In the blink of an eye, several more days passed.

Next to Renxin Medical Clinic, the cobbler’s shop had been completely cleaned up. Du Changqing had hired people to repair the broken roof, re-tamped the walls, hung paintings and calligraphy, and arranged the newly made medicine cabinets. With the two shops connected, one side was used for dispensing medicine and the other for consultations. The previously cramped shop immediately became much more spacious.

A’Cheng stood on a stool to hang up a newly written “Renxin Medical Clinic” plaque, then found the most prominent place to hang the silk banner that Pei Yunshu had previously given them. Yin Zheng returned from buying firecrackers at the official lane and immediately saw someone standing in front of Renxin Medical Clinic.

A young woman in a blue-green silk dress with bright eyes was looking up at the newly changed plaque.

Yin Zheng hung the firecrackers on her arm and approached to inquire: “Miss, are you here to see a doctor?”

The woman turned around, and upon seeing Yin Zheng, said: “Excuse me, is Medical Officer Lu here?”

Before Yin Zheng could answer, Lu Tong walked out of the shop and called out “Danqing.”

Lin Danqing turned her head, looked at Lu Tong, and smiled: “This place was really hard to find. I thought I had taken the wrong path.”

Lu Tong set down the medicine jar. Seeing Yin Zheng’s confusion, she proactively explained: “This is Medical Officer Lin from the Medical Officers’ Academy.”

“Oh!” Yin Zheng understood: “So it’s Miss’s friend.”

The three walked into the shop together. In the inner shop, Du Changqing and the others were checking the medicine compartments of the new cabinets. They were all startled when they suddenly saw Lu Tong bringing in a beautiful girl. Yin Zheng smiled and said: “This is Medical Officer Lin, Miss’s friend from the Medical Officers’ Academy, who came specially to visit Miss!”

“Medical Officer?”

Du Changqing’s eyes lit up, and his attitude suddenly became warm. He stood up enthusiastically: “Oh my, Medical Officer Lin, how could you come to our clinic without telling us in advance? We’re caught unprepared and haven’t prepared any tea or water. A’Cheng—” He patted A’Cheng’s head, “Quick, go wash some fruit for Medical Officer Lin and brew some good tea!”

A’Cheng rubbed his head and lifted the felt curtain to enter the small courtyard.

Lin Danqing looked around and saw that the medicine cabinets were neatly arranged, the tables and chairs were clean, and the space was appropriately spacious. At the door, a plum tree had thick leaves and lush branches, very refreshing in summer. She couldn’t help but sigh: “This clinic looks much more peaceful than our Medical Officers’ Academy.”

“Medical Officer Lin is too kind. How can a small clinic in a corner compare to the imperial city?” Du Changqing pushed Yin Zheng aside and leaned forward to ask: “We’re small household people who don’t understand rules. Medical Officer Lu has been mixing with us for so long that she’s lost her sense. Look, she’s only been in the Medical Officers’ Academy for less than a year and already caused trouble and was punished back here.”

A’Cheng came out with tea cups, and Du Changqing took them, thoughtfully handing one to Lin Danqing: “Medical Officer Lin, at first glance, seems much more cheerful, lively, and likeable than our Medical Officer Lu in the Medical Officers’ Academy… Forgive me for asking too much, but when can our Medical Officer Lu return to the Medical Officers’ Academy?”

Lin Danqing’s hand holding the tea paused, and her gaze toward Lu Tong was full of difficulty.

Lu Tong: “Don’t ask anymore, Shopkeeper Du.”

“What’s wrong with asking?” Du Changqing was displeased. “After asking clearly, apologize when you should apologize, give gifts when you should give gifts, and send money when you should send money!”

Miao Liangfang, who was sitting at the medicine cabinet, disapproved: “The atmosphere isn’t right. Shopkeeper Du, don’t lead Little Lu astray.”

“You’re so noble, you’re so great.” Du Changqing waved his sleeve. “No wonder even after entering the Medical Officers’ Academy, you could be swept out!” After saying this, he turned around, lifted the felt curtain, and entered the courtyard.

Miao Liangfang: “…”

The old doctor awkwardly pointed inside: “Say a few words to him and he gets unhappy…”

Lu Tong was silent for a moment, then said to Lin Danqing: “He just mentioned it casually. Don’t take it to heart.”

Ever since she returned to West Street, the first few days were fine, but gradually Du Changqing began to indirectly inquire about what exactly had happened at the Medical Officers’ Academy that caused her suspension. The sudden three-month suspension with an uncertain return date inevitably aroused suspicion.

