Inside the right side gate of the southern wall of the palace city, heading east to the back corridors was the Bureau of Military Affairs.

Lu Tong followed a man in green official robes and stopped under the corridors.

The man said: “Dr. Lu, we’ve arrived.”

Lu Tong looked up.

This was a very imposing official residence, with two majestic lions placed in front of the main entrance—impressive and mighty. This was for Bureau of Military Affairs officials to enter the palace from the right side gate for office work and court attendance, positioned opposite the Secretariat.

The green-robed official showed his token to the guards at the entrance, who then stepped aside. Lu Tong followed this person inside.

The official residence was enormous. Though not as luxurious as the Ministry of Rites, it was more spacious than the Commander’s mansion. The man led Lu Tong through long corridors, around inner chambers, and into a large room. This room actually had stone steps built into it, half-sunken underground. Lu Tong followed him down the steps, and after passing through the narrow stairway, her view suddenly opened up.

Torches hung dimly on the walls, with no windows on any side. A long tunnel led to the end of her sight, obscured by deeper darkness, making it impossible to see what lay within.

It seemed to be a secret chamber.

There were rustling sounds, like heavy objects being dragged, accompanied by an extremely heavy smell of blood.

The person in front took down an extinguished torch from the wall, pulled out a fire striker to light it. The area where Lu Tong stood was suddenly illuminated, and in the next moment, her pupils contracted.

Not far from her feet, five or six corpses lay neatly arranged, covered with white cloth. The white cloth was soaked with bloodstains, and she could vaguely see the broken, twisted human forms beneath, emanating a deathly silence.

In the complete silence, a voice suddenly rang out from behind: “You’ve arrived?”

This voice in the secret chamber where only breathing could be heard was like a ghostly chant, cold and sinister. Lu Tong suddenly turned around.

At some point, a person had silently appeared behind her.

It was a middle-aged man dressed in black, thin and gaunt, with a pair of deep, sinister eyes coldly staring at her.

Lu Tong looked at him.

This was Bureau of Military Affairs Commander Yan Xu.

At the Huangmao Hill hunting ground, Lu Tong had seen this person before. He had confronted Pei Yunying on the forest path below the hunting ground, which many people had witnessed.

Regarding Yan Xu, apart from his past with the former Lady of Duke Zhaoning, Lu Tong knew very little. Miao Liangfang wasn’t familiar with this person either, only knowing that the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Palace Front Division were at odds, and that Yan Xu and Pei Yunying viewed each other as thorns in their sides, wishing to eliminate the other.

She slightly bowed her head: “My lord.”

A scrutinizing gaze fell upon her.

Lu Tong calmly allowed him to study her while also observing this person.

The last time at Huangmao Hill was just a hasty glance; now she had the opportunity to see his appearance clearly. The man had ordinary features and wasn’t particularly robust, somewhat thin, but his eyes were sharp and alert, fierce and keen like an eagle, carrying a bloodthirsty aura.

On his brow was a one-inch-long knife scar that swept past the corner of his eye. Under the dim, yellow secret chamber lighting, it appeared even more hideous and terrifying.

For some reason, Lu Tong’s mind absurdly wandered to what Lin Danqing had said about the Commander’s mansion selecting talents based on appearance. Looking at this Bureau of Military Affairs Commander now, it seemed the Bureau of Military Affairs had no such rules.

No wonder the former Lady of Duke Zhaoning had refused the marriage proposal.

As she thought about these irrelevant matters, her earlier tension actually dissipated considerably.

Yan Xu also noticed the change in her expression.

After a moment, he spoke coldly: “Dr. Lu has considerable courage, remaining unmoved even when seeing dead bodies.”

Lu Tong replied: “When the dead were alive, they were also patients.”

She looked up at Yan Xu: “I wonder, my lord, where is the patient now?”

Yan Xu was slightly surprised, but soon he looked at the green-robed official beside Lu Tong. The man understood, bowed his head, and walked into the tunnel. Shortly after, he dragged out a body.

To call it a body wasn’t quite accurate—this person was still alive, but only had half a body. Everything from the waist down had been severed, yet he hadn’t received proper medical treatment. His entire body looked as if it had been fished out of a bucket of blood, with no visible intact flesh.

