Regardless, Lu Tong’s recent hard work had finally paid off.

“Xianxian” became famous overnight.

In just over a month, Dai Sanlang from the temple entrance in the east had transformed from a pot-bellied fatty into a sturdy, valiant handsome man, arousing countless people’s curiosity to go observe him. After seeing Dai Sanlang’s current appearance, further embellished by Mrs. Song from the silk shoe shop’s enthusiastic descriptions, Renxin Medical Clinic could hardly keep Xianxian from selling out.

Every day, many people come to buy medicine after hearing about its reputation. Du Changqing counted silver until his hands were sore, and even Dai’s pork shop became famous. Dai Sanlang earned the nickname “Pan An the Pork Seller,” and it was said that people lined up daily from the east city street to the end of the alley just to see him.

This reputation also reached the ears of Madam Dong, wife of the Imperial Household Service’s Minister.

At the Minister’s mansion in Shengjing.

Lu Tong put away her medical box and said to the person before her: “Your pulse has improved greatly lately, and your coughing and wheezing rarely occur now. Young Master Dong, let me prescribe you a new medicine. Take it for half a year, and if nothing unexpected happens, you won’t need to take medicine anymore.”

Across from her, Young Master Dong Lin of the Imperial Household Service sat with his hands lowered, listening attentively to Lu Tong while his face slightly reddened.

Ever since accidentally saving Dong Lin at Wan’en Temple, Lu Tong has established connections with the Imperial Household Service. Later, when Bai Shouyi had the Medicine Bureau people trouble the clinic, Lu Tong simply borrowed the Dong family’s name to intimidate them. Madam Dong knew the whole story and didn’t comment, clearly showing her tacit approval.

Since then, Lu Tong has come to the Dong mansion periodically to examine Dong Lin. Madam Dong loved her son dearly, and seeing Dong Lin’s lung condition flare up less and less, she was naturally delighted.

She lowered her head to write the new prescription while Dong Lin sat at the small table, secretly stealing glances at her.

At the rosewood table, the young woman sat slightly bent forward, her cloud-like black hair braided and hanging over her chest, with only a cold-colored velvet flower pinned at her temple. One or two strands of hair had accidentally slipped down, covering her eyes, until Lu Tong brushed them behind her ear, making her slender white neck even more striking.

Unlike those jewel-laden, powder-and-rouge-adorned young ladies, she wore only a somewhat worn dark blue cotton dress. Her oval face, beautiful eyebrows, and white teeth made her like a solitary plum blossom under a cold moon, naturally possessing jade-like bones and icy skin.

Dong Lin became slightly mesmerized.

This young doctor who had saved his life was beautiful, with what seemed like a layer of misty sorrow between her brows that made her appear especially fragile, yet her eyes were like a stream beneath a tall peak, hiding an unseen cold resilience.

She raised her head, and Dong Lin met that cold stream of her gaze.

He silently blushed and turned away, not daring to meet her eyes.

But Lu Tong didn’t look away.

Until Dong Lin became so restless he could barely sit still and was about to speak up, Lu Tong finally spoke.

She said: “Young Master Dong seems to have become much thinner lately.”

Dong Lin was startled.

Lu Tong looked at him, slightly frowning: “But I don’t see anything wrong with your pulse…”

When Lu Tong first met Dong Lin at Wan’en Temple, he had been somewhat chubby, which had aggravated his lung condition. But seeing him today, he had become much thinner, and even the brown robe he wore had become somewhat too loose.

“No, no, no,” before Lu Tong could ask further, Dong Lin spoke up first, saying quietly: “I haven’t lost weight due to illness, I… I…” He seemed to have trouble speaking, and after a long while finally continued: “I used the new medicinal tea from Miss Lu’s clinic.”

Lu Tong paused: “Xianxian?”

Dong Lin nodded embarrassedly.

Lu Tong didn’t speak.

Dong Lin felt somewhat guilty.

Lu Tong was beautiful, and Dong Lin had fallen in love with her at first sight at Wan’en Temple.

He had inquired about her and learned that Lu Tong was from out of town, without any relatives in Shengjing, now working as a female doctor at Renxin Medical Clinic. With such a background, she couldn’t enter the Imperial Household Service Minister’s family – Madam Dong might not even agree to her becoming a concubine.

But how could worldly matters obstruct a young person’s feelings? Dong Lin liked Lu Tong but feared his mother’s strong and fierce temperament. Afraid his mother would discover his feelings, he had servants help support Renxin Medical Clinic regularly, buying some medicinal ingredients and such.

When Renxin Medical Clinic recently released the new medicinal tea Xianxian, Dong Lin had people buy many jars, originally just to support the clinic’s business. Who knew that before long, this medicinal tea would inexplicably become famous, said to be extremely effective?

Dong Lin remembered that doctors had said before that his constitution would benefit from losing some weight, so he skeptically tried it himself. Unexpectedly, after some time, it worked – everyone in the mansion said he looked noticeably thinner.

