The next day, the fifteenth of the eighth lunar month, exactly mid-autumn, was the Mid-Autumn Festival in the capital.

Early in the morning, the entire West Street was filled with the rich fragrance of osmanthus wine.

Du Changqing and A’Cheng arrived earlier than usual. Du Changqing wore an apricot-yellow round-collared robe with an embroidered sash, while A’Cheng wore a tender yellow round-collared short shirt. Both had specially dressed in newly made autumn garments, standing under the plum tree at the entrance like two vigorously blooming golden osmanthus branches.

Lu Tong and Yin Zheng emerged from the shop. Du Changqing first looked at Yin Zheng’s lilac-colored embroidered skirt with hesitation, then when he saw Lu Tong following behind, his gaze lingered on Lu Tong’s somewhat worn deep blue cotton cloth dress and wouldn’t move.

After a long moment, he slapped his face and pointed at Lu Tong, speaking with heartfelt anguish: “Doctor Lu, did I not pay you your monthly wages or what? Why must you always dress so shabbily? If others see this, they’ll think our medical clinic is struggling to make ends meet and will close tomorrow.”

Lu Tong remained unmoved.

Most of the time, she stayed in the shop, and unlike Du Changqing, she wasn’t particular about clothing and fashion – as long as the clothes were wearable, that was enough.

Yin Zheng put her hands on her hips in defiance: “What’s shabby about these clothes? They’re neither torn nor damaged. The gold-threaded albizia skirt from Mingyu Studio isn’t shabby, but it costs twenty taels of silver per piece. Will Shopkeeper Du pay for it?”

“Don’t try to goad me, young lady.” Du Changqing snorted. “It’s fine if you dress like this normally, but today we’re going out to eat. Dressed so shabbily, I’m afraid the restaurant won’t let you in.”

Lu Tong: “Eat out?”

A’Cheng said with a grin: “The owner says that today is the fifteenth, and Doctor Lu has been in the capital for half a year now, so he’s reserved a table for lunch at Renhe Restaurant by New Gate Bridge to treat our medical clinic.”

Lu Tong looked at Du Changqing, who coughed lightly: “Since you came to the medical clinic, this clinic has been brought back to life, like a withered tree meeting spring. As the shopkeeper, I’m deeply gratified.”

“I’m not one to be ungrateful. Today I’ll take you to broaden your horizons, so don’t say I’m stingy later.”

The capital had numerous restaurants and inns. On Mid-Autumn night, many wealthy families were willing to climb towers to admire the moon and gamble on the jade rabbit. At this time, restaurant business was always excellent. For the penny-pinching Du Changqing to be willing to spend money this time showed real thoughtfulness.

Lu Tong’s heart stirred, and she suddenly asked: “In that case, why not go to Fengle Tower?”

Fengle Tower was where her sister Lu Rou had encountered people from the Grand Tutor’s Manor.

Du Changqing choked, meeting Lu Tong’s genuinely puzzled gaze, turned his head away, and said irritably: “Dream on. A banquet at Fengle Tower costs nearly a hundred taels. If my father hadn’t died, I might be able to take you there to splurge. But don’t think about it now.”

Lu Tong showed a disappointed expression.

Seeing this, Du Changqing laughed angrily: “I really didn’t realize Doctor Lu could be so vain. Besides, even if I were willing to spend the silver, I couldn’t get a reservation. Today is Mid-Autumn – the good restaurants have long been booked by officials and the wealthy. That I can take you to Renhe Restaurant is only because the owner kept a table for me out of past friendship.”

Lu Tong thought for a moment and said: “Then thank you, but Yin Zheng and I need to deliver medicine first. After we finish delivering, we’ll return to the medical clinic to change clothes.”

“Deliver medicine?” He frowned. “What medicine?”

Yin Zheng lifted the medicine box and placed it on the table. “Prince Wen’s mansion wants several jars of ‘Xianxian.’ We should have delivered them a few days ago, but their household said today is the fifteenth, and the princess consort is hosting female guests during the day to celebrate the festival. Miss thought that with many people around, delivering medicine might attract more customers, so she deliberately waited until today to deliver it.”

Originally, when Lu Tong had visited the Fan residence to diagnose and treat Zhao Feiyan, Zhao Feiyan had become slender in just a few months and stole the show at the summer viewing banquet. When ladies asked Zhao Feiyan about it, she was unwilling to reveal that Lu Tong had performed acupuncture for her, so she attributed all the credit to “Xianxian.”

Thus, the medical clinic’s order list included many name cards from noble and official families.

