Zhang Yang drove the Mercedes sedan, with Long Feng following closely in the Hummer.

Inside the Hummer, Zhui Feng was lounging comfortably. The Hummer was spacious, and since Zhui Feng was smaller, a simple modification allowed him to fit perfectly, naturally cushioned with his preferred wool mat.

This time, when returning to Mi Xue's home, Zhang Yang hadn't wanted to bring Zhui Feng and the others along. However, wherever Zhang Yang went, Zhui Feng insisted on following, unlike Lightning and Wuying who were better acclimated to city life.

If Zhang Yang was out for a short while, it was fine, but if he was gone for too long, Zhui Feng would inevitably throw a tantrum.

When Zhui Feng threw a fit, even Long Feng was no match and was useless against him.

In the end, it was Long Feng’s idea to strip out the Hummer’s back seat specifically to create this unique transport for Zhui Feng. Whether Zhui Feng was the first 'White Horse' with its own dedicated Hummer, he couldn't say.

The two vehicles drove toward Lieshan County together.

While driving, Zhang Yang chatted with Mi Xue about their previous trip to Lieshan.

Zhang Yang had been there twice in total. The first time was with Mi Xue, when the conflict with the Yu father and son erupted. At that time, he was also driving the Mercedes sedan—the one gifted by Young Master Su—which unfortunately Yu Yong had completely wrecked.

Following that incident, the unfortunate Director of the Public Security Bureau lost his position entirely due to crimes like illegal detention and dereliction of duty.

The next time was when they went to Wildman Mountain.

Mi Xue hadn't accompanied them on that trip; Zhang Yang went with Long Cheng, Chang Feng, and the others. That time, they were merely passing through, yet even taking time for a meal managed to stir up trouble.

That time, it was the newly appointed bureau chief who suffered misfortune. Barely a few months into his term, he was ignominiously sent packing.

He had offended Young Master Wu Zhiguo, and Chang Feng was also present. Coupled with his own significant mistakes—daring to draw his gun so casually—he ended up returning exactly where he came from, relegated to the sidelines.

His luck was slightly better; he only lost his post, not his title, and was merely shelved back at the Municipal Bureau.

Recounting these two incidents, Zhang Yang couldn't help but sigh. He wondered if the Lieshan County Public Security Bureau had some kind of feud with him; twice he visited, twice trouble followed.

Zhang Yang was familiar with this road, having traveled it twice before. They departed in the morning and arrived before noon.

Driving into the small county town, the Mercedes followed by the Hummer drew considerable attention, as such vehicles were rare sights there.

Many speculated about who had struck it rich out in the world and returned in triumph, or perhaps if some wealthy in-laws were visiting relatives.

It was the same old courtyard, with an open space near the entrance perfect for parking. As soon as the cars were parked, Mi Xue couldn't wait to get out.

"Mom! Mom!"

Mi Xue shouted, skipping toward the entrance. Zhang Yang shook his head helplessly, got out, and opened the trunk.

The trunk was filled with many gifts bought in Changjing. Since this was an explicit visit to the in-laws, they couldn't arrive empty-handed. Besides some valuable presents, there was a case of the separate batches of Monkey Wine.

This wasn't favoritism; Zhang Keqin received more because he had other uses for it, while this case was sufficient for Mi Zhiguo.

"Sister, you're back?"

Mi An opened the door. The young man seemed to have grown taller again, though he still looked somewhat slender, exclaiming happily.

Wu Fenglan walked over from behind, a smile on her face as well. Her daughter coming home was also a source of joy for her.

"Zhang Yang is here too! Hurry in and have a seat!"

Seeing Zhang Yang, Wu Fenglan paused briefly before speaking warmly, though her enthusiasm was tinged with a trace of reverence.

It couldn't be helped; Zhang Yang's family background was too staggering. Even Mi Zhiguo had been excited for a long time after returning, barely able to believe the reality of the situation.

Whenever provincial news featured Zhang Keqin, he would pay extra attention, chuckling to himself afterward.

It wasn't that he was overly materialistic, but this was something he could never have imagined before. He couldn't have dreamt in his wildest dreams that he would be the in-law of the Provincial Party Secretary.

