The residential compound was filled with old-style siheyuan courtyards, rich with the charm and atmosphere of a bygone era.
At the entrance stood two armed guards, their posture perfectly straight as they carried out their duties with unwavering focus. The rifles in their hands emphasized the seriousness and prestige of the place.
No outside vehicles were allowed inside.
With no choice, Jiang Ning and Tang Xiachuan got out of the car.
First, they respectfully presented their identification to the guards for verification. Then they carefully registered the information of the resident they intended to visit.
One of the guards nodded, entered the guard booth, and made a brief phone call.
Two minutes later, he stepped out and gave them a crisp military salute.
"Sorry for the wait, gentlemen. We're just following protocol. You may enter now."
"No problem, comrade. You're doing exactly what you're supposed to do," Tang Xiachuan replied kindly with a wave of his hand.
Afterward, he led Jiang Ning into the compound.
Tang Hecai and secretary Ke Hanliang were required to remain outside and wait by the car.
As they walked along the pathways, Jiang Ning immediately sensed countless eyes watching them from all directions.
Some were obvious—people casually glancing their way.
Others were hidden in the shadows.
"Master Jiang, don't be nervous," Tang Xiachuan said when he noticed Jiang Ning's discomfort. "Those are all National Security personnel carrying out protection duties in the area."
Jiang Ning nodded slightly.
"I understand. Their vigilance is impressive."
He could tell that whenever a stranger entered the compound, these highly trained agents instinctively placed their hands near their pockets or chests, ready to draw weapons and respond to any emergency at a moment's notice.
Tang Xiachuan continued:
"Master Jiang, everyone living here is one of the nation's top figures. Members of the political advisory conference, military leaders, diplomats... all of them are SSS-level protected individuals."
"I understand."
Jiang Ning wasn't stupid.
The extensive security procedures alone were enough to prove how extraordinary this place was.
Armed guards.
Countless watchful gazes.
With the acute perception of a Martial Grandmaster, Jiang Ning estimated that before they had even walked a hundred meters, at least a hundred people had already been monitoring them.
Everything indicated that the residents were either powerful aristocratic families or individuals of immense national importance.
After enduring countless rounds of scrutiny from hidden security personnel, they finally arrived at a courtyard residence.
Tang Xiachuan straightened his clothes and pressed the doorbell.
Ding-dong.
Moments later, the door creaked open.
A middle-aged man around fifty years old appeared.
The moment he saw Tang Xiachuan, he smiled warmly.
"Hello, Uncle Tang."
"Hello, Guoqiang."
Tang Xiachuan smiled back before introducing the others.
"Guoqiang, let me introduce someone. This is Master Jiang, Jiang Ning. I've brought him to examine your father's illness. Jiang Ning, this is Commander Lu's third son, Lu Guoqiang."
"Hello, Master Jiang."
The moment Lu Guoqiang heard that Jiang Ning had come to treat his father, joy flashed across his face. He hurried forward and shook Jiang Ning's hand enthusiastically.
Jiang Ning hesitated awkwardly.
"Hello, Mr. Lu."
"Not at all, not at all! That's too formal. Just call me Brother Guoqiang."
Although Lu Guoqiang came from a military family and had served in the army for many years, seeing Tang Xiachuan treat Jiang Ning with such respect told him immediately that this young man was no ordinary person.
Otherwise, Tang Xiachuan would never address him as "Master Jiang."
Tang Xiachuan quickly interrupted.
"That won't do. The generations would get all mixed up. Calling him Brother Guoqiang is more appropriate. I already address Master Jiang's father-in-law as an equal. If Master Jiang calls you Uncle, wouldn't that make me your junior? That would be absurd."
Lu Guoqiang laughed awkwardly.
"Alright, alright. Brother Guoqiang it is."
Tang Xiachuan then asked with concern:
"How is your father's condition now?"
He deliberately stopped outside the doorway before entering, afraid that discussing the matter inside might be overheard by the old commander.
Lu Guoqiang sighed deeply.
"Uncle Tang, it's still the same. He's growing thinner every day.
His old comrades, former leaders, military colleagues—they've all invited renowned doctors and gifted specialists to examine him. But nobody can identify the problem.
The military hospital's latest assessment is... that he probably won't survive this year."
His expression darkened as he spoke.
Tang Xiachuan quickly comforted him.
"Don't lose hope.
Master Jiang possesses extraordinary abilities in many fields, especially medicine.
I heard from his father-in-law that he once cured a family friend suffering from a severe illness.
Perhaps he'll be able to help your father too."
At that moment, a hoarse elderly voice drifted from inside the house.
"Is that Little Tang? Bring him in quickly."
"Yes, Father. Uncle Tang is here to see you. I'll bring him in now."
Because the old-fashioned courtyard wasn't large and had poor sound insulation, conversations at the gate could easily be heard inside.
Lu Guoqiang turned to them.
"Uncle Tang, Master Jiang, please come in."
"Let's go. Master Jiang, after you."
Tang Xiachuan politely gestured.
The three of them passed through the courtyard and entered the innermost bedroom.
Lying on the bed was a man in his seventies.
He was alarmingly thin, little more than skin and bones, as though a strong gust of wind could blow him away.
"Commander, I've come to see you."
Tang Xiachuan's eyes instantly reddened.
The old commander smiled weakly.
"Little Tang... these past few days I've kept dreaming about you.
Dreaming about those years when you fought in my unit.
Back then you were just a little brat.
I still remember you wetting your pants from fear."
Tang Xiachuan hurried to the bedside and tightly grasped the old man's hand.
"Yes, Commander.
Time flies.
If it weren't for your care back then, I would have lost my life on the battlefield long ago."
Accompanied by Lu Guoqiang, Jiang Ning slowly stepped closer to the bed.
But the moment Commander Lu saw him, his entire body froze.
Then, with visible excitement, he struggled to sit up.
His lips trembled uncontrollably as he stared at Jiang Ning.
"Old... Old Commander..."
"You... you've come to see me?"
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)