Chapter 582: Chapter 203: Visiting the Qi Family_3
...
When he left the Benevolent Heart Medical Hall, it was already deep into the night.
The wailing of the child being beaten at the temple entrance had completely disappeared, and West Street was void of people. Pei Yunmeng returned to the Palace Marshal’s Mansion, while Xiao Zhufeng was getting ready to leave.
Seeing him return, Xiao Zhufeng asked, "Where have you been so late?"
Pei Yunmeng ignored him, only called for Qingfeng, and ordered, "The nail that was prepared for the Qi Family earlier, send one over."
Qingfeng was stunned, and nervously said, "My lord, are we striking early?"
"No."
After a pause, Pei Yunmeng continued, "Tomorrow, Lu Tong will enter the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion to treat Qi Yutai’s illness. Make sure you protect her in secret."
"..."
Qingfeng took the order and left.
Xiao Zhufeng watched him, wanting to say more but eventually sighed.
"If His Highness knew what you looked like now, he would deeply regret dragging you into this."
"...You don’t seem very calm right now."
Pei Yunmeng didn’t respond to him. His lowered eyelashes, under the lamplight, appeared somewhat gloomy.
Although Lu Tong said she didn’t need help, he couldn’t help but worry.
Her venturing alone into the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion was no different from walking into a tiger’s den.
It was simply...
More nerve-wracking than him heading into danger alone.
...
The following day was clear and sunny.
Inside the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion, a young lady sat by the window, where the banana plants cast a shadow. She held a scroll in her hands and stared out the window, lost in thought.
The maid Qiang Wei came in with a tray of snacks, smiling, "You had a light breakfast, miss. The kitchen made your favorite jasmine flavored cakes, would you like to try them?"
Qi Huaying looked at them absently and shook her head slightly.
Qiang Wei and another maid exchanged glances, both somewhat troubled.
Qi Huaying’s frown deepened.
The Qi Family had been facing a string of misfortunes.
It seemed to have started with the hunt at Huangmao Hill; since then, not a single piece of good news had followed.
First, the Ban Wei from Huangmao Hill and the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion became entangled, resulting in Qi Qing facing repeated obstructions at court. Then, Qi Yutai encountered a fire at Fengle Building, which left him in a state of shock and delirium. His mad tirade was witnessed throughout Rouge Lane, and rumors began to spread, suggesting Qi Yutai had gone mad. Fortunately, he gradually regained his senses.
However, before he could enjoy a few days of clarity, Qi Yutai suffered another bout of the illness. The courtyard of the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion reeked of medicinal soups daily. Fearing further trouble, Qi Huaying hardly left her home.
Feeling frustrated, her appetite dwindled, and no matter how the kitchen varied their dishes, Qi Huaying continued to lose weight day by day.
"Is my brother feeling any better today?" she asked the maid beside her.
Qiang Wei shook her head, "He still didn’t recognize anyone when he woke up this morning."
Qi Huaying sighed.
"I don’t understand what Father is thinking, not offering any help when Envoy Cui encountered trouble."
Cui Min had an accident two days ago.
Qi Huaying herself was shocked to hear the news.
Qi Yutai had always been treated by Cui Min; when Qi Yutai was injured years ago, and after the fire at Fengle Building, it was after Cui Min’s treatment that Qi Yutai regained consciousness. Even if Cui Min had faults, at least now he was Qi Yutai’s savior and should not have been imprisoned over this incident.
Without Cui Min, the Medical Officer Institute’s best doctor was now the Ji Family’s young master. However, her father was never cordial with the Ji Family, and Qi Huaying had also heard of the young master’s reputation for being upright and incorruptible. If it were an ordinary ailment, it wouldn’t be much of an issue, but this was madness.
She asked, "Qiang Wei, do you know who the new medical officer assigned to treat my brother’s illness is?"
Qiang Wei hesitated and replied softly, "Actually... when I passed by the courtyard just now, I saw the new medical officer."
Qi Huaying looked at her suspiciously, "Who is it?"
"It’s... Doctor Lu, the same Lu Tong who killed the young master’s beloved dog before."
Qi Huaying froze.
"What?"
...
Along the corridor, Lu Tong followed the old woman leading the way.
Summer was drawing to a close, and the flowers were in full bloom. The Grand Preceptor’s Mansion garden was exquisitely arranged, with pavilions and ponds intricately placed yet not overly ostentatious. At first glance, the mansion appeared elegant and neat, with clear and bright chambers.
The old woman guided Lu Tong into a courtyard and stopped outside a door, gently knocking a few times, and announced, "Doctor Lu has arrived."
The door opened, and Lu Tong, carrying her medical bag, walked in. As soon as she entered the room, something snow-white flew towards her face. With quick reflexes, she sidestepped to avoid it. The object grazed her forehead, leaving behind a thin, stinging sensation.
Suddenly, Qi Yutai’s terrified screams filled her ears, "Let go of me—"
The next moment, a female’s gasp sounded, "Brother!"
A well-dressed lady rushed in from outside, heading straight for Qi Yutai, but the people inside, in disarray, managed to stop her. The closest maid urgently said, "Miss, you mustn’t, the young master is still ill and might harm you."
"But brother’s hands are injured!" the lady insisted anxiously, stopping her advance.
Lu Tong looked ahead.