Although he didn’t say it outright, Lu Tong could see clearly that Du Changqing still hoped she could return to the Medical Officers’ Academy.

People who had left West Street really didn’t need to come back.

Lin Danqing sighed: “I know he’s just concerned.” She lowered her voice: “Actually, I’ve already asked Medical Officer Chang before. No one knows what Director Cui is thinking.”

Lu Tong nodded.

This was already expected.

“I came out for medical visits today. After finishing the consultation, I saw it was still early, and thinking I hadn’t seen you for a long time, I came to see you.” She smiled again: “Seeing that you’re in good spirits, I’m relieved.”

After chatting for a while longer, seeing that it was getting late, Lin Danqing set down her tea cup and stood up to say goodbye. Just as she stood up, the felt curtain in the inner shop was opened, and Du Changqing walked out.

His earlier displeasure had long dissipated, and he was smiling in his usual enthusiastic manner, stuffing a flower invitation into Lin Danqing’s hands: “Medical Officer Lin, this is for you.”

Lin Danqing was stunned: “What is this…”

Lu Tong was also confused.

“This is a celebration invitation from our Renxin Medical Clinic.” The shopkeeper opened his fan and smiled slightly: “I hope Medical Officer Lin won’t laugh at us. Our small clinic may look shabby, but it has actually been open on West Street for nearly fifty years, with a long heritage.”

“In a few days, it will be the clinic’s fiftieth anniversary celebration. It just so happens that the clinic recently expanded its premises, which can be considered a double celebration. I thought of inviting some distinguished friends with special status to gather together to celebrate this auspicious day.”

“Although this is the first time meeting Medical Officer Lin, I feel inexplicably close to her. Medical Officer Lin works together with our Medical Officer Lu, so your friendship is naturally extraordinary.”

“I wonder if Medical Officer Lin would have time to attend the celebration banquet?”

Everyone: “…”

The ink on the flower invitation was still wet, and the handwriting was really not very neat—it was obviously written on the spot.

A’Cheng asked in confusion: “Shopkeeper, where do we have distinguished friends?”

Du Changqing covered his mouth with one hand while maintaining his smile.

But Lin Danqing became happy: “Great!”

She picked up the celebration invitation and looked at it carefully: “It happens to be a rest day. I’ll definitely come that day!”

Du Changqing was overjoyed: “It’s a deal!”

Lin Danqing put away the celebration invitation and was about to turn around when she suddenly thought of something. She stopped and looked at Du Changqing hesitantly: “Shopkeeper Du, could I get another celebration invitation?”

Du Changqing cheerfully replied: “Of course!” He asked: “Is Medical Officer Lin planning to bring a friend?”

Lin Danqing shook her head and looked at Lu Tong.

Lu Tong: “What’s wrong?”

“Before my medical visit today, I happened to meet Medical Officer Ji and chatted with him briefly. Sister Lu, after you left, Medical Officer Ji has asked about you several times, saying he wanted to deliver the rare medical texts he found for you. I heard from his medicine boy Zhu Ling that he was planning to come these days anyway. Since he’s coming and we’re all colleagues, and he’s always been rather aloof, why not sit together?”

She secretly leaned close to Lu Tong’s ear: “He could also intercede with the Director for you.”

Before Lu Tong could speak, Du Changqing clapped his fan shut with a “snap,” smiling so broadly his face almost fell apart.

“Great! Another medical officer—this is truly an honor for our Renxin Medical Clinic. Good, good, good, excellent! Visitors are guests, all friends—everyone come, everyone come!”

He beamed with joy: “Medical Officer Lin, wait here. I’ll write the celebration invitation right away. May I ask the name of that medical officer?”

“Ji Xun.”

Du Changqing’s smile suddenly froze: “Ji Xun?!”

Miao Liangfang behind the medicine cabinet was also startled: “Ji Xun?”

Everyone in Shengjing’s medical circles had heard the name Ji Xun. The genius medical officer from Grand Scholar Ji’s family with exquisite medical skills, who had become an imperial physician at a young age. Moreover…

The new examination section added to this year’s spring imperial examination was created by this very person.

Ji Xun was male?

Du Changqing’s smile wasn’t as genuine as before. He suspiciously glanced at Lu Tong, his tone carrying some probing: “I heard this Medical Officer Ji has a solitary and aloof nature, not communicating with others. How is it that from Medical Officer Lin’s words, he seems particularly caring toward Medical Officer Lu?”

Lin Danqing thought for a moment: “It’s not particularly caring, but compared to others in the Medical Officers’ Academy, Medical Officer Ji is indeed more special toward Sister Lu. I’ve never seen him find medical texts or explain pharmaceutical principles for others before. Probably appreciating talent? Sister Lu is skilled in medicine—geniuses recognize each other!”

