Night had fallen deep, and Xia Rongrong and her servant had already gone to sleep, but Lu Tong’s room still glowed with lamplight.

The small courtyard was silent, with only the chirping of insects from the dense bamboo groves and thick trees in the distance reaching their ears. Yin Zheng sat by the bed, half her body leaning sideways with books and scrolls piled on the bed. Lu Tong sat at the table, carefully reading by lamplight.

These past few nights, Lu Tong had stopped making medicine. As soon as lamp-lighting time arrived, she would sit at the table reading scrolls, rarely stopping day or night.

Yin Zheng yawned while rubbing her eyes: “These cases that Master Fan handled in Yuan’an County are so numerous and lengthy, each one thrilling and shocking. They’re truly more exciting than storybooks.”

Lu Tong turned a page: “Indeed more exciting than storybooks.”

The books on the table were records of the most famous cases that Fan Zhenglian had handled during his years as magistrate in Yuan’an County.

No matter how many connections Grandfather Cao had, he couldn’t get his hands on official case files. Fortunately, Fan Zhenglian’s reputation for integrity in Yuan’an County was widespread and beloved. Storytellers in the teahouses had written the several difficult cases he handled as magistrate into storybooks, recounting them daily in the markets. Lu Tong had Yin Zheng pay to buy all those storybooks back.

“The case of in-laws slandering a widow for adultery, the case of sister-in-law killing elder brother and sister, the case of brothers competing for family property, the case of a boatman drowning passengers to steal their wealth… put together, they could fill a book of amazing tales.” Lu Tong closed the scroll in her hands. “Magistrate Fan was certainly kept busy.”

Yin Zheng sat up straight: “With so many cases, Master Fan investigated every single one thoroughly. He really seems like a good official.”

“A good official?” Lu Tong smiled. “Then look carefully – among these cases, can you see any poor people as victims? Behind each case, are there any prominent nobles involved?”

Yin Zheng was stunned and hurriedly looked down to flip through again, then looked at Lu Tong: “There really aren’t any! You mean Master Fan is fishing for fame, deliberately seeking cases with poor people to build his reputation, while the real wealthy gentry remain unharmed? But since he could resolve so many cases clearly, he should have some real ability.”

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

Qi Chuan was the ‘Master Qi’ that Lu Tong had encountered at the Fan residence last time, supposedly Fan Zhenglian’s most trusted capable assistant.

Fan Madam Zhao Shi’s personal maid Cui’er had said that Fan Zhenglian had specifically transferred Qi Chuan from Yuan’an County back to the capital, showing their closeness. When Lu Tong asked Grandfather Cao to help gather information, she also inquired about Qi Chuan’s background.

Without investigation it would have been fine, but once investigated, Lu Tong indeed found something unusual.

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

They were similar in age. The wet nurse cared for Fan Zhenglian, and Qi Chuan also grew up together in the Fan residence. When they reached school age, Qi Chuan’s family was poor, so the Fan family showed kindness and provided silver to help Qi Chuan attend school.

Qi Chuan and Fan Zhenglian attended the same academy.

When Fan Zhenglian entered school, his studies were mediocre and his talents ordinary. Qi Chuan was the opposite – he had perfect memory and wrote fluently, truly talented and brilliant.

Since they had grown up together from childhood, their relationship was naturally closer than with others. When examination time came, Qi Chuan fell ill and couldn’t make it to that year’s autumn examinations.

A hint of deeper meaning flickered in Lu Tong’s eyes.

What a coincidence.

Fan Zhenglian took the examinations first and passed. Several years after Fan Zhenglian passed, Qi Chuan took the examinations and also passed.

One after the other, from the same household, master and servant’s son both passing – even in all of the Liang Dynasty, this was an amazing coincidence.

Yin Zheng hugged her brocade quilt and asked: “Miss, are you guessing that Qi Chuan deliberately feigned illness to avoid taking the examinations, actually helping Master Fan cheat in that year’s autumn examinations? After Master Fan passed, Qi Chuan took the tests later. This is possible, but what did Qi Chuan gain from this? You know his later ranking wasn’t even as good as Master Fan’s previous ranking.”

Lu Tong smiled: “As a servant’s son, without the Fan family’s support, Qi Chuan couldn’t even enter the clan school, let alone take examinations. Emotionally, the Fan family was kind to Qi Chuan, so helping Fan Zhenglian cheat would be natural.”

