Seven days after New Year’s Eve, the physicians from Pingzhou arrived in Sunan. With all epidemic control matters being handed over, it was time for the physicians to return to Sheng Capital.

At the city gate, carriages and horses gathered. Cai Fang and Li Wenhu came to bid farewell, while behind them citizens voluntarily came out of the city. At the front were former patients from the quarantine area, bowing deeply in gratitude to the physicians.

After switching to the new treatment method, most of the infected patients, except for a few severe cases, had gradually improved.

During these months in Sunan, the physicians from Sheng Capital had shuttled through the quarantine areas daily, exhausted from their labors. The climate differed greatly from Sheng Capital, and the older physicians often complained about Sunan’s bone-chilling winter dampness, daily clamoring about returning to the capital. Yet after sharing hardships for a time, when the moment of parting came, they found themselves somewhat reluctant to leave.

Cuicui walked to Lu Tong’s side.

“Thank you, Physician Lu.”

The young girl lowered her head, too ashamed to meet Lu Tong’s eyes: “…I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” Lu Tong patted her head.

Cuicui’s parents were gone, and the matchmaker from the quarantine area, pitying her helpless state and being childless herself, had adopted her.

The great epidemic had left many pitiful people bereft of home and family in Sunan. Cai Fang and Li Wenhu would still have much work ahead. Such was the world – there would always be suffering, but people had to move forward.

“Physician Lu, I want to study medicine in the future,” Cuicui gathered her courage to speak, “I want to be like you and save more people.”

She had stayed in the quarantine area for a long time and personally experienced the despair of illness, then witnessed how the physicians brought hope to those on death’s door.

The gods were useless – she wanted to be the one who saved people, who gave others hope.

“That’s wonderful,” Lu Tong smiled, “There’s the Imperial Medical Bureau in Sheng Capital. If you have the chance to come to the capital in the future, you can find me at the Renxin Medical Hall on West Street.”

Ji Xun was slightly startled.

But she remained unaware.

Cai Fang bowed deeply to everyone.

“All of you traveled thousands of li to come to Sunan, sharing our fate these past months. This kindness, the people of Sunan will never forget.”

“Though our gathering was brief, parting is inevitable. When you physicians return to Sheng Capital, if you have the chance to visit Sunan again, I will surely host you with all my heart.”

“Take care.”

Gathering brief, parting inevitable…

Lu Tong looked back.

It was early spring, and Sunan hadn’t seen snow for a long time. The morning sun’s glow spilled through the mountains.

She seemed to see a young girl carrying a bamboo basket walking in the mountains of Falling Plum Peak.

She walked slowly, step by step, not yet having shed her childish innocence, occasionally laughing, coming through the sunlit glow, passing by herself.

Lu Tong stared at her dazedly.

“Physician Lu.”

A voice came from behind. She turned to see Pei Yunying standing by the carriage, smiling as he walked toward her.

The sunlight fell on him, bright and warm. He took Lu Tong’s hand: “Shall we go?”

She paused for a moment, then smiled.

“Yes.”

He helped Lu Tong into the carriage, then mounted his horse to ride alongside the caravan. As they set out, Li Wenhu’s voice came from behind: “Safe journey to you all!”

…

Time passed quickly.

Shortly after the New Year, spring began to stir, and all things awakened.

The day before the Start of Spring, there was a custom called “Announcing Spring.” Boys in green clothes and caps went door to door delivering Spring Ox pictures.

Renxin Medical Hall also received a Spring Ox picture, which was posted on the main door. Acheng bought spring pancakes and sesame candy from the official district, placing them on plates to give to each patient who came for medicine.

Du Changqing always grew drowsy in spring, propping his head up and dozing in the shop. Yinzheng passed by and said, “Master, shouldn’t we go buy something from the official district?”

Du Changqing barely lifted his eyelids: “Buy what?”

“Miss is about to return to Sheng Capital, we should prepare something in advance.”

