On the fifteenth day, the sun came out early.

But having passed the Cold Dew season and approaching the Beginning of Winter, even when the sun shone on people, it carried a layer of faint chill that couldn’t warm through one’s clothing.

Lu Tong arrived at the Prince’s Manor very early, before the washing ceremony had officially begun. Yin Zheng hadn’t come along—Lu Tong had her stay at the medical clinic to help. When Pei Yunshu’s personal maid Fang Zi saw Lu Tong, she smiled and pulled her toward the courtyard: “Doctor Lu comes at just the right time. The little miss just woke up—please go take a look at her.”

Ever since Lu Tong had successfully helped Pei Yunshu with induced labor last time, the people in Pei Yunshu’s courtyard had become especially respectful toward Lu Tong. Lu Tong followed Fang Zi into the courtyard, and as soon as she entered the room, she heard the loud crying of the baby girl.

Pei Yunshu was just lifting the baby girl from her cradle. Seeing Lu Tong approach, she handed the baby to Lu Tong with a smile: “Doctor Lu, hold Bao Zhu too.”

Lu Tong took the swaddling clothes and looked down. When first born, this little girl had looked like a sickly kitten with a thin, weak cry. After a month had passed, she had become much rounder and fuller, with some weight when held, no longer as frail as when just born.

Pei Yunshu had named the little girl Bao Zhu, meaning “pearl in the palm” and “precious treasure of the heart.” This little girl had come with great difficulty and faced great danger at birth, so this name was quite fitting.

Qiong Ying whispered: “Doctor Lu, the little miss’s poison…”

Lu Tong examined Bao Zhu’s condition, returned her to the cradle, and said: “Much better than before.”

Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

During these days, many physicians from the Hanlin Medical Academy had also come, all saying Bao Zhu was healthy. The more they said this, the more uneasy Pei Yunshu felt in her heart. She no longer trusted the palace physicians and instead believed Lu Tong’s words completely. Now hearing Lu Tong personally say there was no great problem, she finally felt somewhat at ease.

On the table were placed some golden fruits, rhinoceros horn, and jade for the washing ceremony. Lu Tong took out a congratulatory envelope from her sleeve and handed it to Pei Yunshu: “Princess Consort, this is this commoner’s sentiment.”

Pei Yunshu was stunned.

Perhaps because she was pregnant and had just given birth, her thoughts weren’t as clear as usual, and those around her had forgotten to remind her that those who came to observe the “washing ceremony” were all wealthy and noble, with congratulatory envelopes containing rhinoceros horn, jade, pearls, and precious treasures. With Lu Tong’s monthly salary from sitting in the medical clinic, giving gifts was really asking too much of her.

She was hesitating when she heard Lu Tong say: “The congratulatory gift is humble—just a string of colored money. I hope the Princess Consort won’t disdain it.”

Colored money was copper coins wrapped in gold and silver thread. Pei Yunshu breathed a sigh of relief and graciously accepted it, smiling: “I thank Doctor Lu on behalf of Bao Zhu for this thoughtful gesture.”

Lu Tong smiled slightly.

Since the auspicious time hadn’t arrived, they still had to wait a bit before the washing ceremony began, and the honored guests hadn’t appeared yet. Pei Yunshu invited Lu Tong to sit for a while and had Fang Zi go brew tea.

Lu Tong sat down at the small table, seeing Pei Yunshu looking radiant. Because of today’s washing ceremony, she had specially changed into a rose-purple embroidered jacket, her hair lightly arranged, making her whole face rosy and her expression gentle—much more spirited than when they first met.

It seemed this past month had gone well.

While playing with Bao Zhu in her swaddling clothes, Pei Yunshu said to Lu Tong: “Previously the manor’s affairs were complicated, and I was worried about Bao Zhu’s illness, so I didn’t have time to properly thank Doctor Lu. I originally wanted to have A’Ying send some thank-you gifts to your door, but he went out of the city the day before yesterday and hasn’t returned yet, so it was delayed.”

