Zhang Keqin looked up, the first thing he asked about was the time. When facing Zhang Yang, all he could think about was his son, but when he saw his secretary, he thought only of work.

"Boss, it's eight in the evening. Would you like something to eat first?"

Zhao Min stepped forward and said softly.

Zhang Keqin smiled, propped himself up, and said, "It's eight already. It seems I slept quite a while. I'm not hungry, just thirsty. Get me some congee, and then we'll head back!"

A hint of difficulty crossed Zhao Min's face as he glanced at Zhang Yang beside him.

Zhang Keqin's intention was clearly to be discharged. Having been unconscious for so long, even if he wanted to leave, the hospital likely wouldn't agree. However, the hospital staff couldn't stop him; they could only appeal to Zhang Yang.

In Zhao Min’s mind, he also didn't want Zhang Keqin to leave the hospital. He felt it was better for the leader to remain under observation there.

Zhang Yang lowered his head, thought for a moment, and then nodded: "Going back is fine too. Rest for two days when we return, and don't be so busy during this time!"

Zhao Min froze, looking at Zhang Yang with some surprise.

Zhang Yang had actually agreed to his leader's request to be discharged and go home. He had only been unconscious for several hours; how could he leave right after waking up? This seemed utterly irresponsible concerning his leader's health.

However, this was just his perspective; what Zhang Yang was thinking was different.

Zhang Keqin wasn't suffering from a major illness, but a flare-up of latent poison. Staying in the hospital was useless. If he wanted to go home, it was better to let him go home.

Once back, Zhang Yang would move in as well. That way, it would be easier to pinpoint exactly what poison Zhang Keqin had ingested that took so long to manifest. Once the toxin was identified, administering the antidote would be straightforward.

Viewed this way, there was indeed no need to stay in the hospital; returning home was preferable.

"Don't say any more. Get ready; I'll have a drink and then we'll leave!"

Zhao Min tried to speak again, but Zhang Keqin waved his hand, forcing Zhao Min to stop. He understood his leader too well: once Zhang Keqin made a decision, no one could change it.

Zhao Min left the ward again to prepare the congee that Zhang Keqin preferred.

After he left, the news that Provincial Party Secretary Zhang Keqin had awakened quickly spread. Countless people outside had been worried sick since his collapse, and there were all sorts of speculations. Now that Zhang Keqin was awake, at least some people could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Zhang Keqin’s status was unique; every move he made concerned many people.

"Uncle Zhang, you're awake?"

After Zhao Min left, Mi Xue walked in. Previously, while Zhang Yang was administering treatment, no one, including Mi Xue, had been allowed into the room.

"You silly girl, we're already family now. You shouldn't keep calling me Uncle; it's time to change how you address me!"

Zhang Keqin laughed heartily, pointing at Mi Xue as he spoke. Mi Xue's head immediately dropped, her face turning beet red.

According to customs in Changjing, one was supposed to change their form of address after getting engaged. But Mi Xue was shy and never quite got used to it, so she kept calling him 'Uncle.' Zhang Keqin hadn't corrected her before, but raising the issue now, capitalizing on his sickness, showed that he hoped the two of them would settle down and be together soon.

"Yes. Dad!"

Mi Xue’s voice was incredibly soft, but Zhang Keqin still heard it, and he let out a loud, happy laugh.

His laughter made Mi Xue's face even redder, and she buried her head beside him, not daring to look up.

Seeing Mi Xue’s reaction, Zhang Yang couldn't help but smile faintly. What no one noticed was the deep current of worry lingering in the depths of Zhang Yang’s eyes as he smiled.

Until the latent poison could be identified, Zhang Yang could only sustain Zhang Keqin’s life for now. Even using miraculous herbs only maintained vital functions and reduced the harm caused by the poison. As long as the latent poison wasn't neutralized, Zhang Keqin’s body couldn't fully recover, meaning he remained in danger.

Diagnosing latent poison wasn't easy, especially poison that had been dormant for over a decade, as its toxicity would have changed significantly, making it highly deceptive. If the diagnosis was wrong, it wouldn't only fail to detoxify but could potentially aggravate the poison. Every poison required a different method of neutralization.

Of course, Zhang Yang would never reveal any of this, not even to Mi Xue, to prevent everyone from worrying unnecessarily.

Zhao Min soon brought the congee. Before he arrived, Zhang Yang had already removed the needles from Zhang Keqin.

He had inserted every needle deeply, so much so that Zhao Min and Mi Xue hadn't even noticed the needles sticking into Zhang Keqin earlier. Even Zhang Keqin himself only realized how many things were stuck in him when Zhang Yang started pulling them out.

Watching the needles Zhang Yang pulled out, a flicker of astonishment crossed Zhang Keqin's eyes, but he said nothing, quickly recovering his smile.

After finishing the congee, Zhang Keqin insisted on being discharged.

His insistence on leaving shocked the hospital director and a large contingent of specialists. They vehemently opposed his discharge, insisting he stay for further observation for several days. In the end, Zhang Keqin wouldn't budge, insisting on returning home, and was finally allowed to leave the hospital.

