A few more days passed, and as Yin Zheng had predicted, light snow began falling in the capital.

Overnight, the plum tree outside the medical clinic became covered with hanging icicles, and the stone path was blanketed with a thin layer of snow. Even though the next day was clear, walking on the road, that bit of cold air would still seep through shoes and socks straight to one’s heart.

In the main hall, a maid poured tea while Madam Dong was speaking with Madam Jin from the Left Vice Minister of Revenue’s mansion.

Ever since the incident at Minister Fan Zhenglian’s mansion, Madam Dong had strictly forbidden those around her from mentioning the Fan family again. Finally, the imperial examination case had settled, and His Majesty’s wrathful fire hadn’t spread to the Grand Court of Imperial Sacrifices Minister’s mansion. While Madam Dong breathed a sigh of relief, new troubles arose in her heart.

The connection with the Grand Tutor’s mansion was severed.

She had originally wanted to use the Fan family’s relationship to connect with the Grand Tutor’s mansion, which was why she had deliberately befriended Zhao Feiyan. Who knew the Fan family would suddenly be exposed, transforming from high officials to death row prisoners, nearly implicating her own family. Now that Fan Zhenglian was dead, she truly couldn’t find a new bridge in all of the capital.

After much consideration, Madam Dong set her sights on Madam Jin.

Madam Jin’s husband Jin Xianrong was the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, and Qi Yutai held a sinecure position in the Revenue Ministry. With Minister Jin’s care, he should have good relations with the Grand Tutor’s mansion. If she maintained closer contact with Madam Jin, it would benefit both her husband’s and her son’s future careers.

Fortunately, Madam Jin had a smiling, easygoing nature and was somewhat simple-minded, much easier to deal with than Zhao Feiyan. In just half a day, Madam Dong had coaxed Madam Jin into holding her hand and calling her “sister” affectionately.

The wind gradually picked up outside, and a maid closed the windows tightly. Madam Dong lifted the tea cup before her and took a sip, smiling as she said, “Speaking of which, I hear that young master from the Grand Tutor’s mansion is now also in the Revenue Ministry. Their young master is the same age as my Lin’er. Looking at him, then looking at my own son…” Madam Dong pretended to sigh, “It’s truly worrying!”

“Sister, don’t say such things. Your son is handsome and graceful, a good child. I believe he’ll be no worse than Young Master Qi in the future.” Madam Jin said, then thought of something, “If we’re truly talking about unlimited prospects, that would have to be the young master from Duke Zhaoning’s mansion.”

“The young master from Duke Zhaoning’s mansion… Captain Pei of the Palace Command?”

“Exactly!”

Madam Dong’s curiosity was piqued, so she asked, “Sister, have you heard some rumors?”

Madam Jin was straightforward with no hidden thoughts. Hearing this, she leaned close to Madam Dong and whispered, “I heard from my husband that word has come from the palace that His Majesty intends to arrange a marriage for The Heir of Duke Zhaoning.”

An arranged marriage?

Madam Dong’s heart stirred, and she leaned closer to ask, “Sister, do you know who His Majesty intends to arrange the marriage with?”

Madam Jin smiled mysteriously and lowered her voice even more, “I heard it’s the young lady from the Grand Tutor’s mansion.”

Madam Dong was stunned. The young lady from the Grand Tutor’s mansion—wasn’t that the precious pearl of the Qi family?

Madam Jin continued chattering, “Everyone knows Grand Tutor Qi loves his daughter like his life. Captain Pei already enjoys great imperial favor. If he truly marries Miss Qi, what will become of things in the future? All of us might have to look at his face!”

Madam Dong set down her tea cup, “Sister, is what you’re saying true?”

“I also heard it from my husband. It’s still unconfirmed, so don’t tell others, lest it damage the young lady’s reputation.”

Madam Dong nodded, “Naturally.” But her heart grew heavy.

Baseless rumors wouldn’t arise from nothing. If Minister Jin spoke this way, he must have heard some news.

But Pei Yunying marrying that Miss Qi from the Grand Tutor’s mansion?

What about Lu Tong?

Madam Dong’s heart was in chaos.

She had always thought Lu Tong and Pei Yunying had a significant relationship, so she had repeatedly helped Lu Tong, even introducing her to other ladies at the Princess Consort of Wen’s banquet. Later, when Lu Tong coincidentally saved Pei Yunshu, Madam Dong had secretly rejoiced, thinking that in some way, she had facilitated an even deeper bond between Pei Yunying and Lu Tong.

The deeper Lu Tong and Pei Yunying’s feelings, the closer she became to Lu Tong, which could be considered indirectly doing Pei Yunying a favor.

Who knew that now, like a bolt from the blue, His Majesty intended to arrange Pei Yunying’s marriage to Miss Qi?

