The wind blew, and the wooden pieces scattered across the floor were like fallen stones on a vast, empty beach, striking the heart in random patterns, leaving inexplicable chaotic marks.

Lu Tong heard her own calm voice.

“Back at Prince Wen’s mansion, there was also a life-saving debt between me and Madam and Bao Zhu…”

Pei Yunying gave a noncommittal laugh.

Lu Tong suddenly fell silent.

The favor of saving lives had been squandered bit by bit through all the subsequent matters at Yuxian Tower. To try leveraging favors for repayment now seemed rather unrealistic. Moreover, Pei Yunshu and Bao Zhu were no longer in mortal danger, so if Pei Yunying wanted to burn bridges after crossing the river, it would be effortless.

Such holding out for the highest bidder was perhaps for future calculations.

Lu Tong thought for a moment and said: “If Master Pei ever wants to obtain someone else’s medical records in the future, I could handle it for you.”

The matter of Pei Yunying sneaking into the Imperial Medical Academy’s pharmacy at night to take medical records had happened just a few days ago. Lu Tong had been keeping watch at the Imperial Medical Academy herself, which could be considered assistance.

Pei Yunying looked at her quietly and shook his head.

Still not acceptable.

After a moment of silence, Lu Tong raised her face and spoke calmly.

“If Master Pei is willing to tell me, I would be willing to prepare another dose of Jin Xianrong’s tonic medicine for Master Pei.”

As soon as these words came out, the calm expression on the face before her suddenly cracked.

Lu Tong sneered inwardly.

It seemed he wasn’t entirely without reaction.

She pressed on: “This medicine is precious. I guarantee it’s not available anywhere else. If the Marshal obtains it, the benefits would be endless.”

Pei Yunying laughed coldly: “Thank you, but I don’t need it.”

“Master Pei may not know, but when men reach a certain age, many suffer from such ailments – blood deficiency and yang weakness. Master appears fine now, but when you grow older, there will inevitably be times when your strength fails you. With this medicine, I guarantee your vigor will remain as before.”

Pei Yunying looked at her with incredulity.

Lu Tong sat at the low table, her eyes clear and bright, speaking with complete seriousness and very sincere expression, truly like a kind-hearted physician trying to persuade a stubborn patient who wouldn’t listen to advice.

She always used this ordinary, bland tone to say the most shocking things.

Pei Yunying reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose, almost gritting his teeth: “I won’t need it in the future either.”

“You’ll need it very much in the future.” She was quite insistent.

He suddenly felt somewhat weary, or perhaps helpless. He simply picked up a paperweight from the table and asked with lowered head: “If I tell you, what does Doctor Lu plan to do?”

“Master Pei,” after a pause, Lu Tong called to him, “you only need to tell me this matter and don’t need to do anything else. For you, there’s no loss whatsoever. As for me, I’m currently at the Imperial Medical Academy, and there are many ways I could help Master. If someday in the future Master has use for me, or if you have any enemies…”

She said softly: “I could also kill them for Master.”

This voice was very light, like a night breeze on the cusp between spring and early summer, carrying a trace of fine coldness when it gently brushed across one’s face.

Pei Yunying gave her an appraising look: “Didn’t Doctor Lu say that you had never killed anyone in the past and would never kill anyone in the future?”

Lu Tong paused slightly.

Those were words she had once said to Pei Yunying under Luoyue Bridge.

At that time, they had briefly cooperated, staging a mutually understood performance in front of the military patrol post to catch the person Meng Xiyan had sent. He hadn’t known her background then and was probing at every step, while she defended at every turn, not wanting this man to glimpse any traces of her true nature.

“Killing people is also saving people.” Lu Tong’s expression remained unchanged. “I can be Master’s helper.”

“Helper?”

Pei Yunying smiled slightly, leaning back against his chair, looking at her indifferently: “Aren’t you going to ask me what I want to do?”

“That’s not important.”

What Pei Yunying wanted to do, what his goals were – Lu Tong didn’t care in the slightest. This was just a willing transaction between parties. Whether it could be completed depended entirely on whether the stakes offered by the other party were enticing enough.

Pei Yunying sighed.

His handsome features were absolutely captivating under the lamplight, but his voice carried a hint of mockery as he spoke slowly and deliberately.

“Making deals with people of unknown background – Doctor Lu isn’t afraid of losing everything?”

He smiled faintly: “No wonder you were tricked into archery at the lantern market. Doctor Lu really isn’t very good at business matters.”

Lu Tong looked at him: “Has Master Pei agreed then?”

The room fell quiet for a moment.

After a while, Pei Yunying’s voice rang out.

“Outside the capital’s outer city, at the foot of Tuoluo Mountain, there’s a tea garden.”