These families, prideful of their status and haughty in attitude, sometimes just sent someone to make a request for Lu Tong to deliver personally. Lu Tong complied with each delivery.

However, her reason for postponing the delivery until today wasn’t really to attract customers as Yin Zheng claimed, but because she’d been busy with poisoning Liu Kun and dealing with the nighttime search by soldiers, and only had free time today.

Du Changqing believed Yin Zheng’s casual fabrication and looked at Lu Tong with increased gratification.

“Doctor Lu, it’s touching that you think of the medical clinic in everything. Having a resident physician like you, I think our clinic will be dining at Yuxian Tower by next Mid-Autumn.”

He waved his hand grandly: “Go ahead, early departure means early return!”

Lu Tong said no more, shouldering her medical bag and leaving the medical clinic with Yin Zheng.

Du Changqing lazily leaned against the counter, watching their retreating figures while tossing a black date into his mouth, asking A’Cheng: “Hey, which family did she say they’re visiting today?”

“Seems like Prince Wen’s mansion?”

“Prince Wen’s mansion?”

Du Changqing paused in chewing the date, spat out half a pit with a “ptui,” and cursed his bad luck.

A’Cheng was puzzled: “What’s wrong, owner?”

“Did you forget?” Du Changqing rolled his eyes. “That pretty boy surnamed Pei who searched our place the other night – isn’t his sister the princess consort of Prince Wen’s mansion?”

…

Prince Wen’s mansion was located near Yutian Street in the northern part of the capital, backed by vast gardens. When the old prince was alive, to please his wife, he had planted extensive flowers in the courtyard, making it scenically beautiful in all four seasons.

After the old prince and his wife passed away, the gardens and waters in the prince’s mansion were preserved. During festivals and celebrations, the mansion often hosted banquets for guests, freely enjoying wind and moon.

Today was the same.

Silk brocades were spread on the bamboo couches, with small clusters of golden osmanthus in fine white porcelain vases on the tables, filling the room with the clear, refreshing fragrance of osmanthus.

A woman leaned lazily against the bamboo couch in a daze, wearing a light gold wide-sleeved chrysanthum silk dress. A maid approached from the side, draping a cloud brocade pearl-adorned cloak halfway over her shoulders.

Pei Yunshu came back to her senses as Fang Zi smiled: “It’s cold in autumn, madam should be careful not to catch cold.”

“I don’t know why, but I’ve been feeling unusually hot these past few days.” Pei Yunshu sighed, raising her hand to touch her protruding belly, then looking at Fang Zi with some confusion. “Could it be that in the later stages of pregnancy, everyone feels this way?”

Fang Zi had never given birth and didn’t understand medical principles, so she could only smile awkwardly: “This… this servant doesn’t know either.”

Pei Yunshu tucked her cloak around herself but still felt hot, so she pushed the window open wider.

Looking out from the window, she could faintly hear laughter from the distant courtyards among the trees, with occasional glimpses of people. The prince’s mansion usually had few visitors – it hadn’t been this lively for a long time.

Today being the fifteenth Mid-Autumn Festival, the prince’s mansion was hosting a banquet for guests. As the princess consort was six months pregnant and had difficulty moving around, all the banquet arrangements fell to the side consort Meng Xiyan.

However, even if Pei Yunshu weren’t pregnant, she wouldn’t actively take on such organizational duties. She had never been patient with these social courtesies among nobles, and moreover, it was already well-known that she, the principal consort of Prince Wen’s mansion, was merely a figurehead – there was really no need to invite trouble.

Qiong Ying came in from outside carrying a basket of moon cakes, setting the basket on the table. Pei Yunshu looked up and saw the brocade covering the red wooden basket, immediately brightening.

“Sent by A’Ying?”

Qiong Ying smiled: “Yes. The heir sent them early this morning, saying they’re new moon cakes from Hongyue Studio in the capital, with six different flavors in one basket. However, since madam is pregnant, it’s best not to eat too many – just taste a little.”

The prince’s mansion had also prepared moon cakes, but Fang Zi was cautious and didn’t dare let Pei Yunshu try them. Actually, it wasn’t just moon cakes – since Pei Yunshu became pregnant, all food and provisions in the mansion were carefully screened by the two of them to avoid any mishaps.

Pei Yunshu acknowledged this and asked Qiong Ying: “A’Ying isn’t coming today?”

“His Majesty is hosting a banquet at the Imperial Garden, and the Empress Dowager specifically summoned the heir to the palace.”

