The lanterns in the neighborhood shops lit up at night. The West Street was quiet. Yin Zheng closed the medical clinic’s main door, carrying a lamp as she returned to the courtyard. Upon entering the room, she saw Lu Tong sitting by the couch, packing clothes.

Cui Min had been imprisoned, and Lu Tong’s position was temporarily suspended. However, Qi Yutai remained ill with madness. Starting tomorrow, Lu Tong will be visiting the Grand Preceptor’s mansion to treat Qi Yutai’s illness.

Lu Tong packed very slowly, folding each piece of clothing neatly, including several velvet flowers that Yin Zheng had newly made for her. As Yin Zheng watched, she suddenly felt a twinge of sadness.

“Miss,” she said softly, “tomorrow you’ll be going to the Grand Preceptor’s mansion. The Qi family members are not easy to deal with, and there are many people inside. It won’t be easy to take action. Why don’t I go with you?”

Lu Tong shook her head.

“The Qi family is different. People are watching everywhere. You won’t be able to help much if you go, and instead will only burden me.”

These words were somewhat harsh, and Yin Zheng remained silent.

Lu Tong folded the bundle and turned to get her medical box, putting some common medicines inside it as well.

Cui Min’s imprisonment happened faster than imagined. The Grand Preceptor’s mansion had acted swiftly and cleanly.

Previously, with the Grand Preceptor’s mansion as his backing, Cui Min had not been easy to bring down. Now it was better that the Grand Preceptor’s mansion took action themselves.

Qi Qing had asked Lu Tong if Miao Liangfang wanted to return to the Imperial Medical Academy. As long as Miao Liangfang was willing, he could still return to his position as Deputy Director.

But Miao Liangfang refused.

“Little Lu, I’m old now,” Miao Liangfang leaned on his cane, his expression showing unprecedented peace as he smiled at her. “I no longer have any grand ambitions in my heart. In the future, I just want to live quietly, follow the times, and be a steadfast resident physician.”

“There’s a good line of poetry that says: ‘High in the forest springs, poor with vegetables and salt, all thoughts of official imprisonment have been seen through.'”

“What of wealth? What of nobility? In leisure there is leisure’s joy, heaven and earth are as vast as a wine jug!”

He refused very firmly.

Lu Tong didn’t force him.

Everyone has their aspirations. The same person’s choices twenty years ago versus twenty years later might be completely different.

Yin Zheng watched her organize the medicine box and couldn’t help speaking again: “Miss, I’m still worried. At least at the Imperial Medical Academy, you had Medical Officers Lin and Ji to help, but at the Grand Preceptor’s mansion, you’ll be alone. Why not… ask Young Lord Pei for help?”

“Ask him for what?”

“Young Lord Pei has many men under him! I’ve read in storybooks that those princes and generals always have some all-capable guards. Have him assign one to you, hidden in the Grand Preceptor’s mansion. If you’re in danger, they could protect you.”

Lu Tong was silent for a moment before saying: “Those storybooks are too far-fetched. You should read less of them. The Grand Preceptor’s mansion has strict security, unlike the Imperial Medical Academy. It wouldn’t be easy for him to arrange someone inside.”

“Moreover,” Lu Tong closed the medical box, “I already owe Pei Yunying too many favors. Any more and I won’t be able to repay them.”

“If you can’t repay them, just give gifts!” Yin Zheng still wouldn’t give up. “When you take from others, you’re at a disadvantage. If we give him some valuable gifts, he can’t very well refuse to help after accepting them, right?”

“Miss, do you know what Young Lord Pei likes? We could ask Manager Du to advance some silver and gather money to buy expensive gifts. It would be best if it were his birthday. When is his birthday?”

Lu Tong paused.

This she didn’t know.

“My birthday is one month after my sister’s, on the nineteenth of the eighth month. What, do you want to celebrate it for me?”

A man’s voice suddenly came from behind. The two turned to look and saw Pei Yunying standing in the doorway, looking at Lu Tong with amusement.

Lu Tong frowned: “How did you get in?”

He smiled, glancing outside as if somewhat disapproving, “This clinic indeed isn’t as heavily guarded as the Grand Preceptor’s mansion. I knocked at the door outside for a long time with no response. I came in worried something had happened to you.”

Lu Tong was speechless.