Shortly after the New Year, Miao Liangfang had inquired with old acquaintances at the Hanlin Medical Academy and learned that word had come from Sunan – the epidemic control there was progressing very smoothly. His Majesty had ordered the nearest Pingzhou medical institution to send physicians to take over, and the previous group of academy physicians would soon begin their journey back to the capital.

Du Changqing counted on his fingers for her: “Last month they said ten days, ten days ago they said seven days, seven days ago they said five days, and still they haven’t arrived! These dates change more than your complexion – only a fool would believe them. I don’t believe it; if you want to go, go yourself.”

Just as he finished speaking, Acheng came running from outside, breathlessly exclaiming: “They’re here, they’re here!”

Du Changqing suddenly sat up straight: “Who’s here?”

“Physician Lu!” the young apprentice said, “Physician Lu has arrived in the capital!”

Lu Tong had returned.

The physicians who went to fight the epidemic in Sunan returned to Sheng Capital this spring morning, and the imperial city came alive. The physicians from the Hanlin Medical Academy all crowded out to welcome them, making the academy gates impassable.

Lu Tong fell behind. Pei Yunying reined in his horse and dismounted, walking to her.

“You should rest at the academy first, I’ll come to find you later.”

The journey from Sunan to Sheng Capital was long, and Lu Tong’s illness wasn’t fully healed – the travel had taken its toll.

“No need, I have to return to West Street after registering the documents.” Lu Tong looked at him: “You need to enter the palace?”

“Yes.”

Pei Yunying had been away from Sheng Capital too long. All Palace Guard matters had been left to Xiao Zhufeng, and after returning, he still needed to have an audience with the new emperor to report the details of the battle at Qi River.

“Go ahead,” Lu Tong said, “You must be very busy today.”

“I’ll find you later then.”

After speaking, he mounted his horse and left with the palace guards.

…

Pei Yunying entered the palace.

The Hall of Diligent Government seemed unchanged from before, but a different person now sat upon the golden throne.

The Prince of Ning – no, he should be called the new emperor now – was very pleased to see him return.

“Finally back,” the Emperor said. “During these days without you, watching the capital’s Dragon-Tiger Guard military exercises wasn’t satisfying at all. The Palace Guard doesn’t function well without you.”

Pei Yunying smiled: “It seems Your Majesty has been very busy these past months.”

The Emperor snorted.

Indeed, he had been busy.

With the new emperor’s ascension, the old power structures were deeply entrenched. Though Qi Qing’s family had fallen, their remaining faction still held influence in court. During Emperor Ming of Liang’s reign, heavy taxes had been levied and corruption was rampant in court. Cleaning house couldn’t be accomplished overnight, and the imperial throne wasn’t as stable as a mountain.

“Securing the borders externally, stabilizing the society internally. The late emperor’s teachings are truly difficult to follow,” he sighed.

“Your Majesty, as Emperor, you shouldn’t speak of difficulty.”

The Emperor glanced at him: “You lecture me this way too?”

Pei Yunying smiled without speaking.

The Prince of Ning had played the role of “useless prince” for many years, spending his days buying flowers and selecting vegetables in the official district. Everyone praised his good nature, and though it was part of his strategy to lie low when one does something for long enough, they gradually become accustomed to it. Thus, upon taking this position and setting aside his former ease, occasionally thinking about it, he truly felt the loneliness at the top.

The Emperor put down the document in his hand and shook his head: “What about you? Did you finish the battle at Qi River so quickly just to go see your beloved? Were you that impatient?”

Pei Yunying paused.

The Emperor’s gaze was teasing.

After the new emperor’s ascension, the Third Prince’s maternal uncle Chen Wei’s troops were all recalled, and Yuan Lang appointed Pei Yunying to quell the rebellion at Qi River. The rebellion was suppressed faster than anyone had expected.

Yet after ending the rebellion, Pei Yunying had sent a swift horse carrying a petition to Sheng Capital, requesting to remain in Sunan to assist the physicians in fighting the epidemic.