When the person was dragged, the quiet chamber filled with rustling sounds—the severed legs scraping against the ground. The sound sent chills down one’s spine. Under the firelight, a long trail of blood stretched behind him, winding until it stopped in front of Lu Tong.

The man released his grip, and the mutilated torso landed with a “thud” at Lu Tong’s feet. The sound made her heart tighten, and she instinctively looked down.

This person’s pupils were dilated and scattered—clearly, he was beyond help.

“They say Dr. Lu is skilled in medicine, able to bring flesh back to dry bones.”

Yan Xu stared intently at Lu Tong’s expression, slowly uttering three words:

“Save him.”

…

The summer day was sweltering. Under the trees at the entrance of the Commander’s mansion, Zhizi and several small black dogs huddled together, hiding in the shade to cool off.

When Pei Yunying returned, Xiao Zhufeng was pouring iced plum and perilla drink from a pot.

Made by decocting black plums, kudzu root, perilla, and water, it was refreshing and cooling in summer, sweet and sour—Duan Xiaoyan’s favorite.

Xiao Zhufeng poured a cup, took a sip, and frowned: “Why is this so sweet? How much sugar did Duan Xiaoyan add?”

Pei Yunying also took a cup, tasted it, and said: “I think it’s fine.”

Xiao Zhufeng pushed his cup away: “Your taste has gotten sweeter lately.”

In the past, Pei Yunying had the least tolerance for sweet foods in the entire Palace Front Division. Now he not only occasionally ordered the small kitchen to make sweet pastries but also had Duan Xiaoyan buy honey cakes from Qinghe Street.

As if he’d been possessed.

“Really?” Pei Yunying was nonchalant. “Maybe you’re just too bitter.”

Xiao Zhufeng choked, saying expressionlessly: “Life is indeed a bit bitter.”

Pei Yunying glanced at him: “Why say that? The Palace Front Division hasn’t mistreated you.”

Xiao Zhufeng looked at him: “Did His Highness see you?”

Hearing this, the smile on Pei Yunying’s face faded.

After the Huangmao Hill hunting incident, the conflict between the Crown Prince and Third Prince had intensified daily. The Qi family was embroiled in it, and although the Palace Front Division wasn’t directly involved, they had gained a place in these rumors due to the romantic news with Lu Tong.

For Pei Yunying personally, this wasn’t a good thing.

He had many successive troubles to deal with.

Xiao Zhufeng’s voice reached his ears: “His Highness was still calm, right?”

Pei Yunying came back to his senses and sneered: “More than calm.”

Not just calm, but even somewhat gleefully watching the excitement. He remembered the other party sitting in a chair, looking at him with eyes full of curiosity: “Yunying, what does that Dr. Lu look like? Is she beautiful? More beautiful than the young lady of the Qi family?”

He suddenly felt a headache coming on.

Xiao Zhufeng looked at him: “That’s good then. Lu Tong returned to the Imperial Medical Academy early this morning.”

Pei Yunying nodded, picking up the pile of official documents on the table: “I know.”

“Aren’t you going to see her?”

“She just returned and must be busy. I’ll go later. I also have official business to handle.”

Xiao Zhufeng nodded, picked up the documents from the table, and stood to leave. When he reached the door, he stopped and looked hesitantly at the person at the desk.

“You really aren’t going to see her?” He reminded: “I thought you’d be watching and protecting her around the clock.”

Pei Yunying scoffed: “I’m not a pervert.”

Xiao Zhufeng hummed in acknowledgment but still stood at the door without leaving.

Pei Yunying sensed something, suddenly looked up, and stared at him: “What happened?”

The room was quiet.

Xiao Zhufeng coughed lightly, turned his head away to avoid Pei Yunying’s gaze: “There’s something… I need to tell you… stay calm first.”

“Speak.”

“This morning, Lu Tong went out to treat someone.”

“Who?”

Xiao Zhufeng looked away: “…Someone from the Bureau of Military Affairs.”

…

In the cold, dark chamber, torches flickered dimly.

The heavy smell of blood wandered through the narrow space. Lu Tong lowered her head, carefully cleaning the wounds all over the person before her.

