Chapter 59: Zhao Feiyan

Chapter 59: Zhao Feiyan

"Miss, that Lord Xiao Pei is terrifying. He’s smiling, but he looks like the Yama King from the underworld."

After Pei Yunying left, in the Medical Center, Yin Zheng cautiously approached Lu Tong and whispered, "When he mentioned the Ke family, could he have discovered something?"

Lu Tong shook her head. "No." After a moment of silence, she added, "Even if he did, there’s no evidence."

The Ke family had completely fallen. The only witness, Wan Fu, had left Shengjing with his family days ago, and his whereabouts were unknown. The new bride of the Ke family had returned to her natal home. With the fall of the family, the servants fled or scattered. The only remaining member, Old Lady Ke, was said to have fallen while fighting with a maid who was stealing family assets. She was carried back to her bed and died shortly after.

The once-favored Ke family, known for their exquisite porcelain and favored by the Prime Minister's Mansion, had now fallen into ruin.

As the commander of the Palace Guard, even if Pei Yunying had doubts about the Ke family case, as long as he didn’t want to ruin his career, he couldn’t take the initiative to intervene in a case involving people from the previous dynasty, thereby inviting trouble.

The matter was thus put aside.

Yin Zheng was still somewhat worried, but seeing Lu Tong’s indifference, she gradually calmed down. She handed Lu Tong a cup of tea and asked in a low voice, "Did your visit to the Dong Mansion today go smoothly?"

Lu Tong hummed in acknowledgment and took a sip of the tea Yin Zheng offered.

The tea was bitter and refreshing, dispelling the summer heat. She closed the lid of the teacup, set it down, and gently rubbed her temples.

In recent days, whether as "Qianqian" or spreading rumors about "Pork Pan An," she had been doing so to spread the name of this medicinal tea far and wide, hoping it would reach the ears of someone interested.

Like Fan Zhenglian, the detailed examiner of the Court of Trial.

The famous "Fan Qingtian," Fan Zhenglian, known for his keen observation and strict law enforcement. It was this Fan Qingtian who had sentenced Lu Qian and made him a wanted fugitive.

She knew nothing about the Fan family, and Master Cao was cautious and unwilling to sell information about officials. To approach the Fan family, she had to rely on herself.

She was just an ordinary doctor at a medical center. People like Fan Zhenglian usually sought treatment from the medical officers of the Hanlin Medical Bureau; she had no other opportunities.

Fortunately, Yin Zheng managed to piece together some useful information from the neighbors, including Du Changqing. Fan Zhenglian’s wife, Lady Zhao, was plump and desired a slim waist. So Lu Tong became "Qianqian," waiting for the day when the fame of this medicinal tea would reach Lady Zhao.

Shengjing was vast, and even the entire population of Changwu County couldn’t match the prosperity of the outer city of Shengjing. Getting a message to the right person was filled with coincidence and chance.

But she was patient. If one day didn’t work, she’d try two days; if two days didn’t work, she’d try three days. By any means necessary, or by changing tactics, within a month or two, a year or two, one determined person would always find a way to approach another.

Lu Tong’s fingers unconsciously traced the raised patterns on the teacup.

Dong Lin’s words echoed in her mind again.

"In a few days, there will be the Summer Viewing Banquet in Shengjing. All the ladies will attend, and my mother... doesn’t want to be left behind at the banquet."

Summer Viewing Banquet...

All the ladies would attend. Would Lady Zhao, Fan Zhenglian’s wife, be there?

Today, she had misled Madame Dong about her relationship with Pei Yunying. Later, Mama Wang saw Pei Yunying come to the Medical Center. If everything went as planned, Mama Wang would report this to Madame Dong.

Madame Dong, eager to improve her relationship with Pei Yunying, would help her at the Summer Viewing Banquet, even if just to curry favor with him.

A faint sense of anticipation stirred within Lu Tong. This anticipation felt like the black beetle Yun Niang placed on her wound years ago, wriggling into her body, crawling through her veins, leaving a silent shiver beneath her skin.

It was both enticing and frightening.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the secret shiver, and called out to the person beside her, "Yin Zheng."

"What is it, Miss?"

Lu Tong looked at her. "I want to know when the Summer Viewing Banquet in Shengjing starts."

Yin Zheng blinked, then gave a mischievous smile. "Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it!"

...

Lu Tong’s original intention was that Lady Zhao might attend the Summer Viewing Banquet. At that time, Madame Dong might casually mention "Qianqian," potentially establishing a connection with the detailed examiner’s wife.

But Madame Dong acted much faster than Lu Tong expected.

Three days later, in the Fan family residence in Shengjing.

The parrot hanging outside the room started chirping early in the morning.

