Lamp Flower Smile

The night was dark.

In the Grand Tutor's Mansion, when Qi Huaying woke up, he heard Qiangwei beside him saying to the maid that Pei Yunying had come to the mansion.

Pei Yunying?

Qi Huaying was startled.

His brother's body was still warm, what was he doing here?

Qi Huaying lifted the quilt, got out of bed and went to the hall.

In the hall, Qi Yutai's coffin was placed in the center. All the lanterns in the mansion were changed to white overnight. When the night wind blew, it was eerie and chilling.

Qi Qing sat on the seat, his black gauze robe wrapped around his dry body, his expression was dead, and he looked more like a corpse than the person in the coffin.

Footsteps sounded in the silence, which was particularly clear at night.

He raised his eyelids, and his turbid old eyes fixed on the person in front of him. After a long time, he seemed to see the person clearly.

"Pei Dianshuai." He said.

Pei Yunying stood still, his eyes swept over the coffin in the hall, and finally, he said calmly: "Master Qi, please accept my condolences."

The Grand Master nodded, his expression was not sad and grief-stricken, and he was silent for a long time, then spoke calmly. "Just now, the servant said that Doctor Lu came to the mansion and was taken away by you."

"You want to save her?"

Pei Yunying's eyes turned cold: "You want to kill her?"

The guards at the door were alert for a moment, and their fingers grasped the scabbards.

Qi Qing raised his hand to stop the guards' actions, and coughed softly again. After coughing a few times, he put down the handkerchief on his lips and sighed deeply.

"I only have this one son."

He said: "He has been pampered since he was a child and has never suffered any grievances. I hoped that he would bring honor to the family, but I didn't expect his talent to be mediocre and his fate to be short."

Qi Qing looked at Pei Yunying.

The young man in front of him was dressed in black scale brocade, heroic and outstanding, like a cold knife in the soft red of Shengjing City, sharp and sharp, and it would kill the throat with blood.

It's a pity that he is not his own son.

"Your father is more fortunate than me," he shook his head with a sigh, "With such an excellent son like you, the Pei family will have a promising future."

Pei Yunying said calmly: "My Lord, you don't have to tie me to the Zhaoning Mansion."

"So, you want to abandon the Pei family for a female doctor?"

Pei Yunying sneered.

He said contemptuously: "How can you abandon someone who has never been with you?"

Qi Qing didn't say anything, staring at him carefully, his old eyes with shadows suddenly became sharp, and he suddenly said: "Did you know why your mother died?"

It has been many years since the wife of Zhaoning was shot and killed by the rebel army.

It was a well-known fact that Pei Yunying had a rift with Pei Di since then.

The people who knew the internal situation at that time are no longer alive. On the surface, Zhaoning sacrificed his wife to quell the rebellion, which was just a choice between morality and personal feelings. It was natural for Pei Yunying to be separated from his father and son.

However, Qi Qing believed in his intuition more.

But over the years, he did not find any clues to prove that Pei Yunying had ulterior motives. At the royal banquet, Pei Yunying protected him with his body and was trusted by the royal family. Even if this trust was not 100%, the status of the Palace Front Office in the court could not be shaken at will.

Over the years, Qi Qing had advised Emperor Liang Ming to beware of Prince Ning, but Prince Ning was too good at disguise. Since Emperor Liang Ming ascended the throne, several princes of the previous emperor had been in trouble. Emperor Liang Ming was also afraid of the gossip of the world, so he let the tiger go back to the mountain and let the seemingly weak and incompetent Prince Ning survive.

Cutting the grass before removing the roots has lost the initiative. What's more, he is getting older and weaker day by day, and the heart of the emperor is gradually dissatisfied with being controlled by him. Now even the position of the crown prince, Emperor Liang Ming has his own selfishness. Suppressing the prince is to suppress the Tai Shi Mansion.

Internal and external troubles, the monarch and his ministers are alienated, and the Qi family is no longer a solid block.

It just so happened that at this time, Yutai had an accident.

"Are you here to warn me on behalf of the Third Prince?" he asked.

"No."

Pei Yunying said coldly: "I am here to tell you for myself, don't touch her."

He didn't say the name, but it was self-evident who this "she" was.

Qi Qing's face darkened slightly.

He sneered: "Before Yutai got into trouble, she was the only one he had close contact with, and she was inseparable from him."

"Even if it has nothing to do with her, this woman must not be kept."

The old man said slowly: "If I want her to die, what can you do, attack me?"

Hearing this, Pei Yunying laughed instead.

"The Grand Master is old, how can I attack an elder?"

