Shen Fengying’s vision went dark.

All his confusion and doubts were suddenly resolved at this moment. He finally understood why Pei Yunying had insisted on coming to the patrol station today to personally inquire about this case – so this was why!

The person behind the assassination attempt was Consort Meng from the Prince’s mansion!

Consort Meng-Shen Fengying’s head felt enormous.

Since becoming the patrol station leader, he had kept a special notebook recording the intricate family relationships between various officials in the capital, just to avoid accidentally offending anyone. Therefore, when the criminal mentioned “Prince’s mansion” and “Consort Meng,” Shen Fengying immediately recalled the marriage alliance between the Prince’s mansion and the Zhaoning household – Pei Yunying’s sister had married the Prince and became the Princess Consort, while Meng Xiyan was naturally the Secondary Consort!

That the assassin Pei Yunying caught happened to confess that Consort Meng was behind it – he wouldn’t believe there wasn’t something fishy about this even if you killed him!

However, now that the stage had been set in the petrol station, he as the station leader could only continue playing his part.

Shen Fengying spoke with a numb expression, “Nonsense, Consort Meng has no grudge against Doctor Lu, why would she order you to attempt murder?”

The person on the ground said: “I don’t know.”

Pei Yunying turned to look at Lu Tong, who appeared deep in thought, and smiled as he asked: “What’s Doctor Lu’s view on this?”

Lu Tong showed a troubled expression.

“Speak, don’t be afraid.”

Lu Tong nodded: “I’ve only met Consort Meng once. That day when the Princess Consort went into premature labor, I helped deliver the baby, but, according to the timing, the Princess Consort’s pregnancy term wasn’t due yet. Fortunately, both the Princess Consort and the young miss were blessed by heaven, and everything went smoothly.”

“The Princess Consort told me the premature labor was sudden and somewhat suspicious…” Lu Tong frowned, “I don’t know if it’s related to this matter.”

Shen Fengying wanted to roll his eyes.

Lu Tong might as well have written “Consort Meng transferred her anger and tried to silence witnesses” on her face.

He tentatively looked at Pei Yunying: “Sir, this…”

Pei Yunying sighed: “Since it involves the Princess Consort, it’s half a family matter for me, so I shouldn’t interfere.” His fingertip brushed over the openwork silver decoration on his sword hilt, “Better hand this person over to Official Shen first. If the person behind this is Consort Meng, there will surely be other evidence. However…” he smiled, “Before that, please make sure the person doesn’t die, Official Shen.”

Shen Fengying: “…”

Was he being handed this hot potato?

That Consort Meng was said to be much favored by the Prince – getting involved in such high-ranking family matters would bring no benefit. If he pleased Pei Yunying but offended the Prince in turn, wouldn’t he end up in trouble either way?

Just as Shen Fengying was trying to think of a way to politely refuse, he heard Lu Tong say: “That’s good. When we brought this person to the patrol station earlier, many people saw us along the way. Word will likely spread through the city soon. His accomplices might make another move, Official Shen must be very careful.”

Shen Fengying: “…”

So many people had seen them along the way – he couldn’t believe it wasn’t intentional. They were determined to drag him into this!

What a vicious scheme!

Hearing these two’s back-and-forth, Shen Fengying’s earlier brief excitement had completely vanished. This case was nothing good – a matter that would offend people no matter what, and he happened to stumble into it.

Shen Fengying’s smile couldn’t hide its bitterness.

Years ago when he joined the capital’s patrol station, a senior told him that officialdom was simple – just know how to flatter, and promotion wouldn’t be a problem. His name was “Fengying” – to serve and respond, to flatter – and Shen Fengying thought he was good at it. He had indeed become the patrol station leader through flattery, hoping to climb even higher, but since last month it was as if his luck had turned, constantly running into such matters.

It was just like what that resurrected poor scholar had said about mountain onions and ground sprouts. People like them with no status were always sacrificial lambs for these noble families.

Official life was so difficult!

The spicy lung soup in his stomach was now churning uncomfortably. Shen Fengying took a deep breath and managed to say: “Yes, sir, rest assured. This humble official will handle this fairly and keep a close watch on this person.”

Watch my foot. Resignation – he wouldn’t do this job another day!

…

Leaving the patrol station, the streets were bright.

The capital had no curfew, and the nights seemed even more lively than the days. Under Luoyue Bridge, people drank through the night in wineshops, crowds gathered around street performers, and carriages filled the markets.

Lu Tong walked with Pei Yunying toward the alley entrance, ignoring the revelry of nearby merrymakers, her expression completely calm.