Lu Tong lowered her head and accepted the hot tea Fang Zi handed her: “For a physician, treating illness and saving lives is duty. The Princess Consort need not thank me.”

Pei Yunshu looked at her with a smile: “You and A’Ying are friends—calling me Princess Consort seems distant. You can call me sister.”

Lu Tong’s hand holding the tea tightened. After a long moment, she said: “Sister Yunshu.”

Pei Yunshu didn’t mind and only looked at her curiously: “Speaking of which, I didn’t know before that Doctor Lu was A’Ying’s friend. I heard A’Ying say that Doctor Lu came to the capital from elsewhere half a year ago… Where is Doctor Lu from?”

Lu Tong answered: “I’m from South Jiangsu.”

“South Jiangsu?” Pei Yunshu repeated it silently. “A’Ying also went to South Jiangsu a few years ago.” She looked at Lu Tong as if discovering some secret: “Did you meet in South Jiangsu?”

Lu Tong was slightly startled and shook her head: “No.”

“Then you two…”

“Shortly after I came to the capital, I encountered some troublemakers on the road, and Young Master Pei helped me once.”

She spoke lightly, but Pei Yunshu smiled upon hearing it: “So it was such fate.”

Lu Tong didn’t quite understand what Pei Yunshu meant by “fate,” and heard her continue asking: “I see Doctor Lu is still young but your medical skills are already above those of the Hanlin Medical Academy physicians… How old are you this year?”

“I’ll be seventeen after New Year.”

Pei Yunshu’s eyes lit up, murmuring: “Little A’Ying is four years older…” She looked at Lu Tong again and asked with a smile: “I wonder if Doctor Lu is betrothed to anyone?”

Lu Tong: “…”

She was rarely at a loss for words. This Princess Consort of Prince Wen didn’t seem to have half the dignified elegance she’d shown when they first met—instead she was so enthusiastically familiar that it was somewhat overwhelming.

After a pause, Lu Tong said: “I am betrothed.”

Pei Yunshu’s smile froze.

“I already have a fiancé,” she said.

Pei Yunshu’s smile immediately became awkward. After a moment, as if to ease the atmosphere, she said: “Of course, with Doctor Lu’s such refined heart and orchid-like nature, there must be many suitors.”

She wanted to ask more, but Lu Tong interrupted: “May I presumptuously ask—has the Princess Consort found who poisoned the little miss?”

Pei Yunshu paused.

Lu Tong looked at her seriously.

The “Child’s Sorrow” in the Mohela doll had poisoned Pei Yunshu and her daughter for a long time. Lu Tong had no choice but to find a way to induce labor temporarily. According to what Pei Yunshu had said at the time, this Mohela was sent to her by Prince Wen.

No matter how much Mu Sheng disliked his princess consort, he had no reason to harm his own flesh and blood. But during these days, there didn’t seem to be any major incidents reported from the Prince’s Manor.

Pei Yunshu’s expression became somewhat uncomfortable, and she only shook her head with a bitter smile: “No.”

The Prince’s Manor was only so big—if they really wanted to find the poisoner, they might not be unable to find them. For Pei Yunshu to say this, there must be some difficulties.

Lu Tong thought for a moment and asked again: “What about the side consort? When I helped the Princess Consort with labor that day, I offended the side consort…”

She was speaking tactfully. At that time, Meng Xiyan had summoned the manor’s guards, targeting Lu Tong’s life. If Pei Yunying hadn’t arrived, no one knew what the consequences would have been. Today Lu Tong hadn’t seen Meng Xiyan’s shadow nearby, and she didn’t know if it was her imagination, but the servants of the Prince’s Manor seemed much more respectful toward Pei Yunshu.

Pei Yunshu’s smile faded: “Her? She’s been confined to her quarters. You don’t need to worry.”

Lu Tong’s heart stirred.

That day Pei Yunying had taken Meng Xiyan away, and now Meng Xiyan was still safely in the manor, merely confined to quarters. It seems Prince Wen had still protected Meng Xiyan.

This side consort was truly favored.

Pei Yunshu came back to herself and shook her head: “Let’s not talk about those things. I see the auspicious time is approaching. Doctor Lu, come help me prepare.”

