Chapter 326

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Protagonist:

Chen Yi

The moment Chen Zhongguo swallowed the Dan Shen, Chen Yi used the Divine Technique: Grace.

In an instant, the loss of nearly a thousand milliliters of blood left him sitting in the chair with a deathly pale face, unable to catch his breath for a long while.

Chen Zhongguo leaned back on the bed, his breathing rapid at first then evening out; he mumbled something, yet lost consciousness.

Doctors and nurses instantly fell into a panic. Health Care Doctor Li Zhun bustled about for a long time, came before Chen Yi, and asked gravely: "What exactly did you put in the Dan Shen?"

Chen Yi panted and waved his hand. Symptoms of blood loss began to manifest — chest tightness and palpitations would appear on a Holy Knight just the same. Of course, if there were an adrenaline surge, these minor symptoms would not manifest at all.

Li Zhun was frantic, saying: "I must report today's events to the Central Health Committee; I fear someone will soon come to have a talk with you."

The Danshen Tablets had also been examined by the doctors... but it was too late to say anything now. Old Master Chen Zhongguo suddenly fainting was no small matter; in the grand scheme, it could trigger political turmoil.

If he is fine, Chen Yi can still be protected; if something happens to him, no one would dare utter the word "protect."

Chen Yi panted, stood up, smiled, and patted Li Zhun's shoulder, saying: "It's fine."

Li Zhun shook his head and went off to his own tasks; for a time he found no problem, but only grew busier and more exhausted.

Chen Yi was completely at ease, continuing to catch his breath there. Divine Arts are no joke.

On the battlefield, if a Divine Art Knight chose "Grace," it would be difficult for the allied Holy Knights to die. No matter how severe the injuries, one Grace solves the problem. Even from 0.1% to 10%, going back to recuperate means they won't die. No priest's healing spell is as useful as this move.

Legend also tells of some fierce Holy Knights who, because they used Faith as the offering for "Grace," ended up crippling their other Divine Arts — a common occurrence. With no alternative, they simply treated one Faith as motivation and used it to the death — which was actually a good idea.

More and more doctors and nurses filled the room; Chen Yi was quickly squeezed out. Soon after, he saw some people who had received the news from who knows where — hmm, from an outsider's perspective, they weren't all just random people; for instance, grandchildren and daughters-in-law of Grandma's brothers and sisters, or Grandpa's paternal cousins, their brothers and sisters, and the descendants of maternal cousins — these more distant relatives actually ran the fastest, and only they would think of every way to forge a connection with the Lao Zhai people and then swiftly obtain intelligence.

People came too fast and too many, which made Chen Yi's face darken. The Health Care Doctor hadn't yet notified the Chen Family disciples, yet these outside nephews had already gotten wind — who knows who leaked it, or who didn't.

Such half-inside-half-outside behavior would absolutely not have happened when Grandpa was in good health. Now that the old man's body has deteriorated, his control has naturally weakened — or rather, limited by energy, he has no choice but to turn a blind eye to small matters.

People say a great nation is like a vat, commoners like water, affairs like gourds. A prime minister governing the nation is pressing down one gourd only for another to float up. A good prime minister can distinguish weight and urgency, handle the big ones first, occasionally deal with the fast-growing ones; but if energy fails, only tending to the big ones lets the small gourds grow unchecked — and when two or three big gourds float up at once, it can leave the prime minister dazed.

More and more people arrived; the outer room was soon packed with no space left. A middle-aged man of about thirty, from who knows where, looked at Chen Yi's age and ordered him: "Young man, show some sense; everyone here is your uncles — go fetch some water."

Chen Yi wanted to get angry but held back; what he said wasn't wrong — everyone here is uncles, and by Chinese rules, most are truly within the five degrees of mourning.

Then I'll go fetch water; I am a humble person.

This outer room was originally for receiving guests; the old rosewood file cabinets held plenty of cups, all washed clean. Of course, even if they weren't clean, Chen Yi wouldn't care — he grabbed the water canteen and poured, movements extremely fast; fifty cups filled with water instantly appeared on the standing cabinet by the door.

If one paid attention, one would also discover the water in the cups was all at the exact same height.

Chen Yi felt a scorching heat in his chest; he knew the Faith of "Humility and Modesty" had gained again, and a surge of joy rose in him.

If pouring fifty cups of water can raise the power of Divine Technique: Grace, there is absolutely no reason to oppose it.

