Chapter 5: I Oppose This Marriage!

Lin Qingqian stepped forward without hesitation, shielding Ye Tianci behind her.

“Uncle, Ye Tianci saved Grandfather. He is a benefactor to our Lin family. You cannot vent your anger on him over such a trivial matter.”

“If you make things difficult for him and word gets out, how will our Lin family maintain its dignity? Won’t others say we repay kindness with enmity?”

Hearing her words, Lin Changren snorted irritably and waved his hand. Several Lin family men, disgruntled, retreated.

Lin Qingqian turned to Ye Tianci, genuine gratitude shining on her face. “I never expected you would truly bring Grandfather back. Thank you!”

“Your grandfather is only temporarily out of danger. His body is still weak, but I will help him root out the illness,” Ye Tianci replied. “Rest assured, your grandfather will recover safely.”

He hadn’t expected Lin Qingqian to stand up to her own family elders in public to defend him. This single act greatly increased his regard for her.

Lin Changren’s small eyes darted back and forth. He grunted, “Regardless, you saved the old man of my house. We Lin family folk do not forget kindness.”

“Come, bring five hundred yuan for Doctor Ye as his consultation fee.”

He made no mention of his earlier offensive remarks. Though he spoke of gratitude, his tone was cold and stiff. The payment was a meager five hundred yuan.

Ye Tianci’s lips curled into a faint smile. “No need. Keep your five hundred yuan and put it in the bank. You’ll earn more interest that way.”

A young man in his twenties stepped out from behind Lin Changren. “What’s with your sarcastic tone? My dad offers you five hundred yuan and you think it’s too little?”

“It’s not little at all! You just gave my grandfather a few acupuncture needles, and the needles were borrowed from Miracle Doctor Xue!”

“Exactly! Just move your hands and you earn five hundred yuan, and you still think it’s too little? What kind of person are you?”

By his side, a young woman chimed in with disdain. They were Lin Changren’s children, Lin Hao and Lin Weiwei.

Lin Qingqian frowned. “Brother Lin Hao, Weiwei, how can you say that to Ye Tianci? He saved Grandfather’s life—he’s a benefactor to our family.”

“Lin Qingqian, shut up!” Lin Hao sneered. “My dad pulled strings to invite Miracle Doctor Xue, and you managed to make the very person we invited lose face!”

“Our Lin family was eager to curry favor with Miracle Doctor Xue, and now we’ve thoroughly offended him!”

Lin Qingqian understood: Her uncle invited Xue Huaisu but failed to heal Grandfather, while she brought Ye Tianci who succeeded. Not only had she stolen the limelight from her uncle’s family, but also their credit. Lin Hao and Lin Weiwei must be resentful about this.

“You can’t say that. Our Lin family didn’t offend Miracle Doctor Xue—the fault is his lack of skill,” Lin Qingqian replied.

“Pfft!” Lin Hao scoffed at her words. “Miracle Doctor Xue is renowned throughout Shu City. Who doesn’t know him?”

“But this Ye Tianci you brought looks like a rustic from the countryside, a barefoot doctor, probably doesn’t even have a medical license!”

“Hey, do you even have a license to practice medicine?” Lin Hao asked Ye Tianci, his face full of contempt.

Ye Tianci nodded calmly. “I do not have a medical license.”

Lin Hao grew even more excited, his eyebrows dancing. “Hear that? He doesn’t even have a license. It was pure luck he saved Grandfather.”

“Miracle Doctor Xue probably just didn’t see clearly in the moment. Give him more time and he could have saved Grandfather too!”

“Exactly!”

“Brother Lin Hao is right!”

“Miracle Doctor Xue is surely the superior physician. He’s been famous for so many years!”

…

The Lin family members all agreed with Lin Hao. Even though Xue Huaisu had already left, they continued to fawn over him.

Lin Changren waved his hand for silence. “Enough, stop the commotion. Give Doctor Ye another hundred yuan.”

“And get a rickshaw to send Doctor Ye back to his village for free.”

He glanced at Ye Tianci’s attire and said sarcastically, “Lin Hao, bring two sets of your discarded clothes and shoes for Doctor Ye as a token of thanks.”

“Dad, even my old clothes and shoes cost thousands per set.”

“Doctor Ye is from the mountains, his clothes are much too rustic—this won’t do for a doctor’s image.”

“Your discarded clothes are high-end. Once he wears them, he’ll be the flashiest guy in his village.”

“Fine, I’ll go get two sets.”

The father and son bantered in mocking tones.

Ye Tianci remained impassive, seemingly unaffected. Having studied under Ghosthand for over a decade, not only had he mastered medical arts, divination, and talismanic skills, but his temperament was as seasoned as that of his mentor.

“No need for any gifts. The old man will awaken soon. Once I finish one matter, I’ll leave.” Ye Tianci’s voice was calm.

Lin Hao rolled his eyes. “Grandfather will wake up just because you say so? You get praised twice and now think you’re a miracle worker?”

But as soon as his words fell, movement came from the bed.

A cough echoed.

After two coughs, Lin Daonan opened his eyes and struggled to sit up.

Lin Hao’s expression turned awkward, his face flushed. He hadn’t expected to be proven wrong so swiftly. He dropped his head, too embarrassed to speak further.

Lin Qingqian hurried forward to help Lin Daonan up. “Grandfather, you’re awake!”

Lin Daonan looked at her fondly, let out a long breath, and said weakly, “Qian’er, did Grandfather faint again?”

Lin Qingqian nodded. “Grandfather, you’ve been unconscious for over ten hours. You just woke up.”

“Strange, I felt I was at death’s door before, but now I feel much better,” Lin Daonan remarked.

Lin Qingqian quickly pointed to Ye Tianci. “Grandfather, this is Ye Tianci. As per your instructions, I brought him from Daqingshan. He’s the one who saved you.”

A wave of joy suddenly washed over Lin Daonan’s once calm face. He sat up forcefully, his gaze fixed intently on Ye Tianci.

“You’re Ye Tianci? The last disciple Ghosthand took in over ten years ago?”

Ye Tianci nodded.

“Did you bring that item?” Lin Daonan asked, visibly agitated.

“Old Master, are you referring to this?” Ye Tianci handed over the marriage contract between himself and Lin Qingqian.

Lin Daonan took it and, after examining it, broke into a delighted smile. “This is it! I signed this myself all those years ago. No mistake!”

He brandished the marriage contract for all to see. “This is the marriage I arranged for Qian’er years ago. Ye Tianci is her betrothed, and today he has arrived!”

“On his very arrival, Tianci saved this old man’s life. It seems he truly is heaven’s gift to our Lin family—a son-in-law sent by fate!”

“I hereby announce: We must find an auspicious date as soon as possible for Tianci and Qian’er to wed!”

As his words fell, the house erupted in commotion.

The Lin family members exchanged bewildered glances and whispered among themselves.

No one had expected Ye Tianci and Lin Qingqian to have a marriage contract.

“I oppose this marriage!” a sudden voice rang out.

Everyone turned toward the source of the objection.