“As for why Qi Chuan’s ranking wasn’t as good as Fan Zhenglian’s…”

“Autumn examination topics change every time. Qi Chuan couldn’t be certain of writing good essays every time. Moreover, with a ranking lower than Fan Zhenglian’s, the Fan family might still remember old feelings and provide him opportunities. If he had truly won the top position and become famous in one stroke, not to mention how the Fan family would view it, based on the Qi family’s background alone, with no one supporting him from behind, his official career might not necessarily be smooth.”

“There have been cases of top scholars living in poverty before.”

Yin Zheng nodded as if understanding: “I see. But how does Miss know about these examination hall matters?”

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

Precisely because of this, she knew how abnormal it was for the mediocre Fan Zhenglian to pass in one attempt.

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

A county lieutenant was one rank below the magistrate, yet could assist the magistrate significantly.

“Most likely.” Lu Tong said: “This also explains why the mediocre Fan Zhenglian, once in Yuan’an County, suddenly transformed into a perceptive, law-abiding great judge.”

Fan Zhenglian passed first, Qi Chuan passed later. Fan Zhenglian became Yuan’an County magistrate, then through some means influenced Qi Chuan’s transfer orders, making Qi Chuan also go to Yuan’an County as his deputy.

Thus Qi Chuan could again be at Fan Zhenglian’s beck and call as in their academy days, helping Fan Zhenglian handle various matters – or rather, government affairs.

Those beautifully handled cases in Yuan’an County were probably all from Qi Chuan’s efforts.

Yin Zheng nodded with understanding: “No wonder Master Fan had to bring Qi Chuan back with him when returning to the capital – he can’t function without Qi Chuan. Master Fan has handled many cases since returning to the capital, his reputation growing ever brighter and his official path smooth… However,” Yin Zheng’s voice paused, “why is Qi Chuan still just a clerk?”

In just a few years, Fan Zhenglian had risen from Yuan’an County magistrate to detailed judgment official at the capital’s Criminal Court, while Qi Chuan, as Yuan’an County lieutenant, had originally been only one rank below Fan Zhenglian but was now merely a Criminal Court clerk.

A clerk had position but no power, just an empty title with no promotion opportunities. 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 scroll’s cover, her tone calm: “Of course he can only be a clerk. He’s Fan Zhenglian’s best tool.”

“Fan Zhenglian not only won’t give Qi Chuan opportunities to climb higher, he’ll spare no effort to suppress and control him, making him a mediocre clerk for life. Only this way can Qi Chuan be used by Fan Zhenglian, forever serving as Fan Zhenglian’s stepping stone.”

Yin Zheng gasped: “That’s too ruthless. Not only stealing all the credit but also suppressing him like this – making such wedding clothes for others, why doesn’t Qi Chuan resist?”

Lu Tong looked toward the window: “As a servant’s son, he’s been beneath others since childhood. Being bullied is commonplace.”

Those born to high positions could easily destroy decades of effort by common people. Qi Chuan was such a case, as was Scholar Wu, as was her entire Lu family.

Yin Zheng sighed: “Truly pitiful.” She asked Lu Tong: “This Qi Chuan is nominally Fan Zhenglian’s subordinate but actually his advisor. Miss, do you want to bribe Qi Chuan to make him reveal the truth about Second Young Master Lu’s case and use it to overturn your family’s case?”

“No.”

Yin Zheng was startled.

Lu Tong put the books back in the table drawer: “Overturning the case would just mean transferring it to another detailed judgment official, but I no longer trust any detailed judgment officials in the capital. They might not help me seek justice either.”

“I have other plans.”

When she said this, her expression became cold. The lamplight fell into her dark pupils like a cluster of dim fire burning beneath frozen seas.

Yin Zheng stared blankly. Before she could speak, Lu Tong had changed the subject: “By the way, don’t forget to have A’Cheng deliver medicine to Wu Youcai’s home tomorrow morning.”

Yin Zheng replied: “Alright.”

Lu Tong sighed softly: “His mother… probably only has these few days left.”

Hearing this, Yin Zheng also felt compassionate.

That impoverished scholar had such filial devotion yet repeatedly failed the imperial examinations – truly pitiful. Lu Tong would have A’Cheng deliver his mother’s medicine every so often. Since they were all neighbors on West Street, A’Cheng was happy to help, and Du Changqing said nothing about it.

