Seven days after New Year’s Eve, the imperial physicians from Pingzhou arrived in Sunan.

With all epidemic treatment affairs in Sunan handed over, it was time for the physicians to return to the capital.

At the city gates, carriages and horses gathered. Cai Fang and Li Wenhu saw them off at the gates, with citizens spontaneously coming out from the city behind them. At the very front were patients from the former plague quarters, bowing deeply in gratitude to the physicians.

After switching to the new treatment method, the plague victims, except for a few with extremely severe conditions, had gradually improved.

During these months in Sunan, the physicians from the capital had shuttled daily through the plague quarters, exhausted and overworked. The climate differed between the capital and Sunan – the elderly physicians often complained about Sunan’s bone-piercing damp winter cold, daily clamoring to hurry back to the capital. Yet after sharing hardships together for a period, at the moment of parting, they felt somewhat reluctant to leave.

Cuicui walked to Lu Tong’s side.

“Thank you, Physician Lu.”

The little girl hung her head, too ashamed to look into Lu Tong’s eyes: “…I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.” Lu Tong patted her head.

Both of Cuicui’s parents were gone. The matchmaker at the plague quarters, Granny Hong, pitied her helplessness and, having no children herself, adopted Cuicui.

After the great epidemic, Sunan had many pitiable people whose families were destroyed. Cai Fang and Li Wenhu still had much work ahead. Life was thus – often filled with suffering – but people must move forward.

“Physician Lu, I want to study medicine in the future,” Cuicui gathered courage to speak. “I want to be like you, saving more people.”

She had stayed in the plague quarters for a long time, personally experiencing the despair of illness, while the physicians had brought life to this desperate situation.

Gods and Buddhas were useless – she wanted to be the person who saved others, giving hope to people.

“That’s wonderful,” Lu Tong smiled. “The capital has the Imperial Medical Bureau. If you ever have the chance to come to the capital, you can find me at Renxin Medical Hall on West Street.”

Ji Xun was slightly startled.

She remained completely unaware.

Cai Fang bowed deeply to everyone.

“Distinguished guests traveled thousands of miles to Sunan, spending months sharing our fate. Such kindness, the people of Sunan dare not forget.”

“But meetings and partings are hurried – there must always be farewell. When you physicians return to the capital, if you have the opportunity to visit Sunan again, this humble Cai will certainly provide wholehearted hospitality.”

“Take care.”

Meetings and partings are hurried, there must always be farewell…

Lu Tong looked back.

It was now early spring. Sunan hadn’t seen snow for a long time, and morning rays spread down from the mountains.

She seemed to see on Luomei Peak a little girl carrying a bamboo basket walking through the mountains.

She walked very slowly, step by step, not yet completely shed of childish innocence, occasionally laughing momentarily, walking from the rosy dawn light, brushing past herself.

Lu Tong stared at her in a daze.

“Physician Lu.”

A voice came from behind. She turned around to see Pei Yunying standing before the carriage, smiling as he walked toward her.

Sunlight fell on him, bright and warm. He took Lu Tong’s hand: “Let’s go.”

She paused, then smiled.

“Alright.”

He helped Lu Tong into the carriage, then mounted his horse to ride alongside the convoy. As the carriages and horses set off, Li Wenhu’s voice came from behind: “Safe travels to all!”

…

Time passed quickly.

Not long after the New Year, spring awakened hibernating insects, and all things bloomed.

The day before the Beginning of Spring, there was a custom called “announcing spring.” Boys in green clothes and green hats went door to door delivering spring ox pictures.

Renxin Medical Hall also received a spring ox picture, posted on the front door. A’Cheng went to the official district to buy spring pancakes and sesame candy, placing them on plates to give each patient who came for medicine a piece.

Du Changqing always felt drowsy in spring, propping his head with his hand and dozing in the shop. Yin Zheng passed by and said, “Boss, shouldn’t we go to the official district to buy some things?”

Du Changqing lifted his eyelids: “Buy what?”

“Miss will be returning to the capital soon – we should prepare in advance.”

