Zheng Yutan left the inner courtyard and went to the reception hall, where she met the visitor.
He was a young man in his twenties, with a high nose bridge and deep-set eyes—handsome and refined.
"Young Master Lu," Zheng Yutan greeted him with a polite bow.
Lu Shu returned the gesture.
They had met a few times before, mostly at banquets hosted by Prince Yu.
Back then, Zheng Yutan had been suffering from poor sleep. Lu Shu had diagnosed it as excessive liver fire and prescribed some medicine, which quickly restored her health. Because of that, the two shared a modest acquaintance.
"…I wish to meet your elder sister. I hope Second Miss can introduce me," Lu Shu stated his purpose directly.
As a man, it would be improper for him to send an invitation directly to Zheng Qian.
Moreover, Zheng Qian had almost no social circle. After asking around, Lu Shu found that hardly anyone knew her. She rarely interacted with others.
The Lu family of Jinkui Hall was renowned for its medical expertise and had connections with many nobles. At the Empress's spring banquet, Lu Shu had attended as an unmarried young man.
There, he had seen Zheng Qian.
At the time, Zheng Yutan stood with two men—likely the Zheng family's Third Young Master and Wen Zhao—openly ridiculing her.
Lu Shu had overheard a few remarks. Though he found them somewhat excessive, he also thought Zheng Qian herself lacked backbone. She was plain-looking, and he felt no urge to speak up for her—so he simply watched coldly from the side.
He had assumed Zheng Yutan and Zheng Qian were on poor terms, and initially didn't want to trouble her. But to his surprise, everyone else seemed to have an even worse relationship with Zheng Qian.
Left with no choice, he came in person to ask Zheng Yutan for help.
However, upon hearing his request, Zheng Yutan's expression shifted slightly.
"I'm afraid I can't help you with this, Young Master Lu. Please return," she said.
Her heart burned with irritation.
Everyone was fawning over Zheng Qian, eager to meet her. What ability did she have? She wasn't even particularly beautiful—just an ordinary girl.
Lu Shu stood up. "Second Miss, I sincerely ask for your assistance. I've heard your elder sister claims to be a disciple of Lu Qi, the Ghost Physician. This concerns our Lu family."
Zheng Yutan's eyes flickered as an idea suddenly formed.
"A disciple of the Ghost Physician? What exactly is that about?"
"I do not know. That is precisely why I wish to consult your sister," Lu Shu replied.
Zheng Yutan fell into brief thought.
Though angry, she was neither impulsive nor foolish. People inevitably fall ill at some point in life.
The Lu family possessed exceptional medical skill and highly effective remedies—it would be unwise to offend Lu Shu, the future head of the family.
She suppressed her anger, deciding she could deal with Zheng Qian later.
"Very well. Please wait. I will send someone to invite my elder sister. However, she may not be in the mood to receive guests today," Zheng Yutan said.
"No matter. I can return another day," Lu Shu replied.
Zheng Yutan ordered a maid to deliver the message, and the two sat down to continue drinking tea.
Lu Shu glanced at Zheng Yutan—her eyes were clear, her beauty striking. Thinking of Prince Yu's deep affection for her, he did not dare treat her lightly.
After a while, the maid returned.
"Second Miss, Eldest Miss says she is unwell today and does not wish to receive guests."
In truth, the maid had never even seen Zheng Qian.
She had been stopped at the entrance of Huining Garden by Hongluan, who mocked her mercilessly. This maid, Juzan, had bullied Hongluan in the past—now blocked from entering, she could do nothing.
Zheng Yutan nodded calmly, as if she had expected it.
"You've heard her, Young Master Lu. I did not deceive you. If you trust me, I can speak to her gradually and invite you again in a few days. She has never liked socializing."
Lu Shu stood and bowed. "Thank you for your trouble, Second Miss."
He wasn't surprised.
After returning home, Lu Shu was summoned by his grandfather.
His father and uncles were also present, all looking displeased—as if something troublesome had occurred.
"…The Empress Dowager Hu summoned your grandfather and asked about that woman outside the palace who can bring the dead back to life. Your grandfather couldn't answer and was scolded," his father whispered.
Lu Shu was stunned.
Empress Dowager Hu, the emperor's birth mother, had once been a palace maid and held grudges against the Imperial Medical Bureau. After becoming Empress Dowager, she refused to rely on them, instead summoning the renowned physicians of the Lu family for even minor illnesses.
Only the family patriarch had the资格 to serve in the palace.
She refused to summon Zheng Qian directly—unwilling to elevate an unknown girl's status—and instead questioned the old master.
But he had no answer.
He dared not fabricate one—if the Empress Dowager later cross-checked with Zheng Qian, the entire Lu family could be charged with a capital offense.
Thus, the old master had been scolded and was in a foul mood.
"Have you met the Zheng family's eldest daughter?" he asked Lu Shu.
Lu Shu shook his head.
The old master frowned deeply. "You can't even handle such a small matter?"
Lu Shu felt a chill in his heart. "Grandfather, I will hurry."
The old master waved him away.
Meanwhile, Fifth Master Lu returned to his own residence, where his concubine attended him.
He briefly mentioned the day's events.
"Master, our son knows Wen Zhao. Since Zheng Qian is Wen Zhao's fiancée, why not let our son try?" the concubine suggested while massaging his shoulders.
"If he succeeds where the eldest young master failed, wouldn't the old master look at you and your son differently?"
Lu was her son—a concubine-born child, though favored by his father. But with so many descendants in the family, illegitimate grandsons rarely had the chance to stand out.
Fifth Master himself was idle and incompetent, and not favored either.
Hearing this, he was tempted.
He immediately summoned Lu.
"…Me?" Lu waved his hands frantically. "Wen Zhao and I are just drinking companions—we've only shared a few meals. Even Princess Baoqing was refused by Zheng Qian—why would she meet me? I'm not going!"
His mother twisted his ear angrily. "Useless boy! You're going! If you beat your elder brother, imagine the prestige you'll gain!"
Fifth