Lu Zheng wore a bright smile, pretending not to notice Du Yueyao’s unease, and said cheerfully to Madame Du, “Thank you for your concern, Madame. I am already betrothed.”
Madame Du’s expression remained unchanged, perfectly natural, and she nodded with a smile, “I knew it, a gentleman like you, so refined, could not possibly be unattached. It seems you are indeed engaged to a fine lady.”
Du Yueyao paused briefly, suppressing her earlier discomfort, wanting to speak but unsure where to begin.
Madame Du decisively spoke for her daughter, “May I ask which family’s young lady has caught your eye?”
“It is I who am fortunate to have her affection,” Lu Zheng said with a smile. “My fiancée’s family lives next door, surnamed Liu, a family of physicians for generations.”
“A childhood sweetheart!” Madame Du exclaimed, as if suddenly enlightened.
“A family of physicians!” Du Yuru said with deep respect.
Du Yueyao couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had only met him twice, how could she compare to a twenty-year bond of childhood sweethearts?
Du Yuru’s family had only inquired about Lu Zheng’s residence, without digging into his past or his neighbours. After all, they had come to express gratitude, and prying too much into personal matters might upset Lu Zheng, turning gratitude into enmity. If there were any prospects for further connection between Lu Zheng and Du Yueyao, those matters could be addressed later. Thus, they were unaware that Lu Zheng had moved there less than two years ago, or that Liu Qingyan’s family were also newcomers.
Lu Zheng smiled, offering no explanation.
“To be honest, my father was also a physician, though I did not inherit his skills and instead entered officialdom,” Du Yuru said with a smile. “Physicians save lives and help the common people. I hold them in high esteem.”
“You practice extraordinary arts, uphold justice, and your fiancée comes from a family of physicians, saving lives. Truly a perfect match, a union made in heaven,” Madame Du praised with a smile.
The two swiftly dispelled the slight awkwardness in the air.
Du Yuru, the prefect of Yizhou, was a decent man. If there was a chance to build a friendship, Lu Zheng would not push it away, as he might need to deal with officials in the future. However, if they harboured any ulterior motives, Lu Zheng would not tolerate it. Judging by their sincere expressions, he felt he had not misjudged them.
“Qingyan is highly skilled in medicine and often attends patients at Renxin Hall,” Lu Zheng mentioned casually.
“Oh?” Du Yuru raised an eyebrow. “That is remarkable!”
In all walks of life, who does not fall ill? Physicians, destined to meet all sorts of people, naturally hold an advantageous position, yet they are not immune to encountering unreasonable or troublesome patients. Beyond medical expertise, a physician needs the art of soothing hearts and strong mental resilience.
“Is that so? Yueyao has also studied medicine but rarely gets to practice. I must say, I’m a bit envious of Miss Liu,” Du Yueyao said, turning her head.
Du Yuru smiled, “When Yueyao was young, she was raised by my parents, inheriting their medical knowledge. She studied under her grandfather for years and has a solid foundation, but since accompanying me to my post, she hasn’t had a clinic to practice in.”
Du Yueyao thought for a moment, then looked at Lu Zheng, speaking softly, “If you don’t mind, I’d love to meet Miss Liu and discuss medicine with her.”
Her thoughts were simple. Lu Zheng had saved their lives, and a mere visit with gifts hardly repaid such a debt. Since he, as an extraordinary figure, had no intention of entering officialdom, her father had little to offer. Upon learning that Liu Qingyan’s family were physicians, Du Yueyao thought to share her medical knowledge with her. In her mind, folk physicians, no matter how skilled, could not match her family’s heritage. Of course, there was also a hint of curiosity to see who Liu Qingyan was and what she was capable of.
Her intentions were plain on her face, clear to both the Du couple and Lu Zheng.
Lu Zheng glanced at the Du couple. Du Yuru smiled, “As newcomers here, Yueyao has few close friends. She should make more.”
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, are you sure? But since Du Yuru did not politely decline, Lu Zheng saw no need to evade.
“Alright, when Qingyan returns tonight, I’ll introduce her to Miss Du.”
“You’re too kind,” Du Yueyao replied.
Lu Zheng turned to Du Yuru, “Will you stay in Tonglin County tonight, Mr. Du? If you don’t mind, I’ll have Uncle Li prepare rooms for you.”
Du Yuru did not stand on ceremony, smiling, “Then we shall trouble you.”
“You’re too polite, Mr. Du. Uncle Li, ask Aunt Liu to prepare dinner.”
“Right away!” Uncle Li hurried to the kitchen.
Good heavens! The prefect of Yizhou! Old Li could hardly believe he had the chance to host such distinguished guests, who, it seemed, owed a debt to his young master. Reflecting on the past year, Uncle Li felt his life had been worthwhile.
…
Next, Lu Zheng chatted with the Du family, then showed them around his courtyard. When the time was right, he sent Uncle Li to fetch Liu Qingyan from next door.
After a tour, they returned to the front courtyard, where Liu Qingyan entered gracefully. Dressed in a lake-green narcissus silk skirt, with a blackwood hairpin securing her hair, her delicate brows lightly drawn, her eyes like autumn waters, and her face lightly made up, she was like a lotus rising from the water.
Seeing Liu Qingyan, the Du family was stunned.
“Guests at home?” Liu Qingyan said with a smile.
“Indeed. Let me introduce you,” Lu Zheng said, taking her hand. “This is Mr. Du’s family, the ones I told you about from the painted wall incident. Mr. Du is the prefect of Yizhou, and his family are also physicians.”
“Greetings, Mr. Du,” Liu Qingyan said, giving a slight curtsy.
“No need for formality!” Du Yuru gestured for her to rise, while Madame Du stepped forward to help her up.
“Truly a celestial beauty, such a fine match for Master Lu!”
“Thank you, Madame,” Liu Qingyan said, holding Madame Du’s hand, then smiling at Du Yueyao. “Greetings, Miss Du.”
“Greetings, Miss Liu!” Du Yueyao returned the curtsy, her expression poised but her eyes betraying shock.
“Dinner is ready, Master,” Uncle Li announced.
Lu Zheng nodded and invited everyone to the dining hall.
…
At the banquet, Liu Qingyan’s refined speech and elegant demeanour left the Du couple in awe, thinking she was indeed a worthy fiancée for Lu Zheng. Meanwhile, Du Yueyao, having abandoned any other thoughts upon seeing Liu Qingyan, sincerely discussed medicine with her. To her astonishment, Liu Qingyan’s medical knowledge far surpassed her own, with extensive practical experience and theoretical depth that outstripped her family’s teachings by miles.
By the end of the conversation, Du Yueyao’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Sister Liu, may I study medicine with you?”