Not long after the New Year, Miao Liangfang inquired with old acquaintances at the Hanlin Medical Academy and learned that word had come from Sunan saying the epidemic treatment there was proceeding very smoothly. His Majesty had already ordered the nearest Pingzhou medical bureau to dispatch physicians to take over, and the Imperial Medical Academy physicians who had gone to Sunan would soon return to the capital.

Du Changqing counted on his fingers: “Last month they said ten days, ten days ago they said seven days, seven days ago they said five days, and still haven’t arrived! These dates change more than your moods – whoever believes them is a fool. I don’t believe it. If you want to go, go yourself.”

As soon as he finished speaking, A’Cheng came running breathlessly from outside, shouting repeatedly: “They’re here! They’re here!”

Du Changqing suddenly sat up: “Who’s here?”

“Physician Lu!” the young clerk said. “Physician Lu has arrived in the capital!”

Lu Tong had returned.

The physicians who went to Sunan to treat the epidemic returned to the capital on this clear spring morning, and the imperial city became lively. All the physicians from the Hanlin Medical Academy crowded out to welcome them, packing the academy gates so tightly that not even water could pass through.

Lu Tong stayed toward the back. Pei Yunying reined in his horse and dismounted, walking to her.

“You should return to the Medical Academy to rest first. I’ll come find you later.”

The journey from Sunan to the capital was long, Lu Tong’s illness wasn’t completely healed, and the fatigue of travel was ultimately exhausting.

“No need. After registering documents, I need to return to West Street,” Lu Tong looked at him. “Are you entering the palace?”

“Yes.”

Pei Yunying had been away from the capital too long. All affairs of the Palace Command had been left to Xiao Zhufeng. After returning to the capital, he still needed to have an audience with the emperor to report in detail on the Qishui campaign to the new emperor.

“Go ahead,” Lu Tong said. “Today should be very busy.”

“Then I’ll find you later.”

After speaking, he mounted his horse and left with the imperial guards.

…

Pei Yunying entered the palace.

The Hall of Diligent Government seemed still the same as before, but the person on the golden throne had changed.

Prince Ning – no, now he should be called the new emperor – was very pleased to see him return.

“Finally back,” the Son of Heaven said. “During your absence, watching the Dragon-Tiger Guard military drills in the capital, I felt uncomfortable. The Palace Command really doesn’t work without you.”

Pei Yunying smiled: “It seems Your Majesty has been very busy these past months.”

The emperor snorted.

Indeed very busy.

With the new emperor’s ascension, old power networks were deeply entrenched. Qi Qing had controlled the court for many years, and even though the Qi family had fallen, there were still remnant factional forces in court. During Emperor Liang Ming’s reign, taxes were heavily levied and corruption was widespread in court. Purging this was not something that could be accomplished overnight. The throne was not as stable as Mount Tai.

“Securing borders externally, stabilizing the realm internally. The late emperor’s teachings are truly difficult indeed,” he sighed.

“Your Majesty, as Son of Heaven, must not speak of difficulty.”

The emperor glanced at him: “You’re saying this to me too?”

Pei Yunying smiled without responding.

Prince Ning had played the “useless prince” for many years, spending his days buying flowers and selecting vegetables in the official district. Everyone said he had a good temperament – though partly due to hiding his capabilities, a person who does something for a long time gradually becomes accustomed to it. Therefore, sitting in this position and putting away his former ease, occasionally thinking about it, he truly felt the loneliness of being in high places.

The Son of Heaven set down the memorial in his hand, shaking his head: “What about you? The Qishui campaign ended so swiftly – was it to see your beloved? Were you that impatient?”

Pei Yunying paused.

The emperor’s gaze was teasing.

With the new emperor’s ascension, the troops of Third Prince’s uncle Chen Wei were all recalled. Yuan Lang had appointed Pei Yunying to quell the unrest in Qishui. The rebellion ended faster than anyone had anticipated.

Yet after ending the rebellion, Pei Yunying sent a petition at breakneck speed back to the capital, requesting permission to remain in Sunan to assist the physicians in treating the epidemic.

