Chapter 68 Nearly Lost Control

Wen Yao paid her respects to Doctor Jin and Manager Qiu. The middle-aged man who spoke to them was unfamiliar to Wen Yao, so she simply smiled in greeting and immediately ran off to find Wen Jun and Wen Xiuyi.

Wen Yao arched her brows in their direction.

Wen Jun instantly understood, mouthing a single word: "Child."

Wen Yao was stunned. Was her elder brother so bold? He had just refused a matchmaking proposal, and now he was already discussing children?

Seeing her expression, Wen Jun knew she must be letting her imagination run wild. He raised his hand and lightly tapped her forehead, adding, "Carriage."

Only then did Wen Yao realize what he meant—it was about the carriage. So, the people who had come must be relatives of the beautiful woman and the child.

Meanwhile, the middle-aged man, Manager Qiu, and Doctor Jin had finished their conversation.

"Since Miss Wen has arrived, then, Mr. Wen, Young Master Wen, shall we proceed?" the middle-aged man said.

Doctor Jin spoke, "Then, Steward Xie, I'll trouble you with my apprentice."

Steward Xie quickly clasped his hands in respect, "You flatter me, it's merely my duty. Doctor Jin, rest assured, the lady, the master, and the old mistress all wish to properly thank Young Master Wen for saving our young master. It's a good thing."

Doctor Jin nodded, instructing Wen Jun, "I was the one who attended to Young Master Xie's condition before. If Steward Xie hadn't come today, I wouldn't have known it was you who handled the emergency. You did well. Without you and your sister, Young Master Xie might not have survived. Go with confidence; with your master here, they won't trouble you."

Doctor Jin's concern was that the strict and rule-abiding old mistress of the Xie family might make things difficult for Wen Jun.

Wen Jun nodded, "Understood, Master. We'll be back soon."

"Mm," Doctor Jin stepped aside.

After greeting them, Steward Xie courteously invited the three members of the Wen family onto the carriage.

Steward Xie sat outside, while the carriage interior was occupied only by the family of three.

"Brother, how did they find us?" Wen Yao asked, full of curiosity. After all, they had saved the child and returned home without leaving their names or any information, nor did they know anything about the other party.

Wen Jun briefly explained the day's events to them.

It turned out that Doctor Jin had always treated the Xie family. Today, the old mistress was unwell and had come to the clinic to collect her prescription. The coachman recognized Wen Jun as the one who had saved Young Master Xie and reported it to the family. Lady Xie immediately sent Steward Xie to invite Wen Jun and Wen Yao to their home to properly thank them for their life-saving deed. After Steward Xie arrived, Doctor Jin sent Hong Hai to fetch Wen Xiuyi, and Ah Wang to Guting Village to bring Wen Yao, which led to the events that followed.

"What kind of family is the Xie family?" Wen Yao whispered, afraid Steward Xie would overhear from outside.

Wen Jun shook his head, but Wen Xiuyi had heard some things about the Xie family.

"In Yunwu Town, there's only one notable Xie family, a branch of the Xie clan from Chen Commandery, a scholarly family of considerable reputation here. The head, Xie Yushan, remarried a few years ago. The child Doctor Wen saved is their most beloved youngest son. I've heard the Xie family is very strict with rules; when you arrive, don't speak carelessly, just follow our lead," Wen Xiuyi cautioned.

The siblings both nodded.

Soon, the carriage slowed and stopped. Steward Xie called from outside, prompting the three to disembark and stand before the Xie family's grand gates.

Steward Xie stepped forward and gestured invitingly.

"Please, follow me."

Wen Xiuyi, as the family head, nodded calmly, "Thank you for your trouble."

Steward Xie smiled again, then led the trio into the Xie residence.

As they entered, someone rushed to the rear courtyard to notify the household. By the time Steward Xie guided them through the spacious grounds and into the main hall, the three masters of the Xie family, along with the child whom Wen Jun had saved, were already waiting, flanked by rows of servants.

As soon as they arrived, every gaze fell upon them.

Steward Xie stepped forward and bowed, "Old Mistress, Master, Lady, the guests have arrived."

Qiu Rongrong instantly recognized Wen Yao and Wen Jun. Compared to that day, the siblings now wore finer clothing, and in such surroundings, neither showed any sign of intimidation. Wen Yao's lively eyes were even subtly observing them.

Not only Qiu Rongrong, but Xie Yushan and the old mistress also scrutinized the trio. They had expected two ordinary peasants, who would surely be overwhelmed by the grandeur of the Xie family. Yet the family of three remained composed, treating everything as if it were commonplace.

Xie Yushan put aside his initial disdain and stepped forward, clasping his hands in greeting, "You must be Young Doctor Wen. If not for you and your sister, my son would not have survived that day. I apologize for inviting you so abruptly, but we wished to properly repay your kindness. I hope you will forgive our impertinence."

Wen Jun returned the greeting, "Master Xie, you are too kind. It is the duty of every physician. Anyone in our position would have done the same."

Wen Jun's poise further improved Xie Yushan's impression of him. He glanced at Wen Xiuyi, prompting Wen Jun to introduce, "Master Xie, this is my father."

Xie Yushan affected a look of realization and greeted Wen Xiuyi, then led the three to their seats, introducing his mother and wife. Finally, he beckoned to the child, "Yier, come here and thank your saviors."

Throughout, the old mistress had not spoken, nor even glanced at them more than once when they entered.

The child, however, was very obedient, running to stand beside Xie Yushan upon being called.

Xie Yushan introduced, "This is my son, Xie Anyi. Yier, come thank Doctor Wen."

Wen Yao nearly slipped from her seat, blurting, "Xie Anyi?"

Her sudden exclamation, full name included, drew everyone’s attention. Wen Yao quickly composed herself and flashed the innocent smile of a young girl, saying, "What a beautiful name."

Only Wen Xiuyi and Wen Jun, who knew her well, sensed there was more to it. Both glanced at Wen Yao, who returned a look promising to explain later.

Wen Xiuyi stepped in smoothly, "An means 'peace,' signifying harmony, health, and safety for the family. Yi means 'soaring,' and together, it conveys the hope that your son will enjoy a life of peace, prosperity, and success. It's truly an excellent name."

Wen Yao quietly gave Wen Xiuyi a thumbs-up behind his back—Professor Wen, indeed worthy of his reputation.

This time, Xie Yushan was genuinely surprised and asked, "Brother Wen, have you studied?"

Wen Xiuyi smiled gently and clasped his hands, "Scholar of the sixth year of Yongxing."

Yongxing's sixth year was more than a decade ago. Still a scholar after all this time—if not for wanting to protect Wen Yao, Professor Wen would hardly want to admit to such credentials.