At the front of West Street, the tailor Ge’s four-year-old child had recently started school. His studies weren’t going well, and at night there was a cacophony of children crying, parents scolding, and general chaos that drowned out everything else. It was indeed impossible to hear someone knocking.

Yin Zheng’s gaze flickered between the two before she smiled knowingly and stood up: “Young Lord Pei has arrived, I’ll go to the kitchen to brew some hot tea.” With that, she quietly left the room, gently closing the door behind her.

Pei Yunying walked into the room and sat down at the round table, placing the bamboo basket he was carrying on the table.

Lu Tong asked: “What is this?”

“Jasmine pastries.”

Lu Tong’s eyes flickered slightly as she looked at him: “From Food Dynasty?”

Pei Yunying made a sound of agreement: “I passed by and they happened to have some leftovers, so I bought a box.”

Lu Tong was silent.

The jasmine fragrance mixed with the sugary syrup of the pastries gradually wafted from the bamboo basket, particularly tempting at night.

He glanced at Lu Tong: “It’s just a box of pastries, nothing expensive. Why do you have that expression?”

Lu Tong withdrew from her thoughts: “It’s already the midnight hour, yet the Commander is still wandering about. Haven’t you heard the principles of maintaining health and calming the spirit?” She reminded him, “Staying up late can kill you.”

Pei Yunying laughed lightly, saying carelessly: “Then let it kill me. Everyone dies eventually.”

Lu Tong: “…”

Seeing her speechless, he instead smiled, though his tone became somewhat more serious: “You’re going to the Grand Preceptor’s mansion?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you going to the Qi family?” Pei Yunying paused before continuing, “I thought you wanted to use Cui Min’s hand to kill Qi Yutai.”

A problematic prescription given to a plagiarist would kill two birds with one stone.

Lu Tong lowered her eyes: “Dying without knowing or feeling anything would be too easy for him.”

Pei Yunying’s expression shifted: “You’re entering the Grand Preceptor’s mansion to poison him?”

“No,” Lu Tong said, “I will cure him.”

In the dim lamplight, her voice was calm.

“A madman receives no punishment; only the sane are condemned. At least before he dies, he should be lucid.”

Pei Yunying frowned slightly.

The woman sat at the table, lowering her eyes to stare at the medical box before her, her black hair and white dress like a faintly drawn ink painting.

As if she might vanish like smoke at any moment.

After a silence, he warned in a low voice: “Qi Qing is no fool. Since yesterday, he’s had people investigating your background in Su Nan.”

Lu Tong raised her eyes.

“I’ve had people handle it, but even if they can’t find anything about your background, Qi Qing already suspects you. Before this, he had already investigated the Lu family in Changwu County once.”

“Qi Qing is very perceptive.”

The room was quiet for a moment.

Lu Tong instead smiled.

“I know.”

She said: “When he came to Renxin Clinic before, he had already tested me once. Even if he investigates Su Nan, he won’t find anything. At most, it will prove what I said was true.”

“Qi Qing knows I have ulterior motives, but he has no choice because only I can save Qi Yutai. In his eyes, I’m a commoner who is being too clever, daring to try to make deals with noble families. He looks down on me, which is why I have an opportunity.”

Pei Yunying stared at her: “What do you plan to do after entering the Grand Preceptor’s mansion?”

“Attack the strong with strength, separate the close with closeness, scatter the many with many. I have my ways.”

“But it’s too dangerous for you alone.”

“Commander,” Lu Tong said: “In this world, some parents kill and commit arson for their children, and some children seek revenge for their parents. It’s very fair.”

“Revenge is always dangerous.”

“This time is different.” Pei Yunying looked at her, his eyes smiling but his tone unusually serious, “You going to the Grand Preceptor’s mansion means putting yourself alone in danger. He could move against you at any time, and if something happens to you, no one nearby could save you.”

“I’ll have someone infiltrate the Grand Preceptor’s mansion to support you,” he said.

At these words, Lu Tong was stunned for a moment.

As if possessed, she suddenly recalled what Yin Zheng had said earlier.

“I read in storybooks that those princes and generals always have some all-capable guards. Have him assign one to you.”

So those seemingly far-fetched storybooks were true?

Pei Yunying had guards capable of anything?

She was lost in thought until the person in front of her waved his hand before her eyes, bringing her back to her senses.