For this reason, he had specifically instructed Wu Fenglan to treat Zhang Yang better from now on, forgetting that he himself had been the one who initially treated Zhang Yang poorly, having harbored desires to marry into a different prominent family and showing Zhang Yang little patience.

"Hello, Auntie. Wait a moment, I’ll bring the things down!"

Zhang Yang smiled and nodded, showing no change in demeanor despite his status; he remained the same as before.

"Sister, what is this?"

By now, Long Feng and Zhui Feng had also disembarked. Lightning and Wuying were perched on Zhui Feng’s back. Mi An stared at Zhui Feng, crying out in surprise.

"This... this is a friend of your brother Zhang Yang's. His name is Zhui Feng!"

Mi Xue hesitated slightly before finally explaining softly. She didn't know Zhui Feng's status as a spirit beast, but she understood that Zhui Feng was no ordinary pet to Zhang Yang, and Zhang Yang never treated him as such.

Zhui Feng was like Lightning; Mi Xue knew Lightning's identity very clearly.

"Zhui Feng? Zhui Feng is so beautiful! Where did Brother-in-law find such a wonderful friend?"

Mi An asked with wide eyes, full of envy. Zhui Feng snorted in satisfaction and nodded toward Mi An.

Everyone else who had seen him previously assumed he was Zhang Yang's horse, and some even suggested trying to ride him. He was indeed a horse, but certainly not an ordinary one; for these people to think of riding him was pure fantasy.

Even Zhang Yang himself had been refused when he asked Zhui Feng to carry Long Cheng for a short distance, let alone anyone else.

Mi An was still a child and didn't overthink it; he wasn't surprised that Zhang Yang had such a friend, which is why his comment immediately earned Zhui Feng's goodwill.

"I'm not sure either. Stop standing around; go help your brother Zhang Yang move things!"

Mi Xue shook her head and urged her younger brother again.

In reality, there wasn't much to move. Zhang Yang and Long Feng had already taken everything out of the vehicles, while Wu Fenglan spoke polite words on the side.

Back inside, Wu Fenglan immediately called Mi Zhiguo.

Mi Zhiguo was still at work, but upon hearing Zhang Yang was visiting, he rushed home without a second thought. His attitude toward Zhang Yang this time was drastically different.

He appeared even more courteous than Wu Fenglan. At noon, he personally went out to order food and brought out two bottles of fine liquor he usually kept reserved, drinking with Zhang Yang and Long Feng.

His demeanor made Zhang Yang feel slightly awkward.

"Brother!"

Just as they were eating, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a man walked in. Mi Zhiguo stood up from the living room, looking surprised at the person entering.

The man was already walking toward the living room. In this old courtyard, everything in the living room was visible from the outer gate, especially now in winter when the Mi family hadn't installed any curtains.

The person who entered was Mi Zhicheng, Mi Zhiguo’s younger brother, the one who had actively facilitated the reconciliation during Mi Xue and Yu Yong's affair last time.

He hadn't expected Yu Yong to impulsively resort to force against Zhang Yang, nor had he anticipated that Zhang Yang, despite his youth, could be so ruthless in handling matters, escalating an incident until it became a public scandal, causing both Yu Yong and his father to suffer misfortune.

After Yu Yong's father, Yu Wenwu, was dismissed and transferred, Mi Zhicheng started to feel fear. He quickly went into hiding for a while.

He was afraid the Yu family might vent their anger and retaliate against him. This whole mess had started because of the Mi family; Mi Zhiguo, being a Deputy County Mayor, couldn't touch him, but he, a mere businessman who had aligned himself with the Yu family, was too easy a target.

After hiding for a while and seeing that the trouble had subsided, Mi Zhicheng dared to return.

Without the mighty backing of the Yu family, and with much of his business being poached while he was away, his enterprises became increasingly difficult upon his return, never again earning as much as before.

What’s more, some of his ventures had even resulted in losses.

With savings dwindling and business failing, his reserves depleted rapidly. With no other recourse, he had no choice but to approach his elder brother again, hoping to leverage his connections to get back on his feet.

After all, his brother was a member of the County Standing Committee. A simple word or a few contracts from him could completely revive his fortunes.

"Why are you here?"

