A painted boat was untied again by the Yuexian Tower.

Pei Yunying helped Lu Tong board the boat.

Fearing Lu Tong’s seasickness, they didn’t call for anyone to row, letting the painted boat float by the shore. Even so, drifting on the river was far more interesting than sitting idly in Yuexian Tower watching the rain.

The painted boats below the Yuexian Tower came in different sizes. The larger ones were mainly for nobles’ evening banquets, while the smaller ones were for refined scholars to drink wine on the water.

Pei Yunying chose a slightly smaller boat, a black flat-bottomed vessel with carved lotus flowers at the bow. Inside were blue curtains and a set of wine and food. Traveling on the water, countless green willows swayed beautifully in the misty rain.

Lu Tong held the boat’s railing as she sat down at the small table. Just as she settled, a bright red candied hawthorn stick appeared before her eyes.

“Yuexian Tower’s candied hawthorn,” Pei Yunying smiled. “Though it’s a few years late, I’ve finally kept my word.”

Lu Tong was stunned for a moment.

She seemed to recall that day years ago in the abandoned temple after the execution ground in Southern Su, when she had held that silver ring with disdain, listening to the black-clothed man by the fire promise: “Bring this to find me at Yuexian Tower on Clear River Street in Sheng Jing. I’ll treat you to Yuexian Tower’s candied hawthorn.”

Time had passed in an instant. Southern Su’s once-in-a-decade heavy snow had long since melted. What she had thought was just casual words had unexpectedly come true years later. Though the circumstances of their reunion were different, the outcome was just as perfect.

Lu Tong lowered her head and took a bite of the fruit in her hand, its sweet and sour taste spreading through her mouth.

“How is it?” Pei Yunying sat down across from her.

“It has a…” Lu Tong thought for a moment, “taste of silver.”

Du Changqing had also bought candied hawthorn at Renhe Shop, but the taste couldn’t compare to the freshness in her hand. Though perhaps it wasn’t because of the candied hawthorn itself – after all, her state of mind now was completely different from when she first arrived in Sheng Jing.

Pei Yunying laughed at her words: “You certainly know how to praise.”

Lu Tong leaned on the boat’s edge, looking into the distance. Above the river, music from a zither gradually drifted from the painted boats, sounding sorrowful and moving in the deep spring fragrance.

She listened intently for a while, and Pei Yunying didn’t disturb her. When the song ended, Lu Tong still felt somewhat reluctant for it to end.

Du Changqing had mentioned that the zither ladies at Yuexian Tower were exceptionally skilled. The last time she came, she had been focused on getting close to Qi Yutai and hadn’t paid attention to appreciate it. This time, floating on the river, although she didn’t understand zither music, she still found every note touching.

Lu Tong turned her head to look at the person across from her.

Pei Yunying was looking out the window at the river. Noticing Lu Tong’s gaze, he turned back, somewhat puzzled: “What is it?”

“I heard from Sister Yunzhu that you can play the zither?”

Pei Yunying looked suspicious: “What are you planning?”

Lu Tong pointed at a zither placed on the boat: “I wonder how the Commander’s zither playing compares to the zither lady’s just now?”

He paused for a moment, almost laughing at Lu Tong’s words in exasperation, “Isn’t that request a bit too much?”

Some wealthy merchants and noble ladies often chose handsome young men to serve them at outdoor banquets, having them sing, dance, or play music and chess, making the feast proper and pleasing to hear.

In certain specific situations, it was a somewhat insulting request.

Lu Tong rested her chin in her hand, looking at him: “I just want to hear you play.”

“I can play for you in private,” Pei Yunying glanced at the painted boats drifting in the distance and cleared his throat, “but not in public.”

Lu Tong became displeased: “Why are you being so coy? Do you think someone will try to snatch you away if you play? If anyone tries to snatch you,” she mocked, “I’m very good at killing and burying bodies, I’ll avenge you.”

Pei Yunying looked at her in disbelief.

Lu Tong’s expression was completely open and frank, as if she knew the implications of these words but deliberately didn’t make them clear, appearing innocent, like she was intentionally being mischievous.

He stared at her for a while, but she remained insistent. After a moment, he finally gave in, sighing: “Fine, the Palace Command Commissioner is here to do just this for you.”

He stood up and walked to a table at the side.

This boat had been rented specifically for people to enjoy boat rides and view the willows, with a seven-stringed zither placed on the long table.