…

“Washing ceremonies” were always lively affairs.

In the capital, when women gave birth and the child reached full moon, they would invite relatives and friends to attend the newborn’s “washing ceremony.” Wealthy families would often boil hot water seasoned with spices, along with fruits, colored silk, money, scallions, garlic, gold, silver, rhinoceros horn, and jade, all poured into a basin, with several zhang of colored silk wrapped around the outside, called “surrounding the basin.” Hair pins would be used to stir the water, called “stirring the basin.” Observers would scatter money into the water, called “adding to the basin.”

After the baby finished bathing and the birth hair was shaved off, the birth hair would be placed in a small gold or silver box, then tied with colorful silk threads into a network. Finally, the baby would be carried to thank all the relatives and seated guests, then carried into the wet nurse’s room, called “moving the nest.”

Princess Consort of Prince Wen had gone into premature labor when her pregnancy was disturbed before full term, but fortunately mother and daughter were ultimately safe. As the legitimate daughter of Princess Consort of Prince Wen, this “washing ceremony” widely invited the capital’s noble officials—after all, besides the Prince’s Manor, Duke Zhaoning’s face also had to be given.

The guests’ laughter passed through the courtyard, making the usually quiet courtyard seem crowded. The lively sounds passed through the walls to reach under another set of eaves.

On the table in the vase, the golden osmanthus had completely withered, leaving only clusters of dried, shriveled branches and leaves stiffly stuck in the vase, struggling to maintain a bit of freshness.

Meng Xiyan sat on the couch, without makeup, her originally beautiful face showing some haggardness.

She glanced at the water clock on the table and asked quietly: “Has the washing ceremony begun?”

The maid beside her answered carefully: “Yes.”

Meng Xiyan coldly pulled down the corner of her mouth.

On August fifteenth, Pei Yunying had the guards take her away. After suffering for several days, Prince Wen brought her back.

She didn’t know what exactly Prince Wen had said to Pei Yunying, but Pei Yunying had ultimately let her go. No matter how arrogant he was, without evidence, even the Heir of Duke Zhaoning couldn’t arbitrarily take away a side consort of the Prince’s Manor.

But bringing her back was one thing—Prince Wen’s treatment of her wasn’t as tender as before.

Meng Xiyan knew in her heart that Prince Wen had developed suspicions about her because she had tried to harm the manor’s heir.

The Mohela was something Meng Xiyan had presented to Mu Sheng, only saying she had obtained it by chance. Seeing the clay doll was cute and had auspicious meaning, and fearing Pei Yunshu might refuse if she disliked her, she had asked Mu Sheng to send it to Pei Yunshu’s courtyard in his name. After Pei Yunshu gave birth to a daughter, when Mu Sheng learned the Mohela was poisonous, although he brought her back, the way he looked at her had changed.

Meng Xiyan knelt before Prince Wen crying like a pear blossom in rain: “Prince, please investigate clearly. Even if this concubine had ten times the courage, I wouldn’t dare harm the Princess Consort. What ‘Child’s Sorrow’—this concubine has never heard of it. This clay doll was just bought by a maid from a clay doll shop on a street in the south of the city. This concubine was thinking the Princess Consort was about to give birth, so I kept this item to pray for the Princess Consort to give birth to a son.”

The maid who had purchased the clay doll had “committed suicide out of guilt” on the very day the incident was discovered. Prince Wen couldn’t investigate anything, and ultimately, remembering their past affection, he didn’t pursue the matter further, only confining her to the manor.

As for Pei Yunshu’s poisoning, this matter wasn’t publicized, and Duke Zhaoning’s manor didn’t know about it either. Concerning the Prince’s Manor’s reputation, Mu Sheng protecting Meng Xiyan was also protecting himself.

Meng Xiyan had originally worried that the Commander of the Palace Guard wouldn’t let the matter rest, but unexpectedly, after all these days passed, Pei Yunying hadn’t made any moves, so she gradually put her mind at ease. After all, the Prince’s Manor enjoyed imperial favor—Pei Yunying still had to consider Prince Wen’s title.

