At night, the doors of Renxin Medical Hall were tightly shut.

A’Cheng and Miao Liangfang had both returned home. After Lu Tong finished organizing the medicinal herbs in the back courtyard and returned to her room, she saw Yin Zheng sitting under the lamp, sorting through newly made needlework.

Lu Tong set down the lamp. Yin Zheng looked up at her and smiled, saying, “Tailor Ge’s shop has received several bolts of new fabric. Now that autumn has begun, it won’t be long before the weather turns cold. When Miss has time, you should find a day to make two new outfits.”

Lu Tong nodded and sat down beside her. After thinking for a moment, she finally asked what had been on her mind.

“Earlier, when Shopkeeper Du spoke to you…”

Yin Zheng froze, then said helplessly, “How does A’Cheng tell you everything?”

This was tantamount to an admission.

“You refused him?” Lu Tong asked. “Don’t you like Shopkeeper Du?”

They had come to the capital in early spring last year, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the Qixi Festival of the second year. Lu Tong didn’t like to pry into Yin Zheng’s private affairs, and since going to the Hanlin Medical Academy, she had no time to attend to the various matters of the medical hall. As for romance, she herself was still confused, so only now did she belatedly realize when Du Changqing had begun to like Yin Zheng, and when the undercurrent between the two had started.

“What does it matter whether I like him or not,” Yin Zheng said, lowering her head to wind up silk thread. “We two aren’t suitable.”

“Why aren’t you suitable?”

Her hands paused in winding the thread. Yin Zheng pressed her lips together and sighed as she looked at the cloth scraps in the basket.

“Shopkeeper Du doesn’t know my background. Surely Miss understands?” Her voice was very soft. “What I was like in the past – ordinary men would avoid me like the plague when they saw me. Although Shopkeeper Du has some minor flaws, he’s a good man. There are plenty of good girls who would match him well. How could he be with someone like me?”

Lu Tong said, “I don’t think your background makes you unworthy of him.”

Yin Zheng was stunned for a moment, then smiled at her gratefully.

“I know Miss has never looked down on me, and what you just said was also sincere. But it’s different.”

Lu Tong frowned. “How is it different?”

Yin Zheng remained silent.

Lu Tong continued, “Even if you told Du Changqing about your past now, he might not necessarily despise you. You’re prejudging and condemning him to death.”

Having stayed at Renxin Medical Hall for so long, Lu Tong felt she understood Du Changqing somewhat. He wasn’t someone who judged people by their status. His heart was kind – otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed to let the down-and-out Miao Liangfang work at the medical hall back then.

The cloth scraps on the table were tangled together. Yin Zheng smiled bitterly.

“Miss, I’m not afraid he’ll despise me. You’re right – even if Shopkeeper Du learned now that I had fallen into the Sunan brothel, he might not look down on me. But what I fear is that while he might not care now, there might be a thorn in his heart later.”

She shook her head. “I spent so many years in the brothel and saw too many examples of hearts that changed. What if he can’t bear the pointing and whispering of others in the future? What if he regrets it?”

“I don’t want to wear away our affection in the long days ahead and become a resentful couple. I don’t want to gamble either. Things are fine just as they are now – living peacefully and quietly.”

“But,” Lu Tong said, “if you truly like him and miss this opportunity, wouldn’t that be a pity?”

Yin Zheng smiled again.

Casually picking up a half-read romance novel from the table, she said, “Miss, look at these romantic stories – every tale speaks of true love and has a good beginning and ending. But where in the world are there so many perfect endings? Since that’s the case, it’s better not to start something that has no conclusion.”

“I’m afraid he’ll regret it, so I’d rather not begin at all. Do you understand, Miss?”

Lu Tong shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

She only felt sorry for Yin Zheng.

“If you don’t understand, then don’t understand.” Yin Zheng smiled and stood up, holding the basket. “I’d rather Miss never understand. If you have someone you’re devoted to, don’t worry about everything else – just be together completely and perfectly.”

She glanced at the lamp oil that was getting low. “It’s getting late. Tomorrow morning I need to help Mr. Miao pack medicine. Miss should also rest early – reading books late at night is bad for your eyes.” After whispering a few more reminders, she left carrying the basket.

