Chapter 714: Chapter 240 New Year’s Eve_4
Lu Tong nodded.
Actually, it wasn’t just Pei Yunmeng who was busy; the medical officers here were also busy.
In a few days, the medical officers from Pingzhou would come to take over, and all the matters related to the epidemic in Su Nan had to be handed over. After Chang Jin finished hanging up the Spring Festival couplets, he turned back to organize the handover documents with the other medical officers.
When busy, the passage of time always seems inconspicuous. By the time Lu Tong and Lin Danqing finished organizing the last of the epidemic documents, the sun had set.
The lanterns in the lodging courtyard were lit.
Li Wenhu and Cai Fang had arranged for people to set up a long table in the courtyard and also prepared meals in advance. Su Nan, having just experienced a major epidemic, couldn’t compare to Shengjing. Although there were relief foods and medicine available now, frugality was still necessary. The meals were all very simple, but in the center stood a bowl of sweet dumplings, rumored to contain coins inside some of them.
Lin Danqing pulled Lu Tong to sit down in the courtyard. Chang Jin specially opened a bottle of Tusuzui Wine, but only allowed each person a small cup to avoid affecting work. Lu Tong, taking medicine, was given only a cup of hot water.
"Everyone has worked hard," Chang Jin stood up with his wine cup in hand, his voice carrying a touch of emotion, "During these days in Su Nan, my colleagues have worked together with one heart, sharing both the sweet and the bitter in fighting the epidemic. Now that Su Nan’s crisis has been resolved, everyone here is a contributor to our success. I want to toast to all of you first to hope that when we return to the Medical Officer Institute, no matter where we serve, we will always remember the time we fought side by side in Su Nan, to never forget our original aspirations, and to support each other. Also, may Su Nan, after this epidemic, see a turnaround for the better, and may all things be favorable!"
He hadn’t drunk yet but seemed to be intoxicated already, saying so much in one breath.
Lin Danqing leaned over to Lu Tong, whispering, "See, the old doctor was right. Chief Physician Chang really wants to reflect on the future."
Lu Tong: "..."
The next moment, Chang Jin pointed at Lin Danqing, "Doctor Lin has performed brilliantly this time, and he can be promoted three ranks in the Official Examiner’s assessment!"
"Really?" Lin Danqing rose excitedly, his previous disdain swept away as he held up his wine cup seriously, "Thank you, Chief Physician. I toast to you!"
The medical officers then burst into laughter.
Loud toasting and chatter filled the air, while Lu Tong concentrated on probing the sweet dumplings in her bowl with a spoon.
A large bowl of sweet dumplings was divided among everyone, giving each person a small bowl with four dumplings, symbolizing peace throughout the four seasons.
Lu Tong slowly ate all four of her dumplings and found not a single coin.
Disappointed, she stirred her empty porcelain bowl with a spoon when she heard a voice, "Are you looking for coins?"
Lu Tong turned around to see Ji Xun pushing his bowl towards her.
She was startled for a moment. Ji Xun cleared his throat and explained, "I saw you looking for something... I haven’t touched this bowl; you eat it."
He noticed Lu Tong’s lack of interest in the other foods, having barely touched anything all night, but she had finished the sweet dumplings in front of her and seemed to still be wanting more. He quickly realized that Lu Tong was probably searching for coins.
It’s said that eating sweet dumplings with coins inside brings good fortune for the new year.
"No need," Lu Tong thanked him and pushed the bowl back to Ji Xun, "I’m already full."
Perhaps influenced by Lin Danqing, she had recently started to believe a lot in luck. Although she wished for more good fortune, Ji Xun’s gesture was somewhat inappropriate. If there were also no coins in Ji Xun’s bowl, eating a total of eight sweet dumplings on top of what she already had, she might feel uncomfortably stuffed tonight.
Ji Xun paused, about to speak, when Suddenly, Chang Jin’s voice came from behind, "Lord Pei."
The two of them turned to look and saw from outside the lodging courtyard, a young man entering with a smile in his eyes, scanning the people seated and then stepping in.
"I’m late, my apologies," he said.