Chapter 150: Undercurrents

Chapter 150: Undercurrents

To co-author a book with Her Majesty the Empress, Lu Wanyi often visited Fengyi Palace.

One day, as she was leaving Fengyi Palace, Lu Wanyi happened to bump into Tang Xuan Shi.

Tang Xuan Shi came from a family of mid-level military officers. Her upbringing was not particularly refined; she could read and write without issue, but struggled to interpret deeper meanings in literature. Thus, she always admired talented women.

Seeing Lu Wanyi, she smiled and performed a curtsy, saying, "I pay my respects to Sister Lu."

Lu Wanyi nodded in response, gently replying, "I didn't expect to run into Sister Tang here."

They had both been summoned by the Empress to Fengyi Palace along with the Noble Consort, to converse with the wives of imperial edict recipients, thus sharing some acquaintance. However, being only a seventh-rank attendant, Tang Xuan Shi couldn't visit Fengyi Palace regularly, so their meetings were rare.

"I recently recovered from a cold and came to express my gratitude for the medicines bestowed by Her Majesty," Tang Xuan Shi stated plainly.

Lu Wanyi understood the implications.

The Emperor's recent birthday celebration had concluded, and it was the Duan Talent, who shared residence in Fuyang Palace with Tang Xuan Shi, that had ultimately won favor with her long xiao flute performance. Tang Xuan Shi had reportedly sought instruction from the Music Bureau for the yaqin, but fell ill just days before the celebration.

The court had been tumultuously dealing with the military land measurement issue, which was nearing resolution. Given Tang Xuan Shi's background, if her family acted wisely, the Emperor might look upon her more favorably. Presumably, the Empress's gift of medicinal herbs was for the same reason.

With a quick thought, Lu Wanyi's face showed realization, and she softly consoled, "The weather changes swiftly indeed; it's easy to catch a cold."

Tang Xuan Shi’s lips briefly turned downward, but she quickly regained composure, saying nothing further. After a few more exchanges, they parted ways.

Lu Wanyi boarded her palanquin, continuing towards Tangli Palace. Halfway there, she encountered Yi Pin, who was out walking with the Second Princess.

Yi Pin was dressed simply, in a moon-white cross-collared ruqun, her demeanor subtly scholarly. Upon seeing Lu Wanyi, she glanced at the lacquer box held by the little eunuch, then approached to greet her.

Yi Pin asked, "Sister Lu, have you just left Fengyi Palace?"

Although she was older and had entered the palace before Lu Wanyi, she now had to address Lu Wanyi as her elder sister.

Lu Wanyi nodded, smiling gently, "Yes, that's right. Is Sister Yi Pin out enjoying the flowers and scenery?"

"Indeed, taking advantage of the cool evening to walk with Yanyi," Yi Pin replied, stepping back slightly and curtsying, "I won't keep Sister Lu any longer."

Lu Wanyi nodded, her palanquin continued forward. The palace attendants following behind paid their respects to Yi Pin and the Second Princess before hurrying onward.

Arriving at Shuyu Pavilion, Lu Qin served Lu Wanyi a cup of cool drink before speaking, "Mistress, Yi Pin was watching you for a while earlier."

Lu Wanyi’s expression remained unchanged as she reassured, "It's nothing."

Setting aside other matters, just considering the book writing, it was known that Yi Pin was also well-versed in literature. Her previous offense against the Empress was the only reason she hadn’t been given such duties and missed the recent promotion. It was normal for her to have some thoughts about Lu Wanyi now.

"In my view, Mistress, Yi Pin is not easy to deal with. We should be very careful," Lu Qin expressed her concern.

Lu Wanyi suddenly smiled, speaking softly, "Lu Qin, since my promotion, you've become overly cautious."

"How is this being overly cautious?" Lu Qin asserted, "Since you entered the palace, the once-favored Wan Pin has met her demise, even losing her own son; then there’s Yi Pin, who despite her cunning, miscarried at six months; not to mention the deposed Queen Wang..."

Her voice lowered, filled with worry, "Who knows how many hidden dangers there are!"

"I know," Lu Wanyi smiled slightly, "But Yi Pin is intelligent. With so many positions vacant among the consorts, and since my promotion wasn’t due to the Emperor’s favor, she won't rashly move against me for now."

Lu Qin, reassured by these words, was about to say more when they heard Lu Hao scolding a junior maid outside.

Frowning, she said, "Mistress, I’ll go see what’s happening."

She left the main room and found Lu Hao, asking, "What’s going on, Lu Hao? The Mistress is still inside."

"It’s these new junior maids!" Lu Hao spoke irritably, pointing at several kneeling on the floor tiles, whispering to Lu Qin, "There’s a new, good-looking physician at the Medical Bureau. These girls are clamoring to go to the Imperial Kitchen just to pass by there, hoping for a glimpse. They’re really reckless! I'm scolding them for their good, don’t plead for them."

Lu Qin nodded in agreement, "You're right to scold them! They could cause trouble for our Mistress. You’re too lenient. In my opinion, send them back to the Internal Affairs Department."

After a pause, she asked, "What’s the name of this physician? Next time we need to call a doctor, I’ll avoid him."

Lu Hao replied quietly, "I heard his surname is Yan, looks about in his twenties."

"Yan?" Lu Qin's heart skipped a beat, then relaxed, thinking there were many with the surname Yan. But then, considering someone in his twenties skilled in medicine...

Her expression unchanged, she said to Lu Hao, "Send these maids back to the Internal Affairs Department. I’ll discuss this with the Mistress."

Returning to the main room, Lu Qin was about to speak but then hesitated, pondering the possibility of a mistaken identity. She remembered the Mistress's daring move during the selection process, intentionally injuring her own face to avoid being chosen. Now that the Mistress seemed to have finally moved on, bringing this up might cause unnecessary trouble. It would be better to confirm the physician’s identity at the Imperial Medical Bureau first.

"Lu Qin, what happened outside?" Lu Wanyi looked at her.

"Nothing much," Lu Qin smiled, "Just a few junior maids vying to accompany Lu Hao to deliver meals, hoping to win her favor. They got a scolding. I suggested that such clueless maids should be sent back to the Internal Affairs Department."

Hearing this, Lu Wanyi softly said, "Just take care of these matters."

"Yes." Lu Qin breathed a sigh of relief, "I'll go prepare some refreshments for you," and quickly excused herself.

Lu Wanyi watched her leave, her gaze contemplative.

Regardless of Lu Qin's hopes that the new Physician Yan was not the person she knew, her visit to the Imperial Medical Bureau had revealed the truth, which couldn’t be kept hidden any longer.

"So, you're saying my senior brother has joined the Imperial Medical Bureau?"

Contrary to Lu Qin's expectations, Lu Wanyi did not show excitement upon hearing this news. Instead, her brow furrowed, indicating displeasure.