Night had fallen deep, and Xia Rongrong and her servant had already retired to bed, but the light in Lu Tong’s room remained lit. The small courtyard was silent, with only the chirping of insects from the distant bamboo grove reaching their ears.

Yin Zheng sat at the edge of the couch, her body slightly tilted, with books piled on the couch. Lu Tong sat at the table, carefully reading through books under the lamplight. These past few nights, Lu Tong hadn’t been making medicine. As soon as the lamps were lit, she would sit at the table reading scrolls, rarely resting day or night.

Yin Zheng yawned, rubbing her eyes while saying, “These cases of Official Fan in Yuan’an County are numerous and lengthy, each one thrilling – they’re truly more exciting than storytelling books.”

Lu Tong turned a page: “Indeed, more exciting than storytelling books.”

The books on the table were about the most famous cases handled by Fan Zhenglian during his years as the magistrate of Yuan’an County. Even with Cao Master’s connections, they couldn’t get their hands on official court documents. Fortunately, Fan Zhenglian had earned a widespread reputation for integrity in Yuan’an County and was deeply beloved. The storytellers in the teahouses had turned several of his unsolved cases from his time as magistrate into story books, which were recited daily in the streets. Lu Tong had Yin Zheng spend money to buy all those storybooks.

“The case of in-laws falsely accusing a widow of adultery, siblings killing their elder sister, brothers competing for family inheritance, boatman drowning passengers to steal their belongings… together they could make a whole book of shocking tales,” Lu Tong closed the book in her hand, “This Magistrate Fan certainly kept himself busy.”

Yin Zheng sat up straight: “With so many cases, Official Fan solved them all without missing a single one. He seems like a good official.”

“A good official?” Lu Tong smiled slightly, “Then look carefully, do you see any poor people among the victims in these cases? And are there any nobles behind any of these cases?”

Yin Zheng was stunned, quickly lowered her head to look through again, then looked back at Lu Tong: “There aren’t any! Do you mean Official Fan was just seeking fame, deliberately taking cases involving poor people to build a reputation for integrity, while the real wealthy gentry remained untouched? But since he could solve so many cases, he must have had some ability, right?”

Lu Tong snorted lightly: “Not necessarily. Don’t forget, he had Qi Chuan by his side.”

Qi Chuan was the ‘Official Qi’ whom Lu Tong had encountered at Fan’s house last time. He was said to be Fan Zhenglian’s most trusted assistant.

According to Cui’er, Lady Fan Zhao’s maid, Fan Zhenglian had specially transferred Qi Chuan back from Yuan’an County to the capital, showing their closeness. When Lu Tong asked Master Cao to help gather information, she also had him look into Qi Chuan’s background.

The investigation revealed some unusual circumstances that caught Lu Tong’s attention.

Qi Chuan was the son of Fan Zhenglian’s wet nurse.

The two were about the same age, and while the wet nurse cared for Fan Zhenglian, Qi Chuan also grew up in the Fan household. When they reached the age to begin their studies, Qi Chuan’s family was poor, but the Fan family showed kindness and provided money to help Qi Chuan pursue his education.

Qi Chuan and Fan Zhenglian attended the same school.

When Fan Zhenglian began his studies, his academic performance was mediocre and his aptitude ordinary, but Qi Chuan was the opposite – he had a photographic memory, wrote beautifully, and was truly talented.

Though they had grown up together and were closer than others, when it came time for the imperial examinations, Qi Chuan fell ill and couldn’t make it to that year’s autumn examination.

Lu Tong’s eyes flashed with deep meaning.

How convenient.

Fan Zhenglian took the examination first and passed. In the years after Fan Zhenglian passed, Qi Chuan took the examination and also passed.

One after the other, the sons of master and servant from the same household both passed the imperial examination – even in the entire Liang Dynasty, this was considered a remarkable coincidence.

Yin Zheng hugged her brocade quilt and asked: “Miss, are you guessing that Qi Chuan deliberately claimed illness to avoid taking the exam, actually helping Official Fan cheat on the autumn examination, and only after Fan passed did Qi Chuan take it himself? This seems possible, but what did Qi Chuan gain from this? After all, his later examination ranking wasn’t even as good as Official Fan’s earlier one.”

Lu Tong smiled: “As the son of a servant, without the Fan family’s support, Qi Chuan couldn’t even have entered the clan school, let alone taken the examination. Emotionally, the Fan family had shown him great kindness, so helping Fan Zhenglian cheat was natural.”