Looking at Mi Zhicheng, Mi Zhiguo’s expression darkened. It was because of this brother that he had nearly lost Zhang Yang as a son-in-law last time.

Reflecting now, Yu Yong truly could not compare to Zhang Yang; the gap was immense.

"Brother, why is he here too?"

Mi Zhicheng didn't answer his brother but instead looked with surprise at Zhang Yang and Long Feng’s group.

He remembered Zhang Yang from the previous incident, which had been sparked by him. He hadn't expected Zhang Yang to be here, and judging by the atmosphere, his relationship with the Mi family seemed very harmonious.

Mi Zhicheng’s question immediately caused Mi Zhiguo’s face to fall, and he said coldly, "Zhang Yang is Mi Xue's boyfriend. They've come back for a visit. What are you doing here?"

He repeated his previous question, clearly indicating his displeasure.

Zhang Yang was a son-in-law Mi Zhiguo could never have dreamed of, and this tactless younger brother dared to ask why he was present. It was no wonder Mi Zhiguo’s tone wasn't pleasant.

"Brother, how can you still let them be together? Haven't you forgotten that the Yu family was ruined by him? The Yu family will surely seek revenge sooner or later!"

Mi Zhicheng's eyes widened. He had fled too quickly and was unaware of many subsequent developments.

Moreover, he had personally investigated Zhang Yang’s background and concluded he was just an ordinary student, harboring an instinctive disdain for him. Now, seeing Zhang Yang treated as an honored guest in his brother's house while he, the younger brother, received a cold reception, filled him with sour jealousy, prompting the outburst.

"Nonsense! What are you talking about? The Yu family deserved what they got!"

Mi Zhiguo roared in reprimand. If Zhang Yang hadn't been present, he would have gladly slapped his feckless brother.

He had finally managed to mend relations, and this idiot had to bring up the most sensitive topic, purely embarrassing him.

Revenge from the Yu family? The Yu family would need the capability to seek revenge first. The fact that Zhang Yang wasn't pursuing their residual responsibility was already their greatest fortune. If the Yu family dared to mention retaliation, they would be completely finished.

"Ring, ring, ring!"

Just as Mi Zhiguo was about to throw out his disappointing brother, his phone suddenly rang. He couldn't continue the scolding and had to take the call first.

"What? Serious food poisoning outbreak at the Mi Ji Congee Stall?"

As soon as the call connected, Mi Zhiguo’s expression changed dramatically, and he cried out in alarm.

Zhang Yang, sitting nearby, and Mi Zhicheng, who had just been berated by his brother, both froze and looked toward Mi Zhiguo.

Mi Zhiguo was the Deputy County Mayor in charge of culture, education, and health. This fell squarely under his purview as a health incident.

The call mentioned a major food poisoning incident, meaning it wasn't trivial. He might even be held responsible.

Zhang Yang also stood up, driven by professional instinct; he always paid attention to major accidents. Mi Zhicheng, however, turned ashen-faced. The Mi Ji Congee Stall was his last remaining profitable venture—an ordinary mid-tier restaurant.

"Mi Ji Congee Stall, that’s yours, isn't it?"

Mi Zhiguo suddenly asked. He didn't care about his younger brother's general affairs, but he knew about some of Mi Zhicheng's properties.

"It’s mine. What's going on? What exactly happened?"

Mi Zhicheng’s face was pale, looking utterly lost. The Mi Ji Congee Stall was the first restaurant he had opened when he started his ventures. Later, because it wasn't highly profitable, he never paid it much special attention.

Although it wasn't making huge profits, it still brought in revenue. Most restaurants nowadays could do well if they had a good location and good taste. Mi Zhicheng hadn't involved himself much, but he had hired a very capable manager who kept it running smoothly. Amidst the continuous losses in his other ventures, even accumulating external debt, this sole profitable asset had become precious.

Hearing that his restaurant was involved in an incident, a major food poisoning case, Mi Zhicheng's first thought was that his restaurant was ruined.

Having run restaurants before, he understood too well the impact such food poisoning incidents had on a business.

"I don't know the specifics. You come with me to the scene immediately and get to the bottom of this!"

Mi Zhiguo said sternly, shaking his head.

"Brother, can I not go?"