He sat down before the zither, lowering his eyes as he stroked it.

Lu Tong didn’t understand music.

In the past, when she heard Lu Rou play the zither in Chang Wu County, she only listened for enjoyment. Now as Pei Yunying played, she could only describe it as “beautiful.” To be honest, she couldn’t tell the difference in skill between his playing and the zither lady’s from earlier, so she simply rested her chin in her hand and watched him quietly.

This man used to wield a sword, yet when those sword-wielding hands touched the zither strings, they remained long and beautiful. When he played, he was neither as bright as when he smiled normally, nor as distant as when he was cold. He was calm and gentle, like distant mountains and quiet moonlight, faint and serene.

By now it was late, with fine rain falling steadily on the river and lanterns lighting up along the shore. The zither music drifted across the water with the wind. Perthat haps attracted by the sound, someone in a nearby painted boat lifted their curtain to look in their direction.

Without realizing it, Lu Tong recalled what Pei Yunzhu had said before.

“Ah Ying, you know, even though he now serves in the palace, fighting and killing, looking quite fierce, when he was young, my mother taught him music and also taught him calligraphy and painting – he learned very well. To be honest, I used to think he would become a refined gentleman. Who knew he would later enter the Imperial City and wield swords daily… It’s quite a pity…”

At that time, she had been wary and disgusted with Pei Yunying, so such exaggerated praise from Pei Yunzhu had gone in one ear and out the other. Now, however, she had to admit that Pei Yunzhu’s words were indeed true.

After all, even Yin Zheng had privately praised Lu Tong: “Young Lord Pei has wealth and looks, and understands feelings and propriety. In today’s Sheng Jing, he’s truly a rare excellent match.”

Lu Tong was lost in thought, not even noticing when the zither music stopped. Only when Pei Yunying finished and looked at her with raised eyebrows did she notice: “Were you entranced by the music?”

Lu Tong came back to herself.

“How was it,” he stood up, “compared to the zither lady’s playing earlier?”

“I didn’t understand it,” Lu Tong answered honestly. “But you were closer, so it sounded clearer.”

Pei Yunying was speechless. He walked to Lu Tong’s side and flicked her forehead, “This was Xiao Shijiao’s ‘Joy of Spring Rain.'”

He sat down across from Lu Tong and said with a smile, “I’ve never played the zither in public before. My first time was just for you – how does Doctor Lu plan to repay me?”

“First time,” Lu Tong said dismissively, “probably not.”

“What do you mean?”

“Aren’t you a regular at Yuexian Tower?” Lu Tong said lightly. “Being a regular, you’ve probably played other pieces like ‘Joy of Autumn Rain’ or ‘Joy of Winter Rain.'”

These words had a hint of bringing up old accounts.

“Hey,” Pei Yunying frowned, “I didn’t go to Yuexian Tower for entertainment.”

“Probably not.”

He sighed helplessly: “Hong Man was the Emperor’s person.”

“Oh.” Lu Tong drew out the sound.

Pei Yunying glanced at Lu Tong, thinking of something, his expression changing: “Are you jealous?”

“No,” Lu Tong answered quickly.

He laughed softly: “Didn’t I say? Once I have a wife, I won’t visit brothels anymore.”

Lu Tong stared at him: “I remember I also said that I’m not as generous as the Commander. In the future, if my fiancé visits brothels, I’ll kill him.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

He sighed: “Doctor Lu’s decisiveness in killing surpasses the entire Palace Command combined.”

Lu Tong accepted this calmly.

He glanced at her and said leisurely: “Don’t worry, I like Doctor Lu much more than Doctor Lu likes me. But this is good too – I’m the one who’s conflicted, lost, and tossing and turning, while you don’t need to have so many worries.”

Lu Tong slightly furrowed her brows: “What are you worried about?”

“Many things, like Ji Xun.”

“Medical Officer Ji?” Lu Tong was startled, “What does this have to do with him?”

Pei Yunying snorted lightly: “Doesn’t he come to your door daily to give you acupuncture?”

Chang Jin had previously arranged with Lu Tong that before she fully recovered, Ji Xun would give her acupuncture daily. Now that she had left the Medical Academy and returned to West Street, Ji Xun had also decided to come to West Street daily to treat her.

