Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was April. As the Qingming Festival approached, the rain in Beijing increased. It often rained at night, while the days began to grow warmer. With the temperature difference between morning and evening, people easily catch colds.

Many medical officials in the Medical Officials Bureau had taken sick leave due to colds. In his office, Cui Min coughed several times and took a few sips of medicinal tea from the table to suppress the tickle in his throat.

Spring was a season when various illnesses easily broke out. Cui Min, as the Bureau Chief, was busier than usual. Besides attending to duties in the palace, the development of new prescriptions also encountered difficulties.

Thinking of new prescriptions inevitably reminded him of that newly appointed female medical official.

Cui Min put down his teacup and asked the person beside him, “How is Lu Tong doing nowadays?”

That day, he had assigned Lu Tong to diagnose Jin Xianrong but was blocked by Pei Yunying. He thought that would be the end of it, but unexpectedly, there was a twist – Lu Tong had volunteered to visit the Jin residence.

In truth, Cui Min didn’t care whether Lu Tong could cure Jin Xianrong or not. He just wanted Lu Tong to stumble a few times in the Medical Officials Bureau. Arrogant people were always difficult to handle, and… the Red Fangxu incident had already revealed deeper thoughts beneath this woman’s docile exterior.

The Medical Officials Bureau didn’t need people with schemes, only people who would do their work.

The person beside him replied, “She continues her daily routine as usual. There’s been no word from Minister Jin, neither good nor bad.”

Cui Min slightly furrowed his brows: “No incidents have occurred?”

“None that we’ve heard of.”

Cui Min remained silent, his eyes darkening.

Jin Xianrong’s lecherous behavior had always been difficult to change, and even though he now had kidney problems, he wouldn’t necessarily behave himself. However, Lu Tong had already made several house calls for treatment, yet surprisingly, no scandalous rumors had emerged.

After pondering for a moment, he asked, “Where is Lu Tong now?”

“Today is her day to treat Minister Jin. Medical Official Lu left early this morning.”

…

Meanwhile, Lu Tong was getting down from a carriage with her medical box, raising her eyes to look at the mansion before her.

The Ministry of Ceremonies was located below the eastern corridor of the Imperial City, where Ministry of Revenue officials often handled official documents. The area was quiet, not far from the Imperial Guard Command mansion, though not as expansive. At first glance, it looked like the residence of some wealthy family.

Just as Lu Tong reached the entrance, Jin Xianrong’s hunchbacked servant came to greet her: “Medical Official Lu has arrived, please come in. The Minister has been waiting for you for some time!”

Lu Tong nodded and followed the servant through the main gate of the Ministry of Ceremonies.

Though the Ministry appeared modest from the outside, the interior was almost palatial. The entrance hall was elaborate, the furnishings luxurious, with a screen wall carved from a single piece of nanmu wood placed at the front door, featuring a carved elephant symbolizing “peaceful prosperity.”

The inside was even more opulent, with jade couches, fragrant tables, painting easels, and golden platforms. Those who knew understood this was a place for handling official duties, but those who didn’t might suspect they had wandered into some noble prince’s private chambers.

Jin Xianrong stood smiling beside Lu Tong, his drooping broken eyebrows now raised upward, looking more spirited than before, with a rosier complexion.

He said delightedly, “Medical Official Lu, since taking your medicine and receiving several acupuncture treatments, this official feels his yang energy has been fully restored, and the previous pain has largely subsided. This morning that area showed some response – isn’t that a sign of improvement?”

“Yes.”

“Really? Wonderful!” Jin Xianrong’s expression brightened considerably, and he became quite excited. “I knew heaven wouldn’t abandon me, this official’s fortune shouldn’t end here.” He went on to praise Lu Tong, “Medical Official Lu’s medical skills are truly exceptional, far better than those useless ones previously at the Medical Officials Bureau. This official has only taken a few doses of medicine and already sees such miraculous effects. With such skill, it’s a waste for Medical Official Lu to be just a minor official in the Hanlin Medical Bureau. I’d say that Cui Min is nothing special…”

Lu Tong listened absent-mindedly to his flattery. Seeing that the Ministry of Ceremonies had no one else besides Jin Xianrong and his servants, she asked, “Does only Minister Jin attend duties here usually?”