“No need,” she collected herself and said: “I can handle it myself.”

Pei Yunying looked at her for a while before suddenly speaking: “Haven’t you forgotten something?”

“What?”

“You’re my creditor, you can order me around anytime.”

He raised his eyes to look at Lu Tong, “As long as you say it, I’ll do it.”

Lu Tong paused.

The bright lamp on the table illuminated his face, the young man’s eyes as black as the heavy night outside the windows of the capital, quietly gazing at her.

A serious tone, and gentle eyes.

As if even if she made the most ridiculous request right now, he would agree without hesitation.

In the oil lamp on the table, the flickering flame swayed slightly, and Lu Tong’s heart swayed slightly too.

A sweet fragrance drifted slowly with the wind, the aroma of jasmine pastries.

She suddenly lowered her eyes, her hand gripping the strap of the medical box tighter. When she raised her head again, she had already assumed a composed expression.

“A life-saving debt is precious, and favors should be saved for crucial moments. In the future, I have more important matters to ask the Commander’s help with. When that time comes, I won’t be polite with the Commander.”

Pei Yunying’s gaze flickered: “What matters?”

“It’s not convenient to tell you now. When the time comes, Commander will know.”

He examined Lu Tong: “So mysterious.” Still worried, he asked one more time, “Is your plan to deal with the Grand Preceptor’s mansion reliable? You don’t need help?”

Lu Tong shook her head.

“Commander must have heard this saying: ‘Don’t claim your hands can stay warm holding fire – in an instant, the fire dies and ashes to grow cold.'”

She smiled: “Everything reaches its extreme and then reverses; extreme evil must perish. Some people have reached the time when they should perish.”

…

When leaving Renxin Clinic, it was already a deep night.

The crying of children being scolded at the temple entrance had completely disappeared, and West Street was empty. When Pei Yunying returned to the Commander’s mansion, Xiao Zhufeng was just preparing to leave.

Seeing him return, Xiao Zhufeng asked: “So late, where did you go?”

Pei Yunying ignored him, only calling for Qing Feng and instructing: “Of the agents we prepared for the Qi family before, send one in.”

Qing Feng was startled, nervously speaking up: “My Lord, are we taking action early?”

“No.”

After a pause, Pei Yunying said: “Tomorrow Lu Tong enters the Grand Preceptor’s mansion to treat Qi Yutai. Protect her secretly.”

“…”

Qing Feng accepted the order and left.

Xiao Zhufeng looked at him as if wanting to speak but hesitating, finally sighing.

“If His Highness knew you were like this, he would surely regret bringing you in.”

“…You don’t seem very calm right now.”

Pei Yunying didn’t respond, his lowered eyelashes under the lamplight showing a trace of gloom.

Although Lu Tong said she didn’t need help, he still couldn’t feel at ease.

Her entering the Grand Preceptor’s mansion alone was no different from a lamb entering a tiger’s den.

It was simply…

Even more nerve-wracking than when he faced danger alone.

…

The next day was clear.

In the Grand Preceptor’s mansion, banana leaves filtered the light by the window, beneath which sat a young woman in thin silk and gleaming pearl-adorned skirts, holding a book but staring blankly outside.

The maid Qiangwei beside her brought in a tray of snacks, smiling: “Miss ate little at breakfast this morning. The kitchen made the jasmine pastries you used to love, would Miss like to try some?”

Qi Huaying glanced at them absent-mindedly and shook her head slightly.

Qiangwei exchanged glances with the maid beside her, both somewhat troubled.

Qi Huaying’s brows were tightly knitted.

Things hadn’t been going well for the Qi family lately.

It seemed that since the hunt at Huangmao Ridge, there hadn’t been a single piece of good news.

First, the Dushou Battalion at Huangmao Ridge became entangled with the Grand Preceptor’s mansion, causing Qi Qing to face repeated criticism in court. Then Qi Yutai encountered the great fire at Fengle Tower, becoming shocked and losing his soul. The entire Rouge Alley saw his mad behavior, and rumors gradually spread outside saying Qi Yutai had gone mad, though fortunately he gradually regained his senses later.

However, he had barely been lucid for a few days when Qi Yutai fell ill again. The courtyard of the Grand Preceptor’s mansion was filled daily with the bitter smell of medicine. Fearing trouble, Qi Huaying hardly went out anymore.