After Yin Zheng left, Lu Tong remained sitting at the table.

The night was quiet. She had already done a simple wash and was planning to take down her hair ornament and change out of her inner garment.

Just as she raised her hand, her fingertips brushing through her hair, she couldn’t help but pause.

The comb was delicately made, and when she touched it, she felt slightly raised carved patterns.

Yin Zheng’s words echoed in her ears.

It’s better not to start something that has no conclusion.

…

Several more days passed. The yin energy gradually grew heavier, condensing into frost, and the capital welcomed the White Dew season.

The Compendium of Materia Medica records: “The autumn dew on the tops of all grasses, collected before it disperses, cures all diseases, stops excessive thirst, makes the body light and free from hunger, and makes the muscles smooth and lustrous.”

Early in the morning, the maidservants of Grand Tutor Manor waited in the garden, collecting autumn dew in plates to boil water for tea, which would clear the lungs, dissolve phlegm, and prevent autumn dryness.

Qi Qing picked up the tea cup from the table and took a sip of the freshly brewed White Dew tea. The tea water was sweet and mellow, diluting the slight dryness of recent days.

The Crown Prince had been confined.

At this crucial juncture, when Third Prince Yuan Yao’s influence was gradually increasing and the Qi family was experiencing one crisis after another, Emperor Liang Ming’s action was undoubtedly adding insult to injury, showing no regard for Grand Tutor Manor’s dignity.

Crossing the river and demolishing the bridge.

The old steward entered carrying a light gauze robe and draped it over Qi Qing’s shoulders. The mornings and evenings had been quite cold lately, and elderly people especially needed to stay warm and add clothing.

Qi Qing pulled the gauze robe closer around himself. The old steward stood to one side, bowing and saying, “Master, news has come from Sunan.”

A few days ago, Qi Qing had sent people to investigate a female physician named Lu Tong in the Sunan medical community.

Qi Qing: “What did they find?”

“The people from the Sunan medical community say there was indeed a female physician surnamed Lu who once practiced medicine in the city, but her whereabouts were uncertain – she only appeared occasionally.”

Qi Qing paused.

He said, “What news from Changwu County?”

“Reporting to Master, the people sent to Changwu County have returned again saying that the Lu family was completely wiped out, with no other living relatives.”

This was the second time inquiring about the Lu family’s news in Changwu County.

Qi Qing stared at the tea cup in his hand without speaking.

“Master, do you still suspect that Lu Tong is a descendant of the Lu family?”

The steward hesitated. “But both places show no discrepancies, and the timing and age match up.”

“Having no discrepancies is the biggest suspicious point,” Qi Qing narrowed his eyes. “Too deliberate.”

“Master means to…”

“Keep watching her. If she really has problems and dares to have such ambitions as an ant trying to shake a tree, that would be quite remarkable.”

The steward fell silent.

Qi Qing took a sip of tea, paused, then asked, “Has the young master been troublesome lately?”

“No. Since last time, the young master seems to understand his errors. These days he no longer clamors to leave the manor and only stays in the manor reading and practicing calligraphy every day. He’s quite sensible.”

At this point, the steward looked toward Qi Qing. “Master, the young master is young and inevitably childish. That day he was just speaking in anger – you needn’t hold it against a child.”

Ever since Qi Qing had slapped Qi Yutai in the room that time, for seven or eight consecutive days, Qi Qing hadn’t visited Qi Yutai’s courtyard again.

This was certainly because he was busy dealing with the Crown Prince’s confinement, but more often it was because when facing Qi Yutai, Qi Qing couldn’t hide the annoyance and complexity in his eyes.

“He’s severely ill,” Qi Qing closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. “Back then I promised Shuhui to keep him. Looking at it now, I don’t know if it was right or wrong.”

Silence filled the surroundings.

Qi Qing opened his eyes and sighed.

“Forget it. Send a cup of the freshly brewed White Dew tea to his room.”

“Yes, Master.”

…

A maidservant brewed a fresh pot of White Dew tea and sent it to Qi Yutai’s room, then bowed her head and withdrew.

In the tea room, Qi Yutai had removed half his outer garment. Lu Tong stood behind him, administering acupuncture.

