The pale moon hid under the eaves, showing only half its face. Night wind passed through the gaps in the plum tree branches, rustling the medical texts hanging to dry by the window.

After a long while, Miao Liangfang spoke, his gaze at Lu Tong filled with confusion.

“Little Lu, why are you asking about this?”

Lu Tong remained silent.

That day in the Medical Academy’s archive, she had seen Qi Yutai’s medical records.

Though Qi Yutai had long reached adulthood, his medical records contained very few entries, perhaps because he had been in good health over the years with no major problems. However, five years ago in the middle of the night, he had requested Medical Academy Director Cui Min to make a house call to treat him.

The medical records stated that Qi Yutai suffered from excessive liver fire that had accumulated into blockages, with internal ministerial fire causing imbalance. The prescriptions Cui Min had written were all herbs for soothing the liver and relieving depression, nourishing yin and generating fluids.

But Lu Tong had also noticed some other medicinal materials, mostly those for calming the heart and spirit.

This medical record of Qi Yutai’s was written extremely briefly, with almost no record of the patient’s condition, only a few simple conclusions. In the nearly half year that followed, Qi Yutai had requested Cui Min to treat him several more times to strengthen his foundation, but the medicines used were mostly focused on sedation and treating mania.

Combined with what happened earlier at the Ministry of Rites, when Qi Yutai had personally admitted to using rhinoceros horn incense for calming his spirit for many years.

All these things seemed like long-term treatment for stabilizing manic symptoms…

However, the medical records were limited, and such secrets were known to no one else, so she could only return to the medical hall to consult Miao Liangfang.

Lu Tong looked up: “Mr. Miao, can you tell me?”

Miao Liangfang paused.

This young female physician was proficient in various poisons and pharmacology, her identity mysteriously enigmatic. Du Changqing had been with her for a long time yet knew almost nothing about her. And Yin Zheng, who usually chatted about everything with the neighbors on West Street, kept her lips sealed about Lu Tong’s affairs, never saying a word.

She had come harboring secrets, and no one knew what she wanted to do. In less than a year on West Street, she had supported the medical hall, made and sold medicinal tea, taken the spring examination, entered the Medical Academy, and before leaving, had even arranged future positions for everyone at the Renxin Medical Hall.

But in reality, she was only seventeen years old this year.

If he had a daughter, she would be about this age now.

Miao Liangfang sighed and said: “No.”

Lu Tong was startled.

“Before I left the Medical Academy, I never heard of Qi Yutai having manic disorders, or visual hallucinations and perceptual confusion.”

He spoke with certainty.

Lu Tong slightly clenched her hands.

No.

Those spirit-calming medicines in the medical records and the long-term use of rhinoceros horn incense… if there was no such condition, why would he need years of treatment?

Moreover, when she had taken Qi Yutai’s pulse that day, it was thin and rough – blood deficiency causing spirit loss, which didn’t seem like it was caused by taking cold food powder.

Looking at Qi Yutai’s words and actions alone, he indeed seemed no different from ordinary people.

Could it be…

that she was thinking wrong?

Just as she was pondering, Miao Liangfang’s voice reached her ears: “However, what you’ve said reminds me of something.”

“Please tell me, sir.”

“When I left the Medical Academy, Qi Yutai was still a half-grown child, so I don’t know much about his affairs. But more than ten years ago, I treated Qi Yutai’s mother… his mother did have symptoms of delirious speech.”

Lu Tong’s head shot up: “What?”

Miao Liangfang said: “That was many years ago.”

At that time, Miao Liangfang had just become the Medical Academy Director.

His medical skills were outstanding and quite favored by the imperial family. With his reputation as a “genius physician,” he was somewhat proud. When senior court officials had headaches or fevers, they often sent invitations requesting him. Sometimes when busy, not everyone could summon him.

One day, Miao Liangfang received an invitation from the Qi household.

Back then, Qi Qing wasn’t as powerful as now, covering the sky with one hand. The Qi family servants came urgently, only saying that Lady Qi was seriously ill and asking Miao Liangfang to come quickly.

Miao Liangfang then took his medical box and hurried to the Qi manor.

Lady Qi was Qi Qing’s second wife.

Qi Qing had a wife in his early years who was in poor health and died early, leaving no children. Qi Qing didn’t remarry until middle age, taking this second wife who was the youngest daughter of Minister Zhong from the Ministry of Rites, nearly twenty years younger than Qi Qing.

Miss Zhong was young and beautiful. After marrying Qi Qing, she quickly bore him a son and daughter, earning Qi Qing’s favor.