The emperor adjusted his sleeves: “At that time, many in court criticized you, saying you relied on your military achievements to be arrogant, lingering in Sunan and refusing to return to the capital, harboring treasonous intentions. It was I who protected you before those old foxes. If not for me, you’d be in considerable trouble now.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s trust in this subject.”

Yuan Lang waved his hand: “They don’t know, but I know – you’re a romantic fool.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

Yuan Lang looked at him with great interest: “Speaking honestly, Commander Pei, I never thought you were someone so deeply devoted to love.”

Pei Yunying had handled the Qishui rebellion case quite beautifully, then turned around and went to Sunan, catching everyone off guard.

Though his petition was written with righteous rhetoric, Yuan Lang still saw only two words through all that righteous language – Lu Tong.

He went to Sunan for Lu Tong.

The emperor clicked his tongue twice: “Do you need me to arrange a marriage for you two? I’ve grown this old and never arranged a marriage before – might as well start with you.”

Pei Yunying paused: “Your Majesty, please allow this subject to handle marriage matters himself.”

“What?” The emperor narrowed his eyes, studying him meaningfully. “You spent months with that physician in Sunan, and she still hasn’t taken a liking to you?”

“It’s not that…”

“Pei Yunying, oh Pei Yunying, you’re at least the commander carefully selected by the Palace Command. In terms of appearance, family background, and character, you’re first-rate. How can you be so useless in matters of love? You’re just like Minister Yan…”

The words “Minister Yan” froze both men.

As if some tacitly understood taboo had been mentioned, both Yuan Lang and Pei Yunying’s gazes dimmed simultaneously.

After the palace coup, the Three Offices structure was completely rewritten.

The Third Prince was confined, the Crown Prince’s faction completely collapsed. Court opportunists couldn’t wait to switch sides or rebel. The imperial city was lively every day, with new people constantly entering the Zhao Prison of the Imperial Investigation Department.

Palace women were also relocated, with the Empress Dowager voluntarily requesting to copy scriptures and worship Buddha at Wan’en Temple. Perhaps to avoid suspicion, or perhaps due to inner guilt – the Empress Dowager may not have been unaware of the true cause of the late emperor and late crown prince’s deaths. But being neither the Crown Prince’s birth mother nor Emperor Liang Ming’s birth mother, if it didn’t affect her own position, she could turn a blind eye to certain matters.

Now that Yuan Lang had ascended the throne, with each new emperor came new ministers. The Empress Dowager was a wise woman who proactively removed herself from the delicate situation.

Rear palace matters were relatively easy to handle; front court affairs were much more dangerous.

“Minister Yan is gone,” the emperor spoke after a moment. “The Privy Council now has no leader, and court demons are stirring restlessly. Your return is perfectly timed – I need to borrow your eyes to root out these hidden stakes in court one by one.”

Pei Yunying smiled slightly: “Your Majesty, that’s the Imperial Investigation Department’s responsibility, not under the Palace Command’s jurisdiction.”

“Are you complaining that I don’t pay you enough?” Yuan Lang laughed. “When you marry, I’ll convert another salary into gift money and have it sent to your residence.”

“Then this subject thanks Your Majesty in advance.”

The emperor laughed despite himself, his gaze falling on the person before him. Thinking of something, he suddenly sighed softly.

“In the past when the late emperor was alive, I heard him instruct my elder brother: ‘The ruler is the head, ministers are the limbs and bones. Working in harmony with one heart, they unite to form a body. If the body is incomplete, there can be no whole person. Though the head is supremely honored, it must rely on hands and feet to complete the body. Though the ruler is wise and intelligent, he must depend on limbs and bones to achieve governance. Abandoning limbs and bones to act solely on personal will – achieving bodily completion and reason is unheard of.'”

“Though the overall situation is now settled, thinking of the vastness of the realm, the multitude of the four seas, and the countless complications, I often feel as if treading on thin ice.”

He looked at Pei Yunying.

“To me, you are that ‘limb and bone.'”

“Pei Yunying, I don’t care what plans you have afterward – at least now, pull yourself together for me. I need you.”

Pei Yunying bowed.

“Your Majesty having such intentions, relying on the worthy to serve the people, makes the nation ever more glorious. This subject is willing to follow Your Majesty and serve as Your Majesty’s eyes.”

