Spring came early to the capital.

The wine shops on West Street’s main thoroughfare had long hung up spring banners. Only a trace of late winter remained on the plum trees, while new willows by Luo Yue Bridge began to sprout.

In this atmosphere of renewed spring festivities, Lu Tong returned to Renxin Medical Hall.

After Miao Liangfang had someone inquire for news at the Medical Academy, he and Du Changqing prepared early at the medical hall, even going to Renhe Restaurant to buy a table of fine food and wine to set up in the courtyard. The moment Lu Tong appeared at the medical hall entrance, Yin Zheng embraced her and wouldn’t let go.

“Miss,” Yin Zheng said, “didn’t you say you’d wait for this month’s rest period before returning to the hall? Why did you come back early?”

The physicians who went to Sunan had merit in treating the epidemic. After returning to the imperial city, there were rewards to be discussed and epidemic treatment records to organize, keeping them quite busy for a time.

“I requested leave from the Medical Director.”

Du Changqing stood to one side, sizing her up with scrutinizing eyes. After months apart, Du Changqing still looked the same – brightly dressed, lazy in demeanor – but seemed to have more confidence than before, more like a young, promising shop owner.

He held a handful of walnuts, casually giving Lu Tong half of one, saying to everyone, “See? What did I tell you? She’s definitely thinner again! When she left the medical hall, I fed her well with good food and drink. After being a physician for a year and a half, look how thin she’s become. This proves one thing.”

Yin Zheng asked curiously, “What thing?”

“People shouldn’t work!” Du Changqing bit down on the walnut with a crunch. “If you ask me, forget being some physician – isn’t working here better than being worked like an ox or horse at the Medical Academy? And they don’t even pay you much salary.”

A’Cheng spoke quietly, “Boss, the Medical Academy is still better than our medical hall.”

Du Changqing rolled his eyes.

Miao Liangfang pretended to hit him with his walking stick while helping Lu Tong remove her medical kit, chuckling, “It’s good you’re back. You returned in a hurry, so we didn’t have time to cook at home. Little Du specially ordered a banquet table for you and had someone kill a year-old hen to make soup…”

Hearing this, Yin Zheng said, “What chicken soup? She’s not a new mother in confinement.”

“Isn’t it to nourish Physician Lu’s body?” Du Changqing protested. “To replenish qi!”

“Oh my,” Miao Liangfang was speechless. “Actually, even new mothers in confinement don’t need to drink so much chicken soup.”

“So I made it wrong?”

The conversation gradually went off track in this banter.

The makeshift shed in the courtyard from before she left had been dismantled. After the New Year, the capital hadn’t seen snow again, growing warmer day by day. Everyone sat down at the table, discussing Lu Tong’s trip to Sunan.

“Physician Lu,” Du Changqing picked up some chicken with his chopsticks and asked her, “I heard from Old Miao that you went to treat the epidemic, and upon returning to the Medical Academy there will be merit evaluations, some assessment to advance three grades, and afterward you’ll go to the palace to serve as an Inner Imperial Physician for nobles? Is this true? Did they give you reward money?”

Yin Zheng looked disdainful: “Why is the boss so materialistic?” She ladled a bowl of chicken soup for Lu Tong. “Miss, after this, will your physician robes change color?”

New physicians wore light blue robes, with colors gradually deepening as ranks rose to show status changes.

Lu Tong held her spoon, stirring the soup: “I’m not returning to the Medical Academy.”

A’Cheng asked while eating rice: “What does that mean?”

Lu Tong looked up: “I’ve resigned from my physician position.”

The courtyard fell quiet.

Du Changqing’s chopsticks dropped to the ground with a “clatter.”

“What?”

“I’ve resigned as a physician.”

“…Why?” Miao Liangfang was puzzled. “Why suddenly talk of resignation when everything was fine?”

Lu Tong stirred her soup with a calm tone: “I thought about it – the Medical Academy doesn’t really suit me. I prefer the days of practicing at West Street, so I resigned.”

“No, if you like practicing at West Street, why did you eagerly go to Sunan to join that commotion?” Du Changqing pushed his bowl away, saying urgently, “Others go treat an epidemic and gain reputation and promotions – how is it that for you, it’s worse than before?” As he spoke, he suddenly thought of something, slapped the table, and stared intently at Lu Tong: “I know!”

“Did you cause some trouble out there again?”

Lu Tong remained silent.

“It must be,” Du Changqing became more certain of his guess. “Last time you looked at some Imperial Pharmacy prescription and came back to West Street for three months of self-reflection. You must have caused some mess in Sunan again, unable to control yourself. This isn’t voluntary resignation – you were expelled from the Medical Academy?”

At these words, the others in the courtyard also looked toward Lu Tong.

Going to Sunan perfectly fine and returning with her position lost was indeed puzzling.

Lu Tong remained composed: “Just consider that after this trip, seeing the epidemic’s hardships, I’ve become greedy for life and fearful of death. Being an Inner Imperial Physician means dealing with nobles – if handled poorly, it could bring disaster. Better to be free at West Street.”

