Chapter 212: Chapter 96 Grazing_3
Lu Tong watched as the silhouette of the prison cart gradually faded into the distance, her eyes filled with indifference.
Yin Zheng took the oil-paper wrapped package from her hand, shoved the umbrella into Lu Tong’s hand, and hooked her arm, intending to head back.
Just then, they suddenly heard the sound of urgent horse hooves from ahead, accompanied by the coachman’s loud cursing. Lu Tong lifted her gaze and saw a horse-drawn carriage dashing toward them from the end of the long street. The carriage was exquisitely decorated and rushed down the narrow street like a gust of wind. Startled, Yin Zheng hurriedly pulled Lu Tong to the side to avoid it.
The carriage narrowly missed them, speeding past and splattering the pedestrians on both sides with mud.
Yin Zheng exclaimed angrily, "This... "
But Lu Tong’s attention was abruptly drawn to the rapidly disappearing carriage.
The carriage’s canopy was exquisite, spacious, and luxurious. She had seen it once before at Baoxiang Tower.
It belonged to the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion.
The sky was overcast, and a chilly autumn rain fell; people and horses bustled through the streets. She stared intently at the carriage growing distant as if to peer through the heavy curtains, through the dripping rain, through the ebb and flow of the crowd, to see clearly who was inside, to see the face of the passenger with absolute clarity.
Until a stranger’s voice broke the spell: "Young lady?"
Lu Tong paused and then turned around.
Standing two steps away from her was a young man in a white robe, a large wet patch on his chest where her umbrella’s edge had been against him. The beautiful hibiscus flower on the umbrella had dripped cold rainwater onto the man, soaking his garment.
It must have been when she dodged the carriage that she accidentally jabbed her umbrella into a passerby.
Lu Tong said, "I’m sorry."
She expected him to scold her, but instead he simply replied, "It’s fine."
Lu Tong lifted her head and was taken aback when she saw his face clearly.
The man’s stature was like fine jade, his black hair neatly bound with a jade pin, his white robe making him stand out like a hermit among the trees or a white crane amidst the clouds, especially refined and tall. When Lu Tong withdrew her umbrella, he opened his own and casually nodded at her before passing by.
Without uttering another word.
Lu Tong stood there, watching his retreating figure in a daze, her umbrella tilting, allowing the rain to cascade down and form a small puddle on the ground.
Yin Zheng glanced at the young man and his servant walking away, then turned to Lu Tong with a hint of curiosity, "Miss, do you know this man?"
Even though the man was exceptionally handsome, she didn’t expect Lu Tong to be so captivated by him. After all, even Lord Pei, who was very charming, received nothing but indifference from her.
Lu Tong redirected her gaze and shook her head, straightening her umbrella and saying, "Let’s go."
Meanwhile, the servant walking among the crowd noticed the damp spot on the young man’s chest and couldn’t help but comment, "Such a fine piece of clothing, now dirty like this... what a shame..." Glancing back, he grumbled, "That Grand Preceptor’s carriage really is getting more and more arrogant, not even afraid of running over pedestrians..."
The young man said, "Enough."
The servant fell silent and only asked, "Young master, will you still return to Hanlin Medical Institute later? Your clothing..."
"It doesn’t matter, I’ll just change into another set."
...
When Lu Tong returned to the medical clinic, the rain had almost stopped.
Plum trees by the entrance had shed their leaves all over the ground. No longer lush like in summertime, they looked bare, hinting at the oncoming cold of winter.
Yin Zheng carried the purchased hawthorn and date cakes into the courtyard, while Du Changqing was staring into space inside the shop. Seeing Lu Tong return, he cast her a sullen glance, as if he had something to say but hesitated. In contrast, Ah Cheng called out cheerfully, "Doctor Lu!"
Lu Tong asked, "What happened?"
The young assistant emerged from within and presented a piece of paper to Lu Tong, his eyes shining, "An invitation from the Prince’s Mansion!"
The Prince’s Mansion?
Lu Tong looked down, opened the invitation, and found it was actually an invitation.
Princess Wenjun Pei Yunshu planned to hold a Baby Washing Ceremony for her newly born daughter on the fifteenth of this month. Since Lu Tong had assisted Pei Yunshu with the delivery earlier, the Prince’s Mansion had specially sent an invitation, inviting Lu Tong to attend the grand event.
Du Changqing stole a glance at Lu Tong and threw cold water on her excitement, "Don’t get ahead of yourself, I think you’d better not go to the Baby Washing Ceremony. Last time you helped with birthing, you ended up using antidotes and inducing labor, saving the life of the Princess Consort and her child. Who knows who you might have offended? We are without power or influence—a mere Resident Doctor. Do you fancy making yourself a target by being too conspicuous? I’m warning you."
He cleared his throat again and added, "Besides, the relatives and friends attending will bring expensive gifts. You don’t have the money for such presents, and I certainly won’t lend you any to put on airs. Better to give up on the idea now."
After pondering for a moment, Lu Tong carefully stored the invitation and lifted the felt curtain to walk into the courtyard.
Du Changqing craned his neck from behind her, "Hey, are you still going?"
"Yes, I am."
"..."
He fumed, "Why go? What’s the excitement for you there?"
Lu Tong’s voice remained calm, "It’s not about seeking excitement. It’s about giving a gift."