Pei Yunshu nodded, then suddenly remembered something and asked Qiong Ying tentatively: “Which nobles are attending today’s palace banquet?”

Qiong Ying was startled and shook her head: “This servant doesn’t know.”

Pei Yunshu thought for a moment without saying anything, but worry flashed across her brow.

A few days ago, when Prince Wen visited her room, he had mentioned some news in conversation – that the Empress Dowager intended to arrange a marriage for Pei Yunying.

Pei Yunshu wasn’t surprised. Pei Yunying walked before the emperor daily, was of the right age, and due to his merit in saving the emperor, both the Empress Dowager and His Majesty showed him special favor. Young and accomplished, and a trusted imperial minister, many in court wanted to form marriage alliances with the Pei family.

However, the discord between Pei Yunying and Duke Zhaoning was known throughout the court, so Duke Zhaoning might not have much say in Pei Yunying’s marriage.

If one wanted to form an alliance, approaching the Emperor and Empress Dowager would be easier.

However, Pei Yunshu, as his sister, knew Pei Yunying’s character best. He appeared easygoing and agreeable but was actually stubborn and opinionated. Especially after their mother’s incident, Pei Yunying became even more resistant to marriage. His unruly side was always hidden beneath his bright smile. If the Empress Dowager rashly arranged a marriage, it might not be good news for the Pei family.

Pei Yunshu had then subtly asked Prince Wen which young lady the Empress Dowager favored, but Prince Wen had changed the subject, unwilling to discuss it further.

Today’s imperial banquet had many nobles in attendance – perhaps one of them was the marriage partner the Empress Dowager had chosen for him.

She just didn’t know which family it was.

After being lost in thought for a while, Pei Yunshu shook her head. Her worrying here was useless – she’d cross that bridge when she came to it. If it really came to that, she could make plans then.

Besides, perhaps the Empress Dowager’s choice would be someone her brother truly liked, and he’d be eager to accept – then there’d be no need for her to worry unnecessarily.

She sighed and casually picked up a small clay figurine from the table to play with. The figurine was made to look like a child, painted in bright colors and decorated with pearls and jade, very cute.

Seeing this, Fang Zi smiled: “What is the princess consort sighing about? In not much longer, you’ll meet the little heir or little miss. If the little heir or little miss saw this, they’d think the princess consort was impatient with them.”

“Nonsense, how could I be impatient with them?”

Pei Yunshu looked down at her protruding belly, a smile forming at the corner of her mouth.

Two more months until childbirth.

Hopefully all would be well.

…

In the prince’s mansion, Lu Tong and Yin Zheng were following a guiding maid toward the back kitchen.

Since arriving in the capital, Lu Tong had visited many wealthy families’ residences.

The Ke family’s courtyard was bright and elaborate, the Fan family’s mansion was extremely luxurious, but Prince Wen’s mansion was different again.

The prince’s mansion contained vast gardens with scattered pavilions, winding ponds, and fragrant flower beds throughout. It was said that each year’s palace flower viewing was partly supplied by the Xunfang Garden of Prince Wen’s mansion.

Now in golden autumn, upon entering the prince’s mansion, clusters of golden osmanthus bloomed everywhere, immediately filling the air with refreshing fragrance.

The guiding maid ahead, seeing Yin Zheng’s amazed expression, concealed the contempt in her eyes and smiled: “Today the prince’s mansion is hosting a banquet, everyone’s busy in the back garden. Just deliver the medicine to the back kitchen and you can leave.”

Lu Tong said nothing.

Actually, delivering medicine only required going to the mansion’s entrance, but proper storage of the medicinal tea and precautions for consumption needed to be explained item by item. Lu Tong and Yin Zheng delivered the medicine to the back kitchen and explained everything that needed explaining before withdrawing.

The guiding maid handed diagnostic fees to Yin Zheng and smiled at Lu Tong: “If madam finds it effective, we’ll have to trouble you to make another trip and deliver more medicinal tea.”

Yin Zheng quickly said: “Of course.”

Lu Tong also responded quietly. The guiding maid was about to escort them out when suddenly a hesitant voice came from behind.

“Doctor Lu?”

Lu Tong paused and turned around to see a woman with an elaborate hairstyle and pearl hairpins standing a few steps away, looking at her in surprise.

Madam Dong?

Lu Tong was slightly surprised.

She hadn’t expected to encounter Dong Lin’s mother, Madam Dong from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Minister’s residence, here.

Lu Tong nodded: “Madam Dong.”