One was a precious daughter treasured like a pearl by the Grand Tutor’s mansion, the other was a doctor practicing in a shabby medical clinic. Even a fool would know how to choose.

If Pei Yunying and the Qi family truly became in-laws in the future, and the Qi family later settled accounts, what if they blamed her? Even without waiting for the future, before the marriage, with Grand Tutor Qi’s methods, he might not fail to investigate the whole story between Pei Yunying and Lu Tong. Since she was close to Lu Tong, she might face the wrath of that Miss Qi.

What could be done!

Madam Dong’s head was pounding. Even after leaving the Jin mansion and sitting in her carriage, she was still thinking about this matter.

The maid beside her could see her poor mood and sat silently like a cicada in winter. Madam Dong’s heart felt as stuffy as if blocked by a huge stone, becoming increasingly irritated. She simply lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to get some air.

The carriage drove through the streets, leaving tracks in the thin snow. Madam Dong raised her eyes to look into the distance.

The morning after snow was piercingly cold, with fewer people than usual bustling about. In front of an oil cake shop by the street stood a young man in purple wisteria-colored brocade robes, chatting cheerfully with the cake vendor.

Madam Dong’s gaze paused.

Wasn’t this the young man who followed Pei Yunying?

Previously at Wan’en Temple, when her Lin’er had fallen ill and she was arguing with that Doctor Lu, Pei Yunying had intervened with this young man by his side. He had a pleasing appearance and was called Duan… Duan something?

Madam Dong’s heart stirred, and she quickly ordered the carriage to stop. Ignoring her maid’s assistance, she hurriedly got off the carriage.

At the small shop, Duan Xiaoyan had bought two oil cakes from the vendor and wrapped them up, happily tucking them in his chest, about to leave when he suddenly heard someone calling him from behind, “Duan… Duan…”

Duan Xiaoyan turned around to see a maid accompanying a well-dressed woman walking toward him.

“Madam, do you know me?” He was somewhat puzzled. This woman looked somewhat familiar, but he saw many people daily during his duties and couldn’t remember exactly where he’d seen her.

The woman before him smiled, her tone very friendly, “At Wan’en Temple that time, when my son suddenly fell ill, we were much helped by your master.”

With this explanation, Duan Xiaoyan immediately remembered and said, “So it’s Madam Dong!”

However, that time she hadn’t been nearly as friendly to him as now. She and her arrogant, overbearing tall guard had acted superior, as if the whole world should make way for their entire family.

The woman nodded and smiled as she looked around him, “How is it that I don’t see your master today?”

“Master is on palace duty.” Duan Xiaoyan asked, “Does Madam have business with him?”

“No.” Madam Dong smiled, “I just suddenly realized that these past days when visiting Renxin Medical Clinic, I haven’t seen any sign of Captain Pei. It seems Captain Pei has been quite busy with official duties lately.”

Duan Xiaoyan was somewhat confused, “Master going to Renxin Medical Clinic?”

Madam Dong’s gaze flickered, “What, hasn’t your master been going to see Doctor Lu recently?”

“To see Doctor Lu?”

Hearing this, Duan Xiaoyan immediately became alert.

After the Wangchun Mountain incident, Pei Yunying had reminded him not to provoke Lu Tong unnecessarily. After much consideration, Duan Xiaoyan recognized that with Lu Tong’s methods and temperament, he was indeed no match for her, and might be trapped and schemed against again someday. Therefore, upon hearing Madam Dong mention Lu Tong, Duan Xiaoyan instinctively wanted to distance himself from any involvement, lest he become an unwitting scapegoat again like in the pouch incident.

“Madam Dong jests.” Duan Xiaoyan said seriously, “Doctor Lu practices medicine at her clinic, my master serves duty in the palace. They originally had no relationship, so where would this talk of visiting come from? Moreover, between our master and Doctor Lu everything is perfectly proper. Spreading such talk would damage Doctor Lu’s reputation.”

He solemnly cupped his hands toward Madam Dong, “I ask that Madam not mention such words to others in the future.”

Madam Dong said nothing, only looked at him as if carefully discerning whether his words were true or false.

Duan Xiaoyan tried hard to widen his eyes, making himself appear utterly sincere.

After a moment, Madam Dong nodded and said, “I understand. Thank you for Guard Duan’s reminder.”

She seemed to suddenly lose interest, absent-mindedly bidding him farewell before lifting her skirt and getting back into her carriage. Duan Xiaoyan stood in place for a moment, as if just realizing, and echoed her words, “Guard Duan?”

The cold wind struck, he sneezed, muttering, “How unpleasant,” and walked away shaking his head.

…

Madam Dong returned to her mansion, allowing her maids to remove her outer garments. Holding a hand warmer, she reclined on the soft couch, her expression extremely ugly.

