"Okay, villagers who are unaware of the situation, listen to me. The events happened like this: everyone knows my son Wang Quan, right? Such a good kid, both filial and capable. Who could have thought? It was just a while ago that he had a headache and because he trusted He Lingxiu, he came here for treatment. Who knew that after He Lingxiu gave him two acupuncture treatments and then he took two packets of medicine home, he became bedridden after drinking the medicine. Now his condition is getting worse, and he's almost dying."

"What? Wang Quan is about to die!"

"Impossible! Just yesterday, I saw him hanging out at the village entrance with Ma Ergou."

"Ling Xiu's treatments are typically quite effective. How could such a thing happen?"

The crowd was buzzing with various opinions, but overall, the majority were still skeptical. The villagers had all been treated by He Lingxiu before, and since He Lingxiu's treatments were affordable and effective, they found it hard to believe such news.

"My son, why such a tragedy? How could you trust this He Lingxiu? I had told you to go to a major hospital for treatment, but you silently trusted this rural doctor. Now look what has happened. If you die, how am I supposed to live on?" Overhearing the crowd, Liu Qinglian suddenly started sobbing bitterly as if she was crying her heart out.

Liu Qinglian was originally a hostess, and she met Wang Changhe while singing in a KTV. Their age difference was immense; if people saw them walking down the street together, they would think Liu Qinglian was Wang Changhe's daughter.

After receiving a severe scolding from Wang Changhe, Liu Qinglian calmed down. This time, following Wang Changhe to make a scene at He Lingxiu's place, she naturally wanted to show off, thus her over-the-top display of throwing herself about violently.

"Such a young girl as He Lingxiu might not have seen many patients, and her inexperience may well have killed someone," someone said.

"Exactly, even big hospitals sometimes have fatal accidents, let alone our village's local healer."

"Now Ling Xiu really has a problem on her hands."

Watching Liu Qinglian's antics, the crowd started muttering again, with people like Ma Ergou swaying public opinion. Soon, people began criticizing He Lingxiu, and doubts about her started to grow.

"You're talking nonsense! Wang Quan just had a common cold. I only did acupuncture on him. When did I ever give him any medicine? It's impossible that it could be fatal."

He Linxiu, standing to one side, was stomping her foot in anger. Already a good-natured girl free from guile, she could only desperately try to explain herself once she realized she was being wrongfully accused.

But both she and He Laogen were honest folks, and their explanations at such a time could hardly withstand the slander from Wang Changhe and his group.

"Right, it was acupuncture. You all heard, didn't you? He Lingxiu herself admitted she performed acupuncture on my son. Think about it, such long needles stuck into a person's body, it's bound to cause harm. My poor son Wang Quan was ruined by this incompetent doctor."

Wang Changhe grew more agitated as he spoke, eventually bursting into tears, snot and all—a display of profound sadness.

Ling Zhenfei, outside in the courtyard, had long confirmed that Wang Changhe and his wife were here just to cause trouble, yet he still didn't know their motives.

"It's impossible. Treating a cold doesn't require targeting crucial acupuncture points; it couldn't have caused any harm." He Lingxiu tried to explain to the surrounding crowd, with tears already welling up in her eyes.

"He Lingxiu, even now, you still want to make excuses? My son is almost dying, and this is your responsibility," Wang Changhe shouted loudly.

"Village chief, we've all heard what happened clearly. Since Wang Quan is in such danger, you should be rushing him to the hospital instead of wasting time here," a knowing bystander asked Wang Changhe, defending He Lingxiu.

Wang Changhe was momentarily stunned, obviously unable to concoct a smooth lie, he quickly said, "Of course we are going to take Wang Quan to the hospital, but we cannot let the main culprit go unpunished. We are here to take her to the hospital with us. If my son dies, I will have her life."

After Wang Changhe finished speaking, he seemed to suddenly understand his own purpose and grabbed He Lingxiu, starting to drag her out. Liu Qinglian also came to help, and He Lingxiu, being petite, couldn't resist being dragged by two people.

He Laogen stood in front of Wang Changhe, but, weakened by age, was easily pushed away, deteriorating his condition. Given his honest nature, just standing in front of Wang Changhe for his daughter already required enormous courage.

"Wow, what a lively scene, what are you making all this noise about?"

Seeing the situation, Ling Zhenfei knew he had to intervene, otherwise, He Lingxiu would be at a disadvantage.

The crowd, caught in the scuffle, stopped at the sound and looked toward its source, noticing Ling Zhenfei standing at the doorway watching them.

Everyone was extremely surprised to see Ling Zhenfei. All the villagers recognized him as a significant figure. The booming business of Xishan Manor and his legendary medical skills were well-known throughout the village.

Of course, as He Lingxiu was Ling Zhenfei's disciple, this fact was widely known. Seeing Ling Zhenfei, everyone knew that with him there, He Lingxiu would be in safe hands, regardless of whether the accusations against her were true.

Upon seeing Ling Zhenfei, Wang Changhe and Liu Qinglian's expressions turned sour. They both knew how formidable Ling Zhenfei was. They had thoroughly investigated before acting, and Ling Zhenfei had been away for many days. Who could have guessed he would return today, especially at such a critical moment?

"Ling Zhenfei, why have you come back?" Wang Changhe's voice trembled.

"Why can't I come back? This is my home, after all. But what are you doing here?" he retorted.

"Ling Zhenfei, today it doesn't matter who comes, no one will do. We are taking He Lingxiu away," Wang Changhe stated.

Having been the village chief for some time now, Wang Changhe had developed an imposing official presence that scared the typically timid villagers. Today he intended to use that demeanor to intimidate Ling Zhenfei.

"You just decide to take her away, and who are you exactly, a local emperor? This is a society governed by law. Without a reason, I absolutely won't let you leave this yard," Ling Zhenfei spoke with rising intensity, his voice overpowering Wang Changhe's.

"You want a reason? That's easy. He Lingxiu, practicing medicine without a license with acupuncture, ended up ruining my son's life. He is likely not going to last much longer. I am taking He Lingxiu to see my son and at least get him to the hospital. If my son dies, I am taking He Lingxiu to the police station," Wang Changhe declared.

"Afei, I didn't..." His words finally got to He Lingxiu, and she started crying uncontrollably upon seeing Ling Zhenfei.

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