In the small courtyard pavilion sat a lady dressed in light blue silk, with delicate eyebrows and captivating beauty. She was Madame Dong, the wife of the Director of the Imperial Treasury, Lord Dong.

A young servant brought her a cup of clear tea and whispered, "Please wait a moment, our lady will be here shortly."

Madame Dong nodded.

Lord Fan Zhenglian, the current detailed examiner of the Court of Trial, was in his prime and had risen rapidly over the past few years, elevating his wife along with him. Madame Dong was here to deliver an invitation.

After waiting for half an incense stick, a group of maids in colorful dresses escorted a young lady towards her.

The lady wore a peach-colored embroidered gown, her hair styled elegantly, her brows like crescent moons, adorned with a gold and ruby hairpin. Her skin was smooth and radiant, like a peeled lychee, exuding charm. As she approached Madame Dong, she wiped her sweat with a handkerchief and smiled, "Sister, you must have waited long."

This was Lady Zhao, the wife of the detailed examiner Fan Zhenglian.

Madame Dong observed Lady Zhao.

Lady Zhao was beautiful, with crescent moon brows and spring peach cheeks. She had a charming name, Feiyan, the same as the infamous beauty in history who brought disaster to the nation.

She was aware of her own beauty and always carried a hint of pride. She disliked being overshadowed at events. Even today, despite it not being a grand gathering, she had dressed elaborately.

Madame Dong smiled. "Not at all, I just sat down." She then instructed her maid to present the invitation. "Here is the invitation for the upcoming Summer Viewing Banquet."

Lady Zhao showed a hint of embarrassment. "Thank you for coming all this way. I should have visited yesterday afternoon, but my husband was busy with official duties, and I waited until nightfall before giving up."

Madame Dong rolled her eyes inwardly.

Zhao Feiyan was the daughter of a minor official before she married. Her family background was indeed modest. Originally, marrying Fan Zhenglian could be considered a match made in heaven, but who knew that her husband's career would soar to new heights. In just a few short years, he had become an Investigative Officer at the Court of Trial. It seemed he would continue climbing even higher.

When a husband's career thrives and his wife's family is not prominent, the wife must be all the more cautious and meticulous.

Every day, Zhao Feiyan dressed herself exquisitely, adhering deeply to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. She waited for Fan Zhenglian to return from work, ate with him, and while he handled official business, she would sit by his side, adding fragrance to the air with her red sleeves...

Such behavior was sweet to Zhao Feiyan, but to Madame Dong, it was foolish.

Why bother?

Madame Dong patted Zhao Feiyan's hand and sighed, "For Minister Fan to have such a virtuous wife like you is truly his good fortune."

Zhao Feiyan smiled humbly.

"But didn't you say earlier that Minister Fan was supposed to be on leave this month? Why is he still busy?"

Zhao Feiyan spat, "It's all trivial matters. I don't know what the others at the Court of Trial do; they seem incapable without him."

Though her words were scolding, her tone was somewhat proud.

Nowadays, Fan Zhenglian was known as "Fan Qingtian" in Shengjing, praised for his capable handling of cases and his clear reputation. Everyone said the Court of Trial couldn't function a day without him.

Hearing this, Madame Dong's eyes flashed with mockery.

Everyone knew Fan Zhenglian loved beauty but also cherished his reputation. Though he didn't keep mistresses outside, he wasn't entirely clean. Zhao Feiyan must have heard rumors about other women but chose to cover for her husband and deceive herself.

Zhao Feiyan bore the beauty of a legendary seductress but practiced virtue to the utmost. One wonders what the historical seductress would think if she saw her namesake so humble.

As Madame Dong pondered, Zhao Feiyan picked up her gauze dress and admired it, praising, "Sister, your dress is truly beautiful."

Zhao Feiyan loved beauty the most and always wore the latest fashions in Shengjing. Madame Dong understood and smiled, "My son gave me some gauze last month. With the heat, I thought it would be perfect for a dress. If you like it, I can send you some."

Zhao Feiyan caressed Madame Dong's sleeve for a long time but finally shook her head, "No, better not."

It wasn't that Zhao Feiyan was embarrassed to accept; rather, the gauze looked better on Madame Dong than on her.

Zhao Feiyan's given name was Feiyan, but she was far from the slender beauty who danced on a palm. Her plump figure matched her charming face perfectly, embodying a round and full beauty.

Unfortunately, Zhao Feiyan didn't appreciate her own beauty. Instead, she preferred the delicate beauty of willowy figures.

Especially these days, Fan Zhenglian had mentioned one of his female subordinates several times. Zhao Feiyan had seen her; though not as beautiful as herself, she had a slender waist.

Staring at Madame Dong's light blue gauze, Zhao Feiyan suddenly said, "But why do I feel like you've lost weight recently?"

Madame Dong was taken aback.