Mi Zhicheng pleaded, his voice cracking. He was timid by nature. When trouble struck, his first thought was always to flee, as far away as possible, just so these people couldn't catch him.

If the restaurant was gone, it was gone. As long as he was alive, he still had a chance.

In such a serious event, he could be held accountable, as he was the legal representative.

"No. You are the owner of the restaurant, you must go!"

Mi Zhiguo glared, his reprimand even louder than before. He knew his younger brother too well. Even at a time like this, the man was thinking of running away.

"Zhang Yang, I am truly sorry. Please have your Auntie eat with you first. I have urgent work matters and must head over now!"

After chastising his brother, Mi Zhiguo turned to Zhang Yang, his tone much gentler.

"We can't even have a peaceful meal when we have guests!"

Wu Fenglan grumbled, but she understood this was an emergency and Mi Zhiguo couldn't stay. She only felt a sense of disappointment.

"Uncle Mi, I'll go with you!"

Zhang Yang nodded. Mi Zhiguo’s handling of the situation was correct; as a leader, he needed to be on the front lines during a crisis. If he stayed here to eat with them and ignored the situation, he would be derelict in his duty.

"You don't need to come. Just stay here and eat!"

Mi Zhiguo shook his head. Zhang Yang smiled slightly and said softly, "Isn't this a major incident? Uncle Mi, don't forget, I am a doctor. Perhaps I can be of some help if I go!"

Zhang Yang’s words made Mi Zhiguo hesitate. Zhang Yang was indeed a doctor, and he had some understanding of his medical skills.

The last time he was in such a severe car accident, Zhang Yang had saved him, and shortly after, he was back on his feet and working; even the other doctors at the hospital called it a miracle.

"Let's do it this way. We can eat anytime; saving lives is the priority!"

Zhang Yang smiled again, stood up, and walked directly to Mi Zhiguo’s side. Long Feng followed.

Even Zhui Feng in the courtyard walked over to Zhang Yang’s side.

Normally, Mi Zhicheng would have taken a few extra looks at such a rare and beautiful horse, perhaps even entertained thoughts about it, but today he was too stunned by the news about the restaurant to pay attention.

Mi Zhiguo hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

Zhang Yang was indeed a doctor. Since he actively requested to go, it was best not to refuse this courtesy. Even if Zhang Yang couldn't help, tagging along for appearances wouldn't hurt, as it wasn't a dangerous situation.

Mi Zhiguo agreed. Zhang Yang comforted Zhui Feng a few more times before the spirit beast settled down.

Not only Zhui Feng stayed behind, but Lightning, Wuying, and Long Feng remained as well. The only one accompanying Zhang Yang was Mi Xue. Long Feng knew he might not be much help, so he stayed behind to look after the three great spirit beasts.

Lightning and the others were very intelligent, but they were still spirit beasts, and if they were provoked, it could escalate into a major incident. With Long Feng staying, Zhang Yang could be more at ease.

In the Mercedes, Mi Zhiguo and Mi Zhicheng got in.

Mi Zhiguo had returned in his own car, not a public vehicle, so he could use Zhang Yang's car to save time and be more efficient.

As for Mi Zhicheng, he still looked somewhat frightened. He didn't want to go, but he couldn't defy his elder brother. He knew clearly that if he refused, his brother would immediately have the police arrest him first.

This wasn't about airing dirty laundry; his brother deeply despised irresponsible behavior when trouble arose.

The patients were at the County People’s Hospital. The person who called Mi Zhiguo was the Director of the Health Bureau. Such a major incident was immediately reported to the Health Bureau, and its director dared not delay, reporting directly to the supervising leader.

Before Mi Zhiguo arrived, the Health Bureau Director was already waiting at the entrance.

Furthermore, the County Magistrate and the County Party Secretary were aware of the matter and had called Mi Zhiguo while he was en route. The County Magistrate was in a meeting and couldn't return, so Mi Zhiguo was tasked with being in charge for now.

As for the County Party Secretary, he would come if the situation required it.

The people from the Health Bureau and the hospital didn't pay attention to the luxurious Mercedes Mi Zhiguo was riding in; at this moment, they had more pressing concerns.

After receiving Mi Zhiguo, these officials immediately headed to the conference room.