“The thrush you want to investigate is there.”

A tea garden?

Lu Tong’s heart stirred.

She understood this was the key to the information, so she pressed Pei Yunying further: “What’s the name of that tea garden?”

“The tea garden has now been bought by a private individual. Ordinary people cannot enter.”

This was rather disappointing news.

Lu Tong stared at him: “Could Master Pei accompany me there tomorrow?”

Pei Yunying held an official position. If she went there rashly, she might alert others, but with this person’s cover, it would be better.

However, his answer was quite heartless.

“I have business tomorrow.”

Lu Tong: “…”

She was somewhat disappointed.

The ten-day rest periods in two months combined totaled only three days, and today marked the second day. If she couldn’t enter the tea garden tomorrow, she’d have to wait until next month’s rest period, delaying considerable time.

The room’s light was dim. She frowned slightly, her eyes darkened, and her frail shoulders made her appear rather pitiful.

Pei Yunying’s gaze flickered.

After a moment, he suddenly said: “I’ll come pick you up at the hour of the snake tomorrow.”

Lu Tong looked at him in surprise.

His eyes were slightly lowered, lost in thought, his expression very indifferent, as if his previous words had been merely casual, offhand remarks.

Lu Tong thought for a moment: “Thank you, Master. About your medicine…”

“Just examining Bao Zhu is enough.” He interrupted Lu Tong’s words, saying word by word: “I don’t need it.”

The corner of Lu Tong’s mouth lifted.

She felt that somehow, she seemed to have acquired some of Du Changqing’s wicked sense of humor. For instance, every time she saw Pei Yunying in this state of suppressed anger, she felt immensely satisfied.

It was as if only at such times could she glimpse the helpless side of this usually composed person.

A boring amusement, but quite interesting.

He glanced at Lu Tong, seeing her apparently good mood, paused before speaking: “It’s getting late today, and you’ve been busy all day. Go back and rest first.” Having said this, he stood up: “I’ll escort you.”

Lu Tong: “No need.”

Pei Yunying frowned.

“A man and woman alone together, coming and going at night is always inappropriate. There are many people on West Street – if someone saw us, it would invite gossip.” Her tone was gentle. “My fiancé wouldn’t like it either.”

Pei Yunying raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a half-smile.

“I almost forgot – Doctor Lu still has a fiancé.”

He spoke teasingly, but didn’t continue insisting, saying: “I’ll have Qing Feng escort you.”

Lu Tong didn’t refuse further.

Qing Feng brought a carriage. Pei Yunying escorted Lu Tong to the entrance of the Pei residence. After Lu Tong got into the carriage and it disappeared into the depths of the night, he turned to walk back. He had only taken two steps when he saw Pei Yunshu hurriedly rushing out from the neighboring residence, looking in the direction the carriage had departed with an annoyed expression.

“Why did you come out?” Pei Yunying asked.

Pei Yunshu glared at him, her tone somewhat reproachful: “Didn’t I tell you to personally escort Doctor Lu back to the medical hall? Why did you have someone else escort her?”

She deliberately emphasized the word “personally.”

Pei Yunying smiled casually, not answering her question. Then he noticed Pei Yunshu holding a box in her hands that looked somewhat familiar, and couldn’t help but pause slightly: “What’s that?”

Pei Yunshu looked down: “I was just about to discuss this with you. Doctor Lu came today saying she brought a gift for Bao Zhu. I thought it would be some herbs or local products, so I didn’t refuse. After she left, Fang Zi opened it and discovered it wasn’t. Look—”

While speaking, she had already opened the box, revealing a pair of beautiful golden butterflies inside.

The butterflies lay on black silk, their wings light and graceful, decorated with crystal pink gemstones that glittered brilliantly in the night. One could tell from their complex craftsmanship that they were quite expensive.

Pei Yunshu continued: “I was thinking that Doctor Lu is currently serving at the Imperial Medical Academy, but her salary isn’t particularly generous. This gift is far too valuable. Should I find an opportunity to return it… A’Ying, A’Ying, are you listening to me?”

Pei Yunying came back to his senses, gazing at the pair of butterflies poised to take flight on the black silk. After a long while, he chuckled softly.

“…She really refuses to owe anyone a favor.”

In the end, Pei Yunshu kept the pair of golden butterflies.

Pei Yunying told her it was just a piece of jewelry after all. Since it was given with good intentions for Bao Zhu, she should accept it. He would find other opportunities to repay Lu Tong’s favor in different ways later.

Pei Yunshu thought about it and agreed. Returning a gift that others had given would always seem rude. Since Pei Yunying had said so, there would be opportunities in the future, so she accepted the items.

After Fang Zi helped Pei Yunshu return to her residence, Pei Yunying also entered his quarters.

