Lu Youxin was seething with rage outside, momentarily setting aside Qin Guan's matters. The mine disaster of the Fifth House was also a calamity for the Lu clan. Over the past two months, she had exhausted herself dealing with it, but she never imagined the disaster had been orchestrated by their own people!
Inside the inner chamber, Fuling watched Qin Guan with concern. Qin Guan shook her head but made no move to comfort Lu Youxin.
At this moment, Lu Youxin naturally had to prioritize the affairs of the Lu clan. Since Qin Guan had yet to meet the members of the Fifth House, today was as good a time as any.
Lu Youxin sent someone to summon them, and soon, Lu Boyi and Lu Jinghe of the Fifth House arrived.
Lu Boyi wore a blue cotton robe, his face pale with dark circles under his eyes. He held a handkerchief to his mouth, coughing intermittently as he entered. Lu Jinghe supported his father, yet carried himself with a refinement that surpassed even Lu Jingyun. While Lu Jingyun, having always followed Lu Jingxiu, lacked independence and relied on others for everything—gradually appearing timid—Lu Jinghe exuded a subtle, jade-like grace. This was especially pronounced beside his gravely ill father, making him seem even more composed and gentle.
"Second Sister, what matter requires our presence?"
The anger on Lu Youxin's face remained undiminished. She merely lifted her chin in response. "Sit first. We'll speak after Second Brother arrives."
Learning that Second Brother Lu Boyong had also been summoned, Lu Boyi frowned immediately. "What is it? Has there been progress in Jingcheng's case?"
Lu Youxin shook her head wearily. "Not yet. We won't discuss Jingcheng today."
Lu Boyi coughed twice into his handkerchief, momentarily puzzled. He glanced at his son and saw equal confusion on Lu Jinghe's face—clearly, he knew nothing either. Huang Momo and others served tea and refreshments, but they waited for the time it took to drink half a cup of tea before Lu Boyong arrived.
In just a few days, the once vigorous Lu Boyong seemed to have aged a decade. His son's death had struck him too hard, and his usual tactics of making a scene were useless against Lu Youxin. Grief and resentment had brought him to the brink of collapse.
Supported by a servant, Lu Boyong entered and scanned the room without a word before sitting opposite Lu Boyi.
Though not critically ill, Lu Boyong appeared no better than the ailing Lu Boyi—if anything, more haggard and lifeless.
Lu Youxin looked at him. "Second Brother, the dead cannot return. You must grieve in moderation, regardless."
Lu Boyong curled his lips into a cold sneer. "It's been so many days! What exactly has been uncovered about Jingcheng's case? As the head of the Lu clan, if you can't even find the murderer of your own nephew, what right do you have to hold this position?!"
Lu Youxin laughed coldly in return. "I may not know what qualifies me as clan head, but I do know this: you, Second Master, will have no say in Lu clan affairs from now on."
Lu Boyong frowned, turning his dull, murky eyes toward her. Squinting slightly, a trace of bitterness soon surfaced. "What? Jingcheng is gone! Not only do you refuse to seek justice for him, but you also want to drive us out?! Lu Youxin, have you lost your mind..."
Lu Youxin chuckled. "The one who lost his mind was Jingcheng, not me."Lu Boyong's eyes widened abruptly. "What did you say?! Jingcheng is already dead! And you still want to tarnish his reputation like this?!"
Lu Youxin merely smiled coldly without saying much, handing the multiple copies of black-and-white documents to Huang Momo. Huang Momo stepped forward and gave each person two signed testimonies. Lu Boyi took them suspiciously and began reading slowly, while Lu Boyong, unaware of Lu Youxin's intentions, refused to even glance at them. Huang Momo had no choice but to place the testimonies on the table beside his hand. Meanwhile, Lu Boyi's complexion gradually changed...
"This... Second Sister, this is..."
Lu Boyi's voice trembled, and the hand holding the testimonies shook uncontrollably.
Lu Youxin sneered coldly. "Second Brother, I advise you to take a good look."
Seeing Lu Boyi's altered expression, Lu Boyong grew somewhat suspicious. Frowning deeply, he finally picked up the testimonies.