Pei Yunying turned to ask her: “You weren’t hurt?”

Lu Tong shook her head.

Ever since she returned to Renxin Medical Clinic from the Prince’s mansion, Pei Yunying’s guard Qingfeng had been following her, waiting for potential danger. After ten or twenty peaceful days passed, even Lu Tong thought the danger wouldn’t come, but tonight she encountered the assassin.

It seems her attendance at the young miss’s full-month celebration during the day had finally provoked Meng Xiyan.

That Consort Meng’s ability to endure wasn’t quite complete.

Qingfeng had appeared in time, so she wasn’t hurt. The capture had gone smoothly too – she had used herself as bait to catch this person, giving Pei Yunying quite a gift.

The person beside her spoke: “It’s still early, would Doctor Lu like to look around?”

Lu Tong came back to herself, saying calmly: “No need, I still need to return to prepare medicine.”

Pei Yunying stopped in his tracks.

Lu Tong looked up at him.

The young man stood in the capital’s night, illuminated by the overflowing lights of the street market, appearing exceptionally handsome and dignified. He stared at Lu Tong, speaking thoughtfully: “Doctor Lu always seems very busy.”

Lu Tong remained silent.

In the distance, lanterns tied to the railings of Luoyue Bridge cast their light on the river below, the water’s surface rippling with snow-like reflections as if the full moon had shattered and been scattered across the flowing water.

On the fifteenth, when she had helped Pei Yuxi with the delivery and talked with Pei Yunying under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard late at night, the moon had been fuller than today.

That night, she had said to Pei Yunying: “Commander, let me give you a gift.”

Under the tree, Pei Yunying had smiled at her: “What gift?”

“The ‘Child’s Sorrow’ poison that affected the Princess Consort must be rare in the capital. The poisoner must be hiding in the mansion, but now that the matter is exposed, they will be prepared. It will take considerable effort for you to root out the person behind this, and the outcome may not be entirely satisfactory.”

That was what she had said then.

Pei Yunying had spoken with interest: “What’s Doctor Lu’s suggestion?”

“If you intervene directly, they won’t dare move easily. But since I helped the Princess Consort neutralize the poison and deliver the baby, they must see me as a thorn in their side, eager to eliminate me. I’m not a noble lady, just an ordinary person, not worth fearing. With a little provocation, they will likely move against me. If you just lend me a few people for secret protection, you might be able to catch the person behind this.”

After hearing her suggestion, Pei Yunying didn’t comment on her idea. He had just looked at her, his eyes unreadable, and asked: “Doctor Lu seems to have a deep understanding of the gulf between commoners and officials.”

She answered: “I’m just stating facts.”

He had then leaned back, nodding casually, “Deal.”

In the ten or twenty days since returning from the Prince’s mansion to the clinic, she had continued her normal routine of seeing patients and preparing medicines, everything appearing as usual, quietly waiting for the danger that might appear at any time. Yet all had been peaceful – she saw neither assassins nor the secret guards Pei Yunying had arranged, until today.

Who knows what he had done to Meng Xiyan, but after enduring for so many days, she finally couldn’t hold back and moved against her today.

And in all the days before this, she and Pei Yunying hadn’t met, hadn’t exchanged any letters. Today, as soon as Qingfeng caught the person and brought him to the patrol station, Pei Yunying arrived right after. No need for private discussion of testimonies, no need to understand each other’s arrangements – clearly in the previous days they had been at odds, exposing and framing each other, making mutual threats, yet in this matter, they had an inexplicable tacit understanding like accomplices.

Their coordination was seamless.

The moon in the water under Luoyue Bridge was cut into countless glittering pieces by passing pleasure boats, and a voice came to her ears: “What is Doctor Lu thinking about?”

Lu Tong came back to herself, looking toward the carriage at the street entrance where Qingfeng stood waiting for them.

“I was thinking that I should return.” She walked forward.

Pei Yunying nodded: “Shall I escort you?”

“No need. It’s too late, it might cause misunderstandings.”

Though the shops on West Street were all closed, they might still run into nearby vendors. Pei Yunying had the kind of looks that attracted attention – if people saw them together at night, rumors would be flying by tomorrow.

Lu Tong didn’t want to create trouble for herself.

Hearing this, Pei Yunying inexplicably smiled, “I didn’t expect Doctor Lu to be someone who cares so much about reputation.” After a pause, he continued: “If that’s the case, why didn’t you explain when the Minister of Imperial Granaries’ wife misunderstood our relationship?”

Lu Tong was startled.