Seeing Lu Tong’s thoughtful expression, Dong Lin feared she would perceive his feelings, and quickly changed the subject: “But Doctor Lu, I only used half a jar, my mother used the rest… Is this medicinal tea unsuitable for my condition?”

Lu Tong came back to herself: “That’s not it, but…” she looked at Dong Lin, “Madam’s figure is already appropriate, why would she need this medicinal tea?”

Minister of Imperial Household Service Madam Dong’s physique was far from needing medicinal tea.

Dong Lin smiled embarrassedly, glanced outside, then said softly: “Originally there was no need, but in a while, there’s the Shengjing Summer Viewing Banquet, where all the madams and young ladies will attend. My mother… doesn’t want to fall behind others at the banquet.”

Lu Tong understood: “I see.”

These madams and young ladies of Shengjing had various gatherings every few days. Those who truly wanted to meet didn’t need such occasions – in the end, these banquets were nothing but opportunities for families to compete in showing off and forming alliances.

Just as they were speaking, someone pushed open the door outside. Lu Tong turned to look – Madam Dong stood in the doorway, first peering inside before smiling and saying: “Doctor Lu, how is Lin’er?”

Lu Tong stood up and handed the prescription to Dong Lin: “Madam need not worry, Young Master Dong is fine.”

“That’s good.” Madam Dong beckoned to Lu Tong: “Doctor Lu has been busy for so long, come out and have some tea.”

Lu Tong agreed.

Madam Dong never let her stay alone with Dong Lin for too long. Lu Tong understood – perhaps Madam Dong also feared she might develop something with her son during the examinations.

She was exceptionally cautious.

Lu Tong bid farewell to Dong Lin and went with Madam Dong to the flower hall for tea. Madam Dong had servants bring today’s medical fee, then smiled and said: “Lin’er has been coughing and wheezing much less these days. We’ve had other medical officials examine him, and they all say Lin’er’s condition has improved greatly. Doctor Lu, this is all thanks to you.”

Lu Tong responded gently: “Madam is too kind. Young Master Dong has heaven’s protection – his symptoms were originally mild. Even without me, with Young Master Dong’s constitution, he would have improved on his own before long.”

Madam Dong liked hearing this, and her smile became more genuine.

After some casual conversation, Lu Tong put down her teacup and said to Madam Dong: “Madam, I have a request.”

“Oh?”

Lu Tong took out a small medicine jar from her medical box and handed it to Madam Dong. Madam Dong took it and looked, seeing the character “Xianxian” written on it, and paused.

“This is a jar of ‘Xianxian.'”

She looked at Lu Tong: “What does Doctor Lu mean by this?”

“This is a new medicinal tea from our clinic, called Xianxian.” Lu Tong didn’t mention anything about what Dong Lin had told her earlier, only explaining earnestly, “This medicinal tea can slim the body, particularly effective for women.”

Madam Dong’s eyes flickered, her tone becoming somewhat meaningful: “You want to give this to me?”

Lu Tong smiled: “If Madam wanted to use the medicinal tea, I would readily bring it to your door – how could I be so miserly as to only give one jar?”

“Then you are…”

Lu Tong lowered her head, speaking somewhat bashfully: “I thought since Madam holds such a noble position, you must know many important officials and nobles. If you could mention it briefly to these madams and young ladies, that would be an immense honor for Renxin Medical Clinic and myself.”

These words highly praised the Dong family’s status while maintaining a humble position, and Madam Dong was pleased. She glanced at the medicine jar and smiled carelessly: “I thought it was something important, but it’s just this small matter. It’s merely a matter of saying a few words – since you saved Lin’er, I should help with this small favor.”

Lu Tong quickly stood to express her thanks.

Madam Dong looked at her, suddenly seeming to remember something, and spoke as if casually: “But Doctor Lu, why didn’t you ask Marshal Pei for help with this small matter?”

Lu Tong’s heart skipped a beat.

She raised her eyes to meet Madam Dong’s probing gaze.

Last time at Wan’en Temple, when Madam Dong and Lu Tong had a dispute, it was Pei Yunying who had stepped in to resolve it. At the time, Madam Dong seemed to misunderstand the relationship between Pei Yunying and her and unexpectedly brought it up again today.

Come to think of it, while Madam Dong was arrogant and discourteous, and even the servants and guards of the Imperial Household Service looked down on commoners, everyone in the mansion had been quite polite to Lu Tong these days. Perhaps it wasn’t just because she had saved Dong Lin’s life. It might also be because they thought she had a close relationship with Pei Yunying.

Pei Yunying…

Lu Tong thought, that since the name of the Zhaoning Prince’s heir was so useful, she might as well borrow it again without hesitation.

She paused for a moment, her smile suddenly becoming somewhat shy as she spoke softly: “The Marshal’s mansion is busy with official duties, how could I repeatedly trouble the Marshal with such trivial matters?”

Madam Dong noticed she said “repeatedly.”

The implication is that she often “troubled” Pei Yunying.