Lu Youxin then said, "Regarding the mine disaster, the two main supervisors fled immediately. The cause remained unclear all this time. Because of this, we've suffered greatly these past two months. How difficult it's been—you all know. Originally, we couldn't find anything, but to investigate Jingcheng's matter, we had to check who he'd met recently and whether he'd made any enemies. This investigation led us to Hu Guangde."
At the mention of this name, the expressions of everyone present changed.
Hu Guangde had left after the Fifth Branch took over Xiushan, bearing some grudges against them. However, this person had maintained connections with the Second Branch—something Lu Boyong knew well. Though initially reluctant to read the testimonies, Lu Boyong now grasped the general content. Hearing Lu Youxin's explanation and seeing the detailed accounts in the testimonies, he grew terrified!
But soon, Lu Boyong sprang to his feet. "Impossible! I don't believe it! I refuse to believe it! Jingcheng is dead, and instead of investigating who harmed him in the capital, you're trying to pin the Fifth Branch's faults on Jingcheng! You... Lu Youxin, how heartless can you be? Jingcheng grew up before your eyes—how could you do this?! How can Jingcheng rest in peace with this?! Lu Youxin, I don't believe it! You fabricated all this to slander Jingcheng!"
Lu Youxin had anticipated Lu Boyong's hysterical denial. She replied calmly, "Hu Guangde is in the mansion's dungeon. I spared you the sight of him soiling himself in fear. What? You don't believe me? Then I'll have him brought out immediately."
"Guards... bring Hu Guangde!"
At Lu Youxin's command, guards went to fetch him. Seeing her composure, Lu Boyong's legs gave way, and he collapsed back into his chair!
Lu Boyi trembled with rage, his gaze toward Lu Boyong shifting entirely. "To think it was like this... Over twenty lives... actually..."
Over this matter, Lu Youxin had rushed from Lanzhou to console the families of the victims and negotiate with the Salt and Iron Commission. Lu Boyi had fallen gravely ill because of it. Yet the Second Branch families had come only to spectate and fight over inheritance. Remembering this, Lu Boyi's anger intensified. "Second Brother, did Jingcheng act alone? Or did you know about it too?!""Of course I don't know!" Lu Boyong instinctively defended himself first, his voice trembling a moment later, "That... that Hu Guangde was always a wicked man, how can his words be trusted?! I don't believe it - he's slandering Jingcheng..."
Lu Youxin narrowed her eyes. Having reached the peak of anger, she appeared remarkably composed instead. She said calmly, "Slander? What is Lu Jingcheng worth? Merely the most incompetent of our Lu family. Besides, Hu Guangde didn't even know Jingcheng was dead when he was captured. Second Brother, the testimony states everything clearly - it wouldn't be difficult to investigate further."
The testimony documented everything in detail, making further investigation indeed straightforward. Lu Boyong broke out in a cold sweat.
He had known about Lu Jingcheng's connection with Hu Guangde, but never imagined Jingcheng would go this far.
Lu Youxin never acted without certainty, and she never used business tactics against family members. Over all these years, even if unwilling to admit it, Lu Boyong knew she had served as family head with a clear conscience. That's why he began to fear when he saw this testimony. His verbal defenses couldn't overcome his guilty conscience - he knew that if they investigated further, those two managers would be exposed, confirming Hu Guangde's testimony and revealing the whole truth.
Though Lu Jingcheng was responsible for these deeds, he was dead now. As the only son of the second branch, his sins would fall upon them. Just as Lu Youxin said, the second branch might never have a place in the Lu family again... Lu Boyong suddenly began trembling uncontrollably.
He had known Jingcheng was incompetent, but he was his only son. These past few years, he had gradually handed business matters to Jingcheng, which led to all these troubles!
Lu Boyong took a deep breath, his vision darkening. "Second Younger Sister, this matter... naturally I believe you... but Jingcheng was just a child, probably instigated by someone. You know his true nature, Youxin. Second Younger Sister, you've worked tirelessly all these years. The Lu clan is vast, and our main lineage has only these few branches. If... if this falls on the second branch, who knows how the clan elders will react? They might even blame you, Youxin. This matter..."