It was then that Miao Liangfang met Lady Qi.

“That Lady Qi was very strange.” Miao Liangfang recalled the scene from that day. “She hid in her room unwilling to see people, her expression dazed. When I examined her pulse, I found she had already taken spirit-calming medicine, making her weak and powerless. But as soon as I approached, she trembled all over with a frightened expression.”

Miao Liangfang at the time felt something was wrong.

The Qi family said Lady Qi’s emotional state was disturbed because she had been frightened, and they had sought him out perhaps thinking his superior medical skills could cure Lady Qi.

During his examination, Qi family servants kept watching in the room. Later, Miao Liangfang found an opportunity to send the servants away and carefully observed Lady Qi, finally sensing what was wrong.

Lady Qi whispered to her side, yet there was no one beside her. She also said she heard performers playing music and clapped with joy.

Miao Liangfang was secretly alarmed.

Such symptoms of false hearing and hallucinations were clearly hysteria.

How could Lady Qi have developed hysteria for no reason?

He didn’t dare alarm others and pretended to be puzzled as he returned to the Medical Academy, saying he needed to consult medical books. Who knew that the next day, the Qi manor sent word saying Lady Qi had improved and his continued treatment was unnecessary.

“Better?” Lu Tong frowned.

“Who knows?” Miao Liangfang sighed. “I never saw her again after that.”

But he was young then and still concerned about the patient. He was skeptical about Lady Qi’s supposed recovery, so he searched through medical books and records in the Medical Academy archive, trying to find some method for treating hysteria, until an old physician found him and told him a secret about Lady Qi.

Lu Tong asked: “What did he say?”

“He said…” Miao Liangfang was silent for a moment before slowly continuing: “Lady Qi’s deceased mother had also once exhibited behavior of crying out and running about wildly, as if mad.”

That loyal old physician patted his shoulder, his eyes filled with sincere comfort, instructing him: “Deputy Director, don’t interfere in this matter anymore. The Medical Academy is different from practicing outside – you must learn to distinguish what should be heard and what shouldn’t be heard.”

“Some people can be treated, others cannot be treated.”

The old physician returned to his hometown, leaving Miao Liangfang to ponder these words repeatedly at the Medical Academy. Later he heard that the young Lady Qi had developed illness from accumulated melancholy and died soon after. Then he was expelled from the Medical Academy, and these secrets and rumors of noble families no longer concerned him.

He hadn’t expected to hear Lu Tong mention it today.

Miao Liangfang looked at Lu Tong: “Little Lu, asking this – has something happened to that Young Master Qi?” His expression changed as he spoke: “Could it be that he also…”

Lu Tong was dazed for a moment, as if understanding something, and looked down with sudden realization.

Her voice was very light: “Mr. Miao also knows that if elders in a family suffer from dementia, forgetfulness, or delusional disorders, their children have a very high chance of inheriting such manic symptoms – sooner or later, they will develop the condition.”

Miao Liangfang’s face twitched as he asked: “Has Young Master Qi also developed symptoms?”

Lu Tong shook her head: “Not now.”

The years of expensive spirit-calming rhinoceros horn incense, those vaguely written medical records at the Medical Academy, his weak pulse…

She understood somewhat now.

It seemed Qi Qing was very afraid this son would follow the same path as his mother, which was why he had been carefully nurturing him with spirit-calming prescriptions from childhood to adulthood.

Yet Qi Yutai had become addicted to taking powder.

How ridiculous.

Miao Liangfang was even more puzzled: “Then why did you suddenly bring this up?”

Lu Tong had no previous connection with the Grand Tutor Manor, yet suddenly inquired about Qi Yutai. Back when he was director, there were still old physicians giving him earnest warnings. Now that Lu Tong had just entered the Medical Academy…

He didn’t know what Lu Tong intended to do, but felt uneasy in his heart.

“Little Lu, you don’t have any conflict with the Grand Tutor Manor, do you?”

Lu Tong looked up and smiled at Miao Liangfang.

“I just had some unclear points about the medical records, so I came to ask you, sir. Rest assured,” her expression was calm, “I’m just an ordinary physician, insignificant with little influence – what could I possibly do?”

This was indeed true. The Qi family held overwhelming power, while Lu Tong was just a small female physician who probably couldn’t even get an audience with them – truly worlds apart.

Miao Liangfang relaxed somewhat.

“However,” Lu Tong paused, then asked: “Does Mr. Miao know about Qi Yutai disliking painted eyebrow birds?”