“Besides,” she smiled, “isn’t practicing at West Street good? Master Miao sometimes gets too busy alone – adding me is perfect. During festivals we can also create new prescriptions. Boss Du’s previous grand ambition to expand the medical hall to Qinghe Street in the south to earn money from the wealthy might actually have a chance in the future.”

Hearing “earn money from the wealthy,” Du Changqing’s confidence immediately wavered, his expression showing some hesitation.

Seeing this, Yin Zheng laughed and persuaded: “Not going to the Medical Academy is fine – the salary isn’t much more than our medical hall’s, and our medical hall closes at dusk while the Medical Academy makes you stay up half the night. Miss returning is perfect timing – we’ll renovate the courtyard in spring, and I won’t be afraid living alone anymore.”

After speaking, she secretly signaled to Miao Liangfang.

Miao Liangfang came to his senses and chimed in: “Right, right, right. Boss wouldn’t be reluctant about one more monthly salary, would he? How could that be? Little Lu’s new medicines bring in far more than a monthly salary.”

Du Changqing still frowned, his tone indignant: “Giving up great prospects to shrink back and practice at West Street – is your brain broken?” He impatiently waved his hand. “Forget it, I don’t want to discuss your affairs – not one brings happiness… Since you’re back, think about what new medicines to make. I’ll say this first – even though you’re a physician from the Hanlin Medical Academy, the monthly salary stays the same. Don’t try to raise prices.”

Lu Tong smiled: “Alright.”

He asked several more questions, directly and indirectly probing whether Lu Tong had made mistakes in Sunan. Lu Tong answered each one. Seeing he couldn’t learn anything, Du Changqing had to give up, though his expression still showed some resentment.

After the meal, Miao Liangfang pulled Lu Tong back to the room, taking advantage of Du Changqing settling accounts in the inner shop to quietly ask: “Little Lu, did you really resign from office?”

Lu Tong nodded.

“What’s the real reason?” Miao Liangfang was puzzled. “Now that you’ve returned from Sunan, it’s the most important time for personnel evaluations. You resigned, and Chang Jin agreed?”

Lu Tong smiled, answering gently: “Medical Director Chang knows about it.”

“Little Lu…”

“Master Miao,” she looked at Miao Liangfang, “you worked at the Hanlin Medical Academy before – you understand the situation there better than I do. I’m not suited for such a place, nor can I live bowing and scraping, watching others’ expressions. Practicing at West Street, treating and examining common people, is much more comfortable than being in the imperial city.”

Miao Liangfang looked at Lu Tong.

Lu Tong allowed his scrutiny with frank eyes.

Miao Liangfang felt that Lu Tong returning from Sunan was somehow different.

Before, Lu Tong always worked silently, not liking to explain to others, as if no one knew what she did or thought. Actually, everyone at Renxin Medical Hall knew Lu Tong was pursuing her own affairs, but she was like a stone impossible to budge, so everyone tacitly chose not to ask.

Now she was suddenly relaxed, as if she had completed all necessary tasks and cast off burdens she was unwilling to bear. This obvious simplicity was relaxed and peaceful, making one reluctant to disturb it.

Miao Liangfang sighed.

“Alright,” he supported himself on his walking stick, “you’ve always had your own ideas. As long as you know what you’re doing.”

With recent upheavals in the imperial city and complex relationships everywhere, withdrawing from the rapids to avoid trouble at this time might not be a bad thing. Thinking of this, Lu Tong’s decision seemed quite wise.

“Since you’ve resigned and will return to practice at the hall, it happens I have something to discuss with you.”

Lu Tong asked: “What matter?”

Miao Liangfang waved his hand: “Let’s not mention it now – we’ll talk in a few days.”

He gave Lu Tong a few more instructions before returning to busy himself in the inner shop.

Lu Tong watched quietly. After half a year’s absence, more and more patients came to Renxin Medical Hall. Not only from West Street, but even common people from farther away were willing to come here for medicine and consultation, perhaps because Miao Liangfang’s medical skills were excellent and he didn’t charge excessive consultation fees, while the medicines were common and inexpensive materials that distant patients loved coming here for.

Lu Tong wanted to help but was pressed to stay in the room by Yin Zheng, who insisted she rest more since she had just returned.

By evening, with the fiery sunset low at the alley mouth, Du Changqing was preparing to take A’Cheng home. Lu Tong was talking with Miao Liangfang in the inner shop when she suddenly heard A’Cheng call out: “Young Master Pei!”

Lu Tong looked up.

The setting sun was about to fall, half the golden light spilling into the shop. The young man walked in from under the plum tree, his robes slightly lifted by the evening breeze, making one suddenly feel the warmth of long spring days and beautiful spring scenery.

Du Changqing’s expression changed: “Why is he here?”

Lu Tong came around from behind the counter. Pei Yunying entered the inner shop, greeted Miao Liangfang and the others, then looked down at her with a smile: “You wouldn’t have started practicing today, would you?”

“No, today is rest. I’ll start tomorrow.”

He nodded: “Perfect then. Want to go out for a walk?”

Lu Tong agreed and was about to leave with him.

Everyone at the medical hall was stunned by their oblivious interaction, standing bewildered for a moment. Du Changqing was the first to react: “Wait!”

