Gao-Yuan’s words struck a nerve with Yan Qiao. The lack of talent in the Yan family had always been his greatest regret. It was this deep-seated pain that had fueled his fury when Shen Congyun broke away from the family years ago.

When Shen Congyun first joined the family, Yan Qiao dismissed him as unremarkable, someone who could hardly make an impact. He hadn’t cared whether the marriage was approved or not and had certainly never taken it to heart.

But over time, Yan Qiao realized that Shen Congyun was more capable than any of his own sons. Now that the Yan family was teetering on the brink of having no successors, a person bearing the Yan surname was crucial to the family’s continuity. A person bearing the Shen surname? That would make them an outsider.

Thus, Yan Qiao could never allow Shen Congyun to revert to his original surname. Even if it meant breaking their initial agreement, Yan Qiao had no qualms. To him, what right did a live-in son-in-law have to make demands?

How could he have anticipated that Shen Congyun would be so resolute, willing to leave the Yan family with nothing to his name, not even clothes on his back? That decision was the catalyst for years of enmity.

Once again, Gao-Yuan’s words struck at the heart of Yan Qiao’s pain.

Outside the door, Yan Xun’s jaw dropped. This family drama was proving to be more exciting than any gossip he’d ever overheard.

...

Yan Qiao remained silent for a long time, finally regaining his composure. He said, “I have a few conditions.”

“Please, go ahead,” Gao-Yuan replied.

“First, Xiaozhi must decide for herself whether she is willing to be with him,” Yan Qiao said firmly.

“Naturally,” Gao-Yuan agreed.

“Second,” Yan Qiao continued, “if Xiaozhi agrees, this man must devote himself to her care and remain loyal, without any wavering.”

Gao-Yuan turned to look at Shen Congyun, who quickly nodded in agreement.

Gao-Yuan also nodded. “Very well.”

“Third,” Yan Qiao said, “I want you to personally treat Xiaozhi and see if there’s any chance of her recovery.”

“That’s no problem,” Gao-Yuan agreed without hesitation.

Yan Qiao’s tone turned colder. “But let me be clear: I will not acknowledge him as my son-in-law. He is to care only for Xiaozhi’s daily needs. As for Yan Kuan and Yan Ren, they must keep the Yan surname and will always be part of the Yan family. They cannot change their names.”

“What?!” Shen Congyun grew anxious. The Shen family had no one left but him. If his two sons couldn’t reclaim the Shen surname, his family line would truly be extinguished.

“Is there no room for negotiation on this matter?” Gao-Yuan frowned.

Yan Qiao shook his head. “You know our situation. The Yan family lacks heirs and talent. This entire household can’t even compare to a single outsider like Li Runyu. Unless... unless you are willing to take Yan Xun as your apprentice and nurture him. Once he surpasses Li Runyu, Yan Kuan and Yan Ren can reclaim their original surname, and I will also recognize Shen Congyun as my son-in-law.”

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Gao-Yuan looked surprised.

Yan Qiao swallowed hard after making this proposal, his determination evident.

Outside the door, Yan Xun could barely contain his joy.

Shen Congyun, on the other hand, was tense, unsure if Gao-Yuan would agree. Surpassing Li Runyu would require Gao-Yuan to share all his knowledge, which wasn’t something most masters would willingly do, even with ordinary apprentices.

“This...” Gao-Yuan hesitated.

“This is my bottom line!” Yan Qiao declared firmly.

Noticing Gao-Yuan’s reluctance, Yan Qiao added, “Yan Xun is a bright and respectful child. He looks up to you and would treat you like a father. He’s nothing like this ungrateful bastard, Shen Congyun.”

Yan Qiao’s fourth son chimed in eagerly, “That’s right, Dr. Gao. From now on, you’ll come before my own father. I’ll make sure Yan Xun respects you first as his teacher, then as his father.”

The other Yan brothers looked at the fourth with newfound admiration. He was truly willing to go all out.

After a deep sigh, Gao-Yuan finally said, “Alright, I agree.”

Shen Congyun was moved to tears.

Outside, Yan Xun couldn’t help but leap with joy.

Yan Qiao let out a long sigh of relief. “As for Shen Congyun’s misuse of the Yan family’s medical techniques, as long as he doesn’t practice internal medicine in the future, I won’t pursue the matter further.”

“What?” Shen Congyun was dumbfounded. He couldn’t agree to this. His skills in external treatments were limited to massage, and without internal medicine, he wouldn’t be able to practice effectively.

“Dr. Yan, you understand our circumstances. Every doctor in our area is responsible for the health of over ten thousand people. Dr. Shen cannot rely on massage alone,” Gao-Yuan explained.

Yan Qiao’s tone was resolute. “The misuse of our family’s medical knowledge cannot be overlooked.”

“What if we exchange skills?” Gao-Yuan suggested. “Dr. Shen could teach his massage techniques to your family in return for the continued use of your internal medicine methods.”

Yan Qiao immediately refused. “External treatments are minor techniques. How can they compare to our family’s internal medicine skills?”

Hearing this, Shen Congyun’s blood pressure spiked.

“Is there truly no room for negotiation?” Gao-Yuan asked, his brows furrowed.

“This is an ancestral skill,” Yan Qiao replied sternly. “Would you casually share your secret method of using high doses of Wu Fu with others? If you’re willing to share that formula with the Yan family, I’ll allow Shen Congyun to continue using our internal medicine.”

“That’s outrageous!” Shen Congyun couldn’t hold back.

Gao-Yuan sighed and stopped him. Turning to Yan Qiao, he said, “Fine, skill for skill.”

The entire Yan family froze in shock.

“Are you serious?” Yan Qiao asked, his disbelief apparent.

“For Dr. Shen’s sake, I’m willing,” Gao-Yuan said.

“Dr. Gao...” Shen Congyun was moved to tears.

Yan Qiao, too, was elated. While Yan Xun could learn these skills, Gao-Yuan’s willingness to share the formula with the Yan family meant every member could benefit. This would ensure the family’s prosperity for generations.

“Agreed. It’s a deal!” Yan Qiao declared.

“An agreement between gentlemen,” Gao-Yuan replied.

Yan Qiao raised his hand to swear an oath. “I, Yan Qiao, swear that this formula will only be passed down within the direct lineage of the Yan family. It will never be shared with outsiders. Should I break this vow, may I suffer a gruesome death and have my grave desecrated!”

“Please, there’s no need for such drastic words,” Gao-Yuan said, startled.

Beaming, Yan Qiao grasped Gao-Yuan’s hand warmly. “Dr. Gao, please sit down! Someone, bring the good tea from my private collection. What is this poor excuse for tea we’re serving?”

The speed of his change in demeanor left everyone stunned.

“Tea can wait,” Gao-Yuan said. “Let’s treat the patient first.”

“Of course, of course. This way, please,” Yan Qiao said, leading the way enthusiastically.

Yan Qiao’s fourth son eagerly guided them forward.

As Gao-Yuan and Shen Congyun walked side by side, Yan Qiao lagged behind.

“Dad, what was that all about?” Yan Qiao’s eldest son asked.

Glaring at him, Yan Qiao snapped, “If any of you were half as capable, would I need to resort to such schemes?”

His sons hung their heads in shame.

With one last glare, Yan Qiao turned his gaze to Gao-Yuan’s retreating figure, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. “No matter how talented he is, he’s still young and impulsive. Easy to sway with a bit of passion and righteousness.”