Lu Tong and Pei Yunying had indeed completely fallen out!

That guard surnamed Duan, his words were full of meaning to distance himself from Lu Tong. He was someone close to Pei Yunying, so his words must represent Pei Yunying’s intentions.

Clearly, not long ago Lu Tong had just saved Pei Yunshu and her daughter. Even if they were to break off relations, it wouldn’t be so clean. But that Duan fellow’s words clearly hinted that Pei Yunying wanted to deny this past with Lu Tong and wholeheartedly become the Qi family’s prized son-in-law.

Well, men were all the same—they turned their faces faster than removing pants. While Madam Dong cursed Pei Yunying for being heartless and fickle, she also considered her future strategies.

Since Pei Yunying was so callous, turning around to make Lu Tong a discarded piece, she as an outsider should naturally protect herself and clarify her position early. Otherwise, when accounts were settled later, Miss Qi might not bear to blame her new husband, but would certainly blame her, the matchmaker who secretly brought them together.

People always needed a scapegoat—she understood this.

“Go tell Sheng Quan that we won’t be going to Renxin Medical Clinic anymore,” Madam Dong instructed the maid beside her. “If Lu Tong comes to the door again, give her some silver to send her away. Don’t let her enter the Dong family gates.”

She couldn’t become a fool for no reason. Besides, Lin’er’s illness was mostly recovered now. In the future, periodically inviting medical officials from the Hanlin Medical Academy would work just as well.

The important thing was not to delay her Dong family’s prospects.

The maid nearby acknowledged this, then a servant entered from outside, bowing as he presented a letter, “Madam, someone from the medical guild came earlier, saying the spring examination matter you instructed before has been handled. Please review it.”

Madam Dong was pressing her temples with a headache when she heard this and was startled, “Someone from the medical guild came? What spring examination?”

The servant hesitated and said quietly, “It was Young Master’s instruction…”

“Young Master’s instruction? What did Young Master instruct?” Madam Dong took the letter without much concern and casually flipped through it.

With a “thump,” the servant dropped to his knees without thinking.

“Reporting to Madam, Young Master asked the medical guild administrator to add Doctor Lu’s name to this year’s spring examination recommendation list!”

The woman’s expression suddenly changed drastically, “What did you say?”

…

In his room, Dong Lin was looking at a bed full of ornate caps and brocade clothes in distress.

On the bed, a bright blue Hangzhou silk robe, a black wide-sleeved brocade coat, an ivory white sable fur jacket… various embroidered clothes filled the entire bed. Dong Lin took the topmost treasure-blue mouse-gray jacket and held it in front of himself, carefully examining it in the mirror for a moment, then shook his head, “No good, too bright.”

He planned to visit Renxin Medical Clinic this afternoon. As the saying goes, women dress for those who appreciate them—the same was true for men. Before seeing his beloved, he always hoped to dress more handsomely and elegantly.

Perhaps it was true that people become spirited during happy events. These past few days, Dong Lin felt that even his walking was joyful. The spring examination matter had been arranged with the medical guild. Next was how to propose to Lu Tong and have her marry him.

According to what his mother had said before, Lu Tong was from southern Jiangsu, her parents had died early, and she had no siblings or relatives at home. Even if he went to ask a matchmaker to propose, there would be no one to approach. It would be better to speak to Lu Tong directly, which would also show his sincerity.

Dong Lin clutched that mouse-gray jacket and cleared his throat at his reflection in the mirror.

“Miss Lu,” he gathered courage to speak, “Actually, since first seeing you at Wan’en Temple, I have long been attracted to you. During this time, seeing you work and worry for my illness, I am also deeply grateful.”

“Though we haven’t known each other for very long, I felt an immediate kinship with you, Miss. I admire you in my heart, and I want… I want…”

As he spoke, he began to feel shy, as if the beautiful doctor from the medical clinic sat opposite him. He didn’t even dare glance at the mirror, only lowering his head to speak the words he had silently recited thousands of times.

“I want to take you as my concubine, to face each other daily and live in harmony. Would that be acceptable?”

The next moment, a voice interrupted his reverie.

“It would not.”

Dong Lin’s expression changed dramatically. He spun around to see Madam Dong standing at the doorway at some unknown time, looking at him coldly.

“Mother… Mother…” Dong Lin was startled, then his face flushed bright red, “How did you come here?”

“How did I come here?” Madam Dong laughed coldly, took two steps forward, and threw the letter in her hand in front of Dong Lin, “Look at the good deed you’ve done!”

Dong Lin lowered his head and glanced. The medical guild’s name on the letter was particularly conspicuous.

His heart tightened—his mother knew about his visit to the medical guild.

Indeed, before Dong Lin could speak, Madam Dong spoke first, “If not for the medical guild sending this letter, I still wouldn’t know my son had such a kind heart, running around everywhere for a clinic doctor. Dong Lin, you’ve really grown capable!”