To call it a “person” was rather forced. When not cleaned, the injuries weren’t visible, but after being wiped with cloth, the wounds were truly shocking.

This person no longer had a single piece of intact flesh on his body. Both hands were broken, both legs severed, ten fingers bloody and mangled, and countless marks from iron hooks and burns covered his body. Most terrifyingly, despite such severe injuries, this person was still alive—though he probably wouldn’t live much longer.

Such injuries were impossible to heal.

Lu Tong didn’t know this person’s identity or what he had done to deserve such treatment. Yan Xu wanted her to save him, so she would try to save him. As for other matters, she didn’t ask.

The green-robed official beside her followed Lu Tong’s instructions, bringing clean hot water. Yan Xu sat on a chair in the corner of the secret chamber, coldly watching her movements.

Lu Tong could feel his scrutinizing gaze on her, but at this moment, she had no time to worry about it. This person’s injuries were too severe; she could only use acupuncture to keep him alive temporarily. Gradually, sweat dampened her hair.

The last needle was removed from the person’s hair. Lu Tong used a handkerchief to wipe away the blood trickling from the patient’s lips and placed a pill under his tongue.

The person still lay on the ground, but his chest rose and fell more steadily than before. He opened his mouth slightly and let out the first moan since appearing here.

He was awake.

Yan Xu stood up, walked to Lu Tong’s side, and looked down at the person at his feet: “Saved him?”

“Three hours.”

“What?”

Lu Tong immersed her hands in water that had almost turned red, washed them, and dried them with a handkerchief before standing up and speaking to Yan Xu: “This person’s injuries are too severe. I’ve used Return Origin Pills to sustain his life. He can live for three more hours.”

The person before her had an unpredictable expression: “Didn’t Dr. Lu understand my words? I told you to save him.”

Lu Tong remained unmoved, calmly replying: “My lord, I am a physician, not the King of Hell. I cannot decide who lives and who dies at will.”

This retort was bold, and even the green-robed subordinate couldn’t help but glance at Lu Tong.

Yan Xu’s eagle eyes stared at Lu Tong for a long time. After a moment, he sneered and said: “That makes sense too. Someone—”

He glanced at the dying person on the ground: “Drag him back.” Then, smiling without warmth, he looked at Lu Tong: “After working so hard for so long, Dr. Lu must be tired. Stay and have some tea before leaving.”

Lu Tong’s heart sank.

He wasn’t letting her leave immediately—Yan Xu clearly intended to keep her here.

The green-robed man in front didn’t wait for Lu Tong’s response and walked to her, indicating she should follow him.

Lu Tong paused for a moment, shouldered her medical box, then turned around and said softly: “Yes, my lord.”

…

The cold of the secret chamber was gradually left behind. When they came up from the steps, the sun outside was just right.

Yan Xu’s subordinate escorted Lu Tong to a tea room and then left.

Lu Tong sat at the table, looking around.

This seemed to be Yan Xu’s study or a meditation room for drinking tea.

There were no decorations. Behind her was a dark wood bookshelf with an ink-colored long desk. The chairs and short couches in the room were all square and rigid, with dull, rigid colors. There weren’t even any potted landscapes or antiques.

Jin Xianrong, just a Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, had his Ministry of Rites office decorated luxuriously, not to mention Qi Yutai. Yet Yan Xu, a Bureau of Military Affairs Commander with high position and great power, managing Daliang’s military affairs, had a room that was unexpectedly austere and bland.

Lu Tong was thinking about this when her gaze swept past the wall behind her and suddenly stopped.

In this lifeless study, on the wall directly opposite the bookshelf, there actually hung a silk painting.

It was a painting of evening clouds in the mountains.

After rain, the sky cleared, with pure wind and beautiful water. A patch of red clouds dyed the river water red, startling a pair of white egrets into flight.

The artist’s brushwork was both delicate and grand, with splashes of golden-red brilliance that was dazzling. This bright color illuminated the dreary study, adding some tenderness to the rigid, somber colors.

Lu Tong was absorbed in looking when she heard footsteps behind her. Yan Xu walked in from outside.