Trembling, Lu Boyong hardly knew what he was saying, but Lu Youxin understood perfectly.
He was pleading for mercy, hoping to minimize the matter and extricate the second branch from this crisis!
Lu Youxin narrowed her eyes but remained silent. Judging purely by right and wrong, Lu Boyong's hopes were utterly delusional. Yet after all these years, she understood deeply that not everything in this world could be judged solely by right and wrong. The Lu family had lasted over two hundred years with constant internal strife among the main branches, while looking broader, the collateral and main branches also contended with each other. Though Lu Boyong lived up to his name as mediocre and ineffective, he had grasped a grain of truth in this aspect.
The fifth branch had suffered greatly from the mine disaster, which was why Lu Youxin had summoned both families immediately for clarification. But she hadn't yet decided on the final resolution.
"Fifth Brother, what are your thoughts on this matter?"Lu Youxin did not look at Lu Boyong, but only at Lu Boyi. Lu Boyi coughed a few times and said, "The fault lies with Jingcheng, Hu Guangde, and those two stewards who accepted the silver. At the very least, those two stewards must be captured. As for the second branch..."
Lu Boyi glanced at Lu Boyong, whose face was drenched in cold sweat, and let out a long sigh. "Second sister, you decide."
After speaking, Lu Boyi covered his mouth with a handkerchief and coughed again.
Seeing this, Lu Jinghe, who was standing nearby, hurried forward to pat Lu Boyi's back, showing great filial devotion and attentiveness.
Lu Boyong looked pleadingly at Lu Youxin. "Second sister, I truly had no knowledge of this matter. If I had known, I would never have allowed Jingcheng to do such a thing. Over the years, though I wished for you to appoint Jingcheng, I would never resort to methods that endanger lives or bring calamity upon the Lu family..."
Lu Boyong sat uneasily, almost on the verge of kneeling before Lu Youxin. "Second sister, truly, Jingcheng is foolish—I don’t know what he was thinking, to actually..."
Lu Boyong was so anxious he seemed on the verge of tears, but Lu Youxin remained seated with a calm expression. "I called you here today only to inform you of this matter. From now on, we must coordinate with the authorities. After all, more than twenty lives were lost. If this is carelessly resolved, I fear I will never find peace."
Hearing this, Lu Boyong grew even more panicked. "Second sister..."
Lu Youxin raised a hand to stop him. "Second brother, there’s no need to say more. I will continue investigating this matter and will inform you if the two stewards are captured. Now that the truth is clear, you should understand the situation. As for Jingcheng’s case, I will certainly get to the bottom of it—you can rest assured of that."
Lu Boyong seemed to want to speak but hesitated. Lu Youxin, however, had no desire to continue the conversation. She waved her hand dismissively. "Second brother, you may leave now. If you wish to resolve this properly, do not say a word or issue any commands after you return. On White Deer Isle, I am aware of everything you do."
Upon hearing this, Lu Boyong instantly regretted coming. If he were elsewhere, he could at least make arrangements, but now, under Lu Youxin’s watchful eye, he dared not act rashly. He hesitated a few more moments, but faced with Lu Youxin’s icy expression, he could not utter a word. Struggling to stand, it took him several attempts before he finally rose. He nodded to Lu Youxin and then, supported by his attendant, walked out.
Lu Boyong left first, but Lu Boyi remained, covering his mouth as he coughed, his face filled with worry.
Lu Youxin sighed. The fifth branch had suffered the most in this ordeal, and Lu Boyi had even been taken to the magistrate’s office. Now, with Lu Boyi seriously ill, it was all due to the mine disaster. Lu Youxin said, "Fifth brother, now that the truth is out, you should ease your mind a little. It was not your fault. Your health is poor, so focus on recovering above all else."
She then turned to Lu Jinghe. "How has your father’s condition been these past few days?"
Lu Jinghe quickly replied, "Much the same. The medicine prescribed earlier hasn’t helped much. These days, Father coughs frequently."