“As for why Qi Chuan’s ranking was lower than Fan Zhenglian’s…”

“The autumn examination questions change with each session, and Qi Chuan couldn’t be certain of writing excellent essays every time. Moreover, with a lower ranking than Fan Zhenglian, the Fan family might still remember their old relationship and help him find opportunities. If he had truly achieved the highest honors and instant fame, let alone how the Fan family would view it, just based on the Qi family’s background, without anyone supporting him from behind, his official career might not have progressed smoothly.”

“There have been cases of even top scholars falling into poverty before.”

Yin Zheng nodded, seeming to half-understand: “I see, but how does Miss know about these examination matters?”

“When Father was still alive, students would come to the capital for examinations every year,” Lu Tong lowered her eyes: “I lived in Changwu County until I was nine, and during that time, candidates who passed the autumn examination were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.”

This was precisely why she knew how unusual it was for the academically mediocre Fan Zhenglian to pass the examination in one attempt.

Yin Zheng thought for a moment: “If Qi Chuan first helped Official Fan cheat on the exam, then passed himself, and afterward happened to be assigned to Yuan’an County as a county lieutenant, could this position also have been deliberately arranged by the Fan family?”

The county lieutenant was one rank below the magistrate but could assist the magistrate significantly.

“Most likely,” Lu Tong said: “This also explains why Fan Zhenglian, who was mediocre in ability, suddenly transformed into a clear-sighted, strictly law-abiding official in Yuan’an County.”

Fan Zhenglian passed the examination first, Qi Chuan passed later, Fan Zhenglian became the magistrate of Yuan’an County, and through some means, influenced Qi Chuan’s assignment to also go to Yuan’an County as his deputy.

Thus Qi Chuan could once again be at Fan Zhenglian’s beck and call, just like during their school days, helping him handle various matters – or rather, administrative affairs.

Those brilliantly solved cases in Yuan’an County were probably all Qi Chuan’s work.

Yin Zheng nodded with sudden understanding: “No wonder Official Fan tried every means to bring Qi Chuan back when he returned to the capital – it seems he can’t function without Qi Chuan. After returning to the capital, Official Fan has handled many cases, his reputation growing increasingly prominent, his official career progressing smoothly… but,” Yin Zheng’s voice paused, “why is Qi Chuan still just a clerk until now?”

In just a few short years, Fan Zhenglian had risen from magistrate of Yuan’an County to detailed judge of the capital’s Criminal Court, while Qi Chuan, who as county lieutenant had only been one rank below Fan Zhenglian, was now just a court clerk.

A clerk had a position but no power, merely an empty title with no chance for promotion – he would likely remain at this level for life.

Qi Chuan’s official career was much more difficult than Fan Zhenglian’s.

Lu Tong looked down at the book cover, her tone calm: “Of course, he can only be a clerk – he’s Fan Zhenglian’s best tool.”

“Not only will Fan Zhenglian not give Qi Chuan any chance to climb higher, but he will also relentlessly suppress and control him, making him remain an insignificant clerk for life. Only this way can Qi Chuan be useful to Fan Zhenglian, forever serving as Fan Zhenglian’s stepping stone.”

Yin Zheng gasped: “That’s too cruel. Not only were all his achievements stolen but he’s also being suppressed like this. Making such sacrifices for others – why doesn’t Qi Chuan resist?”

Lu Tong looked out the window: “As the son of a servant, being inferior to others from childhood, being bullied is common.”

Those in high positions could easily destroy decades of effort by common people – this was true for Qi Chuan, Scholar Wu, and her entire Lu family.

Yin Zheng sighed: “It’s truly pitiful.” She asked Lu Tong: “This Qi Chuan is nominally under Fan Zhenglian but serves as his strategist. Miss, do you plan to buy Qi Chuan’s loyalty to reveal the truth about Young Master Lu’s case and help the family seek justice?”

“No.”

Yin Zheng was startled.

Lu Tong put the books back in the drawer: “Seeking justice would only mean passing this case to another detailed judge, but I no longer trust any of the detailed judges in the capital – they might not help me uphold justice anyway.”

“I have other plans.”

As she said this, her expression became very cold, the lamplight falling in her pitch-black eyes like a dark flame burning beneath the ice.

Yin Zheng was stunned for a moment, but before she could speak, Lu Tong had already changed the subject: “Oh yes, don’t forget to have A’cheng deliver the medicine to Wu Youcai’s house tomorrow morning.”

Yin Zheng responded: “Alright.”

Lu Tong sighed softly: “His mother… probably doesn’t have much time left.”

Yin Zheng felt sympathy upon hearing this.

That poor scholar had filial piety but repeatedly failed the imperial examinations, which was truly lamentable. Lu Tong would have A’cheng deliver medicine for his mother periodically – being neighbors on West Street, A’cheng was very willing, and Du Changqing hadn’t said anything about it.