He raised his eyes, his eyes were piercingly cold, and he curled his lips sarcastically: "The Qi family just lost a son, but there is still a daughter."

Qi Qing's eyes suddenly became cold: "You dare!"

Pei Yunying smiled and took two steps back, his fingertips brushing the long sword on his waist.

"Five years ago, at the Royal Banquet, the Grand Master saw me kill someone. Sir, why not try and see which is faster, your people or my knife."

"If you touch her, I will kill you... my most beloved one."

His eyebrows were soft and his smile was bright, but his eyes were like cold knives and sharp swords, full of murderous intent.

He was not joking.

Qi Huaying's face turned pale when she walked to the door.

When she had fantasies about Pei Yunying, she had expected him to come to her house many times. She didn't expect that the first time she saw him in her house would be like this.

Such indifference, sharpness, and tension.

She felt sorry for herself.

Pei Yunying glanced at her lightly, and that look frightened her.

Until the other party left, Qi Huaying didn't recover from the fear of that look.

There was a violent cough in the hall, Qi Huaying suddenly woke up and ran into the house quickly. Qi Qing held the silk handkerchief and coughed violently, and Qi Huaying's tears suddenly came out: "Dad!"

Qi Qing looked at her and closed her eyes.

He has only one son and one daughter.

His son is now lying in a coffin.

His daughter has been outstanding since she was a child, and Sheng Jing always praises her for her dignity and propriety, but this propriety is not worth mentioning before the heavy rain comes. If he dies in the future, who can protect Qi Huaying?

After all, it's the end of the road.

…

The sky is as thick as dark ink, and the night is still long.

In the East Palace, Prince Yuan Zhen has not gone to bed, and is pacing back and forth in the room, wearing his middle coat.

The Crown Princess handed over a cup of hot soup from the side, but Yuan Zhen brushed it away, looking a little irritable.

He has been under house arrest for more than a month.

Emperor Liang Ming punished him resolutely and ordered him to leave the house. He was unable to attend the banquet on the Mid-Autumn Festival night, and there was no trace of him in the ceremony. All the ministers had seen Emperor Liang Ming's plan to change the throne to crown prince, and Yuan Zhen was very anxious.

His father had always disliked him, and Yuan Zhen knew it. Emperor Liang Ming preferred Yuan Yao, the son of Concubine Chen, to himself.

The growing power of Chen Guogong's faction may not have been without the tacit approval of Emperor Liang Ming.

The father wants to depose the prince.

Yuan Zhen herself was at a loss. She didn't know when Yuan Yao had reached an equal position with her. Even though his father doted on him, he was the eldest son. Why did Yuan Yao deserve it?

He gradually began to lose his temper. Grand Master Qi Qing had been comforting him and telling him not to be impatient. However, news came back last night that Qi Yutai was dead.

Qi Qing's son Qi Yutai died.

There is only one son in the Taishi Mansion. Qi Qing supports him in order to prepare for his son in the future. However, now that there are no people in the Qi family to inherit the family business, no one can say whether Qi Qing will no longer stand by him. .

People's hearts are unpredictable.

He stood up abruptly and called his confidants in.

"You, go to the Grand Master's Mansion and bring a message to Qi Qing," he said.

The confidant was startled: "Your Highness, those people are watching the East Palace very closely now..."

Emperor Liang Ming was suspicious of him, and there were emperor spies everywhere in the mansion. It was very risky to go to the Taishi Mansion to send a message at this time.

Yuan Zhen said angrily: "Go if I tell you to!"

There is no time.

He had an intuition that Qi Yutai's death seemed to be the beginning of something. Yuan Yao would not let go of this opportunity. If he could not change his situation as soon as possible, he might not have another chance in the future.

He grabbed his henchman by the collar and spoke hastily.

"Tell him that his son is dead, but he still has other members of the Qi family. If Yuan Yao ascends to the throne and I die, he won't be able to escape, and he won't even be able to save his daughter, the daughter of his daughter!"

"I want him to think clearly whether he should live or die together!"

The prince stared. The long period of confinement made him less calm than before, and some of his previous arrogance had also faded away, like a madman seeking medical treatment in a hurry.

The confidant was shocked, and Nuonuo responded: "Yes..."

…

The night passed, and everyone had their own sleepless nights.

Lu Zhuo rested at the Palace Commander's Mansion that night.

As expected, Qing Feng and Chi Jian guarded her conscientiously, preventing her from stepping out of the palace gate.

Pei Yunying had another message delivered to Yin Zheng and Lin Danqing, saying that Xiao Zhufeng had suddenly become seriously ill and that Lu Zhu would stay at Dian Shuai's residence to treat Xiao Zhufeng and return in a few days.