Lu Youxin’s brow furrowed tightly. "Fifth brother, perhaps we should try a different physician?"Lu Boyi waved his hand, "Don't worry about me. I know the clan affairs are busy around the New Year. Just focus on your own work. We can discuss this after the New Year. The weather is cold now, coughing is normal—don't be concerned..."
After saying this, Lu Boyi started coughing again. Lu Youxin felt a pang of distress hearing it. "It's my fault, I should have gone to you instead. My place isn't as warm as yours. You should head back now. Don't dwell on this matter—I'll order the investigation to continue. For now, just focus on recovering."
Lu Boyi nodded and finally stood up. Lu Jinghe stepped forward to support him, and the father and son left the main hall of Wutong Courtyard.
Watching them leave, Lu Youxin's anger subsided slightly. After sitting for a moment longer, she remembered Qin Guan was still in the inner chamber and hurriedly rose to go inside. Seeing Lu Youxin enter, Qin Guan stood to greet her. Lu Youxin apologized, "I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting here for so long."
As they sat down, Qin Guan smiled. "I wasn't just sitting idle. I hadn't met Fifth Uncle before—today was my first time seeing him. I can't comment on the mine disaster, but I did notice something unusual about Fifth Uncle's illness."
At this, Lu Youxin's eyes lit up instantly. After all, Qin Guan was the most skilled physician in the entire Great Zhou dynasty!
Lu Youxin couldn't help grabbing Qin Guan's hands. "Guan'er? What did you notice?"
Qin Guan smiled. "I didn't take his pulse or examine him closely, but his cough sounded abnormal. I suspect it might be a lung issue. If you'd like, Aunt, I could examine Fifth Uncle. With this being the depths of winter, he must be suffering greatly."
Lu Youxin wasn't just interested—she was desperate. "Guan'er! Can you really help?!"
Leaning forward, her eagerness was palpable. Qin Guan nodded. "But you'll need to find the right opportunity."
Lu Youxin's eyes shifted thoughtfully as she nodded. "I understand. I need to find a pretext to have Fifth Brother come over so you can examine him privately. Don't worry, I'll arrange it. It's getting late today—I'll schedule it for tomorrow or the day after."
Qin Guan agreed, then added, "We started investigating a case but uncovered the truth about the mine disaster. I'm wondering if someone in this estate might have learned about the mine disaster truth earlier and chosen to kill Lu Jingcheng in revenge?"
Lady Lu's brows immediately furrowed. "Learned earlier? It took us considerable investigation to uncover this—it was almost by accident. It would have been impossible for others to find out. Besides, in this estate, only the heads of the various branches have the means and connections, and they've all been quite well-behaved recently."
Qin Guan frowned. She knew Lu Youxin made a valid point, but currently, Lu Jingcheng's case seemed to only have this direction for answers.
"Guan'er, don't rush. Even if this case were handed over to the authorities, it would likely be difficult to solve. If you hadn't pointed us in the right direction, we wouldn't have uncovered the mine disaster matter either." Lu Youxin sighed deeply, her brow furrowed. "This has been weighing on my mind for two months, yet I never imagined the problem originated with Jingcheng. Hu Guangde said he wanted to burn incense and pray to Buddha, but I wonder if what happened to Jingcheng was heaven's punishment. Take your time with the investigation. I'm somewhat worried about Chi'er—there's been no news from him these past two days."Lu You Xin was extremely busy, yet she remained deeply concerned about Yan Chi. Unfortunately, Yan Chi had sent no messages for several days, causing Lu You Xin to worry and Qin Guan to grow increasingly anxious. However, Qin Guan's trust in Yan Chi allowed her to remain calm for the moment. "Aunt, please rest assured. He promised he would return for the New Year. There are still a few days left—we will surely receive news before then."
Upon hearing this, Lu You Xin could only nod and let the matter drop. The two sat and chatted for a while longer until dusk began to fall, at which point Qin Guan took her leave and departed.
