Denghuaxiao

 The 40th year of Yongchang, the tenth day of March.

 The weather is fine and the clouds have faded away. In the garden behind Xuanfengmen, the fragrant flowers sprout in the garden, and the red apricots bloom.

In a vast expanse of fluffy spring scenery, two servants were walking in the garden, carefully selecting fresh peach blossoms from the branches.

The concubine Roufei in the palace has been favored recently and has to pick several baskets of fresh peach blossom petals for bathing every day. The peach petals with dewdrops are the best in the early morning. They are delicate and pink, like a flawless beauty.

While picking, there were faint sounds of footsteps coming from ahead. Looking up following the sound, he saw a female official leading a group of people in green shirts towards the depths of the east corridor.

This group of people were both men and women, with unfamiliar looks. They looked around as they walked, and their steps were chaotic, not as orderly as the palace discipline.

The little waiter was confused and asked the people around him: "Who are those people?"

"This is the new Hanlin Medical Officer who has entered the palace." The old chamberlain looked in his direction, "Today is the day when new people are admitted to the Medical Officer's Academy."

 “Medical officer?”

This name is a bit unfamiliar to the new chamberlain. He just touched his head and looked at the group of people with envy in his eyes: "You have become a medical officer at such a young age...that sister is so good-looking!"

The woman behind the crowd looks young, only sixteen or seventeen years old. The green robe with a round collar and narrow waist makes her look even thinner and thinner. Her skin color is very white, her eyebrows are beautiful but her expression is cold, like a blue peach blossom blooming coldly, cold and beautiful, walking among the crowd, it is difficult not to be noticed at a glance.

 It’s really moving.

 Directly ahead, Lu Huan was walking forward with the female officer leading the way.

 The imperial city is gorgeous. I thought that Fan Zhenglian's mansion was already extremely luxurious and luxurious, but it was nothing compared to what I saw in front of me.

Farther along the east corridor, the palace walls are majestic, with green tiles and red eaves. The long corridors are winding, with carved railings and jade inlays everywhere. The bright green glazed tiles of the pavilion shine brightly under the sun, and the giant dragon hovering on the red eaves looks bright and resplendent.

A few steps away, there seemed to be a garden. A large area of ​​bright red peach blossoms covered the sky. A group of guards passed by. These guards were all tall and heroic. The leader of the young guards was wearing a dark red official uniform, with a silver sword on his waist. The posture is like a cypress, and the wind is beautiful.

"Doesn't he look good?" Someone beside him whispered in Lu Zhuo's ear: "That's Pei Dianshuai from the Palace Front Division. He is one of the first-class handsome men in Shengjing City, and I gave him the title."

As soon as he finished saying this, the guards came towards the other end and collided head-on with the group of them.

The female officer leading the way immediately lowered her head and saluted, and the newly arrived medical officers also hurriedly avoided each other.

The imperial guard passed by Lu Huan and his group, the corners of his official robes carrying a dark wind. When he lowered his head, Lu Huan raised his eyes and glanced up. The young man walked past her without squinting, his appearance was majestic and unattainable.

 Like a stranger on top, he doesn’t stop for the person on the other side of his shoulder.

 It was not until the shadows of the guards gradually faded away that the medical officers relaxed again.

There was a younger medical officer who was fascinated by the demeanor of the guard just now, and whispered enthusiastically about the people walking past.

The person who just spoke in Lu Zhuo's ear also sighed: "You are so handsome, but your eyes always look at people from above, and you are very proud! Sister, what do you think?"

 She turned to ask Lu Huan, with a bright smile on her face, but Lu Huan was speechless for a moment.

Lu Zhen met Lin Danqing in front of the palace gate.

Lin Danqing came early, and when he saw Lu Huan, he pulled Lu Huan to talk familiarly.

It was at this time that Lu Huan learned that the girl who had saved her and argued with Cao Huai in the spring examination room had also passed the spring examination here and was one of the new medical officers this year.