Zhang Keqin was perfectly clear about Zhang Yang's medical prowess. Having inherited the true teachings of the Zhang family, he was a genuine divine doctor, far superior to anyone at the hospital. With Zhang Yang by his side, he had no need to fear illness. If even Zhang Yang couldn't handle his condition, staying in the hospital would be pointless. Therefore, as soon as Zhang Yang agreed to the discharge, he made up his mind to leave the hospital premises.

"Uncle Zhang!"

As soon as he stepped out of the ward, a crowd greeted him. After sending them off, a few younger men approached.

Su Zhantao, Wang Chen, and Li Ya had all arrived.

They only found out what had happened after reaching Changjing. Zhang Keqin’s collapse was no small matter; it had already spread throughout the province. Every one of their families was prominent, and a little inquiry was enough for them to find out. Hearing about the incident, they all understood why Zhang Yang had rushed back so anxiously. If it were their own father who had fallen ill, they would have rushed back just as urgently, unable to delay even a moment longer.

"You all came too!"

Zhang Keqin smiled, recognizing Su Zhantao and the others. They had all attended Zhang Yang’s engagement celebration. These were all Zhang Yang’s friends. Regardless of their status, Zhang Keqin would never object to the friends his son chose. The decade-long misunderstanding between father and son, now resolved, was his greatest satisfaction; he certainly wouldn't interfere with anything else. In truth, he lacked the means to interfere even if he wanted to.

"I knew nothing serious would happen to you; Zhang Yang is here!"

Su Zhantao chuckled. When he heard Zhang Keqin was sick, Su Zhantao immediately thought of Zhang Yang and wasn't overly worried. He was extremely clear about Zhang Yang’s medical skill; as long as Zhang Yang was present, nothing was a problem. This was quite similar to Mi Xue, who placed immense confidence in Zhang Yang's medical abilities.

"Exactly! That's why I'm leaving the hospital. My son is much better than all these hospital experts!"

Zhang Keqin laughed heartily. While this might sound like bragging about his son, he was stating an undeniable truth. Su Zhantao and the others couldn't help but nod in agreement. Everyone present understood Zhang Yang's medical skill; Zhang Yang was indeed stronger than the hospital doctors. Having a son superior to hospital physicians, there was no reason to remain confined there.

Traveling in his own car, Zhang Keqin was soon back at home. Zhang Yang accompanied him, while Su Zhantao and the others found a place to eat, as they hadn't had a meal yet. Zhang Yang sensed the goodwill of his friends. Unfortunately, he truly had no time to treat them to a meal now and could only promise to make it up to them next time.

At the Provincial Party Committee Family Compound, the lights in Building Number One were all illuminated. This sight brought a sense of stability to many others in the complex. Zhang Keqin's presence or absence had a significant impact on them; he was the leader. If he remained in a coma and suffered a serious illness, it was quite possible he would be unable to continue working. In that event, the position of Provincial Party Secretary might need to change hands.

This was the paramount leader of the province, a regional sovereign; anyone with ambition would be tempted by that seat, and some people in the compound harbored such desires. But they only dared to think about it; no one made any moves. Now that Zhang Keqin was back, they understood that opportunity had vanished. From now on, it was best to remain dutiful and work with peace of mind.

Upon arriving home, the servants responsible for Zhang Keqin's daily life had already prepared dinner. Normally, when Zhang Keqin was home and too busy to cook for himself, these were the meals they prepared.

After a light meal, Zhang Keqin summoned Zhang Yang to his study. However, upon entering the study, the previous jovial expression had vanished from Zhang Keqin's face.

"Yangyang, this is the wine you gave me; it’s truly excellent. Have a drink!"

Zhang Keqin produced a bottle of Monkey Wine, poured two glasses, and inhaled the aroma of his glass with an air of delight.

Zhang Yang lifted his glass, inhaled lightly, and then casually downed the contents.

"Yangyang, tell me the truth, is this time very serious for me?" Zhang Keqin suddenly asked. Zhang Yang paused slightly, looking up at him with a touch of surprise.

Zhang Keqin sighed again. "Even if you don't tell me, I understand. The moment you removed the needles from me, I knew this certainly wasn't a minor issue. I don't understand the medical skills of your Zhang family, but your mother researched Chinese medicine for so long; I have some basic knowledge. In acupuncture, the more vital acupoints needled, the more severe the condition!"

Zhang Keqin sensed something was amiss when Zhang Yang was extracting the needles. Although there were only four needles, they were all inserted into major points on the head. At that moment, he realized his condition was definitely not trivial. He hadn't asked because there were too many people at the hospital. Now, alone with his grandson in the study, he finally voiced his concern.

Zhang Keqin had spent his entire life navigating the complexities of officialdom and could easily discern matters from small details, especially concerning his own health.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Yang replied, "Dad, you don't need to worry. Your current situation is a latent poison flare-up, like a virus reaching its outbreak phase. As long as we identify what this latent poison is, everything will be fine!"

Zhang Keqin seemed to have sensed something, and Zhang Yang knew he wouldn't be able to keep it hidden, so he decided to speak frankly. If he remained silent, Zhang Keqin might worry even more, which would be counterproductive. For a patient, an unknown illness is often more terrifying than a known one and can easily lead to psychosomatic distress.

"Latent poison flare-up? What is latent poison?"

Zhang Keqin frowned slightly and asked softly.