Upon returning to the Lotus Pavilion, she saw a servant holding a large bouquet of plum blossoms standing at the courtyard gate. The servant was from the Lu family and usually only took orders from outside, without the privilege of entering the Lotus Pavilion's rooms. Seeing Qin Guan return, he hurried forward. Fuling, surprised by the vibrant red plum blossoms, exclaimed, "Oh, who asked you to pick these? They're so beautiful! Such a color can only be seen here!"
The servant smiled and replied, "We didn't pick them. They were just delivered by someone from the Lanxiang Courtyard, saying they are for the lady."
The Lu family servants outside were unaware of Qin Guan's true identity and simply addressed her as "the lady." Hearing this, Fuling was taken aback, and Qin Guan also felt a flicker of surprise. Before Qin Guan could speak, Fuling stepped forward to take the bouquet and asked, "Lanxiang Courtyard? Who sent them?"
The servant replied, "It was the Fifth Young Master—"
Fuling was stunned. "Huh? Does he feel his apology wasn't sincere enough?"
Qin Guan stood nearby, listening, and as she looked at the large bouquet of plum blossoms, she couldn't shake a growing sense of unease.
Seeing how much Fuling adored the bouquet, Qin Guan said nothing further and turned to enter the courtyard.
Fuling carried the flowers inside, beaming. "We've had fresh plum blossoms in our rooms these past few days, but such a large bouquet—we don't really have a place to put them. It would be a shame to throw them away. Princess Consort, where do you think we should arrange them?"
Without turning her head, Qin Guan replied, "If you like them, keep them in your room. The Warm Chamber already has enough—any more would seem overly gaudy."
Qin Guan admired the purity and elegance of plum blossoms, and the ones she arranged in her room were carefully chosen for their artistic charm. This large, ostentatious bouquet, though dazzlingly bright, did not align with her taste. Moreover, it was strange for Lu Jingxiu to suddenly send such a bouquet, and Qin Guan would never allow it into her room casually.
Hearing this, Fuling was overjoyed. She tugged at Baiying and said, "Come on, let's go find a vase to put them in!"
Baiying had little interest in such things but had no choice but to be dragged along by Fuling. Bai Feng, watching from the side, furrowed his brows even more deeply. Usually taciturn and reserved, he now spoke up sternly, "You accepted a gift from someone so casually and even offered it to the Princess Consort. When she refused, you decided to keep it in your own room without considering potential risks."
Fuling had never heard Bai Feng speak like this before. His serious tone made it seem as though she had done something wrong. She paused in her steps, feeling somewhat wronged. Glancing at Bai Feng's disapproving expression and then at the bouquet in her hands, she said puzzledly, "Why are you making such a fuss? We met the Fifth Young Master during the day—he came to apologize. He's a young master of the Lu family; what ill intentions could he possibly have? Besides... the Princess Consort didn't tell me to throw them away."Bai Feng was not skilled at quarreling with others, especially with Fuling, Qin Guan's most trusted confidante. However, he had always harbored dislike for that Lu Jingxiu, and seeing Fuling so oblivious had made him lose his temper. Now that Fuling was taking the blame, he felt utterly helpless. "Yes, he is indeed a member of the Lu family. But the cause of the fourth young master's death hasn't been clarified yet, and yet he already knows the princess consort is investigating this case. If he is connected to the fourth young master's death, do you think he might harbor ill intentions toward the princess consort?"
Hearing this, Fuling felt both wronged and suddenly aware of the problem. Immediately, she threw the bouquet in her hand to the ground.
"I... I didn't think that much about it. The Fifth Young Master must have been lectured by Madam Lu, and then his attitude changed dramatically. I... I just believed him, that's all. They're all from the Lu family - when others send gifts, it's not proper to throw them away... Why are you blaming me like this?"
Bai Feng opened his mouth but couldn't find words. He did disapprove of Fuling's carelessness, yet he wasn't truly reprimanding her, only reminding her. Seeing Fuling's aggrieved expression and reddened eyes, Bai Feng grew flustered. The more flustered he became, the colder his expression turned. Witnessing this, Fuling immediately turned and ran into the room in grievance. Bai Feng hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping, then looked inexplicably at Baiying. "I was only..."
