Pei Yunying walked in from outside.

Today he had changed into a red narrow-sleeved brocade robe with medallion patterns of paired birds. Having been in Sunan for so long, he mostly wore imperial guard riding attire, so suddenly changing into brighter clothing made him appear exceptionally handsome and distinguished in the hazy night.

The imperial physicians fell silent for a moment. Chang Jin was the first to recover, rising and saying, “Commander Pei, why have you come? Didn’t you say you would dine with County Lieutenant Li and the others today…”

With the journey back to the capital about to begin, Li Wenhu and Cai Fang planned to host a farewell banquet for everyone on New Year’s Eve. Chang Jin had declined, as today Pei Yunying was arranging for the troops to remain stationed in Sunan at the county office, so he should rightfully dine with the county officials.

Pei Yunying walked to the table and said, “The banquet has ended.”

“So early?” Chang Jin was surprised. “I thought County Magistrate Cai and the others would stay until the midnight vigil.”

Pei Yunying smiled without speaking.

Chang Jin didn’t think much of it, picking up the wine pot himself to pour wine for Pei Yunying: “Commander Pei arrives at just the right time. In treating the epidemic in Sunan, without your help, it would never have gone so smoothly. Tonight, while we celebrate together, let me toast you.”

Pei Yunying had originally been quelling unrest in Qishui, then later rushed to Sunan to deliver medicine and provisions. After that, he petitioned the court in the capital for an imperial edict, so that the crimson wood vine and golden mushrooms from outside could be delivered to Sunan in time.

Pei Yunying smiled slightly, lowered his head, and drank the wine.

This was quite something – as if opening floodgates, all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy crowded around.

“Let me also toast Master Pei! Master Pei truly saved this old man’s life! How can Sunan be so cold? Ice shards drilling into one’s bones – thanks to the high-quality charcoal Commander Pei sent, otherwise this old man would definitely not have survived to return to the capital!”

“Let me, let me,” the old physician was pushed aside as another person bowed to him, “those heartless dogs in the city, even at such times still thinking only of stealing medicine and grain. Master Pei came at just the right time – once your troops walked through the streets, all of Sunan’s troublemakers disappeared.”

“Master Pei…”

“I toast you…”

“Young and accomplished, valuing loyalty and righteousness…”

“When you return to the capital with limitless prospects ahead, don’t forget to promote and help us…”

This last one went too far.

The young man in crimson robes surrounded by the crowd wore a smiling expression, showing no trace of impatience, good-naturedly accepting their toasts with his wine cup, becoming the center of attention as everyone rushed to flatter him.

Only occasionally when drinking, his gaze would pass over the crowd at the table, casually glancing this way as if by chance.

Lu Tong looked away.

The physicians, usually cautious in their words and actions to appear trustworthy to patients, all maintaining gentle and refined appearances, apparently rarely drank alcohol as their tolerance seemed quite poor. They hadn’t drunk much before showing signs of intoxication.

Some climbed onto tables to sing, others cried while reflecting against the wall, and some complained that the Imperial Medical Academy had too many duties and difficult patients, threatening to find rope to hang themselves. Whether it was because this jar of New Year’s wine was too strong, the physicians couldn’t hold their liquor, or too many were using alcohol as an excuse to act crazy, it was like demons revealing their true forms – a veritable chaos of spirits.

Lu Tong was getting somewhat deafened by the noise when she saw the young man surrounded by the crowd look toward her. Where their gazes met, Pei Yunying slightly tilted his head toward her with a meaningful glance, then walked toward the door first.

Understanding immediately, she set down her cup and rose.

Ji Xun asked, “Where is Physician Lu going? The fireworks are about to start.”

“Just taking a casual stroll,” Lu Tong said, gathering her skirts and turning to leave.

Once outside, she indeed found Pei Yunying waiting by the door. She approached and asked, “What is it?”

“With so many people inside, don’t you find it noisy?” He smiled, glancing at the swaying figures in the courtyard, “I’ll take you somewhere.”

Before Lu Tong could respond, he pulled her forward.

It was now late on New Year’s Eve night. Not a soul was on the streets, with every household in Sunan city gathered for family reunions. Occasionally, one could hear the sound of firecrackers from deep within the alleys.