He immediately took out two more sets of sixteen cups, alternating hands to switch canteens and pour. Only this time there was no effect.

What a pity; had I known, I should have poured more!

God may be easy to fool, but there are rules to fooling Him.

Chen Yi was just regretting when the middle-aged man who spoke earlier circled around talking some more, then returned. He saw the four rows of cups on the table, his eyes swam, yet he said: "How is it all plain water? Go find someone to bring tea. There should be some in the cabinets, right?"

Finished speaking, the middle-aged man twisted his waist and went off to talk again. For them, these in-laws, showing face more gives face, having face lets them handle affairs, handling affairs lets them show face. Now is a chance to show face for free — absolutely cannot give it up.

If it were Chen Yi's usual temperament, right now he would kick him up, then stomp his face into a mess, without even telling him why he was unhappy.

However, at this moment Chen Yi was desperate for a chance to display modesty, so this blind fellow actually seemed to become cute.

Chen Yi very generously employed Pocket Qi, found tea leaves in the room, and added a small pinch to every cup.

The pleasant flow of Divine Power returned.

Chen Yi estimated that just these sixty-six cups of tea, two trips back and forth, had raised his "Humility and Modesty" Divine Power by about 10%.

If another twenty trips came, wouldn't the power of Divine Technique: Grace double? Wonder if the masters of the West Continent would die of resentment.

A Holy Knight doesn't get many chances to display modesty; Knights are all very modest. Besides, who would face a Holy Knight and scream like an idiot?

"Hmm, the guy in front counts as an exception." Chen Yi smiled. This kind of thing only works on Earth; on the West Continent, any random guy who has learned Body Techniques could judge that the opponent's Martial Value is higher than his own.

On Earth, high Martial Value isn't absolutely formidable; but on the West Continent or Magic Continent, it's best not to provoke if you can avoid it.

Right as he was beaming, the middle-aged man returned again, and saw him adding tea leaves. He immediately said with a pleasant expression: "Young man, never done housework at home?"

Chen Yi answered truthfully: "Rarely."

"You put tea leaves in first, then pour water — that's how it tastes best. Best to rinse the tea leaves in water first. If it's not too much trouble, go outside and get a big teapot, brew the tea well, then pour into the glass cups. Understand?"

"Then what about these?"

"Leave them." The middle-aged man's voice was very amiable.

For the sake of Divine Power, Chen Yi prepared to go fetch a teapot. As he reached the door, he heard the man pick up the brewed tea cups and distribute them to those beside him, laughing: "Please drink, please drink."

Well then, he took over Chen Yi's work results. Anyone who didn't know would think Chen Yi was his nephew.

Chen Yi touched his forehead and began to consider: it seems this is no longer "Modesty," now it should be "Swallowing humiliation in silence."

The Four-pointed Star on his chest decided for him.

No new Divine Power added.

Then to hell with it.

Chen Yi immediately returned to the room, patted the middle-aged man's shoulder, and asked with a smile: "May I ask who you are?"

"Chen Xiang." The middle-aged man showed no surprise, smiling: "Teapot brought back? Use those plain water cups to pour; don't waste the ones with tea leaves."

Chen Yi looked at him with a wolf-like gaze,

Cannot speak recklessly; must have "Words and Deeds Consistent." Mental consistency is not required.

Chen Xiang felt uncomfortable under the stare, smiled and said: "Haven't asked little brother's name yet."

"Chen Yi." Chen Yi felt a warmth in his chest — how wonderful, "Honesty" Divine Power rose again.

Chen Xiang let out an "ah" and began playing dumb, feigning death.

Chen Yi smiled faintly, released his shoulder, and left the outer room.

Chen Xiang's thoughts surged like a tide for a moment, not knowing how to express them, his mind still wondering: Did he discover it? Is he angry? Will he retaliate? How will he retaliate?

A familiar relative by marriage slapped him on the shoulder, laughing: "What's Little Random Chest thinking about? Why not go wander around a bit? That's not like your style."

Chen Xiang, desperate, asked: "That... the old master's grandson, is he called Chen Yi?"

"Who in Jiangning doesn't know Chen Yi? You saw him? Where is he?" This person craned his neck, looking around.

"That... what's his personality like?"

"What personality? A young master's personality, of course. If you want to give a gift, I say just give a woman."

Chen Xiang smiled sheepishly: "How could I afford to give that."

Privately, however, he began wondering wildly what to give as an apology.