The man had changed into a black robe with round collar embroidered with qilin, making his entire person appear even more cold and gloomy. He sat at the table as his subordinate entered, bowed to serve two cups of hot tea, then silently retreated and closed the door.

The room was extremely quiet, with faint bird chirping audible from outside the window.

Lu Tong calmly looked at the person before her.

Without the dimness of the dungeon, his features appeared clearer. The long scar at the corner of the man’s eye was particularly hideous in the daylight, seeming to miss his eye by just a hair’s breadth.

Quite terrifying.

“I’ve long heard that the new Imperial Medical Academy physician has excellent medical skills. Seeing it today, the reputation is well-deserved.” He spoke, breaking the silence in the room.

Lu Tong lowered her eyes: “You flatter me, my lord. Lu Tong doesn’t dare accept such praise.”

Yan Xu picked up his tea, took a sip, and smiled faintly: “Born a commoner, practicing medicine on West Street, without support or backing, achieving first place in the spring examination through your own efforts alone, entering the Imperial Medical Academy…”

“Dr. Lu is quite remarkable.”

Lu Tong looked at the tea soup before her.

The tea was clear and bright, with tea leaves floating and unfurling in the water like a slowly blooming flower.

She smiled slightly: “Just luck.”

“Luck?”

Yan Xu slightly narrowed his eyes: “Grand Minister of Agriculture Dong Changming, Princess Consort of Wen Prince Pei Yunshu, Assistant Minister of Revenue Jin Xianrong…”

“The noble people Dr. Lu has saved—that can’t be achieved through luck alone.”

Wind blew in from outside, making flower shadows sway. Tea fragrance filled the entire room, masking the bloody smell from the secret chamber.

After a moment of silence, Lu Tong spoke quietly: “My fate is in my own hands, my fortune is my own to seek. I was born lowly and can only gain noble people’s attention by dedicating myself to studying medicine. I make you laugh, my lord.”

“Well said—’my fate is in my own hands, my fortune is my own to seek.'”

Yan Xu held his tea, unhurriedly taking a sip: “So Commander Pei’s public protection was also something Dr. Lu sought for herself?”

Hearing this, Lu Tong’s brow furrowed slightly.

Behind the white mist rising from the tea, Yan Xu’s gloomy eyes stared at her unfathomably.

Lu Tong didn’t speak, her mind racing.

The Palace Front Division and Bureau of Military Affairs were mortal enemies. Yan Xu’s sudden summons for verbal probing seemed related to Pei Yunying.

Now the palace was spreading rumors that she and Pei Yunying were unclear in their relationship. Perhaps in Yan Xu’s eyes, she and Pei Yunying weren’t innocent either. If he wanted to target Pei Yunying, he could start with her—

But this attitude seemed somewhat intriguing.

Perhaps because she had been silent too long, Yan Xu lowered his head to drink tea again, set down his teacup, and said lightly: “Why doesn’t Dr. Lu drink her tea?”

Lu Tong was startled.

The hot tea sat in a blue porcelain teacup, the tea soup green and blue, with floating tea leaves like a pool of green lotus unfurling. She couldn’t tell what kind of tea it was, but the fragrance was so rich it made one’s heart tremble.

“This tea is very good, don’t waste it.”

Yan Xu said: “Try it, Dr. Lu.”

All around became very quiet.

Lu Tong lowered her head. The tea water no longer steamed as it had before, having cooled to just the right temperature.

After a long moment, she reached out, lifted the teacup, brought it to her lips, and was about to drink—

“BANG—”

At that moment, there was suddenly a loud crash behind her. The study door was kicked open from outside. Lu Tong turned around abruptly to see the green-robed man somehow fallen on the ground, clutching his stomach with a pained expression.

Pei Yunying walked in from outside.

He still wore his silver blade, his face cold as ice. He strode to Lu Tong, snatched the teacup from her hand, and threw it behind him—

“CRASH!”

The teacup shattered against the wall, instantly breaking into pieces, with tea water splashing all over the carpet.

Pei Yunying’s face had lost its usual gentle smile. He placed his long blade on the table and stared at Yan Xu with piercing coldness.

“Minister Yan.”

He said coldly: “What are you trying to do?”