Crossing the corridor into a courtyard, Lu Tong belatedly realized, “Isn’t this your imperial guards’ quarters?”

The Imperial Medical Academy’s quarters neighbored the imperial guards’ lodgings for convenience during sudden emergencies.

“Indeed,” Pei Yunying said. “Haven’t you been here before?”

Lu Tong fell silent for a moment. The last time she came here was when Pei Yunying was injured and she bandaged his wounds.

Thinking of that scene, her face inevitably showed some awkwardness.

“What’s that expression?” Pei Yunying crossed his arms looking at her, “You look guilty.”

“How am I guilty?” Lu Tong pushed open the door and entered, “Where are the others from your quarters?”

“Cai Fang arranged a celebration banquet – they’re all dining and won’t return until very late. Besides, this is my courtyard – they can’t enter,” Pei Yunying followed behind her, casually closing the door.

Lu Tong entered the room and couldn’t help but pause in surprise.

On the small table by the window sat a wine pot, two jade cups, several plates of sweet pastries, and in the center, a string of copper coins threaded with colored cord, carved with twenty-four symbols for fortune and longevity.

“A hundred copper coins strung with colored thread, divided and placed under one’s pillow for safekeeping.”

In the past at the Lu residence, every New Year’s Eve night, her mother would secretly place copper coins strung with red thread under her pillow.

Lu Tong picked up the copper coins, looking at the person across from her: “New Year’s money?”

“Weren’t you disappointed about not getting any coins tonight?” Pei Yunying sat down at the small table, “Now you have some.”

“How did you know I didn’t get any coins?”

He glanced at Lu Tong, saying leisurely, “When I entered your courtyard, that colleague of yours was trying to court your favor. It was obvious at a glance.”

Lu Tong: “…”

This person’s eyes were as sharp as ever.

Lu Tong put away the string of copper coins: “So you had me come over just to give me New Year’s money?”

“Of course not,” Pei Yunying looked toward the window, “Watching fireworks with a group of drunkards would be too noisy. My courtyard is quiet – I’m lending it to you.”

Honestly, he had indeed chosen an excellent location – quiet and elegant, with a clear view outside the window. When the fireworks began at midnight, this would surely be the best viewing spot.

“Then I should thank the Commander?”

“Sure,” he rested his chin on his hand looking at Lu Tong, slightly curving his lips, “How will you thank me?”

“How would you like me to thank you?”

Pei Yunying lifted his eyelids to look at her. After a while, he chuckled, “First get your injuries healed, then we’ll talk.”

“Sounds like you want to extort me,” Lu Tong picked up the wine pot, poured a full cup and brought it to her lips. Upon tasting it, her mouth filled with sweet fragrance. She paused in surprise, looking toward Pei Yunying, “This isn’t wine?”

He glanced at her with what seemed like reproach, while picking up the pot to pour himself a cup, “You’re still taking medicine – wanting to drink wine, don’t you value your life?”

“I specially found this plum blossom drink. I noticed none of your colleagues prepared sweet beverages for you.”

His repeated use of “colleagues” seemed to carry implication. Lu Tong was speechless, tilting her head back to drain the cup.

As she raised her hand, her sleeve slipped down, revealing her scarred wrist. The scars looked different from before, tinged with red. Seeing this, Pei Yunying frowned and grabbed her hand, asking, “What happened?”

Lu Tong paused.

Recently, as her body gradually regained response to medications, Ji Xun had resumed treating her old injuries from Huangmao Ridge. Some medicines were effective while others weren’t – when applied to her body, there were inevitably some unexpected reactions.

After she explained this to Pei Yunying, he released her hand, though his brow remained furrowed: “Must you continue testing like this?”

“It’s fine,” Lu Tong said, “It doesn’t hurt anyway.”

Hearing this, Pei Yunying raised his eyes to look at Lu Tong.

Lu Tong: “What?”

“When it hurts, you say it doesn’t hurt. When you’re thinking of something, you say you’re not thinking of it. When you like something, you say you don’t like it,” he said coolly, “Physician Lu, must you be so contrary to your true feelings?”

These words carried a chill. Lu Tong looked up – he was staring at her with an expression that seemed somewhat angry.