Because Lu Zhuo was the only ordinary medical worker among the medical officers who entered the palace, and because he ranked first on the red list, he suppressed all the so-called geniuses of the Imperial Hospital. Therefore, based on how many pairs of other medical officers there were, She was somewhat hostile.

Lin Danqing was probably aware of this and took the initiative to talk to Lu Zhen, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. However, from Lu Zhen's point of view, sometimes being too warm can make people even more uncomfortable.

"Sister, don't worry. My father also worked in the Medical Hospital back then, and I'm very familiar with this place. If anything happens in the future, I'll protect you and make sure you don't get bullied." Lin Danqing was very generous, "Look at you. You are so soft and weak, and the palace is full of human spirits. For a little white rabbit like you, I am worried that you will be eaten by wolves."

As he was speaking, the female officer in front suddenly stopped and said to everyone: "We're here."

Everyone looked up and saw an official courtyard appearing in front of them.

 Going up the gate, there is a red inscription on the forehead that reads "Hanlin Medical Officer's Hospital". There are five lobby rooms in the hospital, and the south hall on the left side of the lobby is the medical officer's office. Further back, statues of Fuxi and Shennong are enshrined in the Medical Temple. I heard that there is a medicinal forest and a medicinal warehouse behind it.

A short and fat medical officer in charge stood in front of the lobby, looking through the roster in his hand. Beside him were two medical officers standing, holding official seals in their hands, waiting eagerly for Lu Zhuo and his party to enter.

The female officer stepped into the hall and saluted the medical officer in charge: "Sir, everyone is here."

The medical officer in charge squinted his eyes, looked at the crowd with some critical eyes, handed the name list to the medical officer beside him, turned around and walked into the hall, and said, "Take your names."

The new medical officers lined up and stepped forward one by one, handing the documents representing their identities into the hands of the named medical officer. When it was Lu Chen's turn, she handed over the document in her hand. The meticulously dressed medical officer in front of her, even with a clear beard, looked at her with a strange expression. He narrowed his eyes as if he didn't want to believe it and carefully read it. Lu Zhuo's name matched the name on the roster several times.

Lin Danqing, who was waiting behind Lu Zhen, became impatient and asked, "Sir, do you have any questions?"

 “No, no problem.” Chang Jin came back to his senses and called Lu Yan: “Come in.”

Lu Xu entered the door as instructed. Chang Jin raised his hand and checked Lu Xu's name on the list, but he still couldn't hide his surprise.

Is this the Lu Huo who got first place in the Probation Examination? Why is it completely different from what you imagined?

He originally thought that since Lu Xun could cause the young master of the Dong family to fall out with his mother, he must be frivolous and dissolute, have a charming appearance, or be gloomy and look like a female ghost - after all, this person is most likely to have studied under the official Wu Zuoguan for a period of time.

What kind of good family's son and daughter have nothing to do to learn how to test themselves?

Chang Jin was so curious that he stayed up all night last night, just to see what this legendary and strange woman really looked like. Unexpectedly, upon first meeting, he was completely different from what he had expected.

She is very young, with a simple and pretty appearance, clean and clear eyebrows, and there is no trace of edginess in her expression. Instead, she has a light bookish air, which is very suitable for the peace and tranquility of a doctor.

　　It doesn’t match her wild handwriting at all!

 Sure enough, people cannot be judged by their appearance. With this thought in his mind, Chang Jin put Lu Zhuo's ultimatum into the bamboo basket on the side.

 The roll call ended quickly, and there were twenty new medical officers, many of them, all here. Next, we need to arrange the next steps for these new medical officers, and assign them to the medical hospital.

New medical officers who have just entered Hanlin Medical Academy are not yet able to directly provide medical services and are called "physicians." Officially commissioned.

The imperial medical officers will send the medical officers to different branch offices according to the medical disciplines they are good at in the spring examination papers.