Today Pei Yunshu was holding a “washing ceremony” for her daughter, widely inviting noble ladies, but she was confined and couldn’t go out. Those noble ladies had always been gossipy—who knew how they would talk about her behind her back. Moreover, since she had entered the Prince’s Manor, she had attended every grand banquet. Now being deliberately left out was like a slap in the face.

Thinking of the washing ceremony, Meng Xiyan’s face turned iron-blue.

She asked the maid beside her: “Which honored guests came today?”

The maid lowered her head and answered quietly: “There’s Madam Dong from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Minister’s manor, from the Jixian Hall Grand Academician’s manor, from the Three Bureaus ministers’ manors…” She listed many people, then remembered something and added: “The Doctor Lu who came to help the Princess Consort with labor that day also came.”

“Lu Tong?”

Meng Xiyan’s expression changed.

That day in Xunfang Garden, she hadn’t taken this female doctor seriously—she had only intended to use her as a scapegoat. Who would have thought she’d end up defeated by this woman’s hands.

If Lu Tong hadn’t discovered the “Child’s Sorrow” in the Mohela, if Lu Tong hadn’t helped Pei Yunshu with induced labor, if Lu Tong hadn’t joined forces with Pei Yunying in front of everyone…

How would she have ended up like this?

Now she was confined to her courtyard, her reputation ruined, and estranged from Prince Wen—all thanks to this woman.

Meng Xiyan sneered: “A clinic doctor being invited as an honored guest of the Prince’s Manor—does she really think she’s climbed to high branches?”

The maid didn’t dare speak.

Outside they were hosting the washing ceremony, and even through the walls, the joyful laughter was unbearably grating.

Meng Xiyan walked to the table where the withered golden osmanthus stuck in the vase showed a kind of struggling death aura.

She reached out to stroke the withered flower branches.

That Lu woman had climbed up by saving Pei Yunshu and her daughter, while she was trapped in this room because of that Lu woman, unable to go anywhere. She had been just one step away from success, but it had all fallen apart at the last moment—how could she be willing to accept this? This breath of resentment stuck in Meng Xiyan’s throat—she couldn’t swallow it no matter what.

She couldn’t do anything to Pei Yunying, couldn’t do anything to Pei Yunshu, and couldn’t possibly do anything to Prince Wen.

But Lu Tong was just a commoner physician, without power or influence, of low status—surely she could be dealt with?

If you want to wade in the waters of great households, you have to see if you have the fate for it.

With a slight crisp sound, the osmanthus branch snapped in two under her hand. Meng Xiyan withdrew her hand, hooked the corner of her lips, turned and sat back down in the room.

“Go call someone for me.”

She raised her eyebrows, the two drops of red coral by her ears as bright as dripping blood: “I have important matters to arrange.”

…

The sky gradually darkened.

The “washing ceremony” had ended by noon. After the lunch banquet, Lu Tong stayed at the Prince’s Manor to take the pulse of both Bao Zhu and Pei Yunshu again, changed their prescriptions, and taught Fang Zi how to brew the new medicine. By the time she finished, it was already evening.

Pei Yunshu had the Prince’s Manor carriage take her to the medical clinic entrance before leaving. West Street neighbors who recognized the Prince’s Manor carriage immediately looked at Lu Tong differently.

First it was the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Minister, now the Prince’s Manor—the important figures drawn to Renxin Medical Clinic were more impressive than the last, showing that this female doctor at Renxin Medical Clinic truly had some superior medical skills.

Du Changqing lay at the counter table, craning his neck to watch until the Prince’s Manor carriage left West Street before pulling back, glancing at Lu Tong and saying lazily: “Not bad—even riding in carriages now.”

A’Cheng came out carrying a lantern, his face showing proud satisfaction: “Of course! Doctor Lu is the Princess Consort’s life-saving benefactor!”