The Emperor adjusted his sleeves: “At that time, many in court memorialized against you, saying you were arrogant with your military achievements, refusing to return to the capital while lingering in Sunan, harboring rebellious intentions. It was I who protected you before those old foxes. If not for me, you’d be in considerable trouble now.”

“Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty.”

Yuan Lang waved his hand: “They don’t know, but I do – you’re simply lovesick.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

Yuan Lang looked at him with great interest: “To be honest, Commander Pei, I never imagined before that you would be someone who loves so deeply.”

Pei Yunying had handled the Qi River rebellion beautifully, but then suddenly headed to Sunan, catching everyone off guard.

Although his petition was written with righteous words, Yuan Lang had seen just two words through all the righteousness – Lu Tong.

He had gone to Sunan for Lu Tong.

The Emperor clicked his tongue: “Do you need me to decree your marriage? I’ve never arranged a marriage in my life – might as well start with you.”

Pei Yunying paused, then said: “Your Majesty, please let me handle marriage matters myself.”

“Oh?” The Emperor narrowed his eyes, giving him a meaningful look, “You spent months with that physician in Sunan, and she still hasn’t taken to you?”

“That’s not it…”

“Pei Yunying, ah Pei Yunying, you’re the carefully selected Commander of the Palace Guard, outstanding in looks, family background, and character – how can you be so useless in matters of the heart? Just like Lord Yan…”

When the words “Lord Yan” were spoken, both of them paused.

As if some unspoken taboo had been mentioned, Yuan Lang and Pei Yunying’s gazes simultaneously grew somber.

After the palace coup, the structure of the Three Offices had been rewritten.

The Third Prince was confined, the Crown Prince’s faction completely fell, and the opportunists in court rushed to switch sides or rebel. The imperial city of Sheng Capital was extremely lively each day, with new prisoners constantly entering the Zhaoyu Prison of the Imperial City Guard.

The imperial harem had also been settled, with the Empress Dowager requesting to copy sutras and worship Buddha at Wan’en Temple. Perhaps to avoid suspicion, or perhaps due to inner guilt – the Empress Dowager might not have been unaware of the true cause of the former emperor and crown prince’s deaths, but as she was neither the crown prince’s birth mother nor Emperor Ming of Liang’s birth mother, she had turned a blind eye to certain matters as long as they didn’t affect her position.

Now that Yuan Lang had ascended the throne, a new sovereign meant new ministers. The Empress Dowager was clever, taking the initiative to remove herself from a delicate situation.

While the harem matters were relatively easy to settle, the court affairs were far more dangerous.

“Lord Yan is gone,” after a moment, the Emperor finally spoke, “The Privy Council is now headless, and dark forces in court are stirring. Your return is timely – I want to borrow your eyes to root out every hidden supporter in court.”

Pei Yunying smiled slightly: “Your Majesty, that’s the Imperial City Guard’s duty, not the Palace Guard’s.”

“Are you complaining I haven’t given you enough salary?” Yuan Lang laughed, “When you marry, I’ll convert another salary into wedding gifts and have them sent to your residence.”

“Then this subject thanks Your Majesty in advance.”

The Emperor laughed, his gaze falling on the person before him. Thinking of something, he suddenly sighed softly.

“In the past when the late emperor was alive, I heard him teaching my brother: ‘The ruler is the head, ministers are the limbs – working together in harmony to form a complete body. Without all parts, a person cannot be whole. Though the head is supreme, it needs hands and feet to form a body; though the ruler is wise, he needs capable ministers to achieve good governance. Abandoning one’s ministers and relying solely on oneself – I’ve never heard of such succeeding.'”

“Though the situation has stabilized now when I think of the vast territory, the multitude of people, the countless matters to handle, I often feel like I’m treading on thin ice over deep waters.”

He looked at Pei Yunying.

“To me, you are those ‘limbs.'”

“Pei Yunying, I don’t care what plans you have later, but at least for now, gather your spirits – I need you.”

Pei Yunying bowed.

“Your Majesty has such a mind to value talent and care for the people – your nation will shine brighter. This subject wishes to follow Your Majesty, to borrow Your Majesty’s eyes.”