The lamp in his study was still lit, the bronze flower lamp still holding warm oil. He pushed the door and entered, immediately seeing the chaos scattered across the floor.

The wooden tower blocks that Lu Tong had knocked over were scattered everywhere. His study furnishings had always been simple, sometimes even feeling too empty, but this was the first time it had been so messy. Yet it made the emptiness seem less pronounced, instead giving a sense of lively crowdedness.

The young man bent down and stooped to pick up the fallen wood pieces.

The wooden tower had been built long ago, piece by piece, accumulated over many years.

He never let others enter his study, so this wooden tower had remained safe and undisturbed here for many years.

Who would have thought that the first time he let Lu Tong in, she would knock it down.

With just a light touch from her, this mountain-like wooden tower had cascaded down like a waterfall, collapsing without any mercy.

“I’m sorry, I’ll help you rebuild it.”

That woman had stood before the table, speaking words of apology, but her tone held not a trace of guilt. She was so forthright, as if she were the master of this study and he was an uninvited intruder who had entered without permission.

Perfunctory yet righteous.

After a moment, he straightened up, casually placed the piece of wood he had picked up on the table, and sighed silently.

Truly bringing disaster upon oneself with no one else to blame.

…

Lu Tong was completely unaware of Pei Yunying’s minor troubles.

Perhaps the familiar medical hall brought peace of mind, or perhaps the excitement of approaching Qi Yutai’s secrets tomorrow made her feel energetic – she slept very soundly that night.

Early the next morning, when Lu Tong woke up, Yin Zheng was standing by her bed holding clothes, smiling with great persistence.

“Miss is going out with Marshal Pei today. You should wear this new outfit, otherwise when the weather gets hotter later, and Miss is usually at the Imperial Medical Academy, there will be even fewer opportunities to wear it.”

Lu Tong: “…”

Yesterday when she went to Pei Yunshu’s residence to examine Pei Yunshu and Bao Zhu, because she needed to carry a medical box, she had still worn her usual old clothes, which greatly disappointed Yin Zheng.

However, learning that she was going out with Pei Yunying today, new expectations arose in Yin Zheng’s heart.

She pressed Lu Tong down in front of the dressing mirror, like a mother dressing up her daughter, wishing she could adorn Lu Tong with all things beautiful and exquisite. While dressing Lu Tong’s hair, she said: “Little Sister Song from the silk shoe shop will turn fifteen this year. Previously when I had Tailor Ge make clothes for Miss, the flower patterns I drew caught Mrs. Song’s eye, so she asked me to draw a few for Little Sister Song too.”

“…Every time I see how Little Sister Song dresses up, I think these clothes would look good on Miss too. Now I’ve finally waited for Miss to return, so it won’t all be in vain.”

Lu Tong let her dress her up, saying softly: “I’m not going out to have fun.”

She was going to the tea garden to investigate Qi Yutai’s affairs. What she wore or accessorized was utterly meaningless.

“Young Master Pei is a man.” Yin Zheng combed Lu Tong’s long hair while speaking. “He appears unapproachable and scheming. But heroes have trouble passing the beauty test. If Miss dresses up prettily, perhaps he’ll become Miss’s devoted follower, always looking after you, and might even provide Miss with more clues.”

Before Lu Tong could speak, she continued: “As for men, whether Miss likes them is one thing, whether they can be useful is another. No need to be overly resistant.”

Lu Tong remained silent.

Pei Yunying was the type who was warm on the outside but cold within. He didn’t seem like someone who would be swayed by feminine charms – not that he was a hypocrite, simply that he looked down on such romantic affairs.

Would he become her devoted follower?

Lu Tong didn’t believe she had that kind of appeal.

No matter how beautiful a blade might be, it was still just a weapon.

It could hurt people, but it couldn’t love them.

But saying this to Yin Zheng would be useless, so Lu Tong could only remain silent.

After another half hour, Yin Zheng finally finished the hairstyle, then lightly applied some rouge and powder that had been bought but rarely used, helped Lu Tong into that light pink misty long dress, and finally pulled Lu Tong to the mirror.

“Miss, look – isn’t it just right?”

Lu Tong looked into the mirror.

In the bronze mirror stood a young woman in a long dress, skin like condensed lychee and nose like goose fat, silently looking back at herself.

She looked somewhat unfamiliar.

Seeing her dazed expression, Yin Zheng giggled and pushed Lu Tong toward the door. Miao Liangfang was crouched by the medicine cabinet comparing herbs, and Du Changqing was leaning against a table cabinet, listlessly looking at account books. Hearing movement, he glanced back and his gaze immediately froze.

