Chapter 40: The Richest Man in Linzhou, a General of the War Department

Jiang Chen drove Chu Yan’s car at high speed toward the Zhao estate, prioritizing the life-saving mission. He had already instructed Cao Moling to dispatch members of the Linghu Sect to secretly protect Chu Yan at the Chu Group and the elder Mr. Chu at the Chu villa, ensuring that no further kidnapping attempts could occur.

The Zhao estate was a grand manor, far larger than the Chu family villa. Its blend of classical and modern architecture was exquisite, complemented by picturesque landscapes, meticulously placed pavilions, and winding corridors that exuded nobility and luxury.

"Mr. Jiang, please hurry! The future and fate of our Zhao family rest entirely in your hands!" Zhao Tingshan paced back and forth at the estate entrance. Although he had already spoken to Jiang Chen and knew he was on his way, he remained deeply anxious. The patient’s status was even more formidable than that of the Zhao family.

The patient was the patriarch of the Qin family, the foremost of Linzhou’s five great families. Not only was he the wealthiest man in Linzhou, but his son was also a general in the Linzhou Military Department. Let alone the Zhao family, even the most prominent elite clans would not dare to easily offend the Qin family.

The Zhao and Qin families had always maintained a close relationship. Today, Elder Qin had been visiting the Zhao estate, and he and the elder Mr. Zhao had been locked in a intense series of chess matches. Perhaps due to the excitement, Elder Qin had suddenly collapsed from his chair, falling into a coma.

Terrified, the elder Mr. Zhao immediately summoned the family physician. They discovered it was a cerebral infarction—the very same condition the elder Mr. Zhao suffered from. Fortunately, the Zhao family possessed the necessary medical equipment and medication, allowing them to stabilize Elder Qin and pull him back from the brink of death, though he remained unconscious.

The elder Mr. Zhao immediately ordered Zhao Tingshan to call Jiang Chen for help. He knew that with Jiang Chen’s medical prowess, he would certainly be able to cure the cerebral infarction; sending him to a hospital would only waste time and potentially prove futile.

"Mr. Jiang, you’ve finally arrived!" Upon seeing Jiang Chen pull up, Zhao Tingshan was as relieved as if he had seen a savior.

"Get in. Take me to the patient," Jiang Chen signaled.

Zhao Tingshan hopped into the passenger seat to guide him, and Jiang Chen drove directly into the manor.

When the elder Mr. Zhao saw Jiang Chen, he couldn't hide his excitement. "Mr. Jiang, I am so sorry to trouble you to come in person!"

"It’s fine. Let me examine the patient first." Jiang Chen waved his hand and walked to the bedside to take the elder’s pulse.

Elder Qin had a full head of white hair. His mouth was not drooping, and he looked normal, as if he were merely sleeping.

"The patient’s cerebral infarction is more severe than when the elder Mr. Zhao suffered his. This episode was triggered primarily by smoking and drinking. Fortunately, the emergency response was timely, or he might have died here today!" Jiang Chen said gravely after his diagnosis. To suffer from a cerebral infarction and still dare to smoke and drink—was he in such a rush to die?

The elder Mr. Zhao and his son, Zhao Tingshan, broke out in cold sweats. If Elder Qin were to die in their home, wouldn't General Qin come and execute them?

"Mr. Jiang, can he be cured?" the elder Mr. Zhao asked, his heart trembling.

"He can, but the treatment will take some time. Do not let anyone disturb me while I am working!" Jiang Chen said sternly. He had exhausted himself last night detoxifying the elder Mr. Chu and Chu Yan, and he had yet to fully recover.

"Understood! Thank you, Mr. Jiang! I guarantee that not even a fly will be allowed to enter!"

The elder Mr. Zhao nodded, overflowing with gratitude; Jiang Chen was truly their family’s savior. After the father and son retreated from the room, they stood guard at the door without moving an inch.

"Master, Elder Master, Miss Wen Ruoxuan of the prominent Wen family from Haidu is here to visit!" a servant reported respectfully.

"The Haidu Wen family?" The elder Mr. Zhao looked puzzled and asked his son, "Tingshan, do you have any dealings with the Wen family?"