With her heart troubled, her appetite wasn’t good. No matter how the kitchen varied their dishes, Qi Huaying still grew thinner day by day.

“How is brother today?” she turned to ask the maid beside her.

Qiangwei shook her head, “He still didn’t recognize people when he woke this morning.”

Qi Huaying sighed.

“I don’t know what father is thinking. When Director Cui got into trouble, he didn’t help at all.”

Cui Min had gotten into trouble two days ago.

Qi Huaying was also surprised when she learned of this.

Qi Yutai had always been diagnosed by Cui Min. Several years ago when Qi Yutai was injured, and the last time after the Fengle Tower fire, it was only after Cui Min came to examine him that Qi Yutai regained consciousness. Even if Cui Min had faults, he was at least Qi Yutai’s savior now, and shouldn’t be imprisoned at this time.

Without Cui Min, the best physician at the Imperial Medical Academy now would be the young master of the Ji family, but his father had never been close to the Ji family, and Qi Huaying had also heard of his reputation for uprightness and integrity. If it were an ordinary illness that would be fine, but this was madness.

She asked: “Qiangwei, do you know who the new physician is who’s coming to treat brother?”

Qiangwei hesitated before answering softly: “Actually… when this servant just passed by the courtyard, I saw the new physician.”

Qi Huaying looked at her suspiciously: “Who is it?”

“It’s… Medical Officer Lu, Lu Tong who killed the young master’s beloved dog before.”

Qi Huaying was stunned.

“What?”

…

Under the long corridor, Lu Tong was following the leading matron forward.

Summer was drawing to a close, flowers bloomed everywhere. The gardens of the Grand Preceptor’s mansion were exquisitely arranged, with pavilions and ponds all ingeniously placed, yet not excessively ornate or luxurious. At first glance, the entrance was elegant and clean, the chambers fresh and bright.

The matron led Lu Tong into a courtyard, stopping at the door and knocking gently several times, saying: “Medical Officer Lu has arrived.”

The door opened and Lu Tong entered carrying her medical box. As soon as she entered, something white flew at her face. She quickly dodged aside, the object lightly grazing her temple, causing a thin stinging pain.

Suddenly Qi Yutai’s terrified cry rang out: “Let me go—”

The next moment, a woman’s cry was heard: “Brother!”

A woman in fine clothes rushed in from outside, about to charge toward Qi Yutai, but was held back by people in the room. The nearest maid urgently said: “Miss must not! The young master is still ill, he might hurt you.”

“Brother’s hand is injured!” the woman’s voice was anxious, but she stopped trying to rush forward.

Lu Tong looked ahead.

Several servants were holding down the delirious Qi Yutai, with spilled medicine all over the floor as someone took away the broken porcelain pieces from Qi Yutai’s hands. He had probably broken the medicine bowl, cutting his fingers. Someone was now bandaging them. Lu Tong touched her stinging temple and looked at the piece of porcelain by her feet.

Just now, this was what Qi Yutai had thrown.

She looked at the woman who was worriedly watching Qi Yutai.

This must be the Qi family’s young miss, Qi Huaying.

Since that brief glimpse at Baoxiang Tower, this was Lu Tong’s first time observing this Qi family’s young miss up close. Looking at them, Qi Huaying and Qi Yutai seemed to share deep sibling affection. No wonder at Huangmao Ridge, Qi Yutai had wanted to stand up for his wronged sister.

After a pause, Lu Tong stepped forward and said: “Leave two people to help me hold down Young Master Qi, the rest may leave. I need to examine Young Master Qi.”

Her voice was calm as Qi Huaying looked at her.

Lu Tong calmly allowed her scrutiny.

“But with only two people in the room, what if something happens?” Qi Huaying asked.

Before Lu Tong could speak, the short elderly steward standing in the room spoke first.

“It’s fine.” He walked to Lu Tong and bowed slightly, his manner very respectful. “The master gave instructions in advance to follow Medical Officer Lu’s orders.” He waved to those behind him, and except for the two guards beside Qi Yutai, everyone else bowed and left the room.

The broken porcelain pieces on the floor were also cleaned up.

“Young Miss should also return first,” the steward smiled.

Qi Huaying looked worriedly at Qi Yutai, then at Lu Tong, before leaving without saying anything.

