Chapter 68 Shen Cangyun

Yu Feihu looked at Ye Tianci with confusion. “Divine Doctor Ye, why do you say that?”

Shen Cangyun frowned slightly. “Young man, could it be you wish to acquire this painting as well? Do you intend to compete with me for it?”

Ye Tianci pointed at the painting on the wall and said calmly, “You are both mistaken. This is an authentic work by Wen Zhengming.”

“An authentic work?”

Yu Feihu and Shen Cangyun were both stunned.

Yu Feihu laughed. “Divine Doctor Ye, your medical skills are extraordinary, but your eye for art is lacking. Wen Zhengming’s ‘Snow on the Border Mountains’ was destroyed in war decades ago. It’s said the National Museum has an authentic piece, but that’s just a high-quality replica.”

“Besides, I’ve had this painting in my collection for years. There’s no way it’s genuine.”

Shen Cangyun smiled and spoke. “Young man, your eye for art is still lacking. Both Mr. Yu and my grandfather say it’s a replica, yet you claim it’s authentic. Where does your confidence come from?”

Shen Ying rolled her eyes and mocked, “You really think you know better than all of us?”

Ye Tianci didn’t argue, simply looking at the three of them calmly. “What if I can prove it’s genuine?”

“If it’s real, I, Shen Cangyun, will grant you any request. In Shu City, there are few with the right to ask a favor of me.”

“Divine Doctor Ye, you shouldn’t bother. Whether it’s authentic or not, if you can pull a miracle out of thin air, I’ll give you every item in my office collection!” Yu Feihu declared.

Ye Tianci raised an eyebrow and looked at Shen Ying. “And what about you? Dare to wager anything?”

Seeing his slightly provocative gaze, Shen Ying huffed. “Fine! If you can prove it’s authentic, I’ll never pursue that slap you gave me, and I’ll apologize as well. But if you can’t, you have to slap yourself twice, apologize to me, and give me that incense burner from before.”

Ye Tianci smiled. “Agreed.”

He asked Yu Feihu to take down the painting and laid it flat on the desk. Ye Tianci looked around, then took a watering can from the window and lightly sprayed the upper left corner of the painting.

Yu Feihu hurriedly said, “Divine Doctor Ye, be careful.”

“Don’t worry. If I ruin it, I’ll compensate you,” Ye Tianci replied as he pressed his palm against the damp spot.

In an instant, a faint mist began to drift from between his fingers, causing everyone present to widen their eyes in surprise.

“Mr. Ye, are you performing a magic trick?” Yu Sihai couldn’t help but ask.

Ye Tianci said nothing, slowly lifting his hand. A clear anomaly appeared in the upper left corner of the painting.

“You see it now, don’t you? The surface painting is merely a disguise.”

“This mounting technique dates back to the late Ming dynasty. It borrows a refined term from chess: ‘The Minister Suppresses the King.’”

“With this technique, the fake can pass for real, and the real can be mistaken for fake.”

As Ye Tianci spoke, he peeled away a thin layer of rice paper from the surface, revealing the painting’s true face.

“Now look again,” Ye Tianci stood with hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm.

Shen Cangyun hurried forward to examine it, his expression turning gradually to shock.

“This seal, this use of blank space... This really is an authentic Wen Zhengming!”

“Wasn’t it said to have been destroyed in the war? How can this be?” Shen Cangyun exclaimed.

Yu Feihu quickly stepped up to appraise it himself, his eyes widening in astonishment. “My goodness! It really is genuine!”

Ye Tianci said calmly, “The ‘Minister Suppresses the King’ mounting technique has long been lost, found only in rare manuscripts. It’s no surprise you couldn’t recognize it.”

He had studied since childhood under the Ghost Hand, learning not only medicine but also the arts of physiognomy and geomancy. The teachings of the Hundred Schools, secrets of mechanisms and concealment—there was nothing he did not master.

Everyone was amazed. Yu Sihai said, “I remember a Wen Zhengming landscape fetched over thirty million at auction a couple of years ago. If this is authentic, its value can’t be any less.”

Shen Cangyun said in a low voice, “It would start at thirty million, at least.”

Yu Feihu hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward. “Divine Doctor Ye, I keep my word. Every piece in my room is now yours!”

Ye Tianci waved him off. “You’re too generous, Mr. Yu. I have no interest in your collection.”

Shen Ying bit her lip and said to Ye Tianci, “Um, I’m sorry.”

Ye Tianci smiled at her. “Too quiet—I can’t hear you.”

She spoke louder. “I’m sorry for taking your things earlier. It was my fault. I apologize.”

Though spoiled and headstrong, Shen Ying could at least own up to her actions.

Shen Cangyun studied Ye Tianci with a mix of shock and suspicion. “Young man, as promised, I owe you a favor. You may request one thing from me at any time.”

Ye Tianci regarded Shen Cangyun seriously. “Since you were fair with your granddaughter and have made me your promise, allow me to give you a warning.”

“Your current health is poor and your life is at risk.”

Shen Cangyun’s face darkened. “Though I am old, I have always been healthy, free of illness or injury. Why do you say this?”

No elderly person likes to hear their health disparaged, least of all someone of Shen Cangyun’s stature.

Yu Feihu quickly interjected, “Mr. Shen, Divine Doctor Ye’s medical skills are remarkable. If he says your health is poor, you should take it seriously.”

Shen Cangyun waved him off irritably. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”

Shen Ying grew angry. “My grandfather is perfectly healthy! How can you talk nonsense and say his life is in danger?”

Ye Tianci said quietly, “It’s neither illness nor injury. If treated within a day, his life can be saved. But once twelve hours have passed, even an immortal can’t help.”

Hearing this, Shen Cangyun grew furious. “Nonsense!”

Shen Ying helped her grandfather to his feet, glaring at Ye Tianci. “Just because you’ve made a name for yourself doesn’t mean you can show off in front of my grandfather. The Shen family has seen far better doctors than you! Grandfather, let’s go!”

“Young man, your words displease me, but my promise stands. Take care of yourself.” Shen Cangyun left in a huff.

After they had departed, Yu Feihu turned to Ye Tianci with concern. “Divine Doctor Ye, you may have offended Mr. Shen just now.”

“Does it matter?” Ye Tianci seemed unconcerned.

He had spoken out of goodwill, but Shen Cangyun and Shen Ying refused to believe him.

“Divine Doctor Ye, you may not realize how powerful Mr. Shen is. His son is Shen Wanshan, the God of Wealth of the South, with immense influence and a fortune beyond counting!”

“Mr. Shen was clearly angered just now. I fear he may have his son make trouble for you,” Yu Feihu said gravely.

“I’ve never been afraid of trouble.”

Ye Tianci rose, preparing to leave with Lin Qingqian.

Yu Feihu hurriedly said, “Divine Doctor Ye, you saved my father-in-law and have now helped me identify a priceless masterpiece. I truly don’t know how to thank you.”

“I heard from Sihai that the Lin family father and son deliberately made things difficult for you. Could you give me the honor of personally escorting you both back to the Lin residence?”

“Anyone who dares offend a benefactor of mine must be taught a lesson.”

Ye Tianci glanced at Lin Qingqian, and seeing she had no objection, smiled faintly. “Very well.”

The three of them went downstairs. Yu Feihu served as their driver, steering a brand-new Rolls Royce straight to the Lin family estate.