Madam Dong stared at Dong Lin, her gaze barely concealing her anger.

She had just decided this morning to distance herself from Lu Tong to avoid future retaliation from the Grand Tutor’s mansion, only to immediately learn that her son had sought a spring examination spot for Lu Tong from the medical guild. How could she not be furious?

Lu Tong was beautiful and had a calm temperament. Madam Dong had long noticed Dong Lin’s direct stares whenever he saw her. However, since Lu Tong was sensible and didn’t get too close to Dong Lin each time, and there was Pei Yunying’s relationship, Madam Dong hadn’t paid much attention.

After all, Lu Tong was Pei Yunying’s woman.

But now things were different.

Now that Lu Tong had been abandoned by Pei Yunying, as a foreign orphan girl with nowhere to turn in the capital, she would naturally want to find another good patron for herself.

Originally, Madam Dong had felt some sympathy for Lu Tong, but upon learning that Dong Lin had secretly helped Lu Tong curry favor with the medical guild, that sympathy vanished without a trace. Her son had always been obedient and sensible, not understanding worldly affairs. How could he have actively thought to seek help for others? He must have been instigated.

Without thinking, it must have been Lu Tong’s guidance from behind.

Seeing that there was no more possibility with Pei Yunying, Lu Tong had turned to try seducing Dong Lin.

Madam Dong clenched her palms. She should have realized earlier that a woman who could capture Pei Yunying’s heart couldn’t be an ordinary doctor. Her son, being so naive, was probably already in Lu Tong’s grasp.

She had underestimated Lu Tong!

Dong Lin looked at his mother’s aggressive gaze, stepped back, and said somewhat guiltily, “Mother, Doctor Lu wanted to participate in the spring examination. I just casually mentioned it to the medical administrator… She saved my life, and one should be grateful.”

“Grateful?” Madam Dong laughed angrily instead of getting angry, “Am I short of her consultation fees? She’s a doctor, you’re a patient. Taking silver to treat illness is perfectly natural. What gratitude do you need to show?”

“I think she wants to participate in the spring examination falsely, but truly wants to get close to you and harbor improper thoughts!”

Hearing this, Dong Lin became anxious, “This has nothing to do with Doctor Lu. I was the one who offered to help her!”

Still covering for Lu Tong?

Madam Dong became even more frustrated, convinced that Dong Lin had been bewildered by Lu Tong, and angrily said, “I see you’ve been deceived by this vixen until you can’t tell east from west! Let me tell you, I’ve already replied to the medical guild to remove her from the spring examination list. The Dong family won’t help with this favor, and you’re not allowed to have any further involvement with her!”

“Mother!” Dong Lin’s eyes grew hot, “How can you be so unreasonable?”

“I’m being unreasonable?”

Madam Dong flew into a rage.

Her son had always been obedient and had never contradicted anything she said over the years, yet now he was arguing with her over an ordinary doctor. Such abnormal behavior must be due to someone’s instigation.

The woman took two steps forward, her gaze catching sight of the colorful array of clothes on the bed, finding them increasingly irritating. She laughed coldly, “Ever since Wan’en Temple, I could see you had impure thoughts about that little vixen. I thought that with time, you would give up those thoughts, but I never expected you to remain foolishly persistent.”

“That vixen has schemed exhaustively to approach you, all to enter my Dong family gates? Don’t even think about it!”

“Mother!” Dong Lin stamped his foot, “Doctor Lu has never behaved improperly toward me. Everything is my own wishful thinking.”

“You’re still speaking for her!”

“Mother!”

Madam Dong’s face was like ice. The more Dong Lin defended her, the more her anger flared, “You are the young master of the Dong family, she’s just a small doctor from a shabby clinic, showing her face in public daily without any proper behavior. You’re still unmarried—do you want to become the laughingstock of the entire capital? Do you want to take that low-born vixen as a concubine?”

These words were truly harsh. Dong Lin’s mind heated up, and without thinking he blurted out, “What’s wrong with taking her as a concubine? I not only want to take her as a concubine, I want to marry her as my wife!”

“Slap—”

The room fell silent.

Madam Dong covered her heart, so angry her entire body was shaking. A nearby maid quickly supported her, afraid she might collapse and have something terrible happen.

Dong Lin stood stubbornly in place, the handprint on his face quickly reddening.

Madam Dong stared at him fiercely. After a long while, she turned her head away, her tone still harsh, as if venting, she quickly walked outside.

“Lock the door!”

“From today on, confine the young master to the mansion. Don’t let him step outside the main gate!”

The reality of Ying-Tong: They’re not even very familiar yet.

In Madam Dong’s eyes: They’ve already fast-forwarded to divorce proceedings (。)