After a moment of silence, Lu Tong said, “Physician Ji applied medicine – the wound will eventually heal.”

Pei Yunying looked at her quietly with complex eyes. After a while, as if finally compromising, he spoke gently.

“That’s a physician’s way of speaking.”

“For sick people, there’s no need to endure. When it hurts, cry out. When uncomfortable, speak up. That’s what patients should do.”

“Physician Lu has been a physician for too long. Sometimes, you might try treating yourself as an ordinary patient.” He lowered his head, placing the cup filled with sweet water into Lu Tong’s hands. Where their fingers touched, a faint warmth passed between them.

Lu Tong gazed at the person before her.

Under Sunan’s slightly cold night, the young man’s eyes had lost their usual sharpness, his gaze toward her gentle as silk rain and mild as spring.

“Next time you’re in pain, tell me. Though it won’t be of much use, at least someone will know.”

Lu Tong was stunned.

It was like a boat traveling across a calm, cold river, gradually parting a river of spring water. As ripples swayed, her heart stirred slightly.

“Boom—”

From across the quarters came faint sounds of laughter and screaming from the neighboring medical quarters.

Lu Tong turned her head.

It was midnight – fireworks began launching above Sunan city.

Fire trees brushed clouds like red phoenixes dancing, scattered and brilliant as falling stars.

She rose, set down her teacup, and walked to the front of the courtyard.

Those points of light and flames made the originally quiet streets seem lively, instantly filling the sky with blooming flowers.

Lu Tong looked up at the fireworks overhead.

This was the third time she had watched fireworks since leaving Luomei Peak.

The first time was last New Year’s Eve, the second was when Qi Yutai died. The first two times she had no heart to appreciate the fireworks, but this time, though not as grand and magnificent as the capital’s fireworks, she found them exceptionally beautiful.

She looked toward the person beside her.

Pei Yunying walked to her side. Noticing her gaze, he asked, “What is it?”

Lu Tong shook her head: “I was just thinking that last New Year’s Eve, I also watched fireworks with you.”

Pei Yunying paused.

He seemed to just recall that scene.

At that time she had fallen into mud and water all over the ground, while he was high above, pressing aggressively. Outside the window, brilliant silver flowers bloomed in competition, and in the flowing light and shadow, he handed her a handkerchief.

Some things had begun to change from that very moment.

Pei Yunying glanced at her, the corner of his mouth lifting: “Yes, and you had me recorded in your ledger. I nearly got crossed off your list.”

Lu Tong: “…”

She retorted: “And didn’t you run to someone else’s courtyard in the middle of the night demanding answers? The Commander nearly had me taken to see the magistrate.”

He was at a loss for words.

But Lu Tong pressed her advantage, turning to settle old scores: “If no accident had occurred that night, would you really have had me taken to see the magistrate?”

She brought up this old grievance so unexpectedly that Pei Yunying was helpless, laughing despite himself: “No.”

“Really?”

“Really.” He tilted his head, glancing at her, “What about you? That night, were you really planning to kill me?”

“…”

Lu Tong turned her head away, avoiding his question.

He snorted coldly: “Physician Lu truly has a heart of stone.”

Lu Tong felt guilty for a moment, casually changing the subject: “You brought me here to watch fireworks, so let’s properly watch fireworks. Why bring up these things?” She looked up again at the vast sky above.

Li Wenhu had specifically sought out various types of firecrackers from shops in the city, as if to drive away the epidemic’s pestilence. Colorful displays rose and fell in succession, setting the night ablaze.

Just as she was getting somewhat dazzled by the display, suddenly a white jade carved lotus-pattern sachet fell before her.

Lu Tong was startled.

“Sunan has just recovered from a great epidemic – many shops haven’t reopened yet. I looked at several but couldn’t find anything suitable. When we return to the capital I’ll give you something else. For now, make do with this as your birthday gift.”

Pei Yunying tugged at the corner of his mouth: “It’s New Year’s Day now. I wish Third Miss Lu joy and happiness, may your days be long and pleasant.”

Lu Tong burst into laughter with a “puchi” sound, reaching out to accept the sachet.

