Understanding Elder Lei's concerns, Ye Fan's expression grew somber, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "As for the City Lord's mansion, I'll handle the talking."
The City Lord's mansion of Jiangnan City, being that of a major city, was different from the small establishment in Jiang City.
Li Buxiao, the City Lord of Jiangnan City, held a position comparable to that of a central government official, a true regional magnate with considerable power.
Furthermore, the current three-way balance of power among the City Lord's mansion, the Heavenly King's mansion, and the Antique Association had actually been orchestrated by City Lord Li himself. Otherwise, as the City Lord, it would not have been difficult for him to suppress the other two factions.
"This City Lord Li is a cautious man, not one for ostentation. He adheres to a policy of carefulness, not seeking merit but avoiding mistakes. That's why he's remained in his position in Jiangnan City for over twenty years without promotion. However, in these past decades, he has forged Jiangnan City into an impregnable fortress. Getting him to comply might not be easy."
Elder Lei briefly introduced the situation to Ye Fan.
The most daunting individuals are those who desire nothing; they cannot be swayed by personal preferences.
But could such people truly exist?
Ye Fan narrowed his eyes. In this world, as long as someone is human, they will have a weakness. By exploiting that weakness, one can achieve twice the result with half the effort.
However, this City Lord Li was indeed a shrewd individual. Although he hadn't been promoted in over twenty years, he was the de facto ruler of Jiangnan City. If he wished, he could have suppressed the Heavenly King's mansion and the Antique Association at any time, yet he deliberately did not. Instead, he allowed the other two factions to grow powerful. Such foresight was not something everyone possessed.
Only by letting everyone share in the spoils would they cease to harbor ambitions elsewhere. Who would refuse a chance to earn money?
As long as the influential figures in Jiangnan City focused their minds on making money, City Lord Li would face no threat, and his reign could continue.
"Who are the members of City Lord Li's family?"
Ye Fan's expression was calm, as if discussing everyday matters.
Elder Lei paused, looking at Ye Fan with confusion, unable to fathom his question.
However, since Ye Fan had asked, he naturally would not conceal it.
"City Lord Li has only one daughter, who is now in her early twenties. She is City Lord Li's most cherished possession. It is a pity that at this age, blooming like a flower, she has contracted a strange illness."
Elder Lei's voice was filled with regret as he shook his head helplessly.
A strange illness?
Ye Fan frowned. "What kind of strange illness?"
A feeling suddenly surged within him: this might be an opportunity, a chance to forge a closer relationship with City Lord Li.
Unaware of Ye Fan's subtle change, Elder Lei continued, "About half a year ago, Li Wanying suddenly became reclusive. According to the news from the City Lord's mansion, she frequently throws tantrums and behaves as if possessed. When she goes into a frenzy, she bites anyone she sees, leaving them covered in blood. Since then, no one in Jiangnan has seen her. A few days ago, I went to pay my respects at the City Lord's mansion and heard that City Lord Li was seeking famous physicians everywhere, hoping to cure his daughter's illness. However, this kind of illness is not something that can be cured simply by seeking a doctor. Many renowned physicians in Jiangnan are helpless, and it's unlikely that famous doctors elsewhere would have a solution either."
Hysteria?
Ye Fan pondered. Based on Elder Lei's description, the young lady of the City Lord's mansion did not suffer from a physical ailment but rather a condition stemming from the mind. He wondered if Divine Physician Hao could help in such a case. However, this was indeed an opportunity for him. If he could cure the young lady of the City Lord's mansion, Li Buxiao would undoubtedly be grateful, and then he could cooperate with him.
Ye Fan remained in thought, while Elder Lei and the others remained silent, not disturbing him.
After a moment, Ye Fan looked up. "Could Elder Lei introduce me? I might have a way to help this princess of the City Lord's mansion with her illness."
Looking at Ye Fan with suspicion, Elder Lei was filled with doubt.
He knew Ye Fan's skill in appraising treasures was exceptional, and he also knew some martial arts. However, he had never heard of Ye Fan possessing medical skills.
Seeing Elder Lei's stunned expression, Ye Fan gave a wry smile. "I, Ye, do not understand medicine, but I know a divine physician. As long as he is willing to act, no illness, no matter how severe, will be beyond his cure."
Ye Fan had great faith in Divine Physician Hao, but this old fellow was too lazy and enjoyed his comforts. Currently, he was enjoying a blissful life in Jiang City.
Ye Fan was also extremely frustrated with Divine Physician Hao. With his medical skills, becoming renowned throughout the land would be effortless, yet this old man had a peculiar personality that resulted in a poor reputation.
Many esteemed physicians held him in disdain. They believed that physicians should save lives and heal the wounded, that a physician's heart should be like a parent's. Thus, when they encountered patients, they would readily offer assistance without hesitation.
But Divine Physician Hao did not subscribe to this philosophy at all. Whether he treated someone or not depended entirely on his mood. Consequently, many influential figures detested his approach.
However, Divine Physician Hao was unconcerned. In his own words, healing people was his personal business. If he were in a bad mood and accidentally caused a death, who would be responsible?
No one could do anything with such a recalcitrant person. Therefore, those so-called influential figures could only resort to suppressing Divine Physician Hao with all their might, which led to his lack of widespread fame.
However, Ye Fan had saved his life, and if Ye Fan requested his help, he would certainly come.
But Ye Fan was not in a hurry; everything would depend on the situation after examining Li Wanying.
Seeing Ye Fan's determined gaze, Elder Lei could only nod. "I can take you, but you, boy, must absolutely not reveal that carefree and unrestrained demeanor you sometimes display. Our City Lord Li values etiquette above all else.
If you are impolite or unruly in his presence, he might become angry, and all our efforts would be in vain."
Elder Lei lectured earnestly, fearing that Ye Fan might cause trouble later.
He knew Ye Fan's nature; he had always been unrestrained and followed his own will. It was precisely because of this that Elder Lei placed an extraordinary emphasis on him.
Elder Lei himself disliked restrictions and thus yearned more for freedom.
Ye Fan smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I know what to do."
Although he said so, a cold smile played in his eyes.
Elder Lei sighed helplessly in his heart. It seemed that making this boy adhere to rules could only be achieved through a miracle.
"When do we go?"
"Now."
Ye Fan stood up, eager.
Watching Ye Fan's hurried demeanor, Elder Lei had no choice but to lead the way.
Along the way, Elder Lei incessantly advised Ye Fan, telling him what to say and what not to say.
Although Ye Fan's face was consistently smiling, he hadn't taken any of it to heart.
In his opinion, while this City Lord Li might be incredibly stern with outsiders, possessing the character Elder Lei described, it was all a facade. After all, as a City Lord, he had to maintain his dignity.
However, since he was forging an alliance with him this time, he would not be subjected to his cold reception.
Moreover, as long as he cared about his daughter's safety, he would reveal his true self. Otherwise, Ye Fan would absolutely refuse to offer his assistance.
After the car had traveled for over half an hour, it finally stopped in front of the City Lord's mansion.