At first, Lu Tong also felt it was too much trouble for Ji Xun, but Ji Xun was very insistent, and she truly couldn’t refuse.

But Ji Xun’s enthusiasm was because he was a gentleman – even when they had accidentally met on the bridge in Southern Su, he had been willing to help. How much more so now that they were colleagues?

“Such a petty mind,” Lu Tong objected. “Medical Officer Ji cares about his patients. Don’t talk nonsense and tarnish his reputation.”

“Tarnish his reputation?” Pei Yunying looked at Lu Tong.

Lu Tong frowned slightly, nodding seriously, her words frank as if his suggestion was completely unreasonable.

Pei Yunying raised his eyelids and looked at her for a good while, confirming that she thought this way. His lips curved up, his tone somewhat gleeful, “To be honest, if we weren’t on different sides, I would almost feel sorry for him.”

Lu Tong couldn’t be bothered to discuss this with him: “Even putting all that aside, Medical Officer Ji and I walk different paths.”

“Oh?” Pei Yunying raised an eyebrow, “How so?”

“Don’t you know?” Lu Tong said, “I’ve already left the Medical Academy.”

Pei Yunying’s expression paused, and he remained silent for a moment.

Lu Tong had left the Medical Academy.

Although he had guessed she had such intentions, when he heard the news, Pei Yunying was still somewhat surprised.

It was just too quick – he had thought Lu Tong would wait longer before making this decision.

“My purpose for entering the Medical Academy wasn’t pure, to begin with,” Lu Tong spoke of this matter quite frankly, her words showing she had completely let it go.

“Now that my concerns are resolved, staying there any longer isn’t what I want. I’m different from Medical Officer Ji – he cares for the whole world, while I only wish to guard my corner. Rather than stay in the Medical Academy, treating people like Jin Xianrong, I’d rather stay on West Street. At least there are no complicated official evaluations.”

Pei Yunying looked at her.

When she spoke of this matter, her tone was calm, clearly the result of careful consideration, though her excuse was rather clumsy.

He smiled, “Indeed, compared to the people in the Imperial City, the common folk at the temple entrance on West Street need Doctor Lu more.”

Lu Tong was stunned.

Pei Yunying looked at her with a smile.

She didn’t speak.

The Medical Academy had Chang Jin, Ji Xun, Lin Danqing, and many students studying at the Imperial Medical Bureau – there were many medical officials like her.

But West Street only had one Renxin Clinic.

She liked being a doctor, but she preferred being a doctor outside the Imperial City.

The need for medical officials inside the Imperial City was far lighter compared to outside.

“However,” Pei Yunying’s voice came to her ears, “if you don’t like righteous gentlemen like Ji Xun who care for the whole world, what kind do you like?”

Lu Tong looked up.

He was propping his head up with his elbow, looking at her with a teasing smile, his dimple faintly visible, as if deliberately trying to provoke her.

She replied flatly: “I’m rather shallow – I like good-looking ones.”

Pei Yunying paused, feigning surprise: “That sounds like a confession.”

Lu Tong said seriously: “After all, the Palace Command has always recruited based on looks.”

He stared at Lu Tong, unable to help laughing.

Others always thought Lu Tong was cold and distant, but the secret letter from Chang Wu County had described Third Miss Lu as willful, capricious, and quirky. He had once regretted that she had become completely the opposite, but now he was grateful that in certain moments, she was gradually finding her original self again.

“Lu Tong,” Pei Yunying suddenly spoke, “Let’s get married.”

Everything around suddenly fell silent.

Lu Tong was stunned for a moment: “What did you say?”

He lowered his eyes and took out a green jade bracelet from his chest.

“This is the jade bracelet my mother left behind.” He took Lu Tong’s hand and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

“My grandmother gave this jade bracelet to my mother as part of her dowry, and later my mother left it to my sister. She told me that if I ever found someone I wanted to spend my life with, I should give this bracelet to her.”

The jade bracelet was the color of condensed emerald, resting on her wrist, making it appear as white as frost. Lu Tong raised her eyes. Pei Yunying was quietly looking at her, on the dark rainy night, his pair of black eyes calm and gentle, flickering with a hint of dim, yellow lamplight.

“I’m serious,” he said.

Lu Tong’s fingertips trembled, and she couldn’t speak for a moment.

She hadn’t expected Pei Yunying to propose so suddenly, yet so naturally, leaving her completely unprepared. She had always thought she handled various unexpected situations well, but at this moment, she felt a long-forgotten confusion, not knowing how to react.