Madam Dong walked toward her a couple of steps, her gaze lingering momentarily on the medical bag Lu Tong carried, somewhat curious: “How is Doctor Lu here? Could it be someone in the prince’s mansion is ill?”

The guiding maid, fearing Madam Dong would misunderstand, quickly pushed Lu Tong gently from behind.

Lu Tong then said: “No. This commoner came to deliver ‘Xianxian’ to the prince’s mansion.”

“Xianxian?” Madam Dong was startled for a moment, then smiled: “Doctor Lu’s business has reached the prince’s mansion – it seems Renxin Medical Clinic has quite a reputation now.”

Lu Tong smiled back: “All thanks to madam’s previous help. With madam’s distinguished connections, those families heard madam’s recommendation and came to the medical clinic to purchase medicine.”

Madam Dong loved hearing people praise her social connections. Hearing this, she felt pleased and looked at Lu Tong with increasing favor, finding this young female physician understanding and tactful – much more articulate than today’s young people. No wonder the heir of Duke Zhaoning would show her special favor.

Thinking of the heir of Duke Zhaoning, Pei Yunying, Madam Dong’s heart suddenly stirred.

She looked at Lu Tong, her eyes flashing as she took Lu Tong’s hand affectionately: “Today is Mid-Autumn, and the prince’s mansion is hosting a banquet for guests. I’m here for the banquet.”

“You’ve come at a good time. The banquet hasn’t started yet, and I estimate many ladies and misses from various families have already arrived. Come with me for a visit – I’ll tell them about your medicinal tea. If you have a few jars with you, give them some to try. Consider it seizing this opportunity. How about it?”

Lu Tong was somewhat surprised.

Madam Dong smiled on the surface but had her own calculations.

A few days ago, when her husband chatted with her, he had mentioned the heir of Duke Zhaoning, the current Palace Guard Commander Pei Yunying.

After the imperial examination case in the capital, many from the Ministry of Rites were implicated, making everyone in court anxious. In the emperor’s fury, he increasingly trusted Pei Yunying. Today for Mid-Autumn, the emperor was hosting a banquet at Minglin Garden. Besides imperial relatives, only the most favored could enter the garden, and Pei Yunying was among them.

The imperial family’s trust in Pei Yunying was obvious to all.

This person was so young – his future prospects would surely be limitless. Building more connections couldn’t hurt.

Pei Yunying’s thoughts were hard to fathom, yet he showed special closeness to Lu Tong from Renxin Medical Clinic. Madam Dong thought her relationship with Lu Tong was good, and now that she was at a banquet, doing Lu Tong a favor might make future friendly relations with the Pei family much simpler.

Having made up her mind, Madam Dong had Lu Tong carry her medical bag and bring Yin Zheng along to make an appearance at the banquet before leaving.

In Xunfang Garden, banquet tables were set up with precious ornaments and rocks everywhere. In the flowing cup pavilions, the arrived noble ladies sat sideways, watching wine cups float past in the winding channels, their laughter clear and continuous.

As soon as Lu Tong arrived at Xunfang Garden with Madam Dong, female guests greeted Madam Dong: “Why did Madam Dong come so late today?” Then noticing Lu Tong beside Madam Dong, they looked puzzled: “Who is this…?”

Lu Tong’s clothing was simple, different from the noble ladies present, but if she were a maid, Madam Dong’s affectionate treatment of her didn’t seem right.

Madam Dong brought Lu Tong forward: “This is Doctor Lu from Renxin Medical Clinic. I knew her before and just encountered her in the prince’s mansion, so I brought her to meet you all.”

Seeing the appraising looks from the ladies, Madam Dong smiled again: “Don’t underestimate her – that popular medicinal tea ‘Xianxian’ in our capital recently came from her hands.”

At these words, the ladies’ eyes immediately lit up and they gathered around.

The “Xianxian” medicinal tea had been heard of during the summer viewing banquet, especially since Detailed Judge’s wife Zhao Feiyan had made quite a splash with her slender figure. Since then, many had bought this medicinal tea, though some considered it exaggerated and refused to believe.

But today at the prince’s mansion banquet, with Madam Dong personally introducing her, even those who didn’t believe now felt inclined to try. After all, Madam Dong was vouching for her in front of so many people – it should at least have some effect.

A young lady asked Lu Tong: “Do you have any medicinal tea with you now?”

Lu Tong said: “Yes.” She then opened her medical bag, took out several jars of “Xianxian” and handed them over, speaking softly.

