When Lu Tong arrived at the quarters, the sky had already darkened.

During the day at the Imperial Medical Academy, she had spent half the day organizing registrations. The second half was spent with Medical Officer Chang Jin teaching everyone in the hall and notifying them of rotation duties. By the time everyone dispersed, it was already dusk.

The guiding female official pointed out the way at the medicine garden entrance and left. Lu Tong carried her medical box and travel bag inside. New Imperial Physicians didn’t need to serve on their first day at the academy – they only needed to familiarize themselves with the quarters and fellow Medical Scholars. Official work would begin on the second day.

Without any accompanying Medical Scholars, Lu Tong followed the direction the female official had indicated. The medicine garden was vast, stretching endlessly with lush vegetation. Some areas were neatly trimmed, clearly receiving careful tending, while others grew wild and scattered like weeds and shrubs.

Beyond the long stretch of wild grass, a large sea of rose-colored flowers bloomed faintly. Under the evening sunset, their color was enchanting – from afar, they looked like a patch of bright crimson cloud, with a light fragrance carried on the wind.

Lu Tong glanced once and withdrew her gaze, carefully skirting the medicine fields. After walking for about half an incense stick’s time, the medicine fields gradually decreased until they disappeared entirely. A row of courtyards appeared before her.

The last trace of sunset disappeared beneath the horizon. The dark courtyards had only a few dim lanterns lit, casting desolate light on the ground.

The courtyards were divided into left and right sections. The left was the medicine storehouse – only a black gate tightly locked. The right was the quarters, with the door open. The courtyard was already quite dilapidated. After rain, several roof tiles had been washed away from the eaves, and thick spider webs occupied the corners.

Before coming here, Lu Tong had passed by the quarters of the Imperial Medical Academy, which appeared clean and tidy with spacious courtyards – completely different from the ruins before her eyes.

She had long known the South Medicine Room was the place Imperial Physicians least wanted to be assigned. Seeing it now confirmed this. If the entire Hanlin Imperial Medical Academy could be compared to the imperial palace with various halls as the harem, then the South Medicine Room appeared to be the neglected cold palace.

Lu Tong walked to the door and knocked lightly several times. When no one answered, she pushed the door open and entered.

Upon entering, a damp, musty smell hit her face.

The room wasn’t large. By the window stood a large old wooden cabinet. The four earthen walls were splattered with unknown stains – whether blood or some other filth, or perhaps mold spots from excessive dampness. Looking closely, they were densely packed and alarming.

Against the walls were arranged wooden beds, one after another. The beds were narrow and close together, covered with bedding – evidence that people slept here.

Lu Tong looked back and counted twelve beds total, forming a mental estimate.

She placed her medical box on an empty bed and planned to take a handkerchief from her bundle to wipe the dust off the bed. But as soon as she unfolded the clothes at the bottom of the bundle, she froze.

Beneath the neatly folded clothes, silver ingots had somehow been hidden, one after another. On top was a gray-brown hemp sachet, washed until pale and very inconspicuous. It felt heavy. When Lu Tong opened it, it contained scattered silver coins, each cut very fine.

Lu Tong’s fingertips trembled as she held the cloth pouch.

When leaving West Street, everyone from the medical hall had come to see her off. Under Du Changqing’s incessant chatter, Yin Zheng had seemed much more silent than usual. She had thought Yin Zheng was angry about the harsh words she’d spoken last night, never imagining that Yin Zheng had secretly returned the silver.

She had even added a pouch of scattered silver pieces.

She didn’t know how long it had taken Yin Zheng to save this pouch of small silver – certainly not easily.

Just as she was stunned, laughter and conversation came from behind. Lu Tong quickly pulled the bundle covering over to hide the silver hidden among the clothes.

The laughter abruptly stopped. Lu Tong turned around.

A group of women stood at the door. These women weren’t young, wearing physician robes different from those at the Imperial Medical Academy during the day – they were dark brown in color with unknown stains. Each looked anxious and irritable with dark complexions and dispirited appearances.

The lead woman was about thirty years old with thin eyebrows and phoenix eyes, a pale, narrow face, and black hair piled high behind her head, giving her a somewhat harsh appearance. She stood in the doorway shadows, examining Lu Tong with unfriendly eyes.

She didn’t speak, and those around her didn’t speak either. The room was already dim and damp, and being coldly scrutinized by this group made those gazes feel like large mold patches on the walls – clinging to one’s body, wet, cold, and sticky.

Lu Tong calmly returned their stares, unbothered.

