Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Shen Huaizhi went through a lot of suffering just to help spread Han Zhang's medical reputation.

But playing guinea pig wasn't all bad for him.

After all, he was Han Zhang's brother-in-law, and Han Zhang wasn't about to let him 'help' for free.

This time, while treating his 'intestinal abscess,' Han Zhang took the chance to give his body a deep conditioning, boosting Shen Huaizhi's overall physical health.

This kind of Power drain was massive, and Han Zhang only had so much to go around. So far, the only ones who'd gotten this kind of treatment were Shen Qinglan, Grandpa Han, and Grandma Han.

For everyone else in the family, he took the slow route, gently nourishing their bodies over time to save his Power.

So all that suffering was definitely worth it for Shen Huaizhi!

And after all that fuss, Han Zhang's medical skills became the talk of the capital's elite circles.

The noble families and officials were stunned—even Emperor Taixuan couldn't resist summoning Imperial Physician Tian to ask: "Is what Han Qinzhang used really the 'Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles' from the ancient medical texts? Does a miracle technique like that actually exist in this world?"

"Your subject's knowledge of ancient acupuncture is limited, but I did see Master Han save Second Young Master Shen with my own eyes. The instant those silver needles went in, the whole atmosphere changed, and a brilliant light flared up—it was truly mystical, beyond words, and definitely not fake."

"But even though this technique can turn heaven and earth upside down, like Master Han said, it takes a huge toll on the mind. I saw Master Han's complexion at the time—this technique probably burns up the physician's vital essence in exchange for a life..."

Imperial Physician Tian answered honestly, but since he hoped to pick Han Zhang's brain about medicine later, he made sure to emphasize how draining the technique was, so the emperor wouldn't work Han Zhang to the bone.

Still, he wasn't lying.

To make his medical skills look more valuable, Han Zhang deliberately made himself look like he'd lost vital essence after saving Shen Huaizhi.

After hearing this, Emperor Taixuan dismissed the physician and sat in silence for a moment before summoning Eunuch Pan Fu with orders.

"Go, keep all the families in line—nobody's allowed to cause trouble for Han Qinzhang. Then dig into his past thoroughly and report back to me."

A man who can snatch someone back from the jaws of death should naturally—belong to the royal family, and the royal family alone.

"Yes, Your Majesty..."

Eunuch Pan Fu bowed in acknowledgment and quietly withdrew from the hall.

Was Han Qinzhang scared of an investigation? Of course not.

Any skills he showed that didn't match the original owner's were all covered up in advance.

After all, there were no surveillance cameras or online records back then. Digging up accurate info on things from years ago was no easy task, so it was easy to fudge the details.

And Han Zhang deliberately spread the word that his life-saving needle technique could only be used seven times.

Because scarcity drives up value—the higher his worth, the smoother things would go for him down the line.

...

Setting aside the storm brewing outside for now.

After Han Zhang saved Shen Huaizhi's life, Shen's parents, who already liked him, now looked at their son-in-law with even more warmth and gratitude.

After talking it over, the couple personally brought gifts to Han Zhang's little courtyard the very next day.

Han Zhang was a bit surprised to see the two elders show up in person.

He quickly bowed respectfully: "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, if you need anything, just send word and I'll come to you. You didn't have to bring gifts and come all this way—this is too much."

"Yes, Father, Mother..." Shen Qinglan hurried over too, his voice full of worry. "It's been so hot lately. What if you get sick from all this traveling?"

As he spoke, he carefully helped them both into the main hall.

At the same time, he told the page boy: "Bring two more bowls of ice cream for Father and Mother to cool down."

"Ice qilin?"

Shen's parents were confused.

What kind of food had their Lan Geer gotten the cook to make this time, with such a weird name?

And of course, Shen Qinglan was eager to show off again.

"Father, Mother, it's ice cream, not ice qilin. My husband came up with this treat for me because I can't stand the summer heat and always crave something cold."

"It looks like a bowl of shaved ice, but it's even silkier on the tongue, like drinking heavenly dew. It reminds me of that line from the Book of Songs—'the Qi River flows vast and wide'—it's refreshing all the way down. My husband took the phrase 'ice-cold skin, jade-like bones, the Qi River vast, lost in bliss without return' and named it 'ice cream'..."

"Anyway, it's super tasty. I love it, and I'm planning to sell it at our new teahouse soon. Mother, once you try it, you'll love it too."

Even though Madam Shen was all dignified and proper now, Shen Qinglan's personality was just like hers back in the day—so she was still a foodie at heart.

Hearing there was something tasty, especially something her son-in-law had made just for her son, Madam Shen lit up, grinning ear to ear.

"With you talking it up like that, Mother definitely has to try it."

Shen's father nodded approvingly: "Our Lan Geer can quote the classics now. Looks like marriage really matured him."

Before, Lan Geer would never have said anything so refined.