The young man raised his eyebrows, waiting leisurely for her answer.

Under such questioning eyes, Lu Tong rarely felt a bit guilty.

When Madam Dong, the wife of the Minister of Imperial Granaries, misunderstood her relationship with Pei Yunying as ambiguous, Lu Tong deliberately used Madam Dong’s connections to get closer to the capital’s officials. Thus, she had gone along with Madam Dong’s assumptions, even acting coy to push things further.

But she had overlooked that Madam Dong loved gossip and had good connections – she was present at all the banquets and gatherings of officials’ wives in the capital. As word spread, it would inevitably reach Pei Yuxi, the Prince’s wife. After all, Madam Dong had been present at the Prince’s mansion’s Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

Since Pei Yuxi and Pei Yunying were siblings, it was only a matter of time before it reached Pei Yunying’s ears.

People came and went around them, the bustle making the atmosphere here feel even more stagnant. Lu Tong suppressed her guilt and spoke calmly: “People’s tongues belong to them – when others misunderstand, explanations are futile. I don’t mind it, so the Commander needn’t take it to heart.”

“Is that so?”

Pei Yunying nodded with a smile, his dimples particularly captivating, “But I heard it was Doctor Lu herself who hinted at having a deep relationship with me.” His tone was teasing as he looked at her playfully, “Doctor Lu, going around ruining people’s reputations like this – does your fiancé know?”

This man was truly detestable!

Lu Tong collected herself, simply raised her head, and smiled at him: “No need for the Commander’s concern, my fiancé is very magnanimous.”

He folded his arms and smiled: “Magnanimous indeed.”

Lu Tong didn’t wish to say more to this person. Seeing they were getting closer to the carriage, she reminded him: “Regardless, today I helped the Commander catch someone. However you plan to deal with this person is up to you – just remember that you owe me a favor.”

She wasn’t some compassionate living Buddha, risking herself to help Pei Yunying catch someone. Her original suggestion had been simply to make Pei Yunying owe her a favor. Adding to that the lives of Pei Yuxi and her daughter, given Pei Yunying’s nature, for a short while at least, as long as it didn’t involve his interests, he should be able to turn a blind eye to her activities in the capital.

As long as he didn’t cause trouble, that would be enough.

“I certainly remember.” Pei Yunying sighed, looking down at her: “Such a big favor – tell me, who do you want to kill next? I can help you.”

His words were very tempting. Lu Tong said: “Thank you, Commander, but I haven’t killed anyone in the past and don’t plan to in the future.”

He sighed: “Doctor Lu is truly watertight.”

Lu Tong said coldly: “Commander Pei is very good at seizing opportunities.”

“Fine.” He wasn’t angry, just smiled and said: “What reward do you want?”

Lu Tong was silent for a moment before speaking: “You don’t need to repay me now. When I think of something in the future, I’ll ask the Commander.”

Pei Yunying frowned: “You’re not planning to extort me, are you?”

“I trust the Commander will keep his word.”

Pei Yunying nodded: “It seems you are planning to extort me.” He stared at Lu Tong, his tone becoming light again, “Let’s hope Doctor Lu’s request won’t be too shocking, or I’ll have lost big, won’t I?”

Lu Tong nodded slightly: “I’ll try my best.”

By the time they finished speaking, they had reached the street entrance. Qingfeng stood by the carriage, and Pei Yunying said: “Go on, Qingfeng will escort you.”

Lu Tong nodded to him and walked toward the carriage. Just as she reached it, she heard Pei Yunying call from behind: “Doctor Lu.”

Lu Tong paused as she was getting into the carriage and turned to look at him.

He stood at the street entrance, with bustling crowds flowing through the brilliant lanterns in the distance, the moon bright above and below Luoyue Bridge. The young man in his fine clothes with his silver sword cut a striking figure, perfectly matched with this magnificent mortal world.

Pei Yunying smiled and spoke: “This matter is settled, but I dare not say all will be peaceful hereafter. Doctor Lu, do you need Qingfeng to continue protecting you?”

Lu Tong’s gaze flickered.

Truthfully, having such a person by her side would indeed be safer. If she were just an ordinary doctor at Renxin Medical Clinic, she would have unhesitatingly accepted his goodwill.

But she wasn’t.

What she did now, besides Yinzheng, could not be known to outsiders.

“Thank you for your kindness, sir, but it’s not necessary.” Lu Tong looked at him, her tone flat, “I practice medicine and prepare prescriptions – the clinic has many poisonous insects, snakes, and ants. If someone unfamiliar with the situation barges in rashly, lives might be lost.”