Jin Xianrong smiled, “More or less. Now that the Three Departments have centralized power, the Ministry of Revenue is practically just for show. Besides this official, the rest of the Ministry staff only hold nominal positions. There’s hardly any official business to handle here daily, mostly just sitting around idly. Today, knowing Medical Official Lu would come, I had others stay away to avoid disturbing your treatment.”

He was quite considerate. Lu Tong concealed the look in her eyes and took a few more steps, hoping to reach the innermost room. One glance made her pause.

This room was extremely refined.

Unlike the magnificent opulence outside, this room appeared more scholarly and elegant.

At the entrance stood a Zitan wood screen inlaid with precious stones, half-opened to reveal a deeper Zitan daybed piled with backrests and leather cushions. There was also a purple bamboo fragrant table set with scholarly implements – everything was particularly exquisite.

Lu Tong stopped and asked Jin Xianrong beside her, “Is this the Minister’s room?”

“How could it be?” Jin Xianrong said, “That’s Young Master Qi’s golden chamber.”

“Young Master Qi?”

“The son of the current Grand Tutor Qi.” Jin Xianrong sighed, “Look at that jeweled screen – it’s worth a full three thousand taels of silver. Even this official couldn’t afford it, yet they dare to leave it here in the Ministry of Ceremonies, not worried about anyone taking it.”

Lu Tong nodded, “Young Master Qi is very particular.”

“Isn’t he just?” Seeing Lu Tong’s apparent interest, Jin Xianrong led her into the room to show her around. “He only drinks premium Jianzhou white tea. Since he arrived at the Ministry of Ceremonies, this official has also tasted quite a bit of fine tea.”

He then pointed to the gilt double-moth flower-patterned incense burner on the table: “The incense burning is Lingxi incense. Take a small – one burner isn’t cheap.” As he spoke, he picked up an incense ball from a small box nearby and handed it to Lu Tong: “Medical Official Lu, take one home to try. It helps focus the mind and calm the spirit – you can’t buy this elsewhere.”

Lu Tong accepted the incense ball.

“And then there’s the food, the clothing… truthfully, the Ministry of Revenue’s salary wouldn’t even cover his monthly tea expenses. When it comes to being particular, Young Master Qi is indeed outstanding.”

Perhaps feeling some jealousy toward Qi Yutai, Jin Xianrong’s words of praise carried a hint of sourness.

Lu Tong smiled and looked around, asking curiously, “Is Young Master Qi not here today?”

“He has matters to attend to today and won’t be coming, but he usually does come,” Jin Xianrong said. “If he didn’t come, wouldn’t the fine incense and tea go to waste?”

Lu Tong nodded without further comment, then turned her attention back to Jin Xianrong: “Minister Jin, let’s save the small talk. This official should proceed with your acupuncture treatment.”

Jin Xianrong started, giving a shiver: “…Oh, right, very well.”

…

The acupuncture session that day ran later than usual.

Since Jin Xianrong’s condition had improved and the prescription had been changed, the external symptoms of his kidney abscess were cured, though he still couldn’t engage in sexual activity and needed to continue treatment.

By the time she returned to the Medical Officials Bureau, it was nearly evening.

After several rains, many leaves had fallen from the locust tree at the entrance of the Medical Officials Bureau, with new tender green branches sprouting. The distant twilight sky gradually spread over, casting a soft orange-red glow over the courtyard.

Lu Tong met Ji Xun at the entrance hall of the Medical Officials Bureau.

The young man wore a plain white robe with silver trim, his hair tied high. The sunset glow in the courtyard fell partially on him, making his features appear particularly noble and serene, like a hermit from the mountains.

While there were other young men in the Medical Officials Bureau, the newly graduated young doctors from the Imperial Medical Bureau tended to be somewhat impetuous. This man was very young, yet without a trace of frivolity, as calm as a piece of cold jade, always bringing peace to people’s hearts.

Lu Tong stopped and bowed to him: “Medical Official Ji.”

Ji Xun nodded.

Behind him followed the young medicine apprentice, and it seemed they were about to head home. Just as they were about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and looked at Lu Tong to ask, “Has Minister Jin shown any improvement?”

By now, Lu Tong’s treatment of Ministry of Revenue Vice Minister Jin Xianrong was known not only throughout the Medical Officials Bureau but also to everyone in the Imperial Medicine Bureau.

“Minister Jin’s chronic illness is difficult to treat, but fortunately, after taking medicine for some time, he’s slowly showing some improvement. Given time, he may well recover to his former state.”