It's about the Palace Commander's Mansion, so naturally the Medical Officer's Court won't say anything. Yin Zheng came to deliver the medical kit at night and saw that Lu Zhuo was fine, so she gave up her last doubts. She regretted that the lychee kidneys she bought had to be put into Du Changqing's stomach when they were boiled for duck. After talking for a few words, she went back to West Street. .

Lu Yan didn't tell her these things either.

One more person who knows it will only increase the trouble.

The guards in the Palace Commander's Mansion were very enthusiastic towards Lu Chen. Although they did not ask her why she stayed here, they were afraid that she would be bored and bored, so they all rushed to chat with Lu Chen to relieve her troubles.

Lu Yan tried to get some news about the Taishi Mansion from these people, but he didn't know whether it was because the guards were too tight-lipped or because they really hadn't heard any news. After a whole morning, there was no result.

In the afternoon, someone came to the palace.

People come often.

Qing Feng put Chang Jin into the Palace Commander's Mansion. As soon as he entered, Chang Jin pulled Lu Zhuo to talk.

"I came to see you last night. Danqing said that you had returned to West Street and would come back early this morning. Early this morning, I also said that Deputy Xiao was seriously ill and that you were in the Palace Commander's Mansion." At this point, Chang Jin looked around and said suspiciously: "Why don't you see Deputy Ambassador Xiao?"

"He recovered and went home to rest." Lu Meng said without changing his expression: "What is the doctor looking for me for?"

Often in a hurry, as if there is something important to do.

Chang Jin glanced outside and asked Lu Zhuo to come into the room to talk. This was where Pei Yunying and Xiao Zhufeng were handling official documents. There was no one at the moment. Chang Jin pushed Lu Zhuo in and closed the door.

Lu Zhen looked at his movements with some confusion.

Chang Jin took out a booklet from his arms and handed it to Lu Zhuo.

Lu Zhuo looked over and couldn't help but be startled.

"This is... the list of medical officers who went to southern Jiangsu to save the plague?"

Chang Jin sighed.

"After the locust plague in southern Jiangsu, a major epidemic gradually broke out. The palace arranged for medical officers to go to southern Jiangsu to treat the epidemic. Originally, I didn't want to call you."

"Most of the medical officers who treat the epidemic are old medical officers. You are young and have no experience in treating epidemics. I treated Young Master Qi before, so I didn't tell you about it. I thought it would be better for you to stay at the Medical Officer's Hospital."

"However, something happened to Mr. Qi now."

Chang Jin looked at her worriedly.

"You and Mr. Qi had an old grudge. Mr. Qi died miserably now. You treated him before. Although his death had nothing to do with you, the Taishi Mansion may not be angry. I have thought about it, and you stay It's dangerous to be in Shengjing, so it's better to go to Sunan together and avoid the place of right and wrong for the time being. After this matter is over and the dust settles, it won't be too late to return to the capital."

Lu Chen was stunned.

She didn't expect Chang Jin to have such plans for her.

Seeing that she was silent, Chang Jin misunderstood her meaning and thought that she didn't believe him, so he explained: "Doctor Lu, you used to be a doctor in the folk, so you don't know some things. Ordinary doctors have no background in the imperial city, and sometimes when they are sick and have accidents, they are inevitably used as punching bags."

"It's not that there haven't been such things in the past."

He sighed: "I'm not exaggerating, I really can't bear to see you sacrifice for these irrelevant things. The team going to Southern Jiangsu will set off the day after tomorrow. If you don't object, I will add your name, so that you can avoid trouble."

He leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Young man, it may not be a bad idea to remove the fire from the bottom of the pot and avoid the edge for the time being."

Lu Tong clenched the list in his hand and raised his head.

"Doctor, aren't you afraid of causing trouble by helping me like this?"

Chang Jin is a good old man. Since Cui Min was imprisoned, Chang Jin has been temporarily responsible for all the affairs of the court. Adding his name to the list, Qi Qing immediately knew that it was Chang Jin's idea when he asked about it later.

Why offend the Grand Tutor's Mansion for yourself?

Chang Jin smiled shyly upon hearing this.

"Doctor Lu, I've actually been to West Street once."

Lu Tong was slightly startled.

He said, "After the incident with Cui Yuanshi, I went to inquire about it. Later I found out that the chief doctor of Renxin Clinic was Miao, the deputy director."

"When I first entered the Medical Officer's Office, I knew nothing and often failed the clerk's examination. It was Miao, the deputy director, who lent me his medical books and notes to help me review. The old guys in the Medical Officer's Office, who didn't receive the favor of Miao Yuanshi."