“You said that yourself.”

Pei Yunying paused: “Just don’t forget the wedding gift, Your Majesty.”

Yuan Lang laughed despite himself, pretending to throw a paperweight at him while laughing and scolding: “Shameless! First catch that beloved of yours before talking!”

…

Pei Yunying’s “beloved” was currently returning to the Hanlin Medical Academy with the other physicians.

The physicians returning from Sunan received an enthusiastic welcome from the Hanlin Medical Academy.

Treating great epidemics was inherently dangerous and often difficult. When Chang Jin and the others departed, some cursed them as fools behind their backs, some pitied their bad luck, and others were glad the difficult assignment hadn’t fallen to them. But when the physicians returned safely to the capital, it was ultimately admirable.

Lin Danqing was about to pull Lu Tong back to the quarters to rest first, but Lu Tong walked to Chang Jin: “Medical Director, I have something to discuss with you.”

Chang Jin was startled, thinking she wanted to discuss the aftermath of the drug testing, so he dismissed the others: “Let’s talk inside.”

Lu Tong followed Chang Jin into the room.

Once inside, Chang Jin sat down at the table.

“Physician Lu,” he said, “as soon as I returned, I had someone contact the Imperial Pharmacy. I’ll have them change some medicinal ingredients for you later.”

“The Imperial Pharmacy and the Medical Academy had some unpleasantness in the past, so this wouldn’t normally be easy. But because of the crimson cotton incident, their director has a good impression of you. When they heard you were ill, they didn’t make things difficult for us and agreed to look at the prescription. Once the medicine is changed, treating your condition will be more convenient.”

Seeing Lu Tong remain silent, he seemed to remember something and quickly added, “Don’t worry, I didn’t mention the drug testing – just said your old ailment flared up.”

Lu Tong nodded: “Thank you, Medical Director.”

“Don’t mention it,” Chang Jin continued. “From this trip to Sunan, the golden mushrooms you found were quite effective. I’ve written it all into the official documents. When the personnel evaluation comes around, you’ll advance three grades. Work hard, and entering the Inner Imperial Medical Service won’t be far away…”

He spoke enthusiastically, but Lu Tong interrupted: “Medical Director.”

“What is it?”

“I wish to resign from my position as Hanlin Medical Officer.”

Chang Jin was stunned.

“Physician Lu,” he frowned, “why do you suddenly say this?”

Lu Tong nodded: “The Medical Director knows about my illness. The Medical Academy’s affairs are complex and busy until late every night, which isn’t beneficial for my recovery. I want to return to West Street to focus on recuperating for some time.”

“That doesn’t require resignation,” Chang Jin instinctively tried to persuade her. “You can go back and rest for a while – I’ll approve extended leave for you.”

“How long can the Medical Director approve my leave? Ten days, half a month, a month?”

Lu Tong smiled. “You also understand that for my illness to completely heal won’t happen overnight.”

“But…”

Chang Jin looked at her, some struggle in his eyes.

Lu Tong was promising material.

First place on the spring examination’s red list, quite talented in medical practice – among the young physicians at the Hanlin Medical Academy, she was unquestionably outstanding. For such promising material to leave the Medical Academy, how could it not be regrettable?

But he also knew Lu Tong was right.

Medical work was hard, with daily duties often requiring staying up late, which wasn’t beneficial for Lu Tong’s health recovery. Though he valued talent, he also deeply sympathized with Lu Tong’s years as a drug test subject.

“Medical Director,” Lu Tong looked at him with calm voice, “I’ve been a physician for many years. Having gone through life and death, I’ve become more enlightened about many things. The Medical Academy isn’t suitable for me. Please allow me to be selfish once – let me return to West Street to live the life I want to live.”

Chang Jin was slightly stunned.

The woman before him wore medical robes loosely, her features beautiful and frank, suddenly reminding him of that day in Sunan’s winter when she lay on the bed with eyes closed, pale and weak.

The words of persuasion stuck in his throat – he couldn’t say a single one.

After a long while, Chang Jin sighed.

“Let me think about it.”