However…

Yin Zheng secretly glanced at Lu Tong, feeling somewhat puzzled. She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but she felt Lu Tong was particularly gentle toward this Wu Youcai. Though they encountered so many poor patients daily and Wu Youcai had nothing special about him, Lu Tong’s tone and expression when speaking with him always showed a patience and kindness she didn’t show others.

Like she was speaking to her own family.

Lu Tong lowered her eyelids.

She didn’t know why, but she always saw Lu Qian’s shadow in Wu Youcai. Though Wu Youcai was gentle, introverted, patient and honest, while Lu Qian was cheerful, bright, with clear loves and hates – completely different temperaments – whenever she thought of that impoverished scholar, she would remember Lu Qian carrying his book bag home from the academy.

He would stop at the door, then suddenly produce his hands from behind his back under Lu Tong’s expectant gaze, laughing loudly: “Look, I caught a new cricket for you!” Then he would run away laughing as she chased him angrily.

But Lu Qian was already dead.

Dead in the prison of Criminal Court detailed judgment official Fan Zhenglian.

Lu Tong’s eyelashes trembled slightly.

All those who killed them should go down to accompany them in death.

…

The rain that night ultimately didn’t fall, and the next day was sunny.

Autumn was approaching, but the dog days weren’t over, making it even hotter. When Lu Tong went to treat Zhao Feiyan at Fan Zhenglian’s residence, she changed to morning visits – afternoons were unbearably hot.

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

Zhao Shi had slimmed down to her ideal figure. If she lost more weight, her cheeks would no longer look full. It was said that at the recent Summer Viewing Banquet, she had caused quite a sensation. She had originally been charming and voluptuous, but now slimmed down, she had a different kind of beauty. She received countless compliments at the banquet, naturally putting her in good spirits.

With her vanity satisfied and her loving relationship with Fan Zhenglian better than ever, Zhao Shi looked much more favorably upon Lu Tong. When leaving, she had someone give Lu Tong all the consultation fees she had withheld these past days.

Zhao Shi’s maid Cui’er saw Lu Tong and Yin Zheng to the door and handed the basket in her hands to Yin Zheng: “Miss Yin Zheng, take this carefully.”

Yin Zheng smiled and accepted it.

Seeing this, a flash of contempt appeared in Cui’er’s eyes.

The basket contained local products like eggs that others had sent as gifts. Fan Zhenglian and Zhao Shi received precious treasures and gold and silver as daily gifts – only ignorant poor people would send such things. These preserved goods and local products were beneath even the servants’ notice, casually piled in the courtyard outside the kitchen. Who knew that when Lu Tong passed by, she stared at those preserved goods for a long time.

The kitchen had been annoyed by these worthless things anyway. Seeing this, Cui’er simply went with the flow and said she’d give them to Lu Tong as a favor, never expecting Lu Tong wouldn’t refuse and would show gratitude and joy.

A country bumpkin from outside – truly couldn’t be brought to the table. Cui’er thought this while seeing Yin Zheng and Lu Tong to the door, exchanging a few more pleasantries before leaving.

After Lu Tong and her companion left the Fan residence’s main gate, they had walked only about ten steps when they encountered someone head-on.

The person wore a worn long robe and had a tall build – it was Fan Zhenglian’s capable lieutenant, Criminal Court clerk Qi Chuan.

Lu Tong and Yin Zheng stopped.

Though Qi Chuan held the title of Criminal Court clerk, he acted more like the Fan residence’s steward. Occasionally when the Fan residence needed to receive someone, send some goods, or even when Zhao Feiyan suddenly wanted to drink some local beverage or sweet syrup, they would call on Qi Chuan to handle it.

Therefore, when Lu Tong went to the Fan residence for consultations, she often saw this clerk. Over time, Qi Chuan also knew Lu Tong was the doctor treating Zhao Shi, and when they occasionally met on the road, they would exchange greetings.

Today was the same. Lu Tong bowed slightly to Qi Chuan, and Qi Chuan politely responded before heading toward the Fan residence’s entrance.

Yin Zheng smiled as they passed each other, the bamboo basket in her hand swaying back and forth, quite eye-catching in the sunlight.