Qi Yutai lowered his head, covering his nose with his sleeve. From a distance, he appeared to be dozing, but when his long sleeve passed over his nose tip, he quickly licked a small packet of powder into his mouth. He suddenly reached out and gulped down a large pot of White Dew tea. The warm tea water made the original powder swell even more, and a stream of warmth instantly flowed through his limbs and bones. Qi Yutai suddenly let out a sigh and actually shuddered with comfort!

Behind him, the insertion of silver needles seemed to make this pleasure even more acute.

He closed his eyes, savoring every moment of his body’s changes, reluctant to miss even the slightest sensation of pleasure.

The room was completely silent.

After an unknown amount of time, a voice came from behind: “Young Master Qi, the acupuncture is finished.”

Only then did Qi Yutai reluctantly open his eyes.

Lu Tong straightened up and walked forward carrying her medical box. As she passed by his side, she lowered her head and picked up the white paper that had wrapped the medicinal powder from the floor, casually tossing it into her medical box as if it were unintentional.

Watching this, Qi Yutai’s eyes flashed with interest.

Ever since Qi Qing had slapped him, Qi Yutai couldn’t leave his quarters, and his drug addiction was acting up severely. He had previously heard Lu Tong mention a medicinal powder that could substitute for Cold Food Powder, so he simply coerced Lu Tong into making the powder for him.

After all, she was just a dog of the Qi family – working for his father and working for him made no difference.

Qi Yutai originally hadn’t held much hope, because the medicinal powder Lu Tong described sounded too bizarre, until Lu Tong delivered a packet of medicinal powder to him.

He initially didn’t trust this woman and divided half the medicinal powder for Lu Tong, making her take it in front of him.

After Lu Tong took the medicinal powder, aside from her face being slightly red after half a day, there was no reaction.

Qi Yutai sneered inwardly – as expected, the woman was just boasting. This had no effect whatsoever. People who took Cold Food Powder would never be so calm.

So he confidently took the medicinal powder.

Who knew this powder’s efficacy would exceed his expectations!

As soon as he took it, the taste was actually six or seven parts similar to real Cold Food Powder. Even this bit of similarity was enough for Qi Yutai to satisfy his craving.

What was even better was that this medicinal powder, while perhaps not as intense as Cold Food Powder, still made him excited and euphoric after taking it, but unlike Cold Food Powder, it didn’t make him lose his reason. Therefore, it wouldn’t arouse suspicion in the manor.

Even when his father brought in a physician to check his pulse after Lu Tong left, the doctor couldn’t detect anything wrong.

This made Qi Yutai ecstatic.

He only needed to wait for Lu Tong to come for treatment each day, and every other day she would give him this powder to temporarily satisfy his cravings. Although it wasn’t as intense as real Cold Food Powder, for Qi Yutai now it was like receiving charcoal in snowy weather.

He no longer even clamored to go out.

The servants in the manor told him that now all the wine shops and restaurants in the capital were strictly forbidden from providing Cold Food Powder. Even if they let him out now, he couldn’t buy any.

Better to be happy now.

Qi Yutai squinted his eyes, grabbed the teapot from the table and gulped down a mouthful, wiped his mouth, and looked toward the person at the table.

The female physician was packing silver needles and silver medicine containers into her medical box. She wore only a lotus-colored shirt and skirt, her figure graceful, her black hair like clouds.

Qi Yutai’s heart stirred.

Whether it was the lingering effects of the medicinal powder or because he hadn’t been to the brothels for “pleasure” in a long time, Qi Yutai suddenly felt a surge of excitement. He got off the bed, walked behind Lu Tong, and suddenly spoke: “You really are a treasure. No wonder both Pei Yunying and Ji Xun treat you with special regard.”

“Such a capable woman – honestly, I’m getting a bit reluctant to let you go.”

He reached out, placing one hand on Lu Tong’s cheek, but she turned her head to avoid it.

Qi Yutai wasn’t angry. Having just taken the powder, he was in a good mood and only smiled with narrowed eyes.

“Physician Lu, neither the Ji family nor Duke Zhaoning’s manor will accept you. Even if you follow them, you’d at most be a concubine.”

“Why look far when there’s something near?”

“Actually, you and I have no deep grudges – just a misunderstanding. I’m willing to put aside past grievances with you and reconcile.”