“Medical Officer Lu,” the steward looked at Lu Tong again, “when the young master falls ill, he’s like a child. If there’s any improper behavior, please be understanding, Medical Officer Lu.”

Lu Tong said she wouldn’t dare.

“Well then,” the steward bowed, “I leave the young master in your care.”

He withdrew and the door closed again.

Lu Tong turned to look at Qi Yutai.

Qi Yutai was being held by two people at his sides, looking at her with terror.

“Don’t come over!” he screamed, desperately kicking his legs, his tone shrill and strange, “Don’t come—”

Lu Tong looked at him gently.

“Don’t be afraid, Young Master Qi.”

She smiled: “I’m here to cure your illness.”

…

Night gradually deepened.

In the study, the lamplight was dim.

The elderly steward entered the room, walked behind the person at the desk, and said softly: “Master, the young master has gone to sleep.”

Qi Qing nodded: “Good.”

He didn’t speak. So the steward took the initiative.

“During the day after Lu Tong entered the room, she checked the young master’s pulse and symptoms, changed the prescription, then prepared medicine and used acupuncture… she was very diligent, and the two guards watched constantly, finding nothing amiss.”

Having a strange physician enter the Qi family to treat Qi Yutai was always dangerous.

Although Cui Min’s medical skills weren’t excellent, the Qi family had kept him for many years, and he was an obedient dog.

This newly arrived wild dog was different.

Unknown background, unknown origins, even the purpose was vague and unclear – they had to maintain some vigilance.

Thus the guards in the room were carefully selected. If she dared to harm Qi Yutai, blood would immediately spill.

“Has the young master shown any improvement?” Qi Qing asked.

“…No.”

Qi Qing sighed.

“Let’s wait and see.”

He looked at the dark prayer beads in his hand, closing his eyes slightly.

“Watch her closely.”

“Yes, master.”

…

The bed curtains were lowered, and the person on the couch breathed evenly.

Lu Tong sat on the doorstep outside, eating.

The meal brought at dusk had gone completely cold by deep night. When Qi Yutai was having an episode, there wasn’t a moment to rest. Even eating had to be squeezed into brief gaps, like now, when Qi Yutai had exhausted himself into sleep after a day of madness, she finally could sit down to rest for a moment.

The food at the Grand Preceptor’s mansion was exquisite, but when cold, the taste became strange.

She swallowed slowly, ignoring the scrutinizing gazes of Qi Yutai’s guards behind her.

The steward said: that when ill, Qi Yutai was like a child – this was beautifying it. When ill, Qi Yutai was like a demon, or perhaps, he was truly a demon.

She had to constantly face this person’s terror and ravings. Sometimes Qi Yutai would suddenly wake during acupuncture, and men’s strength naturally exceeded women’s. The two guards in Qi Yutai’s room perhaps feared hurting him, so they didn’t use full force when controlling him.

Preparing medicine, administering medicine, acupuncture, soothing…

Now Lu Tong understood why the usually steady and shrewd Cui Min would desperately try any treatment when Qi Yutai fell ill, losing his usual composure. Why after the Fengle Tower fire, in just a few short days, Cui Min’s hair had grown noticeably white.

Little sleep, much worry, exhaustion of mind and body – ordinary physicians could hardly bear such wear.

She quickly finished eating, and the maid took away the bowls and chopsticks, leading her to the side room to wash up. The Grand Preceptor’s mansion wanted her to watch Qi Yutai all night, in case he had an episode during the night.

Lu Tong quickly washed up, and facing the mirror, sprinkled a thin layer of medicinal powder on her temple where Qi Yutai had grazed her earlier. When she returned to the room, a maid had already prepared her bedding.

The small bed was set up near the door, an extremely low couch. If Qi Yutai woke in fright during the night, she could immediately go to check, yet not be too close, in case she harbored ill intentions and the guards couldn’t stop her in time.

Lu Tong got on the couch and pulled up the covers.

The Qi family’s actions, having her stay in the same room as Qi Yutai and other men, meant sacrificing her reputation. Future marriage prospects might become difficult.

However, she didn’t care about that.

Lu Tong turned over, touching the flower hairpin in her hair.

The hibiscus leaves were delicate, in the darkness, standing pure and clean, like fresh snow.