Before dinner, Chen Family's third son Chen Congyu, fourth son Chen Rongjie, eldest uncle's son Chen Ye, second aunt's son Chen Liang, Chen Yi's maternal uncle Deputy Mayor Fang Zhennan, and all of Old Master Chen's former students and old acquaintances, whether coming in person or sending people to get news, all gathered at the old residence. The original "friends and relatives" guarding the outer room had been completely replaced; now those sitting inside were either National People's Congress deputies or Political Consultative Committee members, not a single commoner among them.

As for Chen Yi, worried he couldn't be humble enough on such an occasion, he simply hid inside, and no one could say anything about it.

Health care doctor Li Zhun, under immense pressure, holding test reports from countless instruments, fell into deep contemplation...

"Doctor Li, how is it exactly?" Third son Chen Rongjie was the most anxious, the composure of a deputy division-level cadre long gone.

Chen Congyu's face showed both anger and worry, directed at both his father and his son.

Li Zhun's face flushed red, somewhat at a loss how to speak, but he ultimately did speak: "You don't need to worry."

The buzzing around them immediately vanished without a trace.

Li Zhun's pressure grew even greater, but after a few seconds, he ultimately forced out: "Old Master Chen's body has no problem."

This sentence eased the family's hearts, but he would have to bear responsibility.

When Li Zhun was an ordinary doctor, speaking responsibly was called self-discipline; not being responsible was the norm. As a doctor serving leaders, it didn't work that way; he said "no problem," and if a problem arose later, that would be his problem.

The Chen family members visibly breathed a sigh of relief, smiles appearing on their faces.

Chen Rongjie then asked: "If there's nothing wrong, why hasn't he woken up yet?"

"Well, that aspect... we're still examining." Li Zhun couldn't push the problem onto Chen Yi; this was also the difficulty of being a doctor for leaders. Whether shifting blame or evading responsibility, one needed ironclad evidence.

In truth, he also couldn't believe that a state resembling deep sleep could be caused by a few slices of Dan Shen.

A comrade who identified himself as from the Central Office walked to the front at this moment, saying solemnly: "I am Huai Minting of the Central Health Care Committee. May I see Old Master Chen?"

"Not right now." Before Li Zhun could answer, Chen Rongjie blocked the way first.

A group of people waited anxiously like this; many big shots who usually didn't have time for a meal couldn't even bother to eat dinner...

Chen Yi also went to check on Grandpa in between, and probed with Source Energy, also feeling there was no problem. The force of the "Bestowal" was very strong; the backflow of massive vitality made it hard for an old man's body to adapt, so he entered a deep sleep.

If it were a certain Holy Knight, they might have been lively as dragons and tigers the moment the "Bestowal" ended, serving ten women in a night — except those who believe in "chastity."

Early the next morning, Li Zhun was nursing rabbit eyes watching Chen Zhongguo's various vital signs when he suddenly heard a faint exhalation: "Little Li."

Li Zhun was so scared his calves cramped; he was a doctor, and feared ghosts the most.

"What are you looking at?" The voice was somewhat hoarse, but quickly became full of vigor: "Pull these tubes out for me."

"Old Master Chen?" Li Zhun was surprised and delighted beyond measure, the pressure on him vanishing instantly, his shoulders slumping. This was good; his daughter-in-law's job transfer issue was as good as solved.

"What medicine did you give me, kid? So strong?" Chen Zhongguo, a good doctor from long illness, pulled out the infusion tube himself.

Li Zhun hurriedly assisted him, saying: "Don't move, sir, let me examine you again."

"Even sleeping can cause problems?" Chen Zhongguo never listened to doctors; barefoot he slipped on slippers and walked outside. At first his steps were a bit unsteady from just getting out of bed, but in a moment he walked more and more easily. He only felt his body extraordinarily robust, as if returned to age sixty. At that time, he had just transformed from a decisive, killing general into a visiting envoy abroad; the rough "I/you" military camp speech he was used to was in the process of turning into elegant diplomatic rhetoric...

"Old brats." Chen Zhongguo couldn't help cursing, eyes moist.

Li Zhun followed, both worried and afraid, explaining softly: "Old Master Chen, you were unconscious yesterday, do you remember?"

Chen Zhongguo finally recalled, "Oh" and stopped, asking: "What happened after?"

"You don't remember?"

"I remember being very sleepy, wasn't it said to sleep a bit? Then I slept."