However…

Yin Zheng secretly glanced at Lu Tong, feeling somewhat puzzled – she wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt Lu Tong was exceptionally gentle toward this Wu Youcai. Though they encountered many poor patients daily, and Wu Youcai wasn’t particularly special, Lu Tong’s tone and manner when speaking with him always showed patience and gentleness she didn’t show others.

Just like speaking to her own family.

Lu Tong lowered her eyelids.

For some reason, she always saw Lu Qian’s shadow in Wu Youcai. Though Wu Youcai was gentle, reserved, and patiently honest, while Lu Qian was bright, vivid, and clear in his likes and dislikes – completely different personalities – whenever she thought of that poor scholar, she would think of Lu Qian’s appearance when returning home from the academy with his book box on his back.

He would stop at the door, and then under Lu Tong’s expectant gaze, suddenly reveal the hand hidden behind his back, laughing loudly: “Look, I caught a new cricket for you!” Then he would run away laughing as she chased after him in mock anger.

But Lu Qian was already dead.

Dead in the prison of Fan Zhenglian, the detailed judge of the Criminal Court.

Lu Tong’s eyelashes trembled slightly.

All those who caused their deaths should join them in the grave.

…

The night’s rain ultimately never fell, and the next day was sunny.

It was nearly the start of autumn, but the hot season hadn’t ended, making it increasingly sultry. When Lu Tong went to treat Zhao Feiyan at Fan Zhenglian’s mansion, she had switched to morning visits—the afternoon heat was unbearable.

This was Lu Tong’s last house call to treat Lady Zhao.

Zhao had achieved her desired figure, and losing any more weight would make her cheeks appear less full. It was said that at the recent Summer Viewing Banquet, she had made quite a stunning impression. She had always been gorgeous and voluptuous, but now, having slimmed down, she possessed a different kind of beauty, receiving countless compliments at the banquet, naturally putting her in good spirits.

With her vanity satisfied and her marriage to Fan Zhenglian more harmonious than ever, Zhao looked upon Lu Tong much more favorably. As Lu Tong was leaving, she had someone give her all the consultation fees that had been withheld these past days.

Zhao’s maid Cui’er escorted Lu Tong and Yin Zheng to the door, then handed a basket to Yin Zheng: “Here you are, Miss Yin Zheng.”

Yin Zheng accepted it with a smile.

Seeing this, Cui’er’s eyes flashed with contempt.

The basket contained local produce like eggs and such—gifts from others. Fan Zhenglian and Zhao received precious treasures and silver as daily gifts; only ignorant poor people would give such things. These preserved foods and local products weren’t even good enough for the servants and were carelessly piled in the courtyard outside the kitchen. Who would have thought that when Lu Tong passed by, she would stare at those preserved foods for so long?

The kitchen staff were already annoyed by these worthless things, so when Cui’er saw this, she seized the opportunity to curry favor by offering to give them to Lu Tong. Unexpectedly, Lu Tong didn’t refuse and even showed gratitude and joy in her eyes.

“Such country bumpkins from outside truly have no class,” Cui’er thought while escorting Yin Zheng and Lu Tong out, exchanging a few more courteous words before leaving.

Lu Tong and her companion had only walked about ten steps after leaving the Fan mansion’s main gate when they ran into someone.

The person wore a worn long robe and was tall—it was Fan Zhenglian’s capable assistant, Criminal Court clerk Qi Chuan.

Lu Tong and Yin Zheng stopped.

Though Qi Chuan was a Criminal Court clerk, he acted more like the Fan household’s steward. Whether the Fan mansion needed to receive someone, deliver goods, or even when Zhao Feiyan suddenly wanted to drink some sweet soup from somewhere, they would all call on Qi Chuan to handle it.

Therefore, when Lu Tong went to the Fan mansion for consultations, she often saw this Official Clerk.

Over time, Qi Chuan also knew that Lu Tong was the doctor treating Lady Zhao, and when they occasionally met on the road, he would exchange greetings.

Today was no different—Lu Tong quietly greeted Qi Chuan, he politely responded and was about to walk toward the Fan mansion’s entrance.

Yin Zheng smiled as she passed him, the bamboo basket in her hand swaying back and forth, particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.

Qi Chuan suddenly halted his steps.

He turned back, his gaze falling on the bamboo basket in Yin Zheng’s hand.

The basket was made of fresh bamboo, lined with several careful layers, each containing various goods—preserved meat, eggs, fresh mountain yams, and sweet potatoes… The eggs were arranged neatly in rows, and wrapped in grass paper to prevent damage during transport.

He stared blankly at the basket in Yin Zheng’s hand until Lu Tong’s voice startled him: “Clerk Qi?”

He looked up to find Lu Tong staring at him quizzically.

