Chapter 143: Treatment

Zhao Qin, standing nearby, was clearly bewildered by Li Huowang’s words. He didn't understand what the other person was saying. Just as he clenched his fists, intending to speak, an elderly woman's voice made him instantly forget his intentions.

"Husband, quickly look, our son is back again."

Shocked, he turned to look at his wife, only to discover, to his astonishment, that after thirty years of being supposedly afflicted, her eyes held clarity for the first time.

"You... you recognize me?" Zhao Qin rushed to her side, gripping her hands, overcome with emotion.

"Husband, look how wonderful our son is. So young, yet he knows to be filial to his mother, knows I like fresh fried dough sticks, and went specifically to buy them early this morning." As the old woman spoke, she gently nibbled at Yang Xiaohai’s clothes with her loose teeth.

Immediately after, the disciples of the Dragon Ascent Escort Agency were astonished to see their normally stern and unsmiling Chief Escort shed tears. Zhao Qin walked over and embraced his wife, sobbing uncontrollably. "Fengxia... I've wronged you!"

Wang Chengxing, who had followed his master since childhood, suddenly felt a pang in his nose. Although his master had a strict demeanor, he knew it was merely a facade.

At that moment, Bai Lingmiao, standing nearby, walked over to Li Huowang, quietly tugged his sleeve, and asked in surprise, "Senior Brother Li, how did you do it? You're truly amazing."

Li Huowang looked at the elderly couple embracing before him with a complex expression. "Long illness makes a good doctor. I've seen cases like this at the hospital before. Actually, compared to diagnosing symptoms, I'm more adept at identifying psychotropic medications."

"Then what was she afflicted by?"

Li Huowang sighed softly. "She wasn't afflicted; she just experienced too much trauma back then and couldn't recover, and then being confined for thirty years made her this way."

Having said this, he was about to leave the somewhat dim room with Bai Lingmiao, but he was stopped after only a few steps. It was Zhao Qin, his eyes brimming with tears. Overcome with emotion, he clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to Li Huowang. "Thank you, benefactor, for your help!"

"Don't rush to thank me; it's not over yet. Bring her out, wash her, and change her into clean clothes."

At that moment, Li Huowang's words were like an imperial decree to Zhao Qin, who immediately complied.

The old woman, now in fresh clothes, was taken to a bright, warm bedroom. However, she still held Yang Xiaohai in her arms. Li Huowang instructed Zhao Qin from the side. "If she likes holding him, let her. Hire a few children to take turns holding her. This is her subconscious seeking a substitute to compensate for what she lost in the past."

"Once her emotions have been sufficiently released, you can replace the child with a doll."

"On sunny days, take her out often to bask in the sun. More sunlight improves mood, which is beneficial for the patient's recovery."

"If there's truly no one to accompany her, get her two dogs. Pets can also have a calming effect on one's state of mind."

"Thirty years is truly too long. This kind of condition is most effectively treated with early intervention. You should primarily focus on stabilizing her condition." Li Huowang paused for a moment, recalling what Doctor Li had said to other patients' families, and then relayed other details to Zhao Qin.

"This is all I remember. Give it a try; it's certainly better than keeping her locked in a dark room. Remember, don't confine her anymore, and don't chain her. She's already this ill; continued confinement will only worsen her condition."

Zhao Qin looked at his wife, sitting quietly there. His eyes were filled with emotion. He kept murmuring, "It's enough, this is more than enough." That his wife, after thirty years, could still recognize him was something he had never dared to dream of. In Zhao Qin's eyes, Li Huowang was a living medical immortal!

"Alright then, if there's nothing else, we'll head back. We have to travel tomorrow."

As Li Huowang was about to leave, Zhao Qin stopped him with outstretched arms, his voice trembling as he spoke to his disciples: "Yuanhu! Go set up a banquet at Dongfu Tower! A grand banquet!"

To express his sincerity, Zhao Qin pulled out all the stops. The Dragon Ascent Escort Agency booked the entire best restaurant in the small town to host Li Huowang and his companions. The most luxurious banquet in the restaurant was incomparable to anything found in an inn's dining hall. A variety of delicacies made everyone's mouths water: fruitwood roasted chicken, braised whole fish, steamed cured meats, and locust flower soup... Especially the roast suckling pig in the center of the table: its tender, fatty meat was roasted to a golden, crispy perfection, surrounded by rich, aromatic juices that glistened under the candlelight, releasing wafts of enticing fragrance.

Not just the people, even Mantou squatted by Li Huowang's feet, excitedly licking his chops, waiting for leftover bones.

Li Huowang, seated at the head of the table, paid little attention to the feast. He leaned sideways, listening to Chun Xiaoman explain the full story of the incident.

"Next time, for something like this, ask me first. Don't act rashly on your own, and don't involve Bai Lingmiao," Li Huowang said. If such matters were handled well, it was fine, but if not, it would just lead to more trouble.

Chun Xiaoman paused, seemingly wanting to argue, but ultimately said nothing, just nodding. "Yes, Senior Brother Li."

Seeing Zhao Qin, dressed in formal attire, ascending the wooden staircase with a group of disciples, Li Huowang sat upright again. With an eager gaze, Zhao Qin said nothing, simply poured three full cups of wine and drank them in rapid succession, facing Li Huowang.

"Chief Escort Zhao, you're too kind. What happened with your wife was simply something I couldn't bear to see. Please, everyone else, have a seat."

Li Huowang first picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of chicken. Only after seeing the accompanying escorts pick up their chopsticks did he put the food into his own mouth, and then he gave the others a subtle glance. The others, who could no longer wait, quickly started eating. While the escorts were startled by their eagerness, the dishes on the table visibly diminished at a rapid pace. Li Huowang picked up a large chicken leg, took a bite, then tossed it under the table for Mantou.

"Benefactor, words cannot express my gratitude for such great kindness! By saving my wife today, you have saved me! Tomorrow, a generous gift will be sent to your residence; I hope you will not refuse it!" Zhao Qin, having drunk wine, had a red nose and was clearly more talkative. "Furthermore, if you ever face any difficulties in the future, our Dragon Ascent Escort Agency will certainly provide our utmost support!"

Having said this, he again drank three more cups of wine, facing Li Huowang. Just as he was about to pour a fourth cup, Li Huowang stopped him with his chopsticks. "Chief Escort Zhao, it's best not to drink too much; getting drunk makes it hard to talk. Actually, I do have something I'd like to trouble you with."

"Since your business is escorting, and your escorts are all skilled, do you happen to have any good sword techniques?" This wasn't just for Chun Xiaoman; it was also for himself. He had just acquired a good sword from the Abbess, and it wouldn't do to have no suitable sword techniques. Even with a fine sword, he couldn't just wield it like a fire poker, wildly thrusting it about, could he? Since the other party had made such a generous offer, there was no reason for him not to mention his request.