This answer obviously couldn’t satisfy Du Changqing.

The shopkeeper frowned tightly: “What age is this Medical Officer Ji, what does he look like, and is he married?”

Lu Tong: “…”

Lin Danqing answered: “He’s already come of age, has a refined appearance, and is not yet married.” She paused and looked at Du Changqing with confusion: “Shopkeeper Du asks in such detail—are you thinking of matchmaking for Medical Officer Ji?”

Du Changqing choked and muttered irritably: “Matchmaking, matchmaking, pulling him to be Widow Sun’s little husband would be perfect.”

When he didn’t speak, Lin Danqing spread her hands: “Since Shopkeeper Du has agreed, please give me a celebration invitation. I’ll be returning to the Medical Officers’ Academy later, so I can give it to him.”

Du Changqing: “…”

Words spoken cannot be taken back. In front of a Hanlin Academy medical officer, it really wouldn’t look good to go back on his word.

The shopkeeper reluctantly went into the small courtyard, and shortly after came out listlessly, stuffing a roughly made celebration invitation into Lin Danqing’s hands: “Here.”

Lin Danqing put away both celebration invitations, smiled sweetly, gave Lu Tong a few more instructions, then turned to bid farewell.

Lu Tong saw her out, accompanied her to the carriage at the West Street entrance, then returned.

After the two left, Yin Zheng said with relief: “Miss has made friends at the Medical Officers’ Academy too.”

“I was worried that those Imperial Medical Bureau students would be arrogant and look down on commoners. This Miss Lin has quite a good temperament and is also beautiful.”

Miao Liangfang sorted through medicinal materials, saying cheerfully: “Little Lu is clever and steady in her work. It’s easy for her to be liked by others.”

“Didn’t you hear Miss Lin say just now that even that Young Master Ji treats Little Lu differently, caring for Little Lu more than other medical officers?”

Ji Xun’s reputation for being cold and strange was known throughout the medical circles. This special treatment was obvious to all.

Du Changqing was displeased: “Showing excessive attention without reason—either treacherous or thieving.”

Yin Zheng put her hands on her hips: “He’s not necessarily treacherous or thieving. Miss is beautiful—it would be abnormal for men not to show attention. Shopkeeper Du previously said that Commander Pei from the Palace Guard was either treacherous or thieving. How is it now Medical Officer Ji instead?”

“You can’t say every man has problems. According to your logic, my Miss might as well sit in a nunnery to practice medicine for the most convenience!”

“Hey!”

A’Cheng also said: “Exactly. If that Young Master Ji is really like Miss Lin described, standing with Doctor Lu, others would say they’re a handsome couple!”

Everyone in the shop spoke one after another, making Du Changqing’s expression increasingly ugly. In anger, he simply lifted the felt curtain and entered the inner shop, too lazy to listen to these ridiculous idle talks.

He sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.

Although Lu Tong wasn’t related to him by blood, she was someone he had watched grow up… no, watched pass the Hanlin Medical Officers’ Academy examination.

His father only had him as a son, and he treated Lu Tong like a younger sister, hoping she would do well in the Medical Officers’ Academy and perhaps become an imperial physician someday, bringing glory to the clinic.

But why were there so many stinking men in this world?

A perfectly good girl in the Medical Officers’ Academy—if it wasn’t this man visiting, it was that man calling. This wasn’t Widow Sun seeking to marry into a family!

According to Medical Officer Lin, that Ji fellow was always hovering around Lu Tong at the Medical Officers’ Academy. Now that Lu Tong wasn’t even at the Medical Officers’ Academy anymore, he still wanted to chase her to West Street. Clearly harboring ulterior motives.

That Pei Yunying was more sensible in comparison.

Pei Yunying?

His heart suddenly stirred. Du Changqing’s eyes rolled several times. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly called loudly to A’Cheng in the front hall: “A’Cheng, we’re out of blank invitations. Bring me a blank invitation!”

Soon, the felt curtain was lifted and someone walked in.

Du Changqing lowered his head to grind ink seriously. The person walked to Du Changqing’s side and placed a blank invitation under his hand. Du Changqing pulled it over and scrawled a few words with flourishing strokes.

“Young Master Pei?”

Yin Zheng asked in surprise: “Why is the shopkeeper sending an invitation to Young Master Pei?”

Du Changqing looked up and saw it was Yin Zheng who had come. He snorted lightly: “Our clinic’s fiftieth anniversary celebration—Doctor Lu has good connections. If we don’t invite more people, it would look shabby.”