Seeming somewhat surprised by her composure, the lead woman’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. She then walked toward Lu Tong and asked: “New arrival, what’s your name?”

“Lu Tong.”

The woman nodded, walked to Lu Tong’s side, picked up Lu Tong’s bundle and tossed it aside, speaking harshly: “Your bed is over there.”

She pointed to a bed at the very back of the room.

That bed was already quite old, positioned in the deepest part of the room where no sunlight could reach. Most importantly, the wall above the bed had a hole, with residual rainwater dripping down drop by drop, creating a small wet spot on the wooden bed.

Today it hadn’t rained, but when it did, this bed would be completely uninhabitable.

Lu Tong looked up at the woman.

The woman faced her aggressively, her pale, narrow face like an exaggerated mask. Only the pair of lifeless eyes behind the mask stared at her, like watching someone about to fall into a quagmire, inexplicably gleaming with excitement.

The atmosphere in the room immediately became tense.

After a moment of silence, Lu Tong bent down to pick up the bundle thrown on the ground and turned to walk toward the bed in the corner.

She could feel the gaze following her become disappointed in an instant, but soon, after this incident, the deathly silence was suddenly broken, and the room became noisy again.

There were giggles and chatter, along with cursing about the endless work in the medicine storehouse. The women climbed into their beds, but even the noise was lifeless, like a forgotten, rotting, stinking ditch occasionally stirred by wind into a few ripples.

It was suffocatingly oppressive.

Lu Tong walked to the wooden bed and began spreading bedding. Though she had wiped clean the area previously dampened by rainwater, sleeping there at night would inevitably be damp. The bundle contained clothes personally prepared by Yin Zheng, and she couldn’t bear to use them as padding underneath.

Just as she was frowning, a piece of dark gray hemp cloth suddenly appeared before her eyes. Someone placed the cloth on Lu Tong’s bed and quickly withdrew their hand.

Lu Tong was startled and looked sideways to see the woman on the bed next to hers turning away nonchalantly and burrowing into her bedding.

After a moment of silence, Lu Tong carefully folded the gray hemp cloth and spread it over the wet spot, then laid her bedding. When everything was done, the noise in the room gradually quieted.

Someone blew out the light, and that little bit of dim illumination was swallowed up, plunging the entire room into deathly silence like a huge tomb.

The wooden bed was narrow and hard, barely able to accommodate one person. The distributed bedding was also thin, giving off a faint musty smell.

Lu Tong curled up on her side on the bed, hugging her bundle, with her medical box beside her pillow. The darkness cut off the malicious gazes from all around, actually bringing peace of mind.

This was her first night after entering the Imperial Medical Academy, sleeping in what felt like a dark prison cell. Before coming, Miao Liangfang had given countless warnings for her to be careful at the Imperial Medical Academy, saying life outside wasn’t easy and not as glamorous as ordinary people saw.

However, Miao Liangfang probably hadn’t imagined it would be “difficult” to this extent.

Unable to see Qi Yutai, unable to find opportunities for revenge, she was first thrown far away to the South Medicine Room, unable even to touch the hem of her enemy’s robe.

Around her, light snoring gradually arose, accompanied by whispered sleep talk. In the narrow room, even dreams were stingy.

Lu Tong listened quietly for a while, then closed her eyes.

…

Early the next morning, when dawn was just breaking, Lu Tong was awakened.

The woman who had made her change beds yesterday stood before her bed, her lips painted bright red, saying coldly: “New girl, get up and work.”

Lu Tong rose and quickly washed. As soon as she stepped out the door, she saw a group of people already standing properly in the courtyard. Besides women, there were also men wearing brown robes, mostly elderly with drooping eyes and waxy yellow complexions, all looking listless.

In front stood a pot-bellied man in silk and satin, with a plump appearance and face that seemed greased with oil. Seeing Lu Tong emerge from the room, his eyes lit up, his gaze brazenly roaming over Lu Tong’s body.

The woman who had given Lu Tong trouble yesterday saw this and her face darkened.

After taking attendance, the fat man told everyone to go to the medicine storehouse to organize medicinal materials, leaving only Lu Tong behind.

As she left, the woman glared fiercely at Lu Tong once more before hurrying away.

“Lu Tong,” the man beside her called her name.

Lu Tong lowered her head: “Sir.”

This man was the medical supervisor of the South Medicine Room, named Zhu Mao. All picked and organized medicinal materials had to pass through his hands for inspection, and yearly evaluations of the South Medicine Room also fell under his management. His position in the South Medicine Room was very high. Lu Tong noticed that even yesterday’s seemingly domineering woman was quite respectful before Zhu Mao.

