Chapter 9 The Robbery

Upon stepping outside, Ye Chengfeng coughed harshly, depleting the strength he had regained from the recent battle. He couldn't afford to show any weakness in front of the Li family, as they would pounce on him like hungry wolves. He refrained from taking another dose of ginseng outside because he rushed back, not wanting to cause concern for Li Wanrou. Observing Ye Chengfeng's condition, Li Wanrou supported him to the entrance of her courtyard, feeling a mix of heartbreak and helplessness. "Ye Chengfeng, do you realize the gravity of your actions? You have completely offended my parents and grandmother today," Li Wanrou expressed with a worried expression. Ye Chengfeng's demeanor turned cold, "I have been respectful enough. With my previous status, if I were to leak information or be targeted for assassination, the Li family would face dire consequences." "Wanrou, I understand your concerns about the Gao family, but rest assured, my health will soon be restored, and the Gao family can be easily dealt with," he reassured. However, Li Wanrou's worry only deepened as she exclaimed in frustration, "I acknowledge the fault lies with the Li family in this matter, but now that we have made enemies, the Li family will not support you any longer!" "And can you truly defeat the Gao family once you recover? Stop boasting!" she added, skeptical of his claims. Despite her grievances about being forced to marry Gao Yuan, she was well aware of the Gao family's power and doubted Ye Chengfeng's ability to overcome them. After much contemplation, she believed that mediating within the Li family was the best course of action, but Ye Chengfeng had closed off that path himself. Regarding Ye Chengfeng's talk of regaining his health, she doubted that even at full strength, he could match the might of the Gao family. Observing the worry and sadness in Li Wanrou's eyes, Ye Chengfeng felt a pang of heartache. He understood that everything she did was for him, despite her lack of knowledge about his true capabilities. "Wanrou, I don't care how the Li family perceives me. I simply cannot stand seeing them mistreat you repeatedly," he expressed, attempting to lift her spirits by showcasing the ginseng he had acquired. However, Li Wanrou's reaction was unexpected as her eyes widened, and she trembled in disbelief. As someone involved in the herbal business within the Li family, she recognized the value of the thousand-year-old ginseng Ye Chengfeng held - it was worth millions, if not priceless. Where had Ye Chengfeng obtained such a valuable item? Fearful of the answer, she hesitantly asked, "Where did you get this ginseng?" Ye Chengfeng remained composed, "I exchanged it for a prescription." "Nonsense! You traded a prescription for a million-dollar ginseng? Do you even have the right to possess it?" a stern voice interrupted, as the old lady accompanied by Li Wendong, Zhang Lejuan, and Li Wenhai approached. Ye Chengfeng calmly defended himself, "My medical expertise is exceptional, possessing valuable prescriptions is not unusual." Madam Li scoffed, "Exceptional medical skills? Then why was the patient in a vegetative state for five years? I suspect you stole this ginseng!" "Indeed, how could a recently awakened patient in a vegetative state manage to acquire a thousand-year-old ginseng? It must be theft!" Li Wendong and Zhang Lejuan chimed in. "We initially thought you were just a violent individual, but it appears you are also a thief. The Li family cannot tolerate such behavior. Call the authorities, call the authorities!" they demanded. "Don't involve the police!" Ye Chengfeng pleaded. Li Wanrou's expression changed, and she spoke instinctively. Even though she suspected that the ginseng had been acquired through illegal means, she understood that it must be vital for Ye Chengfeng's health since he had brought it back himself. She had witnessed Ye Chengfeng's body breaking down and bleeding! "This is theft, why not call the police now!" Madam Li shouted, urging to involve the authorities, but her gaze remained fixed on the ginseng, and she made no move to reach for her phone. "Don't..." Li Wanrou attempted to interject, but Ye Chengfeng stopped her, his demeanor calm. "Go ahead and call the police, I didn't steal it anyway." "Hehe, if you claim to have exchanged it for medicine, then who did you exchange it with?" Li Wende sneered, as if he had seen through Ye Chengfeng. Ye Chengfeng responded calmly, "I exchanged it with the Situ family, and they even pursued me to complete the exchange." The members of the Li family were momentarily stunned before erupting into laughter. "Haha, this is amusing, you traded medicine for ginseng with the Situ family?" "Ye Chengfeng, we might have believed you if you had said you were trading with someone else, but to claim it was the Situ family? Who do you think you are!" The Li family members burst into laughter! Li Wanrou's face flushed red; she never expected Ye Chengfeng to boldly make such a claim! The Situ family! They were the leaders in the medicinal herb industry