"Young friend Jiang Chen," the old Master Yao clapped his hands in awe. "You're truly a divine doctor!"
It wasn't until this moment that the old man fully surrendered to Jiang Chen's skills.
"Come, come, let me treat you to a meal first," he said, pulling Jiang Chen toward the dining room along with Director Yao.
Jiang Chen thought, Sure, a meal it is. But I bet this old man has something more important he wants to talk about at the dinner table. No matter. Let's see how he plays this out.
The dishes were already set. Master Yao invited Jiang Chen to take the seat of honor and said, "In terms of medical skill, you are my senior. Sitting here is more than justified."
Jiang Chen noted the fake humility in his words but didn't hesitate. Since you're offering the seat, I'll take it. No need to be polite.
Once everyone was seated, Master Yao waved his hand.
A young maid stepped forward.
He pointed to the seat next to Jiang Chen and said, "Sit down and pour some wine for Doctor Jiang."
The table was full of hot dishes, steam rising, and a rich aroma filled the air. Everything was set with refined elegance.
Master Yao raised his glass. "Doctor Jiang, it's an immense honor to have you visit the Yao family. Here, let me offer you a toast."
"I'll toast Doctor Jiang too!" Director Yao echoed immediately.
Jiang Chen rose, clinked glasses with them, and downed his drink in one go.
"Great tolerance! Great spirit!" Master Yao laughed heartily.
He clapped his hands and called out, "Xiaoxue, fill up Doctor Jiang's glass!"
The young maid, Xiaoxue, in a light pink apron, smiled as she stepped forward with a wine pot. As she leaned forward to pour, she asked softly, "Doctor Jiang, is this enough?"
Jiang Chen nodded.
Master Yao's gaze shifted and he chuckled, "Doctor Jiang, young and already so skilled in medicine—Xiaoxue, you should really learn more from him. Don't just spend your days wiping tables and sweeping the floor."
Xiaoxue giggled. "I wouldn't dare compare myself to Doctor Jiang. I can only pour drinks and serve food."
"Oh, you're good at a lot more than that," Master Yao said with a grin. He raised his glass again, "Doctor Jiang, another one!"
Jiang Chen didn't refuse and drank with them again.
Master Yao, clearly in high spirits, pointed at Xiaoxue and joked, "This girl is quick with her hands and sweet-tempered. Doctor Jiang, if you like her, you should come by our place more often."
"Old Master, you love to tease," Xiaoxue said shyly, lowering her head and stepping aside with a blush.
Director Yao smiled and nudged, "Doctor Jiang, she's my grandfather's favorite. If you don't drink more today, she might get upset."
Jiang Chen chuckled and raised his glass again.
The room filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the scent of fine wine.
"Doctor Jiang, I've practiced medicine my whole life, treated countless patients, and thought I had some skill. Never expected a true master was out there among the people! I'm convinced," Master Yao said earnestly, standing up and bowing to Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen quickly stood and returned a slight bow. "Master Yao, you flatter me. I just happened to have a flash of insight earlier."
"No, Doctor Jiang," Master Yao insisted. "You saw through something hidden from everyone else with just a glance. Your skill is extraordinary. Please, examine me—find out what's really wrong with me!"
Jiang Chen looked at Director Yao and smiled. "He probably told you about the miracle at the clinic, right? Don't believe the hype. I just got lucky."
Director Yao gave him a puzzled look—as if to say, Didn't you promise to check my grandpa? Why are you backing off now?
Jiang Chen gave him a light kick under the table, signaling that there was more to come.
"No, Doctor Jiang," Master Yao pressed. "You identified my problem just by looking. You're no ordinary doctor. Please don't refuse."
Jiang Chen laughed. "Alright, since you insist, I'll offer a small solution. Let's see if it helps."
"Please, Doctor Jiang, do tell!" both Yao men said in unison.
"To treat your condition, I'm afraid you'll have to part with something."
"What is it?"
"That opera costume."
"The costume? What does that have to do with my illness?"
Jiang Chen calmly explained, "The original owner of that costume was an opera performer who suffered a bloody death. His resentful spirit remained and latched onto his most beloved costume. While such an item might not harm someone full of yang energy, your own energy has declined with age, leaving you vulnerable to the haunting. Hence the persistent sickness…"
"But why only me? My wife is even older than I am, and she's in great health!"
Jiang Chen asked, "May I guess—was your wife born in the Year of the Rooster, during the eighth lunar month, on the eighth day?"
Master Yao's eyes widened. "Yes, exactly! How did you know?"
"In Chinese metaphysics, the rooster is the most yang among the twelve zodiac signs. Born in that year, month, and day, her natural energy repels all spirits, even powerful ones. That's why she's unaffected."
"Is that really true?"
"Not only that, her presence even boosts your household's yang energy. Since she joined your family, have things not prospered greatly?"
"They have!" Master Yao slapped his thigh. "Ever since she came, everything's gone up and up. No wonder the fortune-teller said she would bring great wealth and fortune."
"Exactly."
Master Yao was finally convinced. His expression softened with respect. "So, how should I deal with the costume?"
"If you sell it, the spirit will only harm someone else. It's better to seal it properly and destroy it. But… since it's a cultural relic, I'll leave the decision to you."
The old man hesitated—clearly reluctant to part with it.
Director Yao quickly said, "Grandpa, you've got enough antiques already. What's one less? If you really want one, I'll get another from an auction. Your health is more important."
Those words hit the mark. The old man sighed, then slapped the table. "Alright—dispose of it."
"Well said!" Jiang Chen replied.
"How should we do it?"
"Do you have any black donkey hoof ash?"
Director Yao nodded. "Yes, I'll get it."
He returned shortly with a small pouch of fine black powder. "This is made from wild donkey hooves burned with peach wood charcoal—used for treating night terrors in children."
"Perfect. Peach wood repels evil, and the ash is extra potent."
They went to the back garden. Jiang Chen had them place the costume on the ground, sprinkle the ash over it, and light it with gasoline.
As it burned, Jiang Chen watched the dark aura fade from Master Yao's face.
"How do you feel now?" he asked.
Master Yao blinked, sneezed, and said, "I feel light all over—strength's come back to my arms and legs!"
He even demonstrated a few Tai Chi moves.
Watching his fluid movements, Jiang Chen could tell the illness was gone.
Master Yao, his face glowing, grabbed Jiang Chen's hand tightly. "Doctor Jiang, your skills are divine! Would you accept me as your humble student?"
Jiang Chen smiled modestly. "I wouldn't dare. I've long admired your reputation. We can learn from each other."
Master Yao nodded and gave a signal to his grandson.
Director Yao took out a thousand yuan and handed it to Jiang Chen. "Doctor Jiang, this is a token of appreciation—please accept it."
A thousand yuan?
For an illness none of the big hospitals could cure, and Jiang Chen solved in one go?
Such stinginess. These people aren't worth getting close to, Jiang Chen thought, feeling deeply slighted.
He paused, then had a better idea.
"Director Yao, I can't accept this as payment. But if you truly want to show appreciation, could I ask a favor?"
"A favor?" Director Yao brightened—favors were cheaper than money. "Of course! I may just be a hospital director, but I do have some influence around here."
"Perfect. The Jiang Family Village Clinic is classified as a second-tier facility. Without third-tier immunization certification, we can't provide full services. Could you help us get that certification?"
Director Yao actually oversaw that process. But to make himself seem important, he replied, "It's a bit tricky, but I'll see what I can do and get back to you soon."
"I'll count on you, then," Jiang Chen said.