Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 177 Subtle and Silent Influence

Tang Bingyuan and his son Tang Liuqian left the Lin family villa with a sense of relief and deep gratitude, as if they had survived a disaster. Lin Yan specifically told them to relax when they got back, not to be overly nervous or anxious, and that maintaining emotional stability would greatly benefit their recovery. They also agreed to come back the next afternoon to pick up the medicine.

After seeing off the Tang family father and son, only Lin Yan and Elder Dan remained in the living room.

Elder Dan then turned to Lin Yan, his white eyebrows slightly raised, a hint of confusion on his face. He asked, "Young Master, please forgive my bluntness. Mr. Tang's ailment is a minor one in the cultivation world. His blood and qi are stagnant, and his meridians are not supple. A single basic 'Pulse-Clearing and Stasis-Removing Pill,' supplemented with a trace of true essence, can clear the blockages, soften the blood vessels, and restore balance to his blood and qi. It's an immediate and effective cure. Why... did you insist on making me delay for a full six months? Isn't that just making the patient suffer for several more months?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yan lazily leaned back into the soft sofa, a sly smile playing on his lips. He picked up an apple from the coffee table, casually tossed it in his hand, and explained:

"Elder Dan, you are looking at this from the perspective of a cultivator, and you think this disease is simple. But you must understand that this is the human world, the world of mortals. High blood pressure is considered an incurable chronic disease under the current level of medicine. Patients usually need to take medication for life to control it. Once they stop taking medication, their blood pressure will rebound, and the risk of various complications will still exist."

He took a bite of his apple and continued slowly, "Just imagine, if a stubborn disease that modern medicine has sentenced to 'life imprisonment' is completely cured by a single pill from you, what a sensation it would cause if the news got out! It wouldn't just be 'unbelievable,' it would be utterly shocking! At that time, all sorts of medical experts, research institutions, and even those hidden forces would swarm around like sharks smelling blood. Our Lin family, and me, would never have a peaceful day again."

Lin Yan's gaze deepened: "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime. I am not afraid, but I am afraid of trouble! Treating the sick and saving lives is fine, but it cannot be done too easily, exceeding the scope that this era can understand."

He put down the apple and smiled at Elder Dan, "So, I'll have to trouble you a bit. Go back to the 'Chinese herbal medicine base' in your space, which specializes in growing common herbs, and pick some herbs that have blood-activating, blood pressure-lowering, and calming effects, such as danshen, hawthorn, uncaria, and gastrodia. Then, divide that 'Qingmai Huayu Dan' into extremely small portions, and each time you brew the medicine, secretly dissolve a tiny bit and mix it into the decoction. In this way, the medicinal effect is released slowly and lasts. To Uncle Tang, it will feel like his body is gradually improving after taking your medicine, and his pulse is gradually stabilizing. After six months, when he is fully recovered, everyone will only marvel at your 'old Chinese medicine doctor's' miraculous medical skills, and won't associate it with anything else. This is called 'nurturing things silently,' saving people and saving countless troubles."

After listening to Lin Yan's meticulous consideration, Elder Dan was first taken aback, then suddenly understood. He clapped his hands in admiration, his eyes revealing his appreciation for his young master's shrewdness: "Brilliant! I admire your thorough thinking, young master! In this way, you relieve the patient's suffering, fulfill worldly principles, and protect yourself. Very good! I understand. I will go and prepare immediately, and make sure this 'play' is carried out perfectly, guaranteeing that Mr. Tang will recover 'naturally'!"

Seeing that Elder Dan understood his intention and turned to prepare with a smile, Lin Yan lay back down on the sofa, contentedly closing his eyes. In this complex world, possessing extraordinary power is certainly important, but true wisdom lies in knowing how to skillfully use that power to achieve one's goals without drawing attention. Humility is the most enduring form of protection.

Over the past two days, Li Wenbin and Zheng Jiaming dutifully acted as tour guides, accompanying their respective fathers on a tour of the bustling metropolis of New York. From the luxurious shop windows on Fifth Avenue to the autumnal tranquility of Central Park, the two Hong Kong-based business tycoons experienced a taste of foreign culture and also purchased some gifts to bring back to their families in Hong Kong.

Watching his son bustling about, arranging the itinerary and communicating with others with remarkable composure, no longer the impetuous boy he remembered who only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun, Li Yaozu couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. He patted Li Wenbin on the shoulder and, unusually, praised him, "You rascal, it seems you've matured quite a bit since this trip."

Upon hearing this, Li Wenbin immediately became incredibly arrogant, boasting smugly, "That's right! Dad, it's not just that! Ayan taught Jiaming and me a lot of real skills, how to do business, how to judge people—there's a lot to it!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yaozu immediately became interested. He had witnessed Lin Yan's abilities firsthand, and to be personally instructed by him was an extremely rare opportunity. He quickly pressed, "Oh? What did Xiao Yan teach you? Tell your dad!"

Unexpectedly, Li Wenbin deliberately kept everyone in suspense, raising his head and saying smugly, "Hehe, this is a secret technique taught to me by Ayan, a heavenly secret that cannot be revealed! I'm not telling you!"

Li Yaozu was so angry at Li Wenbin's smugness that he glared at him and laughed, "You little brat! You think you're all grown up now? You dare to keep secrets from your old man?" As he spoke, his hand swiftly grabbed Li Wenbin's ear and pulled it down forcefully. "I'll skin you alive! Will you talk or not?"

"Ouch! Ouch! Dad, let go! I'll talk, I'll talk, okay?!" Li Wenbin instantly lost his composure, grimacing and begging for mercy. His previous "superior demeanor" vanished completely, and the living room was filled with the playful atmosphere of father and son.

The next afternoon, Tang Bingyuan arrived at the Lin family's house on time to pick up the medicine.

Master Dan personally brought a bowl of freshly brewed, dark brown medicinal liquid to Tang Bingyuan, and gently instructed him, "Mr. Tang, the liquid is still a little hot. Let it sit for a moment until it's warm before taking it all at once. After taking the medicine, avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, and keep your mind at peace."

Tang Bingyuan quickly and respectfully accepted the medicine with both hands: "Thank you, Dr. Dan. I will definitely follow your doctor's orders."

Lin Yan happened to be in the living room as well. Seeing Tang Liuqian accompanying his father, he casually asked, "Brother Liuqian, when is your wedding with Sister Xi'en set? I definitely want to come and have a drink at the wedding."

When the topic of marriage came up, Tang Liuqian smiled warmly and replied, "Both sets of parents have already discussed it and decided to hold the wedding next May. The weather in New York will be just right then, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for a wedding."

"May, nice, spring is here and flowers are blooming." Lin Yan nodded, then extended an invitation: "By the way, in a few days, I'm planning to go skiing at Lake Tahoe with Wenbin and Jiaming to relax. If you and Sister Xi'en don't have any other plans, why don't you come with us? Consider it a mini-trip before the wedding."

"Skiing at Lake Tahoe?" Tang Liuqian's eyes lit up, clearly interested in the suggestion. Lake Tahoe is a famous ski resort in North America, with magnificent scenery, and he had long yearned to go there. "That's a great idea! I'll discuss it with Xi'en when I get back. If she doesn't have any special plans at home, we'll definitely join in! Come to think of it, it's been a long time since we went out together."

"Okay, it's settled then. We'll wait for your news," Lin Yan said with a smile.

The living room was filled with anticipation for the upcoming snowfield trip.