Pei Yunying’s sachet was very beautiful, with exquisite carved craftsmanship. The familiar cool, light fragrance within was identical to the scent from his embrace. She had asked this person for it several times unsuccessfully, never expecting it would now fall into her hands.

Seeing her examine the sachet with apparent fondness, Pei Yunying cleared his throat lightly and reminded her: “Keep this sachet for your private use only. Remember not to let others see it.”

Lu Tong nodded, then suddenly looked at him: “Why can’t others see it?”

Before Pei Yunying could respond, she continued: “Is it because you’re afraid others will know that you and I use ‘lovers’ fragrance’?”

Pei Yunying paused, looking at her incredulously: “You know…”

Lu Tong blinked.

She knew.

That was much later, when she went with Lin Danqing to the official district to buy medicinal materials, passing by a fragrance shop. Lin Danqing wanted to pick out some incense for clothing, and Lu Tong, thinking of how she had unsuccessfully asked Pei Yunying for his sachet twice, conveniently asked the shopkeeper if she could have a fragrance like someone else’s made.

The shopkeeper asked for the person’s sachet, which she couldn’t produce. After inquiring about the circumstances, the shopkeeper smiled knowingly.

“Miss, fragrances bought from fragrance shops are different from privately blended ones. Noble men and women don’t want to use common incense that anyone can buy from fragrance shops, so they often have perfumers create unique fragrances to display their noble status.

Since they’re unique, there’s no such thing as two people using identical fragrances – unless the two users are husband and wife or lovers, then they would use the same fragrance formula to show intimacy.”

“Your gentleman’s reluctance to give you the fragrance formula is probably due to this concern!”

Lu Tong understood.

No wonder every time she asked him for the fragrance formula, he looked strange, as if she had done something improper – so this was his worry.

Pei Yunying stared at her, brow slightly furrowed: “You knew and still asked me for it.”

He misunderstood when Lu Tong had learned this. Lu Tong didn’t explain, only saying: “Even if it’s lovers’ fragrance, you and I are perfectly innocent – what are you worried about?”

“Perfectly innocent?”

Pei Yunying raised an eyebrow, gazing at her intently, then suddenly laughed: “I’m not innocent – haven’t you always known that?”

Lu Tong froze.

He spoke so frankly, his eyes burning with unmasked intensity under the fireworks.

The boat that had skimmed across the spring river created even deeper waves, making her emotions surge and preventing her from remaining calm.

Lu Tong looked up at him. After a while, she spoke: “Today is my birthday – aren’t you going to ask what my birthday wish is?”

Pei Yunying paused: “What do you want?”

Lu Tong reached out and grabbed his collar.

Being tall, when pulled, he leaned down slightly, looking at her with some confusion. Lu Tong leaned forward and lightly kissed the corner of his mouth.

A very light, barely-there kiss.

Like those scattered stars in the precious torches and silver flowers, it vanished in an instant.

Pei Yunying looked at her.

She released her grip, stepped back two paces, and turned to leave, but was pulled back in one motion.

Those dark, bright eyes clearly reflected the fireworks and her, gentle as the long night.

In the patches of rosy light, he lowered his head and kissed Lu Tong.

High above in the sky, snow scattered among fireworks.

His kiss was light and tender, like a gentle breeze that occasionally passed over Luomei Peak, carrying the clear, cool scent of New Year’s wine. Lu Tong was encircled in his embrace, tilting her head back and supporting herself on his arms, allowing the gentle wind to fall upon her lips.

This person – she had always pushed him away.

Again and again contrary to her heart’s desire, yet finding it difficult to deny her own feelings.

In so many moments – when he stopped her from kneeling to Qi Yutai, in those nights at the Imperial Medical Academy filled with late spring and early summer flower fragrance, every time he approached her, she could not avoid those momentary ripples. The unspoken look in his eyes on Qixi Festival, that night of rain on Danfeng Platform when words went unfinished…

Perhaps even earlier, as early as their first snowy night encounter, when he lit that flower lantern…

Their future bond had already been destined.

She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Pei Yunying…” Lu Tong murmured indistinctly.

He was drawn to lean down slightly by her embrace, asking gently, “What?”

“There is,” Lu Tong said.

She was not honest with him.

She had selfish motives toward him.