Lu Tong looked up.

Du Changqing quickly stepped forward to block the doorway, his gaze fiercely scanning Pei Yunying before looking at Lu Tong menacingly: “Going out at this hour?”

Lu Tong: “The sun hasn’t set yet.”

“The sun will set soon!” He was suddenly angry: “Did I say I agreed?”

Pei Yunying calmly glanced at Du Changqing.

That glance was very calm – the young man even had a trace of smile at his lips – yet it made Du Changqing suddenly feel cold and instinctively hide behind Lu Tong.

“…I’m your boss and must be responsible for everyone at the medical hall,” he poked his head out from behind Lu Tong, blustering without much confidence.

Miao Liangfang coughed awkwardly. Yin Zheng pushed Lu Tong toward the door, glared at Du Changqing, and said with a smile: “Miss stayed in Sunan too long, then at the Medical Academy after returning – she should relax. Going out with Young Master Pei to unwind is good. The weather in the capital has been nice these days, so Boss needn’t worry…” After speaking, she gave Du Changqing a warning look.

Du Changqing was still unwilling to give up, but Lu Tong and Pei Yunying had already left. He could only chase to the door and squeeze out: “You must return before the hour of the dog! Did you hear?”

No one answered.

A’Cheng helplessly said: “Boss, they’re already holding hands as they left – what’s the use of your shouting?”

“Holding hands?” Du Changqing was shocked: “When did they get together?”

He’d been focused on other things and hadn’t noticed this detail.

Yin Zheng looked at him disdainfully: “Boss, don’t do such inappropriate things in the future. Do you know what you looked like just now?”

“What?”

“Like the evil mother-in-law in storybooks who breaks up loving couples.”

“…”

…

Lu Tong was unaware of the chaos at Renxin Medical Hall after she left.

Evening passed, and people who had gone spring viewing in the capital during the day had returned home. Along the way, fragrant red apricots bloomed everywhere with countless spring colors. As they walked, a fine rain gradually began. They happened to be crossing Luo Yue Bridge, reaching Qinghe Street in the south.

Qinghe Street remained as prosperous as ever. “Lu Yuan Pawn Shop” looked the same, with the shopkeeper who had deliberately sold Lu Tong’s sister an overpriced hairpin dozing in his shop, showing some lethargy in the gentle spring rain.

They hadn’t brought umbrellas when leaving. Pei Yunying looked ahead and asked Lu Tong: “Should we go upstairs to avoid the rain?”

Lu Tong followed his gaze.

Not far ahead was Yuxian Tower.

“This rain won’t stop for a while.” He pulled Lu Tong under the eaves to shelter from rain, saying leisurely: “If so, you probably can’t return to the medical hall by the hour of the dog. What should we do?”

Lu Tong: “…”

Sometimes Pei Yunying seemed very generous, but other times quite petty and vindictive.

She was speechless for a moment and was about to agree when her gaze was suddenly drawn to the river surface farther away.

Yuxian Tower faced the river, with new willows planted along both banks. It was spring, with spring rain like smoke and green willows like mist. Several pleasure boats floated on the river, with gentle qin music drifting from the boats accompanied by elegant scholars’ poetry recitation—

“Ten li of Hengtang half-filled with smoke, where does spring wind merit most pity?

Long embankment with bird songs from unknown places, light catkins silently entering old boats…”

Lu Tong paused, suddenly remembering something Du Changqing had once said.

“If you really want to appreciate rain, why not go to Yuxian Tower in the south? That tower overlooks the river and willows. On rainy days, with misty rain and green river water, it would be even better to find a pleasure boat to sit in, invite a boat lady to play some qin, drink some warm wine, and order a plate of goose oil rolls – that’s true earthly pleasure…”

It was indeed a rainy day now. Lu Tong’s heart stirred and she tugged Pei Yunying’s sleeve: “Let’s go sit on that,” pointing to the boats.

Pei Yunying followed her gaze: “A boat?”

He looked down at Lu Tong, his tone puzzled: “Don’t you get seasick?”

Lu Tong was a landlubber who had vomited terribly on the way to Sunan and wasn’t much better on the return journey. During those water-travel days, her seasickness was so severe it pained observers.

“I see that boat doesn’t need rowing – it just floats on the water. Unlike the previous water routes that rocked violently, this should be fine. Besides, I have this.” Lu Tong took the sachet from her waist and waved it in front of Pei Yunying.

Strangely, Pei Yunying’s “Nightglow Cold” fragrance perfectly suited her preferences. Each time she smelled it, she felt calm and refreshed. On the return journey’s water routes, she relied entirely on this sachet – for Lu Tong, it worked better than seasickness medicine.

Pei Yunying looked at her disapprovingly: “Why do you never care for your own body?”

Knowing her body would suffer, she was always eager to try. Before and now.

Lu Tong: “I just want to ride this.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

He looked down, steadily watching Lu Tong. Lu Tong calmly met his gaze.

After a while, Pei Yunying sighed and nodded: “Fine.”

As mentioned, Third Miss Lu has quite a temper indeed.