Ji Xun nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, then suddenly called out to her: “Medical Official Lu.”

Lu Tong responded.

He said, “That day when I met you when you were selecting materials in the medicine storehouse, did you use any Red Fangxu?”

Lu Tong paused.

She raised her eyes, meeting Ji Xun’s inquiring gaze directly.

Ji Xun had regular features.

His eyebrows and eyes always carried a kind of solitary refinement, like a blue crane gliding through the forest, possessing a loftiness that seemed out of place in the mundane world.

He stared at Lu Tong, his gaze as calm as water, different from Pei Yunying’s sharp and keen eyes. Ji Xun’s eyes were lighter, and when he looked at someone intently, it didn’t feel oppressive, yet being gazed at by those clear eyes made the darkness in one’s heart seem difficult to voice.

It made one feel their unworthiness.

Lu Tong hesitated briefly, smiled slightly, and said, “Medical Official Ji jest. Red Fangxu belongs exclusively to the Imperial Medicine Bureau. The material is precious, and the Medical Officials Bureau has strict quotas. Ordinary medical officials cannot obtain Red Fangxu.”

“I have never used Red Fangxu.”

She spoke with certainty. Ji Xun’s gaze lingered on her face for a while before he nodded: “I see.”

Lu Tong stood there for another moment. Seeing that Ji Xun had nothing else to say, she bowed to him and went into the courtyard with her medical box.

After she left, Ji Xun remained standing in place, lowering his eyes in silent contemplation.

That night when he had seen Lu Tong, he had caught a glimpse of what seemed to be Red Fangxu leaf remnants in her bamboo basket.

Red Fangxu was poisonous, and except for the Imperial Medicine Bureau’s medical craftsmen, medical officials from the Medical Officials Bureau could not use it freely.

He knew Lu Tong was currently treating Jin Xianrong, but Jin Xianrong’s kidney abscess wouldn’t require Red Fangxu. This medicinal material was special, and unless one could process it like Lu Tong to remove the toxicity from its branches and leaves, medical officials in the Medical Officials Bureau were forbidden from using this poisonous herb.

When it comes to poisonous substances, one should be more vigilant.

But Lu Tong had said she had never used it…

From beside him came the medicine apprentice’s reminder: “Young Master, the carriage is waiting at the gate.”

Ji Xun came back to himself and said, “Let’s go.”

Perhaps he had been mistaken.

…

The evening encounter with Ji Xun at the Medical Officials Bureau’s entrance wasn’t something Lu Tong dwelled on.

After dinner, she went to the pharmacy to prepare medicines.

The Medical Officials Bureau had a row of empty pharmacy rooms in the back corridor, available for medical officials to prepare medicines and develop new prescriptions.

However, very few medical officials could make new medicines and develop new prescriptions, so except for decocting medicines, the pharmacy rooms were mostly empty.

Since Lu Tong’s arrival, lights would shine in these empty pharmacy rooms every night. The medical officials in the bureau all said that the newly arrived Medical Official Lu, in treating Ministry of Revenue Vice Minister Jin Xianrong, had taken on a difficult task and had no choice but to work hard every night – truly pitiful.

Lu Tong didn’t feel sorry for herself.

She liked staying in the pharmacy and enjoyed keeping company with the bitter medicinal fragrances. Compared to dealing with the various people in the Medical Officials Bureau, the quiet pharmacy was more reassuring.

Getting closer to one’s goal step by step was always reassuring.

The clear night was bright, with the new moon glimpsing through layers of treetops outside the window, casting pure, brilliant light.

The brilliant moonlight clung to the hem of the room’s occupant’s skirt, creating swaying circular shadows on the ground. The shadow on the ground reached out, placing a large bundle of herbs mixed with red into a jar, from which a subtle fragrance gradually emerged.

Accompanied by layers of pink mist.

Lin Danqing had come by once, peering from outside the window, but seeing the swirling smoke, she had left.

Lu Tong sat quietly before the medicine jar, the silver vessel filled with various brown liquids, heavy fragrance surrounding her, making her shadow appear and disappear in the smoke like an illusory painting. After an unknown time, the smoke gradually dispersed, and the muddy liquid in the medicine jar had somehow turned black, solidifying at the bottom.

She raised her hand to wipe away the sweat on her forehead, turning to look outside the window.

The moon had moved several feet away, the courtyard was completely quiet except for a few faint frog croaks carried by the wind.