“I thought about it. That Medical Officer Ji has a refined appearance and extraordinary background. Commander Pei from the Palace Guard is similarly handsome and holds high authority. Inviting one is inviting, inviting two is also inviting—might as well invite both.”

“This young master plans to send one to the Commander’s Manor as well.”

His reasoning was truly puzzling. Yin Zheng thought for a long time, then her eyes lit up: “I know!”

“Shopkeeper Du,” she looked at Du Changqing, “do you also think that compared to Medical Officer Ji, Commander Pei and Miss are more compatible? You favor Young Master Pei more?”

“No.”

Du Changqing finished writing, expressionlessly folded the invitation, and handed it to Yin Zheng.

“I don’t favor anyone.”

He smiled: “But I lack virtue.”

…

It was already evening, with beautiful rosy clouds spreading across the sky.

The summer evening was gradually changing—the sultry heat lessened somewhat. In another half month or so, autumn would arrive.

In the Pei Manor, Pei Yunying closed the scroll before him, and a trace of fatigue gradually appeared between his brows.

Rebellious soldiers had risen in Qishui, and urgent military reports had reached the Emperor’s desk. However, Emperor Liang Ming intended to have General Zhenwei lead troops to Sunan to suppress the rebellion.

Chen Wei.

Looking at the name in the military roster, his eyes flashed with a trace of mockery.

This person was originally just a regional military commissioner. Later, in a certain military campaign, he decisively defeated enemy forces with outstanding military achievements, and Emperor Liang Ming promoted him exceptionally.

This would have been nothing special, except that shortly after, someone reported that Chen Wei had killed civilians to falsely claim military merits, using cruel methods.

Emperor Liang Ming sent people to thoroughly investigate this matter, but the accuser died mysteriously. After that, no one could prove that Chen Wei had killed civilians, and the matter was left unresolved. However, during the suppression campaign, a large number of civilians had indeed died. Chen Wei attributed this to crimes committed by the rebellious army. As for the truth…

No one knew.

When the Military Commission suggested to Emperor Liang Ming that General Zhenwei lead the troops, Emperor Liang Ming quickly agreed.

General Zhenwei Chen Wei was the Third Prince’s cousin and the son of Noble Consort Chen’s brother.

As Emperor Liang Ming’s health deteriorated, whether it was the Crown Prince or the Third Prince, giving military command to the Chen family at this time…

Years of calm had finally been broken.

“Bang—”

Duan Xiaoyan walked in from outside, drenched in sweat, followed by Xiao Zhufeng, who removed his arm guards. The two sat down in the room and poured tea for themselves.

Pei Yunying was displeased: “Is this a martial arts training ground?”

Today wasn’t supposed to be his duty day.

With nothing happening at the Commander’s Manor, he had returned home to check on Bao Zhu, but these two had come uninvited, insisting on practicing saber work in his manor’s courtyard.

“The training ground has too many people,” Duan Xiaoyan said, drinking tea with his head tilted back. “Your place is quiet, and that large garden has no flowers—it’s wasted sitting empty.”

Pei Yunying and Pei Yunshu’s residences were separated by a wall. Pei Yunshu loved growing flowers, and her flower beds were magnificently blooming. Pei Yunying’s garden was empty and flat, perfect for sword practice—no worry about sword energy damaging flowers.

“Finished practicing,” he curved his lips slightly, “can you leave now?”

Duan Xiaoyan set his tea cup on the table and declared forcefully: “I want to freeload dinner.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

The young man spoke matter-of-factly: “I heard you brought back the chef from Shiding Pavilion to cook delicious food for Sister Yunshu every day.”

“You’ll be going to Sister Yunshu’s room for dinner later too, right? Since we’re already here, take us along.”

Pei Yunying glanced at him: “Did you spend your salary in advance again?”

Duan Xiaoyan smiled sheepishly.

“A few days ago, passing by Wenqiao Pavilion, the shopkeeper said they had gotten a jade pillow that stays cool when you sleep on it. He said sleeping on it for several years would keep you youthful and strengthen your body. I heard there was only one left, so I bought it on the spot… Our salary isn’t that much anyway.”

Pei Yunying stared at him for a long moment, then said mockingly: “When you’re old, you’ll definitely be cheated out of a lot of money.”

“I…”

Just as he was about to speak, someone else entered from outside.

It was Qing Feng, who pulled a gaudy invitation from his chest and said quietly: “Master, Renxin Medical Clinic sent someone to deliver a celebration invitation.”

Xiao Zhufeng was startled, and Duan Xiaoyan had already jumped up: “Renxin Medical Clinic?”