He reached out, his fingertips brushing over the back of Lu Tong’s hand, his tone ambiguous and low.

“You’re so good at making medicine. If you follow me, I won’t treat you poorly. Consider it compensation for killing Qin Hu…”

Before Lu Tong could respond, suddenly a voice from outside called “Young Master.”

Abruptly interrupted, Qi Yutai immediately became impatient: “What is it?”

The person who came was a guard from the courtyard, who bowed his head saying, “Just now Qiangwei from Miss’s courtyard said the Miss is feeling unwell and requests Physician Lu to come take a look.”

“Huaying?”

Qi Yutai’s expression changed, and he immediately urged, “Then what are we waiting for? Hurry and go!” He then asked, “What’s wrong with my sister?”

The guard only said he didn’t know.

Lu Tong nodded, packed up her medical box, and left.

Qi Yutai stood in the doorway watching Lu Tong leave the courtyard. Although it was Qi Huaying’s summons, he was still displeased that his good mood had been interrupted, so he glared viciously at the guard who had just spoken.

The guard had an unfamiliar face and should be new. He had a red birthmark at the corner of his eye, which was annoying to look at.

Qi Yutai cursed: “Get lost!”

The guard bowed his head and withdrew.

…

Carrying her medical box, Lu Tong followed a young maidservant to a courtyard in Grand Tutor Manor.

She had been to Grand Tutor Manor many times, but from beginning to end had only visited Qi Yutai’s courtyard. This was her first time going to other courtyards.

This courtyard was exquisitely renovated.

Flowers were planted everywhere, with many jasmine, autumn orchids, and evening primroses planted under the windows. The courtyard was paved with Wukang stone, luxurious and neat.

The maidservant stopped in front of a door, lifted the bamboo curtain, and Lu Tong followed her inside. As soon as she entered the room, she saw someone sitting with their back to her in front of a long table.

Lu Tong had just taken a step when the maidservant in front of her quickly said, “Wait!”

She looked up. The maidservant pointed to the carpet in the room: “You came from outside the manor, so there’s mud on your shoes. This is a new carpet from Songjiang, worth a hundred gold per bolt. It wouldn’t be easy to clean if it gets dirty. Take off your shoes and socks before walking.”

Lu Tong looked at the moon-blue carpet with embroidered lotus branch flowers and sea wave patterns in front of her. The embroidery was very ornate, with sea wave patterns that were exquisitely detailed.

She lowered her head, about to remove her shoes and socks.

Just as she bent down, she heard someone in the room say, “Never mind, Qiangwei, let her come directly.”

Hearing this, the maidservant looked Lu Tong up and down and said, “Then you can come in.”

Lu Tong straightened up again and followed the maidservant inside.

When she got closer, she saw a beautiful young woman sitting in front of the small table, wearing a light pink dress embroidered with peony patterns, with cloud-like hair adorned with pearl hairpins, gorgeous and charming. She held a snow-white cat in her arms. Seeing Lu Tong enter, she anxiously said, “My cat wouldn’t eat anything this morning. Physician Lu, please take a look – is it sick?”

Lu Tong lowered her head to look at the white cat in the woman’s arms. The white cat looked listless. She reached toward Qi Huaying: “Give it to me, Miss Qi.”

Qi Huaying carefully handed the white cat to her.

Back at Falling Plum Peak, Lu Tong had also treated various animals on the mountain, so examining a cat’s illness was not difficult for her.

After examining the white cat’s body and asking about its behavior in recent days, Lu Tong said, “It may have eaten something wrong, like poisonous insects. It will be fine after resting well for a few days.”

Qi Huaying asked, “Doesn’t it need medicine?”

“Medicine would work faster, but without medicine it will recover on its own.”

Qi Huaying nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.

She called for Qiangwei to take the white cat away, then looked at Lu Tong: “Physician Lu.”

Lu Tong bowed respectfully.

“I heard before that Director Cui had an accident, and the physician treating my brother was changed to you. I wanted to find time to talk with you, but I heard from people in my brother’s courtyard that you were very busy, so I gave up the idea. If it weren’t for my cat being unwell today, I wouldn’t have come to find you.”

“My brother can be tormenting when he has his episodes. During this time, you’ve worked hard.”