“Life-saving benefactor,” Du Changqing snorted with laughter, flicking the young assistant’s forehead with one finger. “You really think being a life-saving benefactor is so easy. You only see thieves eating meat—when do you ever see thieves getting beaten? Who knows what trouble might come later.”

A’Cheng covered his forehead pitifully: “What trouble could there be?”

“There could be plenty… Forget it, you wouldn’t understand even if I told you.” Du Changqing took the lantern and held it in his hand. It was getting late—the medical clinic needed to close. He walked to the door, thought of something, and turned back to instruct Lu Tong: “Wang…”

“Wangchun Mountain had someone die and the murderer still hasn’t been found. We two weak women have no power to protect ourselves—be careful not to be targeted.”

Before Du Changqing could finish, Yin Zheng picked up his thread, smiling: “We know, Shopkeeper Du. We’ll be careful and won’t run around carelessly.”

Du Changqing pointed with his finger and finally said: “…Good that you know.” He left with A’Cheng.

Yin Zheng and Lu Tong fastened the medical clinic door properly and entered the small courtyard.

When Lu Tong returned from the Prince’s Manor, she had also brought a basket of joy baskets distributed to guests at the “washing ceremony,” containing dates, osmanthus, and colored silk symbolizing good fortune. Yin Zheng picked out the preserved fruits and organized the colored silk separately, washing them with clean water, planning to choose a few suitable colors to make silk flowers for Lu Tong.

“Miss, did you see any important figures when you went to the Prince’s Manor today?” Yin Zheng asked Lu Tong while crouching on the stone platform washing the colored silk.

Lu Tong took a stool and tucked it behind her, shaking her head: “No.”

She knew what Yin Zheng meant, but among the guests the Prince’s Manor had invited today, there were no people from the Grand Tutor Manor.

She had originally attended the “washing ceremony” thinking that the Prince’s Manor was widely inviting honored guests, and perhaps there would be people from the Qi family among them. If she could take this opportunity to get close to them, that would be good.

But from the current situation, the Prince’s Manor and Grand Tutor Manor had little connection—this path seemed impassable.

Seeing Lu Tong silent, Yin Zheng wrung out a wet cloth and consoled her with a smile: “Miss, don’t worry. Now because of ‘Spring Water Life’ and ‘Xianxian,’ our medical clinic is gradually gaining status in the medical trade. Today the Prince’s Manor’s carriage sent you, plus the previous Court of Imperial Sacrifices Minister—your reputation will only grow. Then those official families and wealthy households alike, important figures will have to bring invitations begging you to make house calls. No need to rush.”

Lu Tong nodded: “Mm.”

The colored silk was quickly washed. Yin Zheng hung the cloth strips one by one on the thick line in the courtyard, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles.

“Knock knock knock—”

Urgent knocking sounds came from outside, particularly clear in the night.

Yin Zheng said strangely: “So late—who’s knocking?”

“Probably a patient seeking treatment.” Lu Tong said. As Renxin Medical Clinic’s reputation grew, West Street’s other medical clinic, Xinglin Hall, had poor income and closed early every day. Patients seeking treatment could only knock on Renxin Medical Clinic’s door.

Lu Tong said: “I’ll go see.”

West Street wasn’t far ahead to the tavern, and every night military patrol guards made rounds. Lu Tong walked to the door, the knocking quieted down, and she held a lamp in one hand and pulled open the medical clinic’s wooden door.

There wasn’t a single person at the door.

Under the eaves, the pale red lantern light swayed in the wind. The night’s cool breeze swept down the long street straight at her, drilling into her sleeves and immediately raising a layer of fine goosebumps. West Street was empty of people, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Yin Zheng came from behind, wiping her hands as she asked: “Miss, who was it?”

Lu Tong turned back, about to speak, when suddenly a bright knife light stabbed from her side.

Yin Zheng’s eyes widened in fright and she screamed.

Lu Tong stood at the medical clinic entrance with nothing around to obstruct her. It was too late to dodge—she was about to take this blade—

In that split second, there was a “bang” sound, and another sword shadow darted diagonally to block the knife tip aimed at Lu Tong’s heart.

Someone descended from the sky, flying to her front.