“You said that yourself.”

Pei Yunying paused: “Just don’t forget the wedding gifts, Your Majesty.”

Yuan Lang laughed, pretending to throw a paperweight at him, jokingly scolding: “What behavior! First catch that beloved of yours!”

…

Pei Yunying’s “beloved” was currently returning to the Hanlin Medical Academy with the other physicians.

The physicians returning from Sunan received a warm welcome from the Hanlin Medical Academy.

Treating a great epidemic was dangerous and difficult. When Chang Jin and the others had left, some had cursed them as fools, some had pitied their misfortune, and some had been relieved the tough assignment hadn’t fallen to them. But now that the physicians had returned safely to Sheng Capital, everyone admired them.

Lin Danqing was about to pull Lu Tong back to the dormitory to rest first, but Lu Tong walked to Chang Jin: “Medical Director, I have something to discuss with you.”

Chang Jin was startled for a moment, thinking she wanted to talk about the aftermath of being a medicine person. He dismissed the others, saying, “Let’s talk inside.”

Lu Tong followed Chang Jin into the room.

Once inside, Chang Jin sat down at the table.

“Physician Lu,” he said, “As soon as I returned, I had someone contact the Imperial Pharmacy to arrange different medicines for you.”

“There was some unpleasantness between the Imperial Pharmacy and Medical Academy before, and this wouldn’t normally be easy, but because of the red cotton matter, their director has a good impression of you. When they heard you were ill, they didn’t make things difficult and gave us the prescription. Once we change your medicine, it will be more convenient to treat your condition.”

Seeing Lu Tong hadn’t spoken, he seemed to think of something and quickly added, “Don’t worry, I didn’t mention the medicine person matter, only said your old illness had recurred.”

Lu Tong nodded: “Thank you, Medical Director.”

“No need for thanks,” Chang Jin continued, “Your discovery of the golden tanxia in Sunan was quite effective, I’ve written it in the documents. After the clerk’s assessment passes three levels, with some effort, the position of Internal Imperial Physician isn’t far…”

He was speaking enthusiastically when Lu Tong interrupted him: “Medical Director.”

“What is it?”

“I wish to resign from my position as Hanlin Physician.”

Chang Jin was stunned.

“Physician Lu,” he frowned, “why suddenly say this?”

Lu Tong nodded: “You know about my illness, Medical Director. The Academy’s duties are complex, working until late each night – it’s not good for my recovery. I want to return to West Street and focus on recovery for a time.”

“There’s no need to resign,” Chang Jin instinctively tried to retain her, “you can go rest for a while, I’ll approve a ten-day leave.”

“How long can you approve, Medical Director – ten days, half a month, one month?”

Lu Tong smiled slightly, “You know well that for my illness to fully recover, it cannot be achieved in a day or two.”

“But…”

Chang Jin looked at her, struggle evident in his eyes.

Lu Tong was a promising talent.

First place on the spring examination’s red list, naturally gifted in medicine – among the young physicians at the Hanlin Medical Academy, her excellence was undisputed. How could one not regret losing such talent from the Academy?

But he also knew Lu Tong was right.

A physician’s work was demanding, with daily duties and frequent late nights – not beneficial for Lu Tong’s recovery. Though he valued talent, he also deeply sympathized with Lu Tong’s previous years of experience as a medical person.

“Medical Director,” Lu Tong looked at him, her tone calm, “I’ve been a doctor for many years, and after walking through life and death, I’ve come to see things more clearly. The Medical Academy isn’t suitable for me. Please allow me to be selfish once, let me return to West Street and live the life I want to live.”

Chang Jin was slightly stunned.

The woman before him wore the loose medical official’s robe, her features beautiful and forthright, suddenly reminding him of that winter day in Sunan when she lay in bed, pale and weak with closed eyes.

The words of persuasion stuck in his throat, unable to speak a single one.

After a long while, Chang Jin sighed.

“Let me think about it.”