In an instant, in Madam Dong’s eyes, Lu Tong’s originally shy smile immediately became suggestively meaningful.

Indeed, if there was nothing between them, why would Pei Yunying stand up for this female doctor at Wan’en Temple? After all, that Commander wasn’t an easy person to deal with, and wasn’t known for being particularly chivalrous.

If Lu Tong was Pei Yunying’s woman… this was someone who couldn’t be offended.

Thinking of this, Madam Dong smiled and pulled her to sit down: “Doctor Lu is good in every way, just too polite… Speaking of which, previously at Wan’en Temple, there was some misunderstanding between me and Young Master Pei. I hope Young Master Pei hasn’t taken it to heart.”

Lu Tong smiled slightly, lying without changing expression: “Not at all. How could that be? Young Master Pei is magnanimous and wouldn’t be angry about such a small matter.”

“Really? Then when Young Master Pei has time, he should come visit the mansion. My husband has long wanted to have a chat with him.”

“Of course, I’ll certainly convey your message to him.”

…

“Achoo! — Who’s talking about me behind my back?”

A loud sneeze suddenly broke the morning stillness of the Marshal’s mansion.

It had rained all night yesterday, and a rose trellis in the courtyard had been beaten to pieces. The pond surface was like a mirror, with several bright fallen flowers floating on it.

Inside the room, on a purple sandalwood carved dragon table, sat a jade chess set.

Pei Yunying sat in a nanmu wood chair, hand propping his chin, listlessly staring at half-an endgame position on the table.

Duan Xiaoyan came in from outside rubbing his nose, and seeing this said: “It’s been a month, and you still haven’t solved this endgame that Brother Zhuifeng gave you?”

Pei Yunying made a sound of agreement.

Xiao Zhuifeng, the Deputy Commander of the Right Army of the Palace Front Command, was Pei Yunying’s close friend. He had an unblemished background and outstanding character, with no bad habits – he didn’t care for food or women, only loved collecting chess manuals.

His chess skills were poor, and when he found a chess manual he couldn’t solve, he would drag Pei Yunying to help. Pei Yunying had no interest in chess, but Xiao Zhuifeng’s wagers were always tempting. This time the stake was a silver blade that Xiao Zhuifeng had found somewhere, said to be incredibly sharp, able to cut jade as easily as mud.

For this silver blade, Pei Yunying could only try his best when he wasn’t on duty.

The morning sun shone through the window gap, casting a hazy glow on his face. Pei Yunying picked up a jade-green chess piece from the bowl and gently placed it in a corner of the endgame.

In an instant, the tangled endgame became clear, finding life in a desperate situation.

His expression shifted slightly.

Done.

Duan Xiaoyan craned his neck to look: “You solved it already?”

Pei Yunying blocked his reaching hand: “Don’t touch it. Wait for Xiao Er to bring the blade in exchange.”

“That’ll have to wait until after his shift ends.” Duan Xiaoyan pouted, “He had quite a long break before, so he has to make up those duty days. It’ll be several more days before he’s free.” After speaking, he sighed to himself, “Usually when on duty, it feels like there’s not enough time, but during breaks, you don’t know what to do – it’s quite boring.”

Pei Yunying glanced at him: “Bored? Go practice archery at the training ground.”

Duan Xiaoyan drew in a sharp breath, exclaiming: “Brother, making someone practice archery on a rest day – is that even human? Going to the training ground in this heat, you might as well prepare some medicine for me in advance.” At the word ‘medicine,’ Duan Xiaoyan suddenly paused, and looked up at Pei Yunying, “Oh right, brother, haven’t you forgotten something?”

“What?”

“Don’t you remember?” Duan Xiaoyan gestured frantically, “Last time at Luxuan Pawnshop on Qinghe Street, brother, you paid silver for Miss Lu, and she said she’d repay you with medicinal tea – you haven’t forgotten, have you? That was fifty taels, almost equal to two months of my salary!”

Pei Yunying started, thought for a moment before saying: “Yes, there was such a thing.”

“Aren’t you going to collect the debt?” Duan Xiaoyan reminded him: “Even if you don’t need the silver, you shouldn’t waste it like this… I heard West Street is full of snacks and entertainment. Since it’s still early today, why don’t we go take a look on the way? If you don’t want the medicinal tea, I can take it back as a gift for my father’s birthday.”

He chatted on endlessly while watching Pei Yunying’s expression. Seeing Pei Yunying still looking indifferent, he moved closer and said in a drawn-out voice: “Brother… Brother Yunying…”

Pei Yunying’s brows furrowed slightly, and he couldn’t help but push away Duan Xiaoyan’s approaching head, giving him a look. Duan Xiaoyan gazed at him pitifully.

After a while, Pei Yunying sighed: “Fine.”

Suddenly getting such an easy agreement, Duan Xiaoyan could hardly believe it: “Really? Why are you so agreeable today?”

“I need to go to the east city anyway.” Pei Yunying stood up, casually picking up the long sword from the table, “It’s on the way.”