“I’m truly sorry, I left in haste today and only brought these few jars. If any ladies or misses want more, I’ll write down the residences and personally deliver them door to door later.”

Hearing this, the ladies and misses became even more interested, crowding around asking Lu Tong to record their names. Watching this, Madam Dong gave Lu Tong a meaningful look.

Today’s attendees were all female relatives from high-ranking official and noble families. With Lu Tong recording these names and visiting each household, she’d gained many connections. These connections might well become the Pei family’s connections in the future…

Even without considering Pei Yunying, her small medical clinic connecting with so many wealthy families – as long as one family maintained contact with her, it would only benefit future business. After all, in the capital, wealth, glory, and endless profits were always interconnected – no one succeeded alone.

She was secretly admiring Lu Tong’s cleverness when she suddenly heard a woman’s laughing voice from behind.

“Why is everyone gathered in a circle? What’s so exciting?”

Everyone turned to look, and Lu Tong also raised her eyes to see several maids escorting a young woman approaching gracefully from behind the pavilion.

This woman wore a pomegranate red peony and butterfly-adorned silk dress, her dark hair arranged in a bun with a golden filigree ruby step-shake inserted diagonally, and coral earrings that made her skin appear white as jade. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were like smoke, her eyes like cut water. As she approached, her jewelry chimed melodiously, utterly charming and captivating.

The seated ladies rose, calling her “Madam Yan.”

Madam Yan?

Lu Tong was watching this “Madam Yan” approach gracefully when Madam Dong beside her gently tugged her sleeve and whispered in her ear.

“This is the prince’s mansion’s side consort, Meng Xiyan.”

So she was the side consort.

Before Lu Tong could speak, she heard Madam Dong continue warning: “If she speaks to you later, remember – never mention Young Master Pei.”

Lu Tong was startled: “Why?”

“Don’t you know?” Madam Dong looked at her in surprise. “Princess Consort Pei Yunshu of Prince Wen’s mansion and Young Master Pei are siblings from the same mother. The princess consort and Meng Xiyan have never gotten along. If she knew you were the Commander’s person, she’d definitely find ways to make things difficult for you. What,” Madam Dong’s eyes flashed, “Young Master Pei never told you about this?”

Lu Tong shook her head, but her heart stirred slightly.

She had heard Du Changqing mention that Duke Zhaoning’s household had a legitimate eldest daughter, Pei Yunying’s sister, who had married and left the residence years ago. Lu Tong only knew that Miss Pei had married into a prominent family in the capital, but she hadn’t specifically inquired about who exactly.

She hadn’t expected it to be the princess consort of Prince Wen’s mansion.

However, with the prince’s mansion organizing a festive banquet, why wasn’t the princess consort in charge? Instead, this side consort was surrounded by attendants, looking imperious like the mansion’s mistress.

As Lu Tong pondered this, the side consort Meng Xiyan had apparently also heard about Lu Tong from others, casting her a casual glance without seeming to take her seriously.

Lu Tong remained silent and rose to bow to Madam Dong.

“Madam, the banquet is about to begin. I should leave now.”

Madam Dong thought for a moment and nodded: “That’s good.”

After all, this was the prince’s mansion, not the Dong household. Casual conversation was fine, but Lu Tong, a commoner of low status, wasn’t qualified to join the banquet. Even though Madam Dong wanted to do Lu Tong a favor, she wouldn’t offend the various ladies for Lu Tong’s sake, much less displease the prince’s mansion.

However, looking at the thick book of names Lu Tong had just recorded, it seemed she had gained quite a lot today, so the favor was well-delivered.

Madam Dong smiled: “Come visit my residence when you have time in a few days.”

Lu Tong responded warmly, shouldered her medical bag, and was about to leave with Yin Zheng when suddenly someone shouted anxiously from behind the pavilion: “Madam, madam, something terrible has happened—”

This voice appeared so suddenly that it shattered the joyful atmosphere of the banquet instantly. Everyone immediately fell silent and looked forward, and Lu Tong’s steps also stopped.

Under everyone’s gaze, a maid in green stumbled through the flower beds to Meng Xiyan’s feet and fell to her knees with a “thud.”

Meng Xiyan looked at the person at her feet, raised her willow eyebrows, her voice carrying some anger: “What are you shouting about so recklessly?”

The maid looked up with terror at Meng Xiyan.

“Madam, something’s happened! The people from the princess consort’s courtyard just said the princess consort suddenly has severe abdominal pain and may have disturbed the fetus. She’s suffering terribly right now and asks you to come quickly!”