It was already the third watch of the night.

Lu Tong turned back to see that in the charcoal basin at her feet, the medicinal remnants had been burned completely clean. Beside the silver jar lay scattered flower branches, their leaves a brilliant green, dotted with red flowers as bright as blood.

She bent down, picked up the remaining branches from the ground, and threw them into the dying embers of the charcoal fire.

…

The room’s lamplight flickered.

When Lu Tong returned to her dormitory room, Lin Danqing was still reading by lamplight.

Seeing her return, the girl stretched: “Finally back.” She teased, “Little Sister Lu, you are hardworking. No wonder you could take first place on the red list in the spring examination.”

Lu Tong just smiled.

Though Lin Danqing spoke thus, she was quite diligent. Sharing a room with Lu Tong, Lu Tong often saw Lin Danqing reading medical books late into the night.

Unlike Lu Tong, who had entered the Medical Officials Bureau with ulterior motives, Lin Danqing came from a good family yet didn’t slack off.

Lu Tong sat down at the table, and undid her hair ribbon to comb her hair, her gaze falling on the medical book in front of Lin Danqing – it was the “Various Poisons” section of the “Ming Yi Medical Classic.”

Her gaze flickered, but before Lu Tong could speak, Lin Danqing propped her chin up and looked at her: “Little Sister Lu, how do you make your medicines so perfectly?”

Lu Tong was puzzled: “What do you mean?”

“‘Spring Water Life’ and ‘Slender’!”

The girl cupped her face and looked at her: “After the spring examination, I was curious about you, wondering who this genius was who could surpass me for first place on the red list. Later, I learned you were the resident physician at Renxin Medical Hall and heard about your affairs, so I had someone buy these two medicines.”

“I couldn’t identify all the ingredients in these prescriptions, but just from the few I could identify, I could tell the combinations were incredibly ingenious.”

“To be honest, I was quite jealous of you before,” Lin Danqing said frankly. “But after seeing those two medicines, I realized I am a bit inferior to you. Then I heard you were a commoner… In our Liang Dynasty’s medical science, most medical texts are kept by the Imperial Medical Bureau. For a commoner to rise in medical science, they either need many years of clinical experience, or they must be a genius.”

Lu Tong was quiet for a moment: “I’m not.”

“You are!” Lin Danqing slapped the table. “That’s why I can accept losing to you.”

Lu Tong remained silent.

She sighed again: “Later I gradually came to terms with it. I was born into a better family than you, and my family has treated me well. I’ve never really suffered in my life. My family’s ancestors used to say that all the good things in the world are never meant to be possessed by just one person.”

“A single spring examination doesn’t mean much. Maybe in the future year-end official assessments, I’ll surpass you.” Though her words showed fighting spirit, her tone was somewhat dejected, her expression becoming melancholic as she thought of something.

In this world, everyone has their dissatisfactions. Even seemingly carefree girls like Lin Danqing might have worries they couldn’t share with others.

Lin Danqing yawned and looked back at the water clock: “Oh my, it’s already the third watch.”

“It’s late, we should get to sleep soon. We have to get up early tomorrow.” She gathered up her medical books and went to the outer room’s couch.

Only Lu Tong remained in the room.

On the table, the bronze lamp had only a shallow layer of oil left, almost burned out, the jumping flame not bright enough, making people’s shadows intermittent.

Lu Tong took out an incense ball from the silver jar she had brought back earlier.

It was a dark brown incense ball, and even before bringing it close, one could smell a faint, subtle fragrance.

Earlier that day, when Jin Xianrong had handed this incense ball to her, he had spoken of Qi Yutai’s particular tastes in food and clothing: “The incense burning is Lingxi incense. Take a smell – one burner isn’t cheap.”

Lingxi incense could focus the mind and calm the spirit. Regular use could soothe one’s mood and regulate emotions. That Qi Yutai used no other incense but favored Lingxi incense made him somewhat different from other wealthy young masters.

However…

Lu Tong picked up the incense ball. The lamplight shone through it, and looking carefully, one could see a faint red within, not very clear – unless examined this closely, it would be hard to detect.

Matters of emotion were inherently subtle – the slightest error could lead to vast differences.

In the deep night’s chamber, the woman sat before the mirror, thinking of something unknown, her lips curving into a somewhat mocking smile.

After a long while, she took out her medical box, opened it, and placed the incense ball inside.