Zhu Mao glanced at Lu Tong: “You’re new here. These days you’ll go to Falling Petals Garden to pick and organize ‘Red Fragrant Floss.'”

Red Fragrant Floss?

Lu Tong’s heart stirred.

Having followed Yunniang for many years, she had heard of most medicinal herbs, but had never heard the name ‘Red Fragrant Floss.’

“Red Fragrant Floss is precious,” Zhu Mao’s expression was kind, his smiling face betraying barely concealed contempt in his tone. “He Xiu will pick it with you. Be careful not to damage the petals when picking. Each Red Fragrant Floss plant produces one flower, and the garden keeps records. If any are missing, selling you wouldn’t cover the cost.”

After speaking, the man extended his thick palm and inconspicuously caressed Lu Tong’s shoulder several times before leaving with a smile.

Her shoulder seemed to retain some slippery sensation. Lu Tong looked up to see the woman who had given her the hemp cloth yesterday and slept on the bed beside hers standing not far ahead, hesitantly waving to her.

Lu Tong understood. This must be He Xiu, who would pick “Red Fragrant Floss” with her.

She walked to the woman’s side.

He Xiu raised her head, revealing a waxy yellow, gaunt face. She smiled dryly at Lu Tong and pushed the wooden cart in her hands forward, saying quietly: “Follow me.”

…

The medicine garden was some distance from the quarters.

He Xiu pushed the wooden cart ahead.

Lu Tong silently watched the slightly hunched back before her. Seeming to notice Lu Tong’s gaze, the woman turned back, somewhat uncomfortably pursing her lips and taking the initiative to speak.

“Red Fragrant Garden is in the deepest part of the medicine garden. We still have quite a walk. After picking, the Red Fragrant Floss must be washed and sorted to remove stems and leaves, then sent to the medicine storehouse and transported to the Imperial Pharmacy.”

“The Imperial Pharmacy will use the medicinal materials to make patent medicines.”

He Xiu carefully glanced at Lu Tong, and seeing that Lu Tong showed no rejection, continued: “Daily picking of Red Fragrant Floss must be recorded. You’ve just arrived at the South Medicine Room and aren’t skilled in technique. If you don’t pick enough, Master Zhu will likely scold you tonight… After entering the medicine garden, we must hurry.”

Lu Tong asked: “Are washing and organizing also our responsibility?”

He Xiu nodded.

Lu Tong understood. This was probably quite a difficult and bitter task. Zhu Mao had perhaps received instructions from Cui Min, or perhaps just wanted to dampen her spirits first, so he assigned this bitter work to her.

“What happens if we can’t complete it?” Lu Tong asked casually. “What punishment is there?”

Hearing this, He Xiu shivered: “…If we can’t complete it, there’s no food and no sleep… and Master Zhu will scold us.”

It didn’t sound like much, but He Xiu looked very nervous. Lu Tong pondered thoughtfully and said no more.

The two traveled together, passing medicine fields along the way where occasionally some Medical Scholars bent over picking. The deeper they went, the fewer medicine fields there were, with unkempt weeds growing everywhere, and no other Medical Scholars to be seen.

Just as she was pondering, He Xiu stopped: “We’re here.”

Lu Tong looked up and couldn’t help but freeze.

After the scattered, messy wild grass, a large patch of pink mist suddenly appeared. It was actually a rose-colored flower field. Large expanses of lush flowers grew within, their blooms delicate and dripping with extraordinary beauty. A breeze blew, and pink clouds slowly drifted from the field, accompanied by a rich, fragrant scent.

Lu Tong’s gaze fixed.

Yesterday when searching for quarters, she had passed this place and seen a crimson flower sea from afar. She hadn’t expected this to be Red Fragrant Garden.

These flowers grew extremely abundantly. To pick them all would not be an easy task.

Lu Tong hesitated no more and took the cart handle, about to go inside, when He Xiu grabbed her.

“Wait!”

Lu Tong turned: “What’s wrong?”

He Xiu pulled something from her chest and stuffed it into Lu Tong’s hands: “Red Fragrant Floss fragrance and pollen are poisonous. Using this to cover your mouth and nose will be better.”

Lu Tong looked down to see a wrinkled face cloth, rough in material, worn for who knows how long, with edges even frayed from washing.

Lu Tong asked her: “What about you?”