He laughed, "When I went to West Street, you went to the Taishi Mansion to see patients, not in the clinic. Miao, the deputy director, told me that you are his benefactor and his student, and asked me to take good care of you in the Medical Officer's Office and not to be too strict with you. He also repeatedly told me not to tell me that I had seen him."

"No wonder you are so good at medicine, because you have a good teacher." Chang Jin sighed, "The deputy director asked me to take care of you, but your medical skills are far better than mine, I have nothing to teach you, and my status is not prominent. Now that the Qi family is in trouble, if I can't help, wouldn't I be ashamed of the deputy director's entrustment?"

Lu Tong was silent.

She didn't know that Chang Jin had looked for Miao Liangfang, and she didn't know that there was such a relationship between the two.

"Doctor Lu," Chang Jin said seriously, "I can only do my best to help you. The Qi family in Shengjing is powerful, and you are in danger. However, the epidemic in southern Jiangsu is serious, and doctors are not infallible. Everyone has their own difficulties. How to choose is up to you."

"There is no time to lose. I can't stay for long. I have to go back to the medical officer's office." He said, "Think about it carefully. Tell me before tomorrow afternoon when you have thought it through."

He gave Lu Tong a few more instructions, and then hurried away. After taking him away, the two of them turned out under the sycamore tree at the entrance of the Palace Marshal's Mansion.

Xiao Zhufeng glanced at Chang Jin's receding back and said, "Your Doctor Lu is lucky."

The situation is already very unfavorable to her, but at this time, Chang Jin stood up to help her, and the situation turned around.

Pei Yunying was silent.

Xiao Zhufeng tilted his head: "Can't bear to let her go?" He reminded: "This is her best chance."

"You and I will be very busy next. Shengjing is in turmoil. If she stays here, it will only cause trouble. Even if you protect her, aren't you afraid that she will rush to the Grand Tutor's Mansion and kill people in a fit of rage?"

Pei Yunying pressed his eyebrows.

Lu Tong was not afraid of death at all.

After her revenge, she only wanted to die with Qi Qing to save her body and everyone behind her. Her belief in death was too firm and her attitude was too resolute, so he couldn't find any way to stop her. Even if she was locked up in the Palace Marshal's Mansion now, she could be locked up for a while but not for a lifetime.

He originally thought that there was nothing in the world that could not be overcome, but at this moment he was helpless with her, just like the most difficult piece of wood in the wooden tower in his study. No matter what, he was defeated in front of her.

After a long time, he said: "I'm just worried."

It is difficult to see the exact situation of the epidemic in southern Jiangsu with just a few short sentences in the document.

"Her medical skills are among the best in the Medical Officers' Academy, and she is better at killing people than anyone else. Ten men are no match for her. What are you worrying about?"

Xiao Zhufeng said in surprise, "If you want to worry about her, you might as well worry about yourself. Maybe when she comes back from Southern Jiangsu, she will be able to collect your body. Maybe she will even avenge you and live a few more years."

Hearing this, Pei Yunying smiled and said indifferently, "Forget it. If I die, I will see her running around for me. I am afraid she will not rest in peace in the underworld."

Xiao Zhufeng was speechless.

The two of them were silent for a while, and Xiao Zhufeng said, "However, she may not go to Southern Jiangsu. She herself left the Lu family when the epidemic broke out in Changwu County. Going to Southern Jiangsu will inevitably be sad."

People don't want to face painful memories.

Pei Yunying's eyes moved slightly.

He didn't know what Lu Tong would choose.

He hoped that she would stay in Shengjing, where he could watch over her and protect her, but he was also afraid that if she stayed in Shengjing, this stubborn person would only walk into the abyss without looking back again.

A dilemma.

Just as they were thinking, footsteps were heard behind them. The two turned back and saw Lu Tong coming out.

She saw two people under the tree in the courtyard at a glance, and walked straight towards Pei Yunying.

Xiao Zhufeng turned his back silently and left quickly.

Lu Tong stood in front of Pei Yunying.

The ground was covered with yellow leaves under the sycamore tree, and the two stood facing each other under the empty branches.

The wind blew, and a fallen leaf fell into her hair. He raised his hand and gently brushed it away for her.

Lu Tong's eyes moved slightly, and she looked up and looked at him.

"The palace commander doesn't have to keep me detained all the time," she said, "The guards in the mansion are also very tired."

Pei Yunying lowered his eyebrows and looked at Lu Tong. He saw her stretch out her hand and hold up a blue cover in front of him.

"I'm going to southern Jiangsu," she said.