Baiying looked helplessly at her brother, shook her head, and went to find Qin Guan first.
Inside her room, Qin Guan had just removed her cape and entered the Warm Chamber when she heard Fuling's words. Then she watched Fuling run into her own room, feeling both heartache and surprised. When Baiying entered, she asked, "Fuling is usually so carefree - why is she so upset this time?"
Baiying tilted her head in thought. "Perhaps because Brother doesn't usually scold people like that."
Qin Guan chuckled, blinking. "Go pack some pastries for Fuling - the chestnut cake Aunt sent during the day will do. She likes that."
Baiying smiled in agreement, fetched the chestnut cake, and went to deliver it to Fuling. Qin Guan remained seated, thoughtful for a moment before smiling slightly.
Soon, Fuling returned to the Warm Chamber with Baiying, eyes still red but looking embarrassed. Seeing her enter, Qin Guan teased, "What's wrong? Should I have Bai Feng come apologize to you?"
Fuling lowered her head, twisting the tassel on her belt. "N-no need. I was indeed careless in this matter. Young Lady needn't worry."
Qin Guan continued teasing, "Bai Feng rarely speaks, and what he said today was reasonable. Why were you so upset?"
Hearing this, Fuling jerked her head up, a suspicious blush quickly spreading across her face. "N-no reason... He usually seems so taciturn, not stern like today. I've served Young Lady for many days without being told my service was poor. When he suddenly said that, I felt wronged but didn't want to admit my negligence."
Seeing her embarrassment, Qin Guan beckoned. Fuling approached, and Qin Guan took her hand. "You serve very well. Today's matter was also because I didn't give you instructions. After eating the chestnut cake, do you feel better?"
Fuling smiled sheepishly. "I was fine long ago! I wouldn't bother with him! I understand Young Lady's meaning - when others send gifts, it's hard to refuse. Once brought in, we can dispose of them as we please, but we must consider others' dignity. How could he understand that?"
Seeing Fuling regain her usual liveliness, Qin Guan knew the little incident had passed and set her mind at ease.After exchanging a few more words with her servants, Qin Guan remembered she needed to diagnose Lu Boyi and asked Fuling to fetch medical books. She read until her eyes grew sore before finally resting. As soon as she lay down, she dreamed of Yan Chi again—a vision of raging flames and battlefield chaos. Yan Chi, astride a blood-sweating steed with a spear in hand, charged into enemy ranks like a god descending from heaven. In moments, he vanished from sight. The air echoed with war cries, and bloodshed mingled with the smoke of battle, yet Qin Guan never saw Yan Chi return.
In the dream, Qin Guan grew increasingly anxious and fearful until, with a sudden shudder, she awoke.
Drenched in cold sweat, she saw it was still dark outside. A glance at the water clock in the corner showed it was only the hour of Mao. After such a dream, sleep was impossible. She hugged her quilt and stared blankly at the canopy, her worries for Yan Chi’s current situation in Qianzhou intensifying. Recalling how he had braved countless dangers and battles over the years, her heart swelled with tenderness, pity, and longing.
Tossing and turning until dawn, exhaustion finally brought drowsiness. But mindful of her potential duties that day, Qin Guan rose early. By noon, Lu Youxin sent word that the diagnosis for Lu Boyi had been scheduled for that evening.
Relieved, Qin Guan took a short nap in the afternoon.
...
In the Lanxiang Courtyard, Lu Jingyun rushed in and exclaimed, "Fifth Brother! Did you know? Aunt has invited a renowned physician from Jianzhou City to diagnose Fifth Uncle tonight... It seems Fifth Uncle’s condition hasn’t improved at all."
Lu Jingxiu, initially lost in thought, showed no reaction at first. But shortly after, he suddenly sprang to his feet.
"They’re diagnosing Fifth Uncle?"
Lu Jingyun stared blankly. "Yes. Weren’t you the one who told me to keep an eye on Wutong Garden? This was just arranged."
