Chapter 179: Chapter 87 Mid-Autumn_3
Pei Yunshu subtly tried questioning Prince Wen about which family’s daughter the Empress Dowager had taken a liking to, but Prince Wen changed the subject, not wishing to discuss it further with her.
Today, an imperial banquet was set before His Majesty, and many people of rank were present. Perhaps one of them was the marriage prospect the Empress Dowager had in mind.
It was just that she didn’t know which family it was.
After zoning out for a while, Pei Yunshu shook her head. Speculating wildly was of no use to her; when the ship reached the pier, it would naturally straighten itself out. If that step indeed came, it wouldn’t be too late to think of strategies then.
Moreover, it was possible that in assigning a marriage, the Empress Dowager might choose the very one her own brother liked best. He’d be eager to comply and wouldn’t need her to worry unduly for him.
She sighed and casually picked up a small clay toy from the table to play with. The toy was modelled after a child, painted in bright colors and decorated with pearls and jade, looking quite adorable.
Seeing this, Fangzi laughed and said, "Why the sigh, Princess Consort? In no time at all, you’ll be meeting with the Little Crown Prince or little miss. If they saw you now, they might think you are impatient with them."
"Nonsense, how could I be impatient with them?"
Pei Yunshu looked down at her slightly swollen belly and a smile formed at the corner of her mouth.
She would give birth in two more months.
She hoped all would be peaceful and smooth.
...
Inside the Prince’s Mansion, Lu Tong and Yin Zheng were following a servant girl to the rear kitchen.
Since arriving in Shengjing, Lu Tong had visited the residences of many wealthy and noble families.
Ke Family’s residence was beautifully intricate, the Fan Family Mansion was the epitome of luxury, but Prince Wen’s Mansion was different.
The Prince’s Mansion contained a large garden, with pavilions dotted around, winding ponds, and fragrant flowers blooming in abundance. It was said that a portion of the flowers admired in the palace’s imperial gardens each year were supplied by the Xunfang Garden of Prince Wen’s Mansion.
Now, in the golden autumn season, upon entering the Prince’s Mansion, clusters of fragrant osmanthus welcomed them, the cool fragrance striking the face immediately.
The guide in front saw Yin Zheng’s face filled with amazement, suppressed the disdain in her eyes, and smiled, "There’s a banquet in the Prince’s Mansion today, and everyone is busy in the rear garden. You can leave once you have delivered the medicine to the rear kitchen."
Lu Tong didn’t speak.
Actually, delivering the medicine to the gate of the mansion would have sufficed. However, instructions on how to store the medicinal tea and reminders for drinking it had to be explained thoroughly. After delivering the medicine to the kitchen and going over everything to be communicated, Lu Tong and Yin Zheng then left.
The guide handed a diagnostic fee to Yin Zheng and, with a smile towards Lu Tong, said, "If the lady finds the medicine useful, we’ll trouble you to come again to deliver more medicinal tea."
Yin Zheng quickly replied, "Of course."
Lu Tong also responded softly, and as the guide was about to escort them out, an uncertain voice suddenly came from behind.
"Doctor Lu?"
Lu Tong stopped, turned around, and saw a woman, whose hair was done up high with pearl hairpins, standing a few steps away, looking at her in surprise.
Lady Dong?
Lu Tong was slightly amazed in her heart.
She hadn’t expected to encounter Dong Lin’s mother, Lady Dong from the Minister of Imperial Treasury’s residence, here.
Lu Tong nodded, "Lady Dong."
Lady Dong walked a couple of steps towards her, her gaze lingering momentarily on the medical box strapped to her back, curious, "What brings Doctor Lu here? Could it be that someone in the Prince’s Mansion is ill?"
The guiding servant, fearing Lady Dong might misunderstand, quickly gave Lu Tong a gentle push from behind.
Lu Tong then said, "No, that’s not it. I am here to deliver ’Xianxian’ to the Prince’s Mansion."
"Xianxian?" Lady Dong was startled for a moment, then she laughed, "Doctor Lu’s business has even reached the Prince’s Mansion. It seems Renxin Medical Hall has quite the reputation now."
Lu Tong replied with a smile, "All thanks to the help from Lady Dong previously. With Lady Dong’s prestigious connections, those families went to the medical hall to purchase medicines after hearing the lady’s recommendation."
Lady Dong, who loved hearing praise about her good relationships, felt pleased upon hearing this. Looking back at Lu Tong, she felt increasingly that this young female doctor was sharp-witted and knew how to speak well, far more so than the young folks nowadays. No wonder the Princely Heir of Lord Zhao Ning, Pei Yunmeng, held her in high regard.
Thinking of the Princely Heir Pei Yunmeng, an idea suddenly struck Lady Dong.
She looked at Lu Tong, her eyes twinkling, took Lu Tong’s hand warmly, and smiled, "Today is Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Prince’s Mansion is hosting a banquet to treat guests. I’m here to attend. You’re quite lucky to have arrived just now as the banquet hasn’t started yet; many ladies and misses should have already arrived. Come with me, I’ll talk to them about your medicinal tea. If you have a few jars with you, give them as samples to try. This could be a good opportunity for you. What do you think?"
Lu Tong was a bit surprised.
While Lady Dong was smiling on the surface, she had her own considerations in mind.