"No, I have no idea why they are here," Zhao Tingshan replied, shaking his head in confusion.

"Go and receive her. We must show the proper respect to a prominent family," the elder Mr. Zhao instructed.

Inside the grand hall, Wen Ruoxuan sat with elegant posture, sipping tea while she waited. Her female assistant, whose face was still swollen with the handprint left by Jiang Chen, had been deemed unfit to be seen and had not accompanied her.

"Miss Wen, sorry to keep you waiting. Your arrival brings great honor to our home," Zhao Tingshan said with a smile as he entered the hall, offering the customary social pleasantries.

"You are too kind, Master Zhao. Please forgive my sudden intrusion," Wen Ruoxuan stood up and responded with a graceful, polite smile.

"Your presence makes our home shine. Please, take a seat!" Zhao Tingshan maintained his smile. After they were both seated, he moved to the matter at hand.

"Master Zhao, to be honest, I have come to the Zhao estate today because I wish to purchase the Tiange Zifu residence," Wen Ruoxuan said with a smile, confident that the Zhao family would grant her this favor.

Zhao Tingshan was surprised and sighed apologetically, "I am sorry, Miss Wen, but you are too late. We have already gifted Tiange Zifu to someone else!"

"Gifted it away?" Wen Ruoxuan’s expression shifted. She quickly asked, "To whom?"

"A divine physician who is also a high-level martial arts master!" Zhao Tingshan answered truthfully.

"What? A divine physician? A high-level martial arts master?!" Wen Ruoxuan’s eyes widened in shock. A divine physician at the level of a high-level martial arts master—such a formidable figure did not even exist in Haidu, yet one had appeared in Linzhou!

If the Wen family had encountered such a figure, they would have spared no cost to befriend him. That the Zhao family had gifted him Tiange Zifu was understandable, and her failure to purchase it was equally logical.

Her mind raced, and she asked with great anticipation, "Master Zhao, may I ask who this divine physician is? Would you be willing to introduce us?"

"Miss Wen, this divine physician dislikes being disturbed. He is currently staying at Tiange Zifu. If you are sincere about meeting him, you will see him eventually without needing my introduction." Zhao Tingshan did not take the liberty of introducing Jiang Chen, especially since Jiang Chen was at a critical stage of treating Elder Qin.

"I understand!" Wen Ruoxuan fully grasped that such great figures valued tranquility. She then asked, "I assume there are vacant villas next to Tiange Zifu? Could you please help me select the one closest to him?"

"Very well. I have matters to attend to today, would tomorrow work for you, Miss Wen?" Zhao Tingshan agreed, eager to see her off.

"No problem. Please attend to your business, Master Zhao. I shall take my leave." Wen Ruoxuan exchanged contact information with Zhao Tingshan and departed. Throughout her journey, she pondered what kind of gift would be best to present to this divine master. Had she known that this divine master was none other than Jiang Chen, one wonders how spectacular her expression would have been.

Shortly after Wen Ruoxuan left the estate, a private helicopter from the Linzhou Military Department descended into the manor. A middle-aged man in military uniform stepped out first, his shoulders adorned with shimmering, illustrious stars. His face was stern and hardened, radiating authority. It was none other than Elder Qin’s son, the General of the Linzhou Military Department, Qin Pojun!

"General Qin..." Zhao Tingshan approached, trembling with awe. They had already notified the Qin family of Elder Qin’s condition and dared not conceal anything.

"Where is my father?" Qin Pojun cut off Zhao Tingshan’s words, his tone brooking no argument.

"In the room!" Zhao Tingshan replied instinctively.

"Take me there immediately. If I am delayed in treating my father, you will be held accountable!" Qin Pojun ordered with an intimidating air.

"Yes!" Terrified, Zhao Tingshan quickly led Qin Pojun and his entourage toward the room.

"General Qin, Mr. Jiang is currently treating Elder Qin. Please, do not disturb him for the moment..." the elder Mr. Zhao said as he guarded the door.

"Bang!"

Ignoring any mention of a Mr. Jiang, Qin Pojun brought the military medics from the Linzhou Department with him, shoved the door open, and prepared to enter to treat his father!