He rushed to Pei Yunying’s side, craning his neck to see the invitation’s contents: “…Celebrating fifty years of business and expanding the store… Hmm, Renxin Medical Clinic is doing quite well.”

The young man leaned in pleadingly: “Brother, take me along when you go. I want to see it too.”

Ever since Lu Tong left the Medical Officers’ Academy and returned to West Street, Pei Yunying should have visited West Street long ago. However, the Qishui military situation had come suddenly, and Emperor Liang Ming summoned him daily until late at night, causing delays.

Now the invitation came at just the right time.

Qing Feng hesitated: “Master, there’s one more thing…”

“Speak.”

“When the people from Renxin Medical Clinic delivered the celebration invitation, they specifically mentioned that you must attend, as many people are invited to this celebration…”

“Medical Officer Ji Xun from the Hanlin Medical Officers’ Academy will also attend.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the room suddenly fell silent.

Pei Yunying slowly looked up: “Ji Xun?”

The gaze from above suddenly became somewhat intimidating. Qing Feng steeled himself: “The clinic people said Medical Officer Lu sent an invitation to Medical Officer Ji first.”

“First?”

Pei Yunying remained expressionless: “Why is Ji Xun also attending?”

“Why else? He’s Medical Officer Lu’s fiancé after all.” Duan Xiaoyan casually responded, then clapped his hands excitedly: “Indeed, I was right. Young Master Ji and Medical Officer Lu do have deep connections. I’ve never seen Medical Officer Lu be so proactive with anyone else before.”

The more he thought about it, the more moved he became: “Speaking of which, these two look quite compatible.”

Pei Yunying said coldly: “How are they compatible?”

“Both equally indifferent and aloof, devoted to medicine. Medical Officer Lu loves wearing white, and Young Master Ji also loves wearing white. Isn’t that compatible enough?”

Pei Yunying remained silent.

Xiao Zhufeng’s shoulders shook.

He laughed sarcastically: “Sending an invitation to Ji Xun first—it seems the title of fiancé has indeed fallen to someone else.”

Pei Yunying emphasized: “She and Ji Xun don’t seem familiar at all.”

“That’s even worse,” Xiao Zhufeng said indifferently. “Men love their later wives, women value their former husbands. You, as a latecomer, don’t seem to have gained the advantage.”

Duan Xiaoyan’s eyes widened, as if discovering a secret, and suddenly spoke: “What? So Brother, you actually have feelings for Medical Officer Lu…”

Pei Yunying looked at him coldly: “Shut up.”

Duan Xiaoyan fell silent.

The young man’s face still showed some incredulous surprise, but he casually consoled: “It’s okay, it’s okay. How can Young Master Ji compare to you, Brother? You’re handsome and skilled, and you look quite compatible with Medical Officer Lu too. Medical Officer Lu loves wearing white, you wear black—when you two walk together…”

His gaze swept over Pei Yunying, who was wearing a black brocade robe with round collar and paired eagle patterns, looking heroic and sharp. He racked his brains: “…like a pair of Black and White Impermanence.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

Duan Xiaoyan said awkwardly: “That’s a compliment, praising you.”

Xiao Zhufeng sneered.

Just then, Fang Zi knocked on the door outside and said softly: “Young Master, dinner is ready. Miss asks you to come over now.” Seeing the other two in the room: “Young Master Duan and Deputy Commander Xiao are here too?”

Xiao Zhufeng stood up: “No need, I still have business. I’ll leave first.”

Duan Xiaoyan was confused: “Huh? We’re about to eat dinner…”

Pei Yunying looked at Xiao Zhufeng with a half-smile: “Not going to seize the advantage?”

Xiao Zhufeng ignored him, straightened his saber, nodded slightly to Fang Zi, and left.

After he left, Duan Xiaoyan still looked puzzled: “What business does he have? Didn’t we agree to freeload dinner? How could he leave just when we were about to eat?”

“Don’t worry about him.”

The young man picked up the celebration invitation, his gaze falling on the name on it.

The handwriting wasn’t Lu Tong’s, but equally sloppy, clearly showing that the invitation writer hadn’t put much care into it, as if it was hastily written as an afterthought.

He had been silent too long, and Duan Xiaoyan noticed his displeasure, asking cautiously: “Brother, are we still going to Renxin Medical Clinic’s celebration?”

Pei Yunying put down the invitation.

“Go.”

He looked up, smiling nonchalantly, his tone somewhat cold.

“Of course we’re going.”

Fun-loving Little Du: Fight, fight!

Click to see who wins the West Street son-in-law contest—