A faint gleam lit Lu Jingxiu’s eyes. After a moment, he said, "Let’s go visit Fifth Uncle. He’s been ill for so long, and we’ve barely seen him."
Lu Jingyun’s eyes widened in astonishment. His fifth brother was exemplary in every way, except for his impatience with dealing with elders. Since Lu Boyi fell ill, Jingxiu’s visits had been brief, and afterward, he merely sent tonics—never initiating another visit. Why the sudden change?
Jingxiu strode toward the door but halted abruptly. "Wait, you said the diagnosis is tonight?"
Jingyun nodded. "Yes, tonight."
Jingxiu pressed further, "Is everything normal at Handan Hall?"
"Perfectly normal!" Jingyun affirmed, finally catching on. "Fifth Brother, what are you planning? Why have you been so interested in Handan Hall lately?"
Pacing a few steps, Jingxiu sat back down, his expression troubled yet irresistibly compelled.
He didn’t understand what was happening to him, but these past few days, Qin Guan’s image had lingered incessantly in his mind.
He longed to see her again but had no pretext nor means to appear without seeming abrupt. Thus, he watched and waited, unwilling to miss any chance of another encounter with Qin Guan."In the evening, we'll go see Fifth Uncle. His illness has become quite severe now, so we should hear what that renowned physician has to say."
The renowned physician invited from Jianzhou City would only conduct consultations in the evening. The identity of this physician was already evident, and Lu Jingxiu wasn't surprised at all. This Yongci County Princess was none other than the Little Medicine Immortal from the capital. With such a distinguished healer present in the estate, how could she not examine his Fifth Uncle?
Having formed this plan, Lu Jingxiu felt slightly relieved and began to look forward to the evening with growing anticipation.
When evening finally arrived, Lu Jingxiu remained patient. Seeing that the time was appropriate, he brought Lu Jingyun along and waited along the necessary path from Green Bamboo Courtyard to Wutong Courtyard. Sure enough, before long, they encountered Lu Boyi and his son.
Upon seeing them, Lu Jingxiu immediately stepped forward. "Fifth Uncle! Fifth Uncle, we were just coming to visit you. Why have you come out?"Lu Boyi, familiar with the temperaments of the younger generation, was somewhat surprised by this but didn't want to reject Lu Jingxiu's kindness." He replied, "Your aunt has invited a physician from Jianzhou City to examine me. This feeble body of mine has caused everyone concern. We were just heading to Wutong Courtyard."
Lu Jingxiu promptly supported Lu Boyi on his other side. "In that case, let us accompany you."
Lu Boyi was utterly astonished, and even Lu Jinghe looked at Lu Jingxiu with surprise. However, Lu Jingxiu simply grinned at them both. "Let's go see what this renowned physician has to say. That way, we can all feel at ease."
Though he found the situation peculiar, Lu Boyi wasn't one to refuse, so he allowed Lu Jinghe and Lu Jingxiu to support him as they made their way to Wutong Courtyard.
Normally, Lu Jingxiu wasn't one to patiently engage in conversation with elders, but along the way, he was uncharacteristically witty and amusing, lifting Lu Boyi's spirits considerably. Lu Jinghe, being a man of few words, frequently glanced at Lu Jingxiu, finding his behavior today utterly bizarre!
Before long, the group arrived at Wutong Courtyard. Lu Youxin had already arranged for Qin Guan to wait in the inner chamber and was taken aback to see so many people arriving at once.
Lu Jingxiu quickly explained, "We were on our way to visit Fifth Uncle when we happened to meet him along the road. We decided to accompany him here to hear what the physician has to say."
Lu Youxin found this explanation satisfactory, assuming that her earlier admonitions had prompted a change in Lu Jingxiu. She nodded and said, "This physician prefers to examine patients without others present. The rest of you may wait outside. Fifth Brother, please come with me."
Though surprised by this arrangement, Lu Jinghe and his father didn't question it. After all, it was common for renowned physicians to have their peculiarities!
However, Lu Jingxiu was extremely disappointed. His main purpose in coming was to see Qin Guan and observe how she treated patients. He hadn't expected Lu Youxin to make such arrangements and felt utterly dejected. Meanwhile, Lu Boyi had already proceeded toward the inner chamber.