 The medical officers stood respectfully in the hall, expecting to be assigned a specialty in which they were good.

The medical officer in charge walked out, holding a long scroll, and slowly began to announce the name of the branch hospital—

 “Cao Huai, Dafangmai, Xiaofangmaike, Nanting Yuqingfang—”

“Zhao Qing, Department of Ophthalmology and Oral Dentistry, South Hall Shangshanfang—”

“Chen Ming, Department of Acupuncture…”

 “Li Tong…”

　　　…”

“Lin Danqing, Department of Gynecology, North Hall West Shoufang—”

Lin Danqing, who was standing behind Lu Zhen, breathed a sigh of relief. Her specialty was gynecology, and it was enough to adjust the bodies of noble people. She couldn't help but feel happy when she got what she wanted. Looking at Lu Zhu next to her, Lin Danqing prayed in her heart, hoping that Lu Xi would be assigned to the gynecology department with her so that they could keep each other company. However, after reading the names one by one, the medical officer in charge never mentioned Lu Huan. Lin Danqing was waiting anxiously, but he saw that Lu Zhen looked neither arrogant nor impatient, as if he didn't care much about the result.

The medical officer in charge suddenly called Lu Zhuo's name.

Lin Danqing was startled, and quietly tugged at the corner of Lu Zhen's clothes, signaling Lu Zhen to listen carefully.

 “Lu Tong, Nanpharmacy.”

As soon as these words came out, not only Lin Danqing, but also other medical officials in the hall, no, it should be said that the doctors were stunned for a moment.

Nan Pharmacy does not belong to any department. It is the place where low-level doctors sort medicinal materials in the Medical Officials' Hospital and manufacture and sell them to the Imperial Pharmacy. Letting the medical officer who ranked first in the Spring Examination of the Imperial Medical Bureau go to Nan Pharmacy is tantamount to a waste of natural resources. In fact, this kind of thing can be left to the pharmacist. On weekdays, the medical officer has no turn at all.

Looking at the doctors present today, each has his or her own profession, but only Lu Zhuo was assigned to Nan Pharmacy.

 Lu Yan looked at the medical officer in charge, and Lin Danqing behind him couldn't help but said: "Sir, is there a mistake in the roster? Why did the new medical officer go to Nan Pharmacy?"

The medical officer in charge seemed to be dissatisfied with her opening her mouth and glared at Lin Danqing: "How can you, a little medical doctor, not tolerate your master's arrangements?" After saying this, he closed the volume in his hand and walked into the hall with his hands behind his back: "Pack up your things. Let’s each find a place.”

  Stop paying attention to everyone.

 After the medical officer in charge left, the hall became lively again. Familiar doctors talked excitedly about their medical profession, and many people looked at Lu Zhu with either sympathy or joy.

Cao Huai, who had been teasing in Gongyuan before, saw this and was quite gloating. He pretended to regret and sighed: "What a trick of God! The first one on the red list was assigned to Nan Pharmacy. I heard that people who entered Nan Pharmacy did not come out. Miss Lu should You won’t stay there all your life picking up medicine for people, right?”

Lin Danqing said angrily: "Cao Huai, shut up!" Then he turned to look at Lu Yan, "Don't listen to his dog mouth and can't spit out ivory, don't be anxious, sister, wait until I find a way to find out, maybe the hospital Let the Lord put you to the test."

The girl's eyes were full of sincerity, but she was sincerely worried about her. Lu Huo shook his head: "No, I'm fine."

Lin Danqing means well, but nothing will change even if he asks Cui Min.

Lu Xu lowered his eyes, Cui Min did it on purpose.

He chose her to be the first on the red list, but he hated her status as a commoner. Even if he wanted to give an explanation to the Dong family, he would not make it easy for himself. Just letting himself sit on the bench at Nan Pharmacy was much better than Lu Zhen had imagined.