Mi Zhiguo didn't know the situation yet, so going directly to the scene would be inefficient; he went to the conference room first to grasp the circumstances. As he left, he instructed Zhang Yang and Mi Xue to keep a close eye on Mi Zhicheng. With Zhang Yang there, there was no way Mi Zhicheng could slip away.

There were already many people in the emergency room area. After Mi Zhiguo left, Zhang Yang pulled Mi Zhicheng along to come here first. Mi Zhicheng felt a slight sense of relief now that his brother was gone, and he wasn't thinking of immediate escape; he wanted to understand what was happening first.

There were quite a few people in the emergency room, with many staff members running around busy.

"This patient needs immediate surgery, or they will die just like the patient from earlier!"

As soon as Zhang Yang entered the emergency room, he heard an urgent shout from a distance. Based on the voice, the speaker seemed relatively young. Hearing this, Zhang Yang's brow subtly furrowed. This accident was indeed serious; based on their words, someone had already died.

"No, the patient's family hasn't arrived yet. Absolutely no surgery, or we won't be able to bear the responsibility if anything goes wrong!"

As Zhang Yang was pondering, a middle-aged man's voice rang out again. The younger man who spoke before said urgently, "The family is on their way, but you must know that saving lives is like fighting a fire! This patient cannot be delayed any longer. If we wait for the family, the patient will surely suffer an accident!"

"I don't know if the patient will have an accident, but this surgery cannot proceed without a signature!"

The middle-aged man's voice sounded again. Zhang Yang located the direction of the voices and headed over immediately.

Mi Zhicheng and Mi Xue hadn't heard the exchange. Mi Zhicheng was looking around, trying to find someone to ask what was going on, when Zhang Yang grabbed him and pulled him along.

Zhang Yang followed the sound to Emergency Room Three, where he immediately saw two men in doctor's scrubs arguing heatedly.

One was younger, looking under thirty, and the other was a middle-aged man in his forties. They were the ones who had been speaking earlier.

"No, no matter what you say, I will not agree to the surgery!"

The middle-aged man shouted again. The younger man seemed agitated, pulled down his mask, and exclaimed loudly, "Director, I will do the surgery! I will take responsibility if anything goes wrong! The patient cannot be delayed!"

Zhang Yang glanced at them and immediately moved toward the patient on the nearby gurney.

The patient was already receiving an IV drip, with two nurses monitoring them. Both nurses looked at Zhang Yang with surprise.

Even the two arguing doctors paused, confused by the sudden appearance of a stranger.

Zhang Yang glanced at the patient once, and his brow knitted together again.

The patient was in very poor condition, with white foam around the mouth, clearly indicating poisoning, and severe poisoning at that.

Zhang Yang reached out to check the patient's wrist, and his brow twitched unnaturally.

The patient had been poisoned with a large dose of Arsenic Trioxide ($\text{As}_2\text{O}_3$), with significant burns to the trachea causing breathing difficulty. A tracheotomy was necessary immediately, or death was certain.

The young man was correct; if this patient was delayed any further, they would truly be lost.

Arsenic trioxide, known in this land since ancient times, is a highly toxic substance. Few people know it by this name, but many will certainly recognize its other designation.

Arsenic trioxide also goes by the name $\text{Arsenic}$.

$\text{Arsenic}$ is a strictly controlled poison in this nation, and such a poisoning incident occurring in a restaurant is unlikely to be accidental. However, these matters held no bearing on Zhang Yang; his sole concern was the patient before him.

“Who are you people?”

The middle-aged man urgently demanded, finally reacting to the sudden intrusion of strangers into the emergency room.

“He is the owner of the Mi Ji Congee Stall!”

Zhang Yang pointed at Mi Zhicheng, unceremoniously shoving him aside, before turning to the young man and asking, “You were right. This patient needs immediate surgery. I ask you, are there many patients in his condition? What is the current situation?”

Zhang Yang cut straight to the point, extending his hand to release two streams of subtle internal energy, first sealing the patient’s meridians to slow the toxin's assault. After reaching the fourth level of Inner Strength, he could achieve effects similar to acupuncture without even needing silver needles.

This was the advantage of projecting internal energy externally; he hadn't been capable of this at the third level. (To be continued)