Shen Qinglan was pretty proud of himself: "Father, you always underestimate me and Second Brother. We were the same before—it's just that our tutor was bad, so we couldn't learn. Now my husband patiently teaches me to read every day. I can quote classics now, and I can even write a few doggerel poems."

"You can write poetry now?"

Shen's father was genuinely shocked this time.

Sure, they were just doggerel, but compared to the Lan Geer who couldn't sit still at a desk before, this was huge progress!

Madam Shen also quickly turned to Han Zhang for confirmation: "Son-in-law, is our Lan Geer really this impressive now?"

"Yes, Mother-in-law. Qinglan has always been sharp. He picks up everything I teach him quickly. He just couldn't sit still before..."

Han Zhang nodded with a smile of affirmation.

If even Shen Huaizhi could get the benefits of his Power, then his husband definitely couldn't be left out.

After they got married, he'd used his Power to give his husband a deep conditioning. Now his husband not only had a body as strong as an ox, but also a sharp, clear mind and a memory way better than before.

Hearing his beloved's praise, Shen Qinglan felt both proud and shy, beaming: "It's all because my husband teaches so well."

"No, it's because my husband is smart."

Han Zhang's gaze settled back on Shen Qinglan's face, so tender it could almost melt into water.

The young couple traded sweet words, their affection so thick it was practically overflowing.

Watching from the side, Madam Shen was beaming, her heart full of pride.

Master Shen, on the other hand, was secretly amazed. With his years of experience reading people, he could naturally see that Han Zhang had genuine feelings for Lan Geer, but it was precisely because of this that he found it astonishing.

Lan Geer was handsome, lively, and loved to act coquettish—indeed, the type that would appeal to certain men.

But that was merely attraction.

With Lan Geer's unreasonable temper, getting someone to truly cherish him was no easy feat, especially someone as shrewd, capable, and calculating as Han Zhang.

Yes, despite Master Shen's favorable impression of Han Zhang, it didn't stop him from sensing a kindred spirit in him!

How could someone like Han Zhang genuinely fall in love with their precious little troublemaker? Master Shen truly couldn't fathom it at all.

Of course.

If Master Shen knew about Han Zhang's previous life, he might understand.

Han Zhang was indeed shrewd and unscrupulous in his methods, but he was an orphan who grew up starved of affection, and his high intelligence only made him more rational and emotionally detached.

Only someone like Shen Qinglan—whose emotions were passionate and intense, whose heart was pure and untainted, and who also met his aesthetic standards, checking both boxes—could truly enter his heart.

And for Shen Qinglan's personality to thrive, he needed someone like Han Zhang—shrewd yet principled, rich in life experience, perceptive and broad-minded—to truly live a stable and comfortable life in this lifetime.

The couple was a perfect example of complementing each other.

They chatted about family matters for a bit longer.

Then Master Shen gestured to Han Zhang: "My good son-in-law, have you finished that policy essay I asked you to write last time? Come, since we have time today, let me have a look."

This was a signal that he wanted to talk to him alone.

Han Zhang caught on immediately and nodded: "Thank you for your guidance, Father-in-law. Mother-in-law, would you mind if Lan Geer keeps you company for a bit?"

"Go on, Lan Geer keeping me company is wonderful."

Madam Shen agreed without hesitation, as she too wanted to have a heart-to-heart chat with her son.

The two men then headed to the study, one after the other.

After dismissing the servants, Master Shen didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point:

"Qinzhang, you're a sensible man, so I won't mince words. I came to you today for two reasons: first, to thank you for saving Huaizhi's life, and second—"

He paused, his tone turning solemn: "I hope you can help me properly cultivate Huaizhi. Not just to help him pass the imperial exams, but to make him the pillar of the Shen family's next generation."

Han Zhang smiled upon hearing this: "Father-in-law, why do you say that? Doesn't the family still have the eldest brother? He's not only the legitimate eldest son but also exceptionally learned—he's already passed the imperial examination and is only waiting for an official post. His future is limitless. Aren't you afraid he'll be disheartened hearing you say this?"

"You rascal..." Master Shen shook his head at him: "Enough, no need to test me. Between us as father-in-law and son-in-law, there's no need for beating around the bush."

"I know that because of Lan Geer, you're quite dissatisfied with how I previously favored my other children and never paid much attention to the second son and Lan Geer's brothers."

"But you and I are the same kind of people. You should understand—people like us carry certain responsibilities on our shoulders. If we want to change our family's standing and revitalize our household, emotions must come after interests."

"Perhaps you think I'm too extreme, but I don't come from a noble family background, nor do I possess extraordinary talent. My wife and children, my friends, even my own dignity... these are the only resources I have to leverage."

"I don't care how others see me. I only know that those years of hard study, everything my Shen family sacrificed to change our status—none of it can be wasted in vain."

"I want to climb to high positions, and my Shen family must carve out a place among the noble houses."

Master Shen fixed his gaze on Han Zhang: "So, my good son-in-law, today between you and me, let's set aside feelings and talk only business."