“Wow!” A’Cheng’s eyes widened as he threw down his broom and ran forward, circling around Lu Tong: “Doctor Lu’s new dress is so beautiful!”

In the past at Renxin Medical Hall, she never wore makeup or powder, and her clothes were mostly simple old garments, convenient for organizing medicines. Rarely dressed up in something more elaborate, it was quite eye-catching for everyone.

Miao Liangfang lifted his head from the pile of herbs, squinted for a careful look, and praised: “Little Lu looks much more spirited dressed up like this! Young ladies should wear such bright colors!”

“Of course,” Yin Zheng was very proud, “this is new fabric from Tailor Ge’s shop. Fortunately I grabbed it quickly – it was gone in two days. The style is also one I drew for Tailor Ge. The craftsmanship is no worse than those ready-made clothing shops in the capital!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Amid the chorus of praise, only Du Changqing frowned tightly, looking at Lu Tong with complete wariness: “All dressed up so early in the morning – where are you going?”

Lu Tong said: “There are still some matters to handle at the Imperial Medical Academy.”

“Just you alone? Are there others going with you? Men or women? Where to?”

He asked rapid-fire questions. Yin Zheng rolled her eyes: “Shopkeeper Du, could you please not spoil the mood?”

“How is this spoiling the mood? You don’t understand,” Du Changqing emerged from inside, “there are many bad people in the capital. Doctor Lu is a young woman in her prime who doesn’t understand people’s hearts. I’m most afraid she’ll choose friends poorly. And look at her – does this look like she’s going to handle business? No way. You stop right there and explain clearly to me…” He made as if to grab Lu Tong.

Yin Zheng exchanged a glance with A’Cheng. Understanding her signal, the two rushed forward and grabbed Du Changqing around the waist from left and right. Yin Zheng called back to Lu Tong: “Miss, go quickly – if you’re late, the person will get anxious waiting.”

Du Changqing became agitated: “What person? How will they get anxious? I want to go see!”

Yin Zheng: “See what? Her fiancé is none of Shopkeeper Du’s business!”

Du Changqing was stunned: “Fiancé?”

Ignoring the chaos behind her, Lu Tong lifted her skirt and walked out of the medical hall. Miao Liangfang cheerfully waved to her: “Little Lu, go early and return early—”

The clamor behind gradually faded.

When she reached the end of West Street, she indeed saw a carriage stopped by the roadside. Qing Feng sat on the horse in front, and upon seeing Lu Tong, nodded to her: “Doctor Lu.”

Lu Tong returned the greeting.

Yesterday she had arranged with Pei Yunying to wait for her at the entrance to West Street after the hour of the snake today. Lu Tong hadn’t let Pei Yunying wait in front of the medical hall, to avoid being seen by Du Changqing and facing another round of questioning, which she really couldn’t be bothered to deal with.

Moreover, Pei Yunying’s entourage was too conspicuous. If they lingered too long in front of the medical hall and were seen by interested parties, that wouldn’t be good. Today they were going to handle serious business, so it was best to act as low-key as possible.

Just as she was thinking this, the carriage curtain was lifted and Pei Yunying’s face appeared from behind the curtain. Sunlight illuminated his robes, making his face appear star-bright and his lips like peach blossoms, exceptionally handsome and distinguished.

He raised an eyebrow: “Doctor Lu is a bit late.”

Lu Tong: “My apologies.”

In fact, if Yin Zheng and A’Cheng hadn’t blocked Du Changqing, she could have been even later.

Pei Yunying nodded, his gaze falling on her, and suddenly he paused slightly.

In the sunlight, the woman wasn’t carrying a medical box, wearing only a light pink double-butterfly embroidered jacket and skirt, with white-patterned butterflies embroidered on the sleeves and collar. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders, but a hibiscus flower hairpin adorned her hair bun.

She usually wore cold-colored clothing and rarely donned such bright colors, which diminished the inherent coldness in her bones and made her appear particularly charming. The pink silk ribbons hanging by her ears made her face look painted and radiant like a pink mountain camellia about to bloom in spring, full of youthful beauty.

Completely different from her usual appearance.

Pei Yunying’s expression shifted slightly: “You today…”

Lu Tong looked at him: “What about me today?”

After a pause, the corner of his mouth curved: “Nothing.”

This person was incomprehensible.

Lu Tong didn’t say much else, lifting her skirt to board the carriage. However, the carriage was too high, and Tailor Ge’s new dress was quite inconvenient for movement. Seeing her struggle, Pei Yunying held the curtain with one hand and grasped her arm with the other, pulling her up in one motion.

Once in the carriage with the curtain down, Lu Tong looked at Pei Yunying: “Master Pei, are we going to the tea mountain now?”

He nodded and instructed Qing Feng outside: “Let’s go.”