Lu Tong said, “This official is only fulfilling her duties. Miss need not be polite.”

Qi Huaying reclined on the low couch, covered her lips and smiled, subtly sizing her up.

Lu Tong wore a simple lotus-colored cloth dress with no jewelry whatsoever, only a wooden carved comb inserted in her hair.

Qi Huaying paused and raised her hand to remove the golden curtain comb from her forehead.

The curtain comb was exquisite, connected to form a golden flower net that shimmered with golden light as she removed it, radiating wealth and nobility.

Qi Huaying said, “Qiangwei.”

The maidservant named Qiangwei reached out to receive it, walked to Lu Tong’s side, and presented the golden curtain comb to Lu Tong, smiling: “Miss is rewarding you with this. Physician Lu, please accept it.”

Qi Huaying glanced at her and spoke gently to Lu Tong: “Father says you’ve worked hard for my brother’s condition. I know there were many misunderstandings between my brother and Physician Lu during the trip to Huangmao Hill. My brother is immature. Consider this golden curtain comb as an apology. I hope Physician Lu won’t mind.”

Lu Tong didn’t reach out to take the curtain comb, only lowered her head: “Miss worries too much.”

Qiangwei laughed: “Miss is rewarding you – why be shy? This curtain comb is much more precious than that wooden comb on your head. Let me put it on for you—” As she spoke, she reached out to take the comb from Lu Tong’s hair.

Lu Tong dodged to the side.

Qiangwei came up empty.

Qi Huaying looked at Lu Tong. Lu Tong reached up, instinctively protecting the comb in her hair, her expression cold.

After a moment of stunned silence, Qi Huaying stared at Lu Tong, her gaze falling on the ordinary wooden comb in her hair, and asked suspiciously, “This couldn’t be… a gift from Commander Pei, could it?”

Lu Tong pulled out the wooden comb: “It’s not.”

The woman on the low couch looked at her, her smile fading somewhat.

After a moment of silence, she said, “Does Physician Lu know about the matter of Duke Zhaoning’s wife?”

Seeing that Lu Tong remained silent, she continued on her own: “Back when rebels caused chaos in the capital, Duke Zhaoning’s wife was taken hostage by the rebels. To preserve the greater good, Duke Zhaoning was willing to sacrifice his wife’s life.”

She looked at Lu Tong with what seemed like pity in her eyes.

“I’ve also heard the rumors about Physician Lu and Commander Pei. Now that you’re treating my brother and have connections with the Qi family, for the sake of these connections, I need to remind you. Duke Zhaoning was willing to abandon his wife’s life for the greater good back then, and The Heir of Duke Zhaoning is the same. Given The Heir of Duke Zhaoning’s status, Commander Pei will surely marry a noble lady from a prestigious family in the future – a match of equal social standing for a lifetime together.”

“Indulging in momentary pleasure will ultimately only hurt Physician Lu herself.”

Lu Tong remained silent for a long time.

The room fell into an awkward silence.

Qi Huaying lowered her head and rubbed her temples. “Actually, saying these things shows I’ve overstepped my bounds. I hope Physician Lu won’t blame me for being presumptuous.”

“I won’t.” Lu Tong lowered her head: “This official thanks Miss for the guidance.”

Qi Huaying smiled sweetly: “Qiangwei, put the curtain comb on Physician Lu.”

Qiangwei responded and carefully placed the golden curtain comb on Lu Tong’s forehead.

Lu Tong stood like a wooden puppet, coldly and numbly allowing her to dress her up.

The curtain comb was exquisite and valuable, but when worn with her simple cotton dress, the contrast made it seem comically ridiculous.

“Thank you for Miss’s reward.” Lu Tong bowed her head. “If there’s nothing else, this official will take her leave.”

Qi Huaying nodded. Lu Tong lowered her head and was about to leave when she was called back again.

“Physician Lu, your comb.”

Qiangwei held the wooden comb in her hand, playfully waving it. “This comb is so crude and worthless. Shall we throw it away?”

On the low couch, Qi Huaying was looking down stroking the white cat’s fur, as if she hadn’t heard their conversation.

Lu Tong looked at the comb in Qiangwei’s hand.

After a long while, she spoke: “It is worthless.”

“Throw it away.”