ll require further, more precise acupuncture and supporting oral medication."

"How do we know this isn't just a fleeting recovery?" At that moment, Pei Qinghu, his face sullen, could not help but sneer, "When the Miracle Doctor treated Young Master Huang just now, he seemed to recover too. But what happened? He relapsed, convulsed and vomited blood. Just because he's well now doesn’t mean he’ll stay that way!"

"Qinghu’s right. Huang looks better, but we need to test his metrics before making any conclusions," chimed in Yao Tiancheng, pointing to the medical equipment. "Traditional medicine is intuitive, but only Western diagnostics can confirm the results. I suggest we hook Young Master Huang up to the monitors and ensure all his metrics are stable over time. Only if he passes these tests can we declare him truly cured; otherwise, this is but a passing illusion!"

Yao Tiancheng was a man of Tang Yuanzong’s faction—a sworn rival, their enmity well known. He had seized this chance to suppress his opponent, only to be outmaneuvered instead. Not only had he lost face before President Huang, but henceforth, even within the Medical Association, he would have to bow his head.

So he was unconvinced, unwilling to accept the result, and clung to a final hope that all this was mere illusion.

"Shall we try it, then?" Even Huang Yuanxiang, despite his hopes, was not entirely reassured. Without concrete data, he feared this newfound health was a mirage.

Yet, knowing Ye Wushang’s stubborn nature, he dared not offend him, so he tried to sound him out gently. "Wushang, perhaps we should test it—for your peace of mind as well as ours."

Elder Tang understood Huang Yuanxiang’s concerns. Truth be told, witnessing Ye Wushang’s miraculous skills in healing Huang Pianqiang had filled him with pride. This was a chance to restore their reputation, to heal and to vindicate themselves.

"Mr. Ye, we are already deeply grateful that you saved my brother," Huang Pianruo added, hope shining in her eyes. She no longer doubted Ye Wushang’s abilities, and longed to see him vindicated before all. "But public opinion can be harsh, and a life is at stake. An extra layer of assurance can only help. With your magnanimity, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind?"

Ye Wushang’s expression was placid, his hands in his pockets. "I have no objections. Please proceed."

"Quick, hook Pianqiang up to the monitors," Huang Yuanxiang ordered at once.

The staff attached the sensors to Huang Pianqiang, gathering data from his brain, limbs, internal organs, bones, muscles, and energy flow—every aspect laid bare for assessment.

"Compatibility: 90%."

"Compatibility: 95%."

"Compatibility: 96%."

"Compatibility: 99%..."

The numbers flashed on the screens, and the white-coated doctors read them aloud in growing excitement. For a normal person, a 90% reading was excellent. Now, the average was 94%. In other words, after Ye Wushang’s treatment, Huang Pianqiang’s body was healthier than that of an ordinary man.

Moreover, even after being monitored for half an hour, all his metrics remained steady, without the slightest sign of disorder.

Immediately, the room erupted in thunderous applause.

"I’m convinced—completely convinced!"

"The data is high and stable. This proves Young Master Huang is out of danger."

"We owe it all to Mr. Ye—a true hero of his generation, a living Hua Tuo."

"Thank you, Mr. Ye, for saving Young Master Huang!"

From the members of the Huang family, to the servants and the medical staff—everyone, except for Pei Qinghu, looked upon Ye Wushang with genuine admiration, even Yao Tiancheng.

Though he and Tang Wenzong were fierce rivals, both priding themselves on their medical prowess, today Yao Tiancheng had been soundly defeated, left with no room to protest. Ashamed, yet impressed, he stepped forward, lowered his head, and bowed respectfully.

"Mr. Ye, please forgive my earlier offense. I offer you my sincerest apology. I misjudged you and spoke out of turn—I apologize again. Medicine knows no borders, and today I have learned firsthand that skill is not measured by age or experience. You were invited by Elder Tang, who is more accomplished than I. Had you not intervened, who knows what would have become of Young Master Huang. You have saved not only him, but me as well."

His sincerity was evident, but Ye Wushang’s expression remained indifferent. He shook his head. "There’s no need for apologies," he said quietly. "If I were you, I wouldn’t waste time making amends, but rather take practical action."

"Two things. First, seal your needles and withdraw from medicine—you lack the skill and judgment to benefit your patients. Second, in both healing and discernment, Elder Tang surpasses you. Remaining in the Medical Association will only bring you further disgrace."

His words were calm, but each carried weight.

Yao Tiancheng’s face darkened; he wished to argue, but under Huang Yuanxiang’s gaze, he fell silent. From the moment Huang Pianqiang stabilized, he had known his medical career was finished.

"Very well, I will follow your advice," Yao Tiancheng replied with sorrow. "Soon, I’ll hold a press conference to announce my retirement and resignation from the Medical Association. From now on, Elder Tang will shoulder the responsibility."

With that, he turned and left, the fight gone from him. He had once considered himself outstanding, but today, facing Ye Wushang, he realized he was merely a frog at the bottom of a well—unremarkable and narrow in vision.

"Master Yao..." Pei Qinghu called instinctively as Yao Tiancheng departed, but Huang Yuanxiang cut him off with a roar.

"Pei Qinghu! You little scoundrel! You brought Yao Tiancheng here and almost killed my son! If it hadn’t been for Mr. Ye’s timely intervention, my boy would be gone!"

Pei Qinghu’s face was ashen with shame. He tried to explain, but Huang Yuanxiang barked again:

"Let me make this clear—there’s no hope for you and Pianruo! If I find you pestering my daughter again, I’ll break your legs! And get out now—tell your Pei family that in the culinary contest against the An family, I will be absolutely fair and just. Don’t expect any favors from me! All the gifts you sent and benefits you promised—none of them count for anything!"

At this, Ye Wushang finally understood. The competition between the two families was a bid to become a financial powerhouse. As president of the family alliance, Huang Yuanxiang had the final say—his opinion was crucial. Unable to find a suitable culinary master to perfect their recipe, the Pei family had tried to win him over with gifts.

But now, their plan had backfired. Not only had they angered Huang Yuanxiang, they had failed to secure a culinary master. The An family’s victory was all but assured.

Yet, what worried Ye Wushang was whether desperation would drive the Pei family to target the Ans—especially An Lan.

"Yes, President Huang," Pei Qinghu replied, unable to protest in the face of Huang Yuanxiang’s fury. But inwardly, he blamed everything on Ye Wushang. Even if Yao Tiancheng had failed, it would not have provoked such wrath from Huang Yuanxiang. All of this, he fumed, was that bastard’s fault. He had lost the president’s protection and any chance with Huang Pianruo—a total loss.

He would not rest until he had avenged this humiliation.

…