in Zhonghai! They practically monopolized all high-quality herbs and formulas! While the Situ family constantly sought new formulas, they rarely found any that met their standards! So, for Ye Chengfeng to assert that his formula was worth millions to the Situ family? Or that they were coming to exchange it? Wasn't that absurd! Madam Li suddenly proposed, "Let's make a deal. If you give the millennium ginseng to me, I will give it to Master Gao, and the Gao family will cease pursuing you. How does that sound?" Although she made this offer, she intended to present it to Gao Yuan as a gift and continue having him chase after Ye Chengfeng! Without hesitation, Ye Chengfeng declined, "It's not possible..." "We'll give it!" Li Wanrou interrupted Ye Chengfeng and snatched the millennium ginseng, handing it to Madam Li. Madam Li was delighted and reached for it, but Li Wanrou pulled it back, stating firmly, "Grandma, you must promise that the Gao family will stop pursuing Ye Chengfeng once they receive this ginseng!" Madam Li smiled and reassured, "My dear granddaughter, I am your grandmother, do you think I would deceive you?" Li Wanrou nodded gently, still holding unwavering faith in the Li family, especially her grandmother. As the family matriarch, one's word must always be upheld! Old Lady Li accepted the ginseng with a smile, "Do not worry, I will ensure that Master Gao ceases chasing Ye Chengfeng, and all grievances will be resolved from now on!" "Thank you so much, grandmother!" Li Wanrou bowed deeply. Then, Li Wanrou turned to Ye Chengfeng, her eyes brimming with tears, "This is the best solution I could come up with. Ye Chengfeng, I know you want to recover, but you cannot resort to theft, do you understand?" "And I believe that this ginseng can persuade Master Gao to let go of his animosity towards you. This is our only chance for survival. As for me taking the ginseng, I will apologize to the Situ family and accept whatever consequences they deem fit." "I just want you to be well. You have just awakened, and we have a long future ahead of us." Li Wanrou had pondered extensively, and this was the most viable plan she could devise! Ye Chengfeng furrowed his brow slightly, "Do you realize how crucial this ginseng is to me?" His tone was not harsh, as he knew that ultimately Li Wanrou did not comprehend his true capabilities! Her willingness to apologize and face punishment on his behalf touched Ye Chengfeng deeply. "I understand, but this is the only way to ensure your safety." Li Wanrou's expression was resolute; she understood the immense value of the ginseng, possibly the only one of its kind in all of Zhonghai. She believed that Gao Yuan would undoubtedly be enticed and willing to use this thousand-year-old ginseng to secure Ye Chengfeng's safety! Ye Chengfeng shook his head and sighed, "I understand your good intentions, but do you believe me? The old lady will not intervene at all. Instead, she will encourage Gao Yuan to intensify his efforts to eliminate me." Li Wanrou was shocked, shaking her head, "That's impossible. I trust Grandma's character. This millennium ginseng is enough to buy Gao Yuan's forgiveness. She has no reason to do such a thing!" Ye Chengfeng thought about the members of the Li family, "No, they won't!" "I know you have your opinions about my family, but I believe they can distinguish right from wrong. Please have faith in them!" Li Wanrou gazed at Ye Chengfeng, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes. She felt that Ye Chengfeng was being too extreme! After all, these were her family members, and being treated this way by Ye Chengfeng was unbearable for her. Ye Chengfeng sighed, "Just wait and see." Even though the ginseng had been taken, Ye Chengfeng was not worried at all, as he had foreseen this outcome. Displaying the ginseng in front of the Li family was deliberate, meant to provoke them into trying to take it. Given the Li family's stubborn nature, it was only a matter of time before he had to confront them. But before that, Li Wanrou needed to see the true nature of her family. Furthermore, he did not need to retrieve the ginseng himself. Situ Yuan did not trust him, but Ye Chengfeng knew that no one could remove the poison from the head of the Situ family except himself. Once they realized there was an issue, they would surely return to him. With the Situ family taking action, the cunning of the old lady Li would undoubtedly be exposed! The Black Dragon War God was not only unmatched in combat prowess but also incredibly astute, manipulating the situation. Otherwise, the Black Dragon Army would have been defeated by the armies of eight countries long ago! Meanwhile, after Lady Li returned to her chambers, she immediately instructed, "Inform Young Master Gao that the individual he sent to eliminate Ye Chengfeng has failed. Additionally, inform him that we have prevented Ye Chengfeng from regaining his strength!" Lady Li sneered, "Lastly, notify the Situ family to come and apprehend the thief. Ye Chengfeng, let's see how you can turn the tables now!"