“I don’t need it.” He Xiu smiled awkwardly: “I only learned this morning that you’d be coming and didn’t have time to get another face cloth. I can tear a piece of fabric later – it’s the same.”

Though she said this, even such a rough handkerchief was carefully hidden in her chest. Presumably He Xiu’s mentioned “tearing fabric” wasn’t as easy as she made it sound.

Lu Tong’s gaze lingered on the dense red spots under her eyes. Those spots were dark in color with a brownish tinge, like large moldy patches on the walls of the quarters, making that waxy yellow face even more withered.

Seeing Lu Tong didn’t respond, He Xiu became increasingly flustered, looking at her wanting to speak but not daring.

Lu Tong stuffed the face cloth back into her hands: “I don’t need this.” Then she pulled the cart handle and turned to step into that crimson flower sea.

He Xiu was frightened and called out: “No! Red Fragrant Floss is poisonous – you’ll die!”

But the person she called didn’t answer, only pushed that somewhat heavy wooden cart, calmly walking deeper into the misty clouds.

Without a trace of hesitation.

…

At the other end, in a warm pavilion deep within the South Medicine Room quarters, incense smoke curled through the room.

There were “creaking” sounds of bed curtains swaying, faintly mixed with male and female panting and sighs.

After an unknown time, the swaying curtains stopped. Someone pulled open the bed curtains, revealing a long, pale leg.

A woman sat up from the couch wrapped in clothes, red marks dotting her neck.

If Lu Tong were here, she would discover that this spring-eyed woman was none other than the person who had thrown Lu Tong’s bundle and made her change beds when Lu Tong first arrived at the medicine room.

“Second Lady…”

A man’s muffled moan came from behind, as if savoring the afterglow. Mei Erniang frowned in disgust, then turned back with a coquettish, angry expression: “Master hasn’t come to find me in so long, I thought Master had grown tired of the old and fond of the new.”

This voice was three parts grievance and seven parts seductive, making Zhu Mao’s heart melt. He pulled her back into his arms and laughed playfully: “My darling, you’re the most beautiful in the South Medicine Room. Where would any ‘new’ come from?”

“How is there no new?” Mei Erniang raised her chin. “That one who came yesterday – Master looked at her many times this morning. She’s outstanding in appearance, young and beautiful. It would be natural for Master to fancy her.”

Zhu Mao was stunned, then after a while realized Mei Erniang was talking about Lu Tong.

He put his arm around Mei Erniang’s shoulder and laughed dismissively: “Her? How could she compare to you? She offended someone right after entering the Imperial Medical Academy. Her bitter days are just beginning.”

“Offended someone?” Mei Erniang’s eyes shifted. “Who?”

Zhu Mao just smiled without speaking, a flash of shrewdness in his eyes.

To be honest, that Dr. Lu was indeed quite pretty, with her delicate, weak appearance that made one’s heart itch. If it were before, he would have found ways to get his hands on her the day she arrived at the medicine room.

Unfortunately, she was specifically assigned by the Academy Director.

Zhu Mao felt somewhat regretful.

He didn’t know who this young female physician had offended. For a new Imperial Physician to be sent to the South Medicine Room immediately upon entering the palace was almost unprecedented. Academy Director Cui had subtly indicated he wanted to wear down this woman’s sharp edges, so Zhu Mao could only comply. Therefore, he assigned Lu Tong to pick Red Fragrant Floss, which everyone avoided.

That was deadly work.

Mei Erniang said: “Red Fragrant Floss is poisonous. She won’t last long before begging for mercy. Presumably then, Master will show pity for the delicate flower.”

Zhu Mao came back to his senses and touched the beauty’s face: “No matter how much pity I show, I have to see what kind of person it is. In any case, I can’t let her have it easy.”

He had the intention of taking advantage. After all, women who went to Red Fragrant Garden to pick never lasted long. How simple it was to torment a helpless weak woman. If she took the initiative to show favor, he couldn’t very well refuse. However…

“But I see that Dr. Lu is proud and ambitious, determined to leave the South Medicine Room,” Mei Erniang said.

“Leave?” Zhu Mao couldn’t help but laugh loudly: “Once you enter the South Medicine Room, where’s the logic in leaving? Besides, someone like her should honestly stay in the medicine garden for life and stop having impossible dreams.”

Mei Erniang’s eyelashes trembled as a chill slowly rose from her heart.

But Zhu Mao glanced at her and smiled, pulling her down onto the couch, burying his head in her neck and mumbling: “Don’t worry, you’re not the same as her…”