Pei Yunying was startled. Lu Tong had already gotten into the carriage after saying these words. The carriage curtain fell, concealing the woman’s face, making it impossible to see her expression after those near-threatening words.

Qingfeng looked toward him, and Pei Yunying waved his hand. The carriage drove into the capital’s prosperous night, gradually disappearing.

He shook his head with a smile, and when he looked up again, his expression had changed to one of indifference as he turned and left in another direction.

…

Pei Yunying returned to the Commander’s mansion.

In the small courtyard of the Commander’s mansion, Zhizi was sleeping under a tree. Light shone through the door, and as soon as he entered, Xiao Zhufeng came out.

The usually cold and taciturn man showed rare anxiety as he asked: “How did it go?”

“We caught him.” Pei Yunying walked straight inside, “Come in and we’ll talk.”

A plate of red tangerines sat on the table, their bright color adding a touch of liveliness to the otherwise plain room.

Xiao Zhufeng turned to close the door. When he looked back, Pei Yunying was already seated, casually tossing a tangerine up and down in his hand, saying: “You worked hard tonight, and you moved very quickly.”

The assassin Wang Shan who tried to kill Lu Tong was found through Xiao Zhufeng’s investigation. As soon as Lu Tong left the Prince’s mansion today, there had been movement on Meng Xiyan’s side. Xiao Zhufeng had ordered close surveillance of activities outside the Prince’s mansion, and before Wang Shan could act, Xiao Zhufeng had already investigated his background.

Perhaps one could call Meng Xiyan foolish – the assassin she hired had a family. People with such vulnerabilities were always easier to talk to. This was good – it would make subsequent matters proceed more smoothly.

Xiao Zhufeng sat down sideways against the table corner, also picking up a tangerine. The red peel gave off a faint citrus fragrance, tart and refreshing. After a moment’s silence, he asked: “Why did it have to be the military patrol station?”

The patrol station was understaffed and usually handled fires and thefts – they were quite inexperienced with murder cases.

“Otherwise send him to the Criminal Court? The Prince’s mansion would get word before an incense stick could burn down – you think we could have kept it hidden?” Pei Yunying’s tone was mocking.

Xiao Zhufeng said nothing – this was true. The officials in the capital had their network of relationships; afraid of offending people, they would always give advance notice when something happened.

Pei Yunying said: “Don’t worry, this time we’ll cut it clean.” He glanced at Xiao Zhufeng and tossed another red tangerine, which Xiao Zhufeng caught. Pei Yunying said: “Really not planning to try to become my brother-in-law?”

Xiao Zhufeng remained silent.

He snorted: “Coward.”

Just as Xiao Zhufeng was about to speak, someone knocked on the door. Pei Yunying answered, and Duan Xiaoyan entered carrying the military register and placing it on the wooden shelf.

Pei Yunying continued their previous conversation, encouraging him: “If you have someone you care for, you should pursue it.”

Xiao Zhufeng glanced at him: “Do you have someone you care for?”

“Not right now.”

Duan Xiaoyan came over: “Speaking of people you care for when I was on duty today, the palace maids outside Huanhua Chamber asked me about you, sir. This plate of tangerines was from them.” Being indebted for the gift, he earnestly asked: “Brother, what kind of girl do you like? Tell us.”

Xiao Zhufeng also looked at him.

“Why is everyone asking me this question today?” Pei Yunying found it amusing.

He thought for a moment, then slowly said, “Someone brave.”

Xiao Zhufeng: “What do you mean by brave?”

Pei Yunying leaned back in his chair and said leisurely: “Being in the Imperial Guard, injuries from swords are inevitable. If I must find someone, I hope she would be someone who won’t be scared seeing me injured and would even bandage my wounds.”

“Better if she’s a bit cold-hearted too, so she won’t be too heartbroken if I die one day.”

Xiao Zhufeng commented: “I see, you want to find someone to collect your corpse.”

Pei Yunying lowered his head and smiled: “Maybe.”

Duan Xiaoyan’s eyes widened: “The way you describe it, Doctor Lu would be perfect! Not only can she collect your corpse, she can even avenge you!”

Pei Yunying gave him a sidelong glance, and Duan Xiaoyan cleared his throat: “I didn’t mean to curse you.”

Xiao Zhufeng silently put down his tangerine and went to the desk to place paper and brush in front of Pei Yunying.

Duan Xiaoyan was confused: “What’s this for?”

Pei Yunying picked up the brush.

“To write a memorial to the throne, of course. To file a complaint,” he said.