"But…"

"Don't worry." Lu Yan smiled, his expression very calm, "I'll be back soon."

 …

 The offices and courtyards in the palace are all busy in their own way.

 After the imperial guard's shift in the palace, when Pei Yunying returned to the palace, it was already getting late.

Lamps were lit inside and outside the house, making it brightly lit. Seeing Pei Yunying come in, Qing Feng hurriedly handed the food basket he had just brought back into his hands: "Sir, the lady sent you snacks."

Pei Yunying responded and took it.

Pei Yunshu moved out of the Pei family after the New Year and lived in the house adjacent to Pei Yunying. Pei Yunying often did not return when he was on duty in the palace. Pei Yunshu would sometimes ask someone to send him some snacks and meals, and told him to eat well.

Of course, these meals and pastries were all bought from restaurants, and Pei Yunshu didn’t know how to cook. Therefore, Pei Yunying did not tell her that the food in the small kitchen of Dian Shuai Mansion actually tasted no different from the food in the restaurant.

Pei Yunying carried the food into the hall. Xiao Zhufeng was reading a book. When he heard the noise, he raised his head and glanced, his eyes paused on the exquisite food basket.

Pei Yunying opened the food basket. The food basket was divided into several layers. There were meat and vegetables and snacks. The flowers were colorful and beautiful. He picked up a piece of lotus cake and smiled brightly when he saw Xiao Zhufeng looking at him: "Envy?"

Xiao Zhufeng endured it: "It's just what the restaurant cook made."

Pei Yunying nodded lazily: "That's not your part either."

Knowing that he is accustomed to be like this, he always hides a bit of evil in front of outsiders who are civilized and talented, but in front of people he knows well. Xiao Zhufeng didn't bother to pay attention to his childish tricks and just said: "Today the new medical officer will enter the palace."

"Um."

 “Lu Zhen has entered the palace.”

Pei Yunying: "I know."

 In fact, not only did he know that he also met Lu Zhu when he first entered the palace in the morning.

But that aspect should not be called pleasant.

 Xiao Zhufeng looked at his friend and saw that his expression was relaxed, and he couldn't see any difference from usual.

 After a pause, Xiao Zhufeng said: "You don't care which hospital she is assigned to?"

  New medical officers are all assigned to a hospital. To a certain extent, the medical department they are assigned to at the beginning will even determine the future of these medical officers.

 Competition has existed from the beginning.

Pei Yunying smiled: "Which hospital?"

 “South Pharmacy.”

Nan Pharmacy?

Pei Yunying was startled, and his eyebrows gradually furrowed.

Nan Pharmacy is the place with the least future prospects in the entire Medical Officer's Hospital. Only the medical officers who are least favored or who have made mistakes are assigned to the pharmacy every year. People who go to Nan Pharmacy will almost never have the opportunity to serve again.

This couldn't be a worse start.

Xiao Zhufeng looked at the person opposite: "Cui Min should be trying to show his goodwill to the Dong family. However, being expelled to the medicine warehouse, your Doctor Lu should have no chance of revenge."

 He said it teasingly, with a hint of quiet relief. To Xiao Zhufeng, Lu Zhuo was a restless piece that should not have appeared in the chess game. If he was not careful, the overall situation would be affected. Now that she's out, it couldn't be better.

 “Two mistakes.” Pei Yunying said.

 “What’s wrong?”

 “First, she is not ‘mine’.”

 Xiao Zhufeng finally couldn't hold it back and rolled his eyes: "What about the second one?"

“Second.” Pei Yunying raised her hand. The delicate pastry in her hand showed a light pink color under the candlelight, like a real new lotus in full bloom.

He stared at the beautiful lotus in front of him. Through the crystal petals, he seemed to see some other shadow, and his eyes gradually darkened.

 “Second, you underestimate her.”

“Opportunities don’t just come, I guess Dr. Lu will create his own opportunities soon,” he said.