“Disliking painted eyebrow birds?” Miao Liangfang was startled: “I haven’t heard of that. Didn’t his father love raising birds back then? The manor specifically employed bird keepers. Sometimes the yearly expense for one bird equaled a common family’s annual income – quite extravagant.”

Lu Tong nodded.

That made sense. Miao Liangfang had left the Medical Academy ten years ago, yet the medical records showed Cui Min’s first treatment of Qi Yutai was five years ago.

By then Miao Liangfang was no longer director, so naturally wouldn’t know.

They talked for a while longer. Miao Liangfang asked about Lu Tong’s recent situation at the Medical Academy. Since it was quite late, he took his walking stick and went home.

Lu Tong got up and returned to her room, where Yin Zheng was organizing boxes by the bed.

Hearing movement, Yin Zheng turned around: “Miss, has Mr. Miao gone home?”

Lu Tong hummed in response.

“Perfect timing. I made you two new skirts and some silk flowers – try them on.” Yin Zheng spoke while taking several brand-new dresses from the box.

Lu Tong focused her gaze.

The dresses were all made of good material. Though not comparable to what wealthy officials’ daughters used, the craftsmanship was careful and skillful at first glance.

Yin Zheng smiled: “Tailor Ge got lots of new fabrics in his shop these past months. I thought they all suited you well, so I drew patterns myself and chose tender colors for Tailor Ge to make several.”

“…There are also two pairs of silk shoes I bought from Sister Song’s shop. Try them on, Miss. I heard that at the Medical Academy you wear the same colored clothes every day – what’s there to look at? Such a waste of a beautiful face.”

She chattered like a magpie, holding dresses up to Lu Tong, her brows and eyes full of smiles, showing none of the depression from when Lu Tong left over that box of silver.

Thinking of that box of silver, Lu Tong’s expression softened.

She said gently: “Why did you make so many? Is there enough silver?”

“There’s enough!”

Yin Zheng’s voice carried excitement: “Manager Du has been generous since earning more silver, raising everyone’s monthly wages. I eat and live at the medical hall daily and don’t need to spend money on anything. Besides, how is this considered much? If I wasn’t worried that you might have gained or lost weight at the Medical Academy and the measurements might be different, I would have made several more!”

She measured the pink cloud-colored embroidered silk gauze dress against Lu Tong’s back, nodding with satisfaction: “Tomorrow you’re going to the Princess’s… no, Miss Pei’s manor to take her pulse, right? This new dress will be perfect then, so people don’t say that now we’re all salary-earning people yet still reluctant to buy new clothes.”

Lu Tong paused.

During this rest period, besides returning to the medical hall to check on Yin Zheng and the others, she also needed to see Pei Yunshu.

It had been some time since she’d seen Pei Yunshu and her daughter. Bao Zhu needed new medicine. Though the “Child’s Worry” poison had been mostly neutralized, Bao Zhu was still young and should continue treatment.

That had been her original plan.

However…

Lu Tong lowered her eyes.

Besides that, there seemed to be other matters to attend to.

…

The next morning dawned clear with boundless blue skies.

At the Pei manor in East Wu Lane, crying sounds from a child echoed through the courtyard early in the morning.

A maidservant hurried into the room, humming a tune as she lifted the little girl from the cradle and gently rocked her, while instructing others to open the windows for fresh air.

Azaleas bloomed throughout the courtyard. Under the colorful flower clusters stood a young woman wearing a goose-yellow soft satin wide-sleeved robe with a jade-colored silk skirt. Her gentle face was very beautiful, appearing especially warm and approachable.

Hearing the crying, the woman set down the large ladle she was using to water flowers and walked directly into the room. After taking the baby from the maidservant and discovering she needed changing, there was another flurry of activity changing diapers. Her flustered appearance made the two maids nearby struggle not to laugh.

This woman was Pei Yunshu, the legitimate eldest daughter of Duke Zhaoning.

After Pei Yunshu’s divorce from Prince Wen, she hadn’t returned to live at the Pei manor. Pei Yunying had bought her a mansion next to his own residence, and Pei Yunshu had moved in.

Though this mansion couldn’t compare to Prince Wen’s luxurious grandeur, it had its own refined elegance. Pei Yunying had also arranged guards and servants for her, ensuring adequate staff. With Pei Yunying just next door to help with anything, Pei Yunshu lived more comfortably than before her marriage.

Lady Pei Jiang Wan had visited before, gently advising that as a divorced woman, Pei Yunshu should return home to avoid gossip. However, after Pei Yunying’s guards threw the Pei family servants out the door in front of Jiang Wan, she stopped coming.

