Volume 1, Chapter 34: The Xu Family's Reaction

On the outskirts of Nanjiang City lies Xu Family Village. To the east of the village stands an old-fashioned residence that has seen better days. The compound and its buildings face south, constructed from a mixture of adobe, brick, and stone. The walls are thick and sturdy, weathered by the passage of time and showing signs of decay, yet they still exude an aura of rustic solidity. Grey-blue roof tiles are layered like fish scales, neatly arranged, though a few are slightly upturned due to years of neglect. Under the eaves hang strings of red chili peppers and golden ears of corn—the hallmark scent of the countryside.

Pushing open the aged wooden gate reveals a modest courtyard. The ground is made of rammed earth, flat and firm. Beyond that lies the living room. On the walls hang several black-and-white photographs of Xu Weiping in his military uniform. Though the photos have yellowed, his resolute gaze and upright posture remain clearly visible. From the raw, youthful portrait of a soldier-in-the-making to the dashing image of a commander of thousands, every picture bears witness to a profound history, seemingly documenting Xu Weiping’s glorious military career.

In the center of the living room sits a square wooden dining table. Xu Weiping is currently seated behind it on a bamboo armchair that looks quite aged. He rocks gently in the chair, looking serene and content. Time has carved deep wrinkles into his face, but his eyes remain sharp and bright, revealing the unique tenacity and wisdom of a soldier. He holds a large tea mug, from which steam rises. There is no elaborate tea ceremony or fuss here, yet the fragrance of the tea is exceptionally rich—one of the habits he has nurtured for years and one of his few remaining pleasures. Wisps of tea aroma rise and permeate the room, seemingly dispelling the tension and unease in the air.

Sitting beside him is his eldest grandson, Xu Ziqiao. Xu Ziqiao leans forward, his eyes bright and fervent. He speaks with a rapid cadence. "Grandfather, there’s a rumor going around lately about a miracle doctor whose medical skills are simply unbelievable."

"They say that some patients with severe illnesses, whom major hospitals had already 'sentenced' to death and were completely helpless to treat, have miraculously recovered after being treated by him."

"However, this miracle doctor has a very unique way of doing things; they say he has a very eccentric temper."

"They say he never takes the initiative to treat anyone unless the patient comes to him personally, begging and pleading for his help."

"They call it an ancient custom, claiming he follows the old traditions of medical practice."

"It actually sounds somewhat plausible. I think he might genuinely be a man of great ability. Grandfather, should we give it a try? Perhaps he really can cure your illness?"

On the other side of the dining table sits Xu Weiping’s granddaughter, Xu Ziyao. She is dressed in a crisp black tracksuit, her hair pulled back in a high ponytail, appearing capable and confident. She crosses her arms, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, her eyes revealing a hint of skepticism and disdain.

"A miracle doctor? Another one?"

"What kind of nonsense is this..."

"I think there are simply too many people in society nowadays who like to act mysterious, using these reputation-seeking tricks to swindle money and fame."

"These charlatans are best at preying on the desperation of patients and their families, who will try anything when they are ill, and they go around scamming people everywhere."

"The more they put on airs, the more they pretend, and the more they use these 'hard-to-get' tactics, the more of a fraud they are."

"Grandfather, you have lived a life of integrity, weathering so many storms; you mustn't be blinded by these groundless rumors."

"We should trust in science and the diagnosis and treatment of regular hospitals. We cannot afford to be desperate and go to those charlatans for medical help."

Xu Weiping gently sets down his tea cup with a soft sigh. He slowly lifts his head, his gaze looking deep into the distance, as if lost in memories of the past.

"There are indeed many swindlers in this day and age, and many so-called famous doctors are just hype. Their actual medical skill is not even as good as that of a fresh medical graduate—especially those who claim to have made decisions that 'betray their ancestors'..."

"However, there are truly skilled old doctors out there. There are many traditional Chinese medicine practitioners among the common people with brilliant skills and high moral character, but they don't know how to package or promote themselves, nor do they care to spread their own fame, so their reputation is usually limited to the local area."

"You are still young and do not understand the profound depth of traditional Chinese medicine. In the past, those truly capable physicians mostly had their own unique tempers and personalities, and their ways of doing things often could not be measured by conventional standards."

"This rule of 'not knocking on doors to offer treatment' is a crystallization of the wisdom passed down through thousands of years of traditional medicine, and it naturally holds profound meaning."

"The times have changed, and many traditional things are gradually disappearing, but that does not mean they are without value."

"This mysterious doctor’s approach might just be a form of persistence in tradition. If the situation is as described, he might actually be a truly capable doctor."

Xu Ziqiao immediately chimed in, "Grandfather is right. I also feel this doctor is extraordinary, and he must have some real skill. I think we can go and try. In any case, as long as there is a glimmer of hope, we shouldn't let it slip by. You have dedicated your whole life to the country, and now you should be enjoying your later years, not being tortured by illness."

"Now, it is time for us, your grandchildren, to do something for you. I want to go and find this miracle doctor. Even if it’s just to see what’s going on, it’s better than sitting at home staring blankly."

Xu Ziyao’s brows furrowed even deeper. She walked over to Xu Weiping, crouched down, took his hands in hers, and said worriedly, "Grandfather, it’s not that I don’t want you to be treated; I’m just worried about you getting hurt."

"You know yourself that you used to hold a high position and had access to so many national military secrets. There are countless eyes in and out of the country watching our family in the shadows."

"This miracle doctor’s situation hasn't been verified, and his style of practice is so strange, even demanding that patients come to him personally to beg for treatment..."

"I’m a little worried... What if this is a trap? What if someone set this up specifically to target you?"

"I cannot let you take that risk!"

A faint, gratified smile appeared on Xu Weiping’s face. *My grandchildren have grown up...*

He patted his granddaughter’s hand gently. "Yao’er, I understand your concern, but I am just an old bag of bones now; there is nothing left to fear."

"If someone really wants to use my illness to cause trouble, I certainly won't let them succeed. Since there is such an opportunity to treat my illness, I certainly cannot miss it, and I will never back down because of this!"

Hearing this, Xu Ziqiao immediately stood up, patted his chest, and said, "In that case, let me make the trip first to see exactly how good this miracle doctor’s skills are."

Xu Ziyao also stood up. "I should go instead. Big brother is more familiar with the family’s security arrangements. It would be more reassuring for us if he stayed behind to be responsible for your safety, Grandfather."

Xu Ziqiao thought for a moment. "That works too."