Chapter 255: Chapter 108: Bumping into Him Again_3
Widow Sun pondered for a moment, eyes lighting up, "Oh, it’s that one!" Then she looked at Lu Tong with confusion, "But he’s not handsome at all, what does Doctor Lu want with him?"
The charming widow stood out in her bright aquamarine dress, adorned with glittering gold jewelry. Her voice was soft and gentle, and for a moment, many people turned their gazes toward her.
Seeing everyone looking at her, Widow Sun paused in her seed-cracking, innocently asked, "What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect? Doctor Lu has seen all manner of handsome men at the medical clinic. That Young Master Dong isn’t even as dashing as my Sanlang, let alone the handsome Lord Pei. Even if they were no match, Shopkeeper Du wouldn’t be bad either."
Du Changqing: "..."
"With Doctor Lu being so beautiful and skilled in medicine, how could she possibly fancy that Young Master Dong? Must be deceiving someone."
Granny Wang snapped, "You!"
As if nothing had happened, Widow Sun smoothed her hair, pretending not to notice the granny’s fierce glare in front of her.
She always judged people by their looks, and that Young Master Dong was far inferior to Lord Pei. If she, a widow, didn’t fancy him, how could the young Doctor Lu?
Moreover, though she became a widow early, she wasn’t foolish, and she wasn’t completely ignorant of the intricate ways of the residence. It was clear that the granny put on this show early at the medical clinic’s doorstep to tarnish Lu Tong’s reputation.
Being neighbors, Lu Tong used to constantly assist "Xianxian" in transforming Dai Sanlang into "porker Pan An." Later, there was the handsome young man, Pei Yunmeng, as a friend. Even just for the sake of her own eyesight, shouldn’t she lend a hand to Lu Tong?
Widow Sun sighed, "What’s so great about high status? A woman choosing a husband, of course, should pick the handsome one first, so that her children will be just as comely. It’s more pleasant to the eyes."
"If she bears an ugly one, oh dear, that would spoil her descendants for life!"
"Right, right, right," Sister Song timely joined in the conversation, "a man being short is definitely not acceptable..."
Listening to the group of women gossiping and insinuating, Granny Wang’s face turned livid.
She had only intended to embarrass Lu Tong in front of the clinic to make her mistress feel better, but the folks of West Street were impenetrable.
Her own young master, of such status, had become the disdained one in the mouths of these crazy women. She wanted to say more but was worried that arguing with these gossips would degrade the dignity of the Minister of Imperial Treasury’s family.
If her mistress heard what was said today, she’d probably become even more upset.
Granny Wang glared viciously at the group of chatterers, restraining her anger, and turned to look at Lu Tong.
"Miss Lu is well-liked, with many people speaking for her. This old servant cannot argue with that. I have delivered the message I was meant to, so Miss Lu, take care." With a sneer, she added, "As for the matter of the spring examination, Miss Lu, please find someone more capable. With your skills, passing the spring examination is only a matter of time."
"This old servant, thus wishes to congratulate the lady in advance."
Having said her piece, she turned coldly and motioned to the group of grannies to get onto the carriage, "Let’s go!"
Du Changqing cursed under his breath, "These sons of turtles..."
The carriage rolled away from the clinic, leaving a long trail of wheel ruts in the snow.
The crowd outside, still interested in the spectacle, had not completely dispersed.
Widow Sun and Sister Song squeezed their way forward, with Sister Song patting Lu Tong on the shoulder, "It’s just a Minister of Imperial Treasury, who are they to look down on others? Don’t be afraid, Miss Lu. You’re a young lady with delicate sensibilities, not one to speak out easily. Us old women can speak freely."
"Quite right," Widow Sun also offered comfort, "I’ve seen many like them, flaunting their wealth as if their sons are the desire of everyone in the world, not realising whether we in West Street lack for handsome men. What of it if he’s the son of the Minister of Imperial Treasury? Pressured by his own mother to be so wretched, he clearly doesn’t compare to my heroic Sanlang!"
Du Changqing, annoyed, positioned himself by the door, pushing people outside, "Haven’t you all talked enough? This is a clinic, not a teahouse. Go on, go, don’t hold up our business!"
Official Hu watched the crowd slowly dispersing at the doorway and asked Lu Tong, "Does Doctor Lu truly wish to take the spring examination?"
Lu Tong nodded.
The Old Scholar thought for a moment, "I do know some people in the medical profession..."
Lu Tong looked interested, "Does Mr. Hu have a solution?"
Official Hu waved a hand, "I wouldn’t dare to guarantee anything, but if Doctor Lu really wishes to participate, I can certainly try to assist. However..." He glanced over Lu Tong’s shoulder and coughed lightly, "Let’s talk about this when Doctor Lu has made up her mind. It’s getting late, and my wife awaits me at home. I should be going."