Without interference, life became much quieter. Pei Yunshu lived here with her daughter, watching Bao Zhu grow day by day, feeling more satisfied than ever before.

Just as she was coaxing her daughter, the gatekeeper reported: “Madam, Imperial Physician Lu from the Renxin Medical Hall has arrived.”

Pei Yunshu was delighted to hear this: “Quickly invite Imperial Physician Lu in!”

Lu Tong had just arrived at the Pei manor when the Pei household maids led her inside.

Lu Tong still remembered the guiding maid – it was Fang Zi from Pei Yunshu’s side.

During the Mid-Autumn night when she had helped deliver Pei Yunshu’s baby, Fang Zi had stayed by Pei Yunshu’s side. She seemed to be someone Pei Yunying had arranged. Back then, Fang Zi had been suspicious and wary of Lu Tong, but now she appeared much more friendly.

“Madam heard that Imperial Physician Lu was coming yesterday evening and got up early this morning to wait,” Fang Zi said with a smile. “She’s waiting in the courtyard now, and the little miss just woke up too.”

Passing the corridor and pond, as they entered the courtyard, someone under the flower trellis called out with a smile: “Imperial Physician Lu!”

Lu Tong looked up.

Pei Yunshu handed Bao Zhu to the nanny beside her and said with a smile: “You’ve finally come.”

Lu Tong nodded: “Madam.”

Pei Yunshu lightly patted her hand, pretending to be annoyed: “You’re calling me wrong again. Didn’t I say to just call me sister? You saved Bao Zhu’s life – such kindness is like that of parents. Why be so formal with me?”

She then pulled Lu Tong’s hand to look at the little girl in the nanny’s arms: “Look, hasn’t she grown quite a bit?”

Lu Tong looked at the baby in the swaddling clothes.

Children change daily. She still remembered Bao Zhu’s appearance when just born – red and thin like a weak, underdeveloped kitten. Now after just over half a year, she had become plump and white like a New Year picture baby. She took after her mother with snow-white skin and large, bright black eyes that stared at Lu Tong with curiosity.

Lu Tong couldn’t help but extend a hand. Bao Zhu’s chubby little hand also reached out, grasping her finger. As if pleased with this victory, she giggled “gege gege.”

Lu Tong was slightly stunned.

That little hand was so delicate.

Soft and tender, trying hard and struggling to hold onto her, yet like a kitten’s paw brushing across one’s heart – even the coldest person would be moved.

She had treated many people, seen both life and death, yet perhaps because this new life was connected to her, witnessing a fragile seed break through soil and sprout, growing strong, always felt remarkable.

Pei Yunshu’s laughter reached her ears: “Bao Zhu really likes you.”

Lu Tong withdrew her hand, looking at the baby’s pretty little face: “She looks like Sister Yunshu.”

Pei Yunshu’s smile grew even broader: “Everyone says so.” She looked at Lu Tong thoughtfully: “If she grows up to be as beautiful and intelligent as Imperial Physician Lu, I’d be content.”

Lu Tong felt embarrassed: “Sister Yunshu is joking.”

“It’s true.”

Pei Yunshu had the nanny take Bao Zhu to the cradle to get some sun, while she pulled Lu Tong to sit at the small table under the flower trellis: “When I learned you achieved first place in the spring examination, I was so happy for you. I wanted to bring gifts to congratulate you personally, but Bao Zhu is too small to be away from me, and she’s too young for me to take out. I could only have someone send congratulatory gifts.”

“…But I always felt bad about it.”

Lu Tong shook her head: “Sister Yunshu needn’t worry about it – those gifts were already very generous.”

“How could they compare to even one thousandth of your life-saving kindness?” Pei Yunshu said, then smiled: “Later I thought, well then, I’ll wait until you have time during your rest period to find you. Finally I’ve waited for this day. Stay here today – I’ve had the kitchen prepare some good dishes. Consider it a belated celebration after all this time. Is that alright?”

Her invitation was hard to refuse, and Lu Tong couldn’t very well decline, so she said: “Alright.”

Pei Yunshu was delighted, but soon she remembered something and looked behind her.

Lu Tong: “What’s wrong?”

“Strange,” Pei Yunshu said. “Today is Yunying’s rest day. I had someone tell him a few days ago that we’d all sit down for a meal together today. I also planned to ask him to look after you more at the Medical Academy.”

“The Medical Academy and the Palace Commander’s Manor aren’t far apart. Having just entered, you’re bound to be unfamiliar with things. Since he’s nearby, it’s appropriate for him to help out.”

“I just had someone go call him,” Pei Yunshu said puzzled, “but why isn’t he back yet?”