Li Zhun recalled yesterday; Old Master Chen had indeed said a sentence. Alas, I recalled it. Li Zhun hurriedly shook his head, saying: "Yesterday Chen Yi brought a few slices of Dan Shen; after you took them, you fell asleep."

"Yes, slept very fragrantly. Where's that kid?"

"Well, that... the Health Care Committee comrade is questioning him."

"Nonsense." Chen Zhongguo naturally knew what was going on, striding toward the outer room.

At this moment, the crowd worrying and suspecting saw an incredible sight: the nearly 80-year-old Old Master Chen actually walking with vigorous strides, heading straight for the main gate; thus all rumors vanished without a trace, and the people's discussion scope immediately shifted from bioengineering to flattery engineering.

Chen Congyu revealed a strange expression, and immediately followed.

However good Chen Zhongguo's body was, it was only the condition of a healthy 60-year-old; by the time he reached the main gate, a whole batch of 20-plus people followed behind him. These were all prominent figures of the Chen Family, Chen Clan, or pro-Chen faction. Chen Zhongguo glanced back, snorted through his nose, but did not disperse the crowd.

Li Zhun took the initiative to step forward, knocked on the guest room of the main gate, saying: "Comrade Huai Minting, Old Master Chen has arrived."

Finished speaking, he stood with hands clasped at the door.

Although he was a health care doctor serving leaders, he was ultimately under the dual leadership of the Ministry of Health's Health Care Bureau and the Health Care Committee; he couldn't afford to offend either side.

Huai Minting inside was burning with anxiety, hearing Li Zhun's voice, he asked suspiciously: "Old Master Chen woke up?"

"Old Master Chen has already arrived."

Huai Minting panicked instantly, stood up with a whoosh, but didn't go open the door first; instead he said quietly: "Mr. Chen, you know, I'm just performing my duty, serving Old Master Chen."

Chen Yi, who had been silent all along, smiled humbly: "I know."

If it were before, he might have said "it's fine," but now he couldn't; never heard the God of "Oaths" speak politely, Chen Yi couldn't be bothered to cover for him. This guy spoke too much nonsense just now; let him rise or fall on his own.

Huai Minting didn't get the answer he wanted, but still hurried to open the door; seeing Old Master Chen behind Li Zhun, he bowed and greeted, wiping sweat in his heart, thinking: The leader was indeed correct, attitude must be good, maybe it wasn't good enough just now.

Chen Zhongguo paid him no mind, didn't even extend a hand, first asking Chen Yi: "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Grandpa. How do you feel?"

"Couldn't be better." Chen Zhongguo laughed heartily, his joy plain to see.

The people behind him at least had Seven Apertures Exquisite Hearts, and at this moment they all looked at Chen Congyu with envy, jealousy, and hatred, looking at his life—wealth, power, a beautiful wife, father with authority, son with talent, brothers admiring him... then looking at Chen Yi, the first half of his life was a life of enjoyment, the second half... probably still a life of enjoyment...

After Chen Zhongguo greeted a few people alone, he said: "I slept well today, and I feel my body is very good; everyone doesn't need to worry anymore. After going back, help me send regards to a few old comrades; we can still live another 20 years."

Those who heard it from near and far all felt a tremor. With so many important figures present, Chen the Elder couldn't possibly speak nonsense, and "live another 20 years" vaguely became a kind of political declaration...

Members of the Chen Clan all showed excited expressions; if Chen the Elder could live another 20 years, who knows how many officials at the departmental level and above would emerge.

"Chen the Elder?" Li Zhun couldn't help but shout; as a doctor, without giving the patient a strict diagnosis, the unease in his heart was like a leopard that had eaten half an antelope, always worrying that long nights bring many dreams...

Unexpectedly, Chen the Elder, whose meetings in the past rarely exceeded 10 minutes, actually waved his hand and shook hands and spoke with the officials present one by one; some spoke for several minutes...

Besides being happy, Chen Congyu worriedly pulled Chen Yi over and asked in a low voice: "What exactly did you give Grandfather to eat?"

Chen Yi said with an honest face: "Dan Shen."

The child Chen Rongjie, who didn't know the five grains from childhood, asked curiously: "Better than wild mountain ginseng? Where did you buy it?"

"A pharmacy." Chen Yi, if he wanted to answer, had to say honestly: "15 yuan per kilogram. I bought 2 yuan's worth."

A warm current surged through his chest, and he was one step closer to becoming a great literary master of all languages.

... (Unfinished, if you want to know what happens next, please log in to www. qidian. com, more chapters, support author, support genuine reading!)