Qi Chuan’s steps suddenly halted.

He turned back, his gaze falling on the bamboo basket Yin Zheng carried.

The bamboo basket was woven from fresh bamboo, with several layers carefully laid inside, each filled with various goods – preserved meat, eggs, fresh yams and sweet potatoes… The eggs were arranged neatly, wrapped in grass paper to prevent bumping during travel.

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

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

Qi Chuan opened his mouth, and after a long moment said: “Doctor Lu, where did that bamboo basket come from?”

Lu Tong smiled: “It’s a courtesy gift that Madam Fan gave me when I left.”

“What courtesy gift!” Yin Zheng sneered. “Madam Fan would never give such shabby courtesy gifts. Those servants clearly treated us like beggars! I heard them say these were preserved goods sent by poor people, all going bad and taking up space in the residence, so they gave them to us. Only because Miss is kind-hearted were we fooled by them.”

“Nonsense.” Lu Tong scolded, then turned to Qi Chuan apologetically: “My maid doesn’t understand and speaks carelessly. Please pretend you didn’t hear this, Master Qi.”

Hearing this, Qi Chuan’s face paled somewhat. He forced a smile at them both before leaving.

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

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

Yin Zheng smiled as she caught up, her tone somewhat proud: “Miss, did I act well just now?”

“Very well.”

“Naturally,” Yin Zheng became even more pleased. “Though I’m not as clever as you, Miss, my ability to act and lie is first-rate.”

Girls struggling to survive in pleasure quarters needed this ability to speak to people as people and to ghosts as ghosts.

After speaking, Yin Zheng murmured: “Such provocation – I wonder if Qi Chuan feels resentment after hearing this.”

Lu Tong smiled noncommittally.

Resentment… naturally there would be some.

Though his talent and ability were no less than Fan Zhenglian’s, he remained forever beneath others due to his birth. Someone who should have made great achievements in his official career had been reduced to a servant doing odd jobs at the Fan residence, while the instigator stepped on his accomplishments to climb higher, squeezing every bit of his value dry.

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

Qi Chuan was a loyal servant, so for all these years, he had allowed Fan Zhenglian to use his political achievements for promotion, enduring Fan Zhenglian’s suppression of him to remain just a clerk.

But human patience had limits.

A diligent, loyal, and capable subordinate might also accumulate years of unwillingness and resentment in his heart. The reason he had remained silent until now might depend on inner “righteousness.”

After all, they had grown up together, and when Qi Chuan’s family was poor and without options, it was the Fan family’s silver that allowed him to enter the clan school.

Such minor 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 far this thorn would grow, that depended on Fan Zhenglian’s “care” for Qi Chuan over the years.

The false “brotherly affection” and “master-servant relationship” had blinded Qi Chuan’s eyes, so she would gradually pierce through this illusion.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Lu Tong’s mouth.

After all, the fragile “affection” between these two was already full of holes.

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

Yin Zheng wiped sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief and asked Lu Tong: “Miss, are you hot? Should we buy some syrup?”

Though the newly opened shop at the street corner was a bit too sweet, drinking a cup of plum ice cream on such a day was quite refreshing.

Lu Tong thought about it and agreed. Yin Zheng smiled: “Then I’ll go ask Shopkeeper Du and Miss Xia if they want some too.” She said this while jogging a few steps ahead.

Lu Tong followed behind.

It was noon, with the sun beating down directly on the street, making everywhere hot. The lush plum tree by the door provided thick shade covering the medical clinic. Usually at this time it was too hot for any customers on all of West Street.

Today was different.

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

Lu Tong’s steps halted.

Yin Zheng noticed and looked in the direction of Lu Tong’s gaze, exclaiming in surprise: “Isn’t that Wen You from Apricot Grove Hall?”

Apricot Grove Hall’s assistant Wen You walked out 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 medical clinic several times when Du Changqing wasn’t there, seeking Lu Tong and hinting several times that she could work at Apricot Grove Hall. They could pay double the monthly salary Du Changqing offered.

But Lu Tong had refused them all.

Yin Zheng looked at the person entering the medical 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?”

Xia Rongrong didn’t know medicine – he couldn’t be asking Xia Rongrong to work at Apricot Grove Hall, could he?

Lu Tong stood in place observing for a while, then withdrew her gaze and said softly: “Let’s go.”