"You really have lost weight; your chin is sharper." Zhao Feiyan scrutinized Madame Dong, "Could it be due to recent stress?"

Though her words were caring, there was no worry in her eyes, only curiosity. Madame Dong understood.

Zhao Feiyan always cared about her appearance, especially since her plump figure required constant attention. Now, she seemed to be probing how Madame Dong had slimmed down.

Madame Dong wanted to dismiss it casually, but then remembered something and paused. Then, she smiled mysteriously and leaned closer to Zhao Feiyan, "To be honest, sister, I have indeed lost weight, but not due to stress. It's because of a medicinal tea."

"Medicinal tea?"

"Yes, it's called 'Xian Xian' tea. You can find it at Renxin Medical Clinic on West Street. It's hard to get, and if I hadn't known the doctor there, I wouldn't have found even a couple of jars."

"Xian Xian?" Zhao Feiyan repeated, intrigued but skeptical, "Sister, you're joking. How could there be such an effective tea?"

Madame Dong sighed, "Who's joking? The tea is genuine. I used half a jar and saw results. They say it even turned a butcher into a handsome man. Oh, right, that handsome butcher now chops bones at Chengdong Temple, and people line up to see him. If you don't believe me, send someone to check."

"But, this tea is rare. I only got one jar, so if you want it, you'll have to wait."

The more she talked, the more Zhao Feiyan wanted it. She immediately sent a maid to Chengdong Temple to verify.

After the maid left, Madame Dong chatted with Zhao Feiyan for a bit longer, noticing her distractedness, and then excused herself.

Once in the carriage, her maid asked, "Madam, why did you tell Madame Fan about Renxin Medical Clinic? Even if it's to help Doctor Lu, if news of Young Master's illness spreads..."

If Dong Lin's illness became known, it might hinder his future marriage prospects.

"I know," Madame Dong's smile turned cold, "but it's rare to see her interested, so I offered her a favor."

"Doctor Lu promised me she wouldn't reveal anything about Lin'er. If she breaks her word... I'll make her pay."

"Besides," Madame Dong's gaze shifted, "I'm not doing it solely for her."

Three days ago, Lu Tong gave Madame Dong a jar of medicinal tea, asking her to promote it among the noble ladies in Imperial City. At first, Madame Dong dismissed it, as admitting to using slimming tea wasn't something to boast about.

But her thoughts changed after Wang Mama returned.

Wang Mama reported seeing Pei Yunying waiting for Lu Tong at Renxin Medical Clinic, their interactions intimate and jovial.

This made Madame Dong think.

At Wan En Temple, Pei Yunying had helped Lu Tong, leading Madame Dong to suspect their relationship. Even though Lu Tong admitted her close ties with Duke Zhaoning's son, Madame Dong remained skeptical.

After all, one was a distinguished young noble, the other a common female doctor. The gap was too vast.

But Wang Mama's eyewitness account couldn't be wrong.

Lu Tong and Pei Yunying had a secret affair.

Helping Lu Tong meant helping Pei Yunying, the current favorite of the Emperor, whose father held a high position in court. Unfortunately, both father and son were difficult to approach despite their friendly demeanor.

With Lu Tong's connection, getting close to Pei Yunying wouldn't be a problem.

The maid nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite, then cautiously spoke again, glancing at Madame Dong's expression: "Sir Fan is now just an official in charge of detailed judgments, not even as high-ranking as our master. Why should you go to such lengths and even make a trip yourself..."

"Silence."

The maid dared not say another word.

Madame Dong gave her a cold look. "What do you know?"

Indeed, from the current perspective, Sir Fan Zhenglian's position was not as high as that of the Director of the Imperial Household Department. But their master had personally informed her that Fan Zhenglian might have connections with the Prime Minister's Mansion. Everyone knew that the current Grand Chancellor Qi held immense power, and Sir Dong was worried about finding ways to curry favor with the Prime Minister's Mansion. With this connection, things would be much easier in the future.

That was why Madame Dong frequently sent cosmetics and silk materials to Zhao Feiyan, hoping that Zhao Feiyan, being fond of beauty, would appreciate them. Unfortunately, Zhao Feiyan was very picky, criticizing one thing after another, often leaving Madame Dong fuming behind her back.

Now, Zhao Feiyan was obsessed with maintaining a slim figure, and Lu Tong's Medical Center's slimming tea seemed like a godsend. If it worked, it would be better than anything else.

And if Zhao Feiyan was pleased, she could whisper sweet nothings into her husband's ear, bringing Sir Dong and Fan Zhenglian closer together.

Madame Dong smiled slightly.

She did not want to be like Zhao Feiyan, always dressing up like a seductress to keep her husband's heart. Helping a man in his career was more useful than mere beauty.

The woman put down the carriage curtain, leaned back, and closed her eyes. "Let's go."