Having gradually understood Lu Jingxiu's intentions over the past few days, Lu Jingyun felt rather helpless seeing her Fifth Brother in such a state. She subtly tugged at Lu Jingxiu's sleeve and whispered, "Fifth Brother? What should we do now? Shall we wait here?"
Lu Jinghe stood calmly nearby and, overhearing Lu Jingyun's words, looked at the two with even greater surprise.
Lu Jingxiu shot a glare at Lu Jingyun and cleared his throat softly. "What a pointless question. We came here for Fifth Uncle's illness."As these words fell, Lu Jingxiu suddenly furrowed his brow. Fifth Uncle's illness, the illness...
His eyes suddenly lit up, and an idea immediately formed in his heart!
Lu Jingxiu took two steps forward as if intending to enter the inner chamber. Huang Momo, who was guarding the entrance, quickly stopped him upon seeing this. "Fifth Young Master, what are you doing? The physician is currently treating Fifth Master inside. You'd better not go in."
Lu Jingxiu rubbed his temples with a pained expression. "To be honest with you, Momma, I've been feeling a headache today too—right here, at the temples, throbbing with pain. I also feel somewhat chilled. I wanted to ask my aunt if this physician could treat me as well?"
Huang Momo looked somewhat surprised. Lu Jingxiu then began massaging his temples with a deeply furrowed brow, appearing genuinely distressed.
After a moment's hesitation, Huang Momo said, "Then please wait here, Fifth Young Master. This servant will go ask the young lady."
Hearing this, Lu Jingxiu couldn't help but feel pleased and immediately nodded. Only then did Huang Momo turn and enter the inner chamber.
Inside the inner chamber, Lu Boyi had not expected the physician treating him to be a young woman. He now understood why she preferred no one else to be present. Lu Boyi found Qin Guan's demeanor extraordinary and her spirit elevated, thinking to himself that her identity might be quite remarkable. However, he tactfully refrained from asking any questions. Qin Guan, upon meeting Lu Boyi, also said little and began by taking his pulse. To conduct a thorough examination, she proceeded very slowly—first checking his left wrist, then his right. Before she finished with the right wrist, Huang Momo entered.
Huang Momo approached Lu Youxin and whispered a few words in her ear. Lu Youxin frowned several times. "Is the child truly ill?"
Huang Momo nodded. "He appears uncomfortable."
As the two spoke softly, Qin Guan finished taking the pulse and asked, "What's the matter?"
Lu Youxin turned with a bitter smile. "My fifth nephew seems to be ill and asked if you could see him. But you needn't bother—his illness doesn't require your attention. I can call another physician for him."
Though Lu Boyi remained silent, he was observing Qin Guan. Noticing the blend of familiarity and respect in Lu Youxin's tone when speaking to Qin Guan, he regarded her even more highly. Qin Guan, however, found this even stranger. She had heard Lu Jingxiu speaking outside earlier and had been somewhat surprised that he had come along!
But since she heard it was a chance encounter, she hadn't paid it much mind. Now, however, Lu Jingxiu claimed to be ill?!
Yet from the sound of his voice, he seemed perfectly vigorous!
What exactly was Lu Jingxiu up to...
With these thoughts in mind, Qin Guan simply smiled and said, "It's all right. Let him come in."
Lu Jingxiu already knew her identity. Since he had come, Qin Guan felt that, given his intelligence, he had likely already deduced it was her. As for whether his illness was real or feigned, she would know once he entered...
Lu Youxin was both surprised and touched by Qin Guan's words and sighed, "Very well, then I'll trouble you."
She then instructed Huang Momo, "Let him in. He truly is worrisome..."
After Huang Momo left, Qin Guan softly inquired about Lu Boyi's symptoms over the past few days. As they were speaking, Lu Jingxiu followed Huang Momo in from outside. The moment he entered, Qin Guan felt his intense gaze fall upon her face.
In that instant, she suddenly realized what had been so peculiar!
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