Qi Chuan opened and closed his mouth several times before finally asking: “Doctor Lu, where did this basket come from?”

Lu Tong smiled slightly: “It’s a gift from Lady Fan as I was leaving.”

“What gift!” Yin Zheng snorted coldly, “Lady Fan would never give such a shabby gift. They treated us like beggars to be disposed of. I heard them say these were preserved foods from poor people, all going bad, taking up space in the mansion, so they gave them to us. It’s only because you’re kind-hearted, Miss, that they could fool you like this.”

“Nonsense,” Lu Tong scolded, then turned apologetically to Qi Chuan: “My maid doesn’t know better and speaks nonsense. Please pretend you didn’t hear it, Official Qi.”

Hearing this, Qi Chuan’s face turned somewhat pale. He forced a smile at the two of them before leaving.

Only after his figure disappeared through the Fan mansion’s main gate did Lu Tong withdraw her gaze.

She turned and called to Yin Zheng: “Let’s go.”

Yin Zheng caught up with a grin, her tone somewhat proud: “Miss, how was my performance just now?”

“Good.”

“Of course,” Yin Zheng grew more pleased, “Though I’m not as clever as you, Miss, my acting and lying skills are first-rate.”

Girls who struggled to survive in entertainment quarters might lack other skills, but they had to be good at telling people what they wanted to hear and adapting their speech to their audience.

After speaking, Yin Zheng muttered: “With such provocation, I wonder if Qi Chuan is feeling resentful now after hearing it.”

Lu Tong smiled noncommittally.

Resentment… of course there was.

Though his talent and ability were no less than Fan Zhenglian’s, his background meant he would forever remain subordinate. Someone who should have had a brilliant official career ended up running errands in the Fan mansion, while the instigator stepped on his achievements to climb higher, squeezing every last bit of value from him.

If she were Qi Chuan, she wouldn’t be content either.

Qi Chuan was a loyal servant, so for all these years, he had allowed Fan Zhenglian to use his political achievements for promotion, silently enduring as Fan Zhenglian kept him as merely a clerk.

But human endurance has its limits.

Even a diligent and loyal capable assistant might accumulate years of discontent and resentment in their heart. The reason he had remained silent until now was perhaps because of his sense of “moral obligation.”

After all, they had grown up together, and when the Qi family was poor and had no options, it was the Fan family’s money that allowed him to enter the clan school.

This bit of provocation certainly wouldn’t make Qi Chuan immediately turn against Fan Zhenglian; she only needed to plant a thorn in Qi Chuan’s heart. As for how large this thorn would grow, that would depend on how Fan Zhenglian had “taken care of” Qi Chuan over the years.

If the illusory “brotherly affection” and “master-servant relationship” had blinded Qi Chuan’s eyes, then she would gradually pierce through this facade.

Lu Tong’s lips curved into a very slight smile.

After all, their fragile “relationship” was already full of holes.

After walking a bit further, Lu Tong and her companion returned to West Street.

Yin Zheng wiped the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief and asked Lu Tong: “Are you hot, Miss? Would you like to buy some sweet soup?”

Although the newly opened shop at the street corner was a bit too sweet, a cup of plum ice dessert would be quite refreshing in this weather.

Lu Tong thought for a moment and agreed. Yin Zheng said cheerfully: “Then I’ll go ask Manager Du and Miss Xia if they’d like to join us,” and ran a few steps ahead.

Lu Tong followed behind.

It was exactly noon, with the sun beating down directly on the street, making everything scorching hot. The lush plum tree at the entrance cast the medical clinic in a cool shade. Usually, at this time, it was too hot, and West Street would have almost no customers.

Today was different.

A familiar figure emerged from the adjacent alley and walked into Renxin Medical Clinic.

Lu Tong’s steps faltered.

Seeing this, Yin Zheng followed Lu Tong’s gaze and exclaimed in surprise: “Isn’t that Wen You from Xinglin Hall?”

Wen You, the assistant from Xinglin Hall, had walked past from the small alley. Though it was just a brief glimpse, Lu Tong had recognized him. After all, in recent days, this assistant had come to the clinic several times when Du Changqing wasn’t around, hinting to Lu Tong that she could work at Xinglin Hall for double the monthly salary that Du Changqing paid.

But she had refused each time.

Yin Zheng looked at the person who had entered the clinic, then at the alley entrance, her expression somewhat strange.

“Wasn’t that Miss Xia just now? What does Wen You want with Miss Xia?”

After all, Xia Rongrong didn’t know medicine—surely they couldn’t be asking her to work at Xinglin Hall?

Lu Tong stood there watching for a moment, then withdrew her gaze and said softly: “Let’s go.”