Chapter 424: The Xia Family

These two have a steady demeanor; at a glance they are not ordinary household servants, their speech and actions reveal a strict vigor.

Nie Wenchang saw their figures and suddenly froze.

He frowned slightly, stared at them for a while, feeling he had seen them somewhere, but couldn't recall right away.

Xue Wenshu merely glanced at them.

Did someone actually come to this shabby clinic? Judging by their attire, they seem to have some background; could they be plants Jiang Feng hired just for show?

The more she thought, the more plausible it seemed, and the cold smile at the corner of her mouth deepened.

Jiang Feng stepped forward and nodded at them.

"I'm Jiang Feng. What's up?"

Hearing Jiang Feng's admission, the two immediately put away their scrutinizing expressions, clasped their hands, and became even more respectful.

"Doctor Jiang, greetings! My mistress heard that Mr. Jiang's Jishi Hall has reopened, so she came specially to present a gift. Moreover, she feels somewhat unwell and wishes to ask Doctor Jiang to visit her residence for a consultation."

Speaking, one of them took out an exquisite brocade box from his briefcase, while the other handed over a gilt-edged visiting card, both presenting them with both hands to Jiang Feng.

Jiang Feng reached out to take the visiting card, opened it, and saw the signature was Xia Junlan's name; he immediately smiled.

He had already guessed that news of his return to Jiangcheng would soon reach Xia Junlan, but he didn't expect them to send people over so quickly……

"I accept the gift; please thank your master for me."

Jiang Feng put away the visiting card and gave a light smile.

"All right, Mr. Jiang." Nie Ying hurriedly took the brocade box and quickly walked into the clinic.

Seeing this, the two again spoke respectfully.

"Thank you for your courtesy, Doctor Jiang! May I ask when you are free? We can then inform our mistress in advance and make preparations."

"The day after tomorrow, I'll come in the morning."

Jiang Feng thought for a moment and said.

"Good! Then we'll come again the day after tomorrow to welcome Doctor Jiang!"

The two bowed in unison, then turned and briskly left, never glancing at Nie Wenchang and Xue Wenshu again from start to finish.

After the two left, Nie Wenchang remained standing where he was, his brows furrowed tighter, his face full of contemplation, muttering to himself.

"Why do they look so familiar…… Where exactly have I seen them……"

Xue Wenshu had no mind for those thoughts; she had finally found an opening, immediately looked at Jiang Feng, her tone laced with obvious mockery.

"Little Jiang, Auntie isn't saying this to criticize you, but your clinic is indeed too small; if it were placed in the provincial capital, you probably couldn't even cover the rent, and might not survive."

She paused, her eyes full of contempt.

"You couldn't possibly be counting on relying on our Nie family's strength forever to keep the clinic afloat, could you? Our Nie family may not be top-tier aristocrats, but it's not something just anyone can attach themselves to."

She had thought that upon saying this, Nie Wenchang would immediately chime in, after all he had just been dissatisfied with Jiang Feng's terms.

But unexpectedly, Nie Wenchang still wore a thoughtful expression, not responding to her at all.

Xue Wenshu grew a bit impatient, reaching out to push Nie Wenchang's arm.

"Old Nie, why don't you speak up! What do you really think about Qian Xue and Xiao Jiang's situation? You can't just leave it vague like that."

As she spoke, she gave Nie Wenchang a look, urging him to state his position quickly, preferably directly opposing Jiang Feng and Nie Qianxue being together.

But before Nie Wenchang could speak, Xue Wenshu turned her gaze to Jiang Feng on her own and began to make things difficult.

"Little Jiang, you are indeed an ambitious young man, and your medical skill is not bad—this I acknowledge. But our Qian Xue has been spoiled since childhood, never endured hardship; as elders, we only wish for her to live a stable, comfortable life. Your clinic is too small—how will you ever give Qian Xue happiness in the future?"

These words completely infuriated Nie Qianxue; she could no longer bear it, her brows knitting.

"Auntie Xue! My love is my own decision; I don't need you to point fingers! I know clearly what kind of man Jiang Feng is and what life he can give me—that's not for you to judge!"

These years she had endured Xue Wenshu, but now Xue Wenshu actually belittled Jiang Feng to this extent, and she could no longer tolerate it.

Xue Wenshu was publicly rebuked by Nie Qianxue with a single sentence; her smile froze instantly, a flash of anger crossing her eyes.

But she quickly covered it up, leaning against Nie Wenchang's arm, her eye sockets slightly reddened, and spoke in a feigned tone of grievance.

"Old Nie, look at this child Qian Xue; I say all this for her own good, why doesn't she understand? It seems I am ultimately an outsider, and whatever I say is superfluous."

Had she shown this pitiful demeanor under normal circumstances, Nie Wenchang would surely have comforted her with a few words.

But today, Nie Wenchang seemed to suddenly recall something, and he slapped his thigh hard.

"I've remembered it! I finally remembered!"

His voice was too loud, startling Xue Wenshu and Nie Qianxue into a jump.

Xue Wenshu said somewhat discontentedly.

"Old Nie, what are you doing? You scared me! What did you remember?"

Nie Wenchang ignored Xue Wenshu, instead staring at Jiang Feng with a face full of shock, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"Little Jiang, those two just now…… could they be the personal attendants of Lady Xia Junlan, the mistress of the Xia family? Back when I followed the old master to a banquet at the Xia household, I saw these two people; I'm absolutely certain!"

The more he spoke, the more excited he became, the shock on his face deepening.

What kind of person is Xia Junlan? She is one of the leaders of the provincial capital's Xia family, formidable in means, noble in status, enjoying great prestige in the provincial capital and even the entire Jiangnan region; normally it's hard to even see her face, let alone have her personal attendants come in person to request a doctor.

Jiang Feng looked at Nie Wenchang's excited state and gave a noncommittal nod.

"Hmm, they are indeed members of the Xia family."

"Good heavens!"

Nie Wenchang exclaimed in astonishment, the shock on his face turning into wild joy as he stepped forward and firmly grasped Jiang Feng's hand.

"Esteemed son-in-law, I never expected your medical skill to earn Lady Xia Junlan's approval! This is a tremendous feat—Lady Xia's standards are extremely high, countless renowned physicians never get a chance to treat her, yet you have earned her such regard, even sending her personal attendants to invite you personally; you're truly remarkable!"

Nie Wenchang's gaze toward Jiang Feng had turned into full admiration.

He burst into loud laughter and patted Jiang Feng's shoulder.

"It seems Qian Xue's judgment was spot on! Finding such an outstanding young man like you is her blessing! Your marriage, I, the old man, agree! Haha, esteemed son-in-law!"

He now could not wait any longer to have Jiang Feng become his son-in-law.

Having a son-in-law like Jiang Feng, who has earned Xia Junlan's approval, not to mention the eldest branch would not object—indeed, even the families throughout the Provincial Capital would envy the Nie family!

Beside her, Xue Wenshu, upon hearing Nie Wenchang's words, turned deathly pale in an instant, as if struck by lightning.

She stood there dazedly, unable to believe her own ears.

Then she suddenly came to her senses.

"Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! Lao Nie, have you mistaken the person? What kind of person is Miss Xia Junlan? Her status is noble, and there are countless doctors with superb medical skill. How could she possibly come to such a small medical hall in Jiangcheng to seek a doctor? This must be a mistake!"