After a moment, Lu Tong steadied herself and tried to speak casually: “Most people at your age wouldn’t talk about marriage so early. If you marry now, Sheng Jing will say you’re marrying too young.”

The new Emperor had ascended the throne, and the situation in the Imperial City was complex. Yet he, as the Palace Command Commissioner, remained as steady as ever. Anyone with eyes could see that he currently enjoyed the Emperor’s favor. Such a young and promising talented youth should take his time choosing a marriage partner. Even in common families, there wouldn’t be such haste.

Pei Yunying just looked at her: “Sooner or later is all the same, Lu Tong. I’m very certain I only want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Something sour welled up from her heart, like the candied hawthorn she had just eaten, both sour and sweet.

Lu Tong spoke softly: “Aren’t you afraid I’m crazy?”

She was obsessive and wild at her core, protective and possessive. Sometimes even she disliked herself. All along the way, Pei Yunying should have been most clear about her personality. Holding hands, embracing, or even kissing was fine, but when it came to a lifetime together, sharing a bed for decades to come, without absolute fondness, it would be difficult to endure for long.

Pei Yunying laughed softly.

“The person I love, I don’t think she’s crazy.”

He patted Lu Tong’s head, his tone gentle: “She’s clever and cunning, enduring and strong, relentless for her family, and refuses to bow before nobles.”

“If it were me, I couldn’t have done better than her. I don’t think she’s crazy. If she thinks she’s crazy, then I’ll be crazy with her.”

Lu Tong stared at him blankly.

“You are… the Palace Command Commissioner,” after a while, she found her voice again, “I’m just an ordinary female doctor, our status is different.”

“Who says so?” he smiled, “Aren’t you the murderous doctor? I’m the assassin young master, now we’re perfectly matched.”

Outside the pleasure boat, the spring rain was as dense as smoke. Lu Tong felt as if her heart had also been drenched by this spring rain. That small black-lacquered boat floated up and down in the fine rain of Sheng Jing’s spring night, lamp shadows flickering, but his gaze as he looked at her was passionate and determined.

She found herself unable to refuse.

“If you’re worried about others’ gossip, I’ll ask His Majesty for an imperial marriage decree. Once the decree is issued, no one will dare say you’re not suitable.”

“Now that you’re practicing medicine on West Street, earning two taels of silver monthly, less than at the Medical Academy – I have fields and shops in my estate, I’ll give you all my salary. In the future, whether you want to open your clinic or do something else, it’s fine. In the Commander’s mansion, you can do as you please.”

He had considered everything thoroughly.

So thoroughly that Lu Tong burst out laughing.

In the distance, the zither lady’s clear voice sang: “Flowers endless, moon eternal. Two hearts as one. At this moment, wishing to be like willow’s thousand threads, entangling the spring wind…”

Lu Tong looked up: “Won’t you lose out this way?”

“After all, you’re my creditor.”

“Old debts have long been repaid, why does the Commander still dwell on them?”

He sighed: “It’s different – love debts are hard to repay.”

Lu Tong looked at him.

The spring rain was as fine as dust, willow strands caught the wind and rain beneath the bridge lanterns, and the boat’s blue cloth curtains steeped this night scene in a light cyan hue. In the quiet night by the window, his handsome and spirited face was just within reach, but in his black eyes, there was an almost imperceptible nervousness.

Lu Tong’s previously confused and helpless heart gradually calmed in those eyes.

Towards this person before her, she had always been retreating, repeatedly avoiding, desperately suppressing her heart. But strangely, perhaps some fate cannot be severed no matter how hard you try – after twists and turns, people destined to meet will always return to their starting point.

She would ultimately be drawn to him.

Whatever came later could wait – she had never been one to worry too much about the future anyway, so there was no need to look left and right on this matter. Life was just a few short decades; it was worth being brave and grasping the happiness before her.

She smiled slightly.

Pei Yunying said softly: “I want to become Doctor Lu’s attachment.”

“No need.”

Hearing Lu Tong’s answer, he was stunned for a moment, but in the next instant, he heard her continue.

“You already have been for a long time.”

In the deep spring night, with flying rain, love songs continued endlessly in the painted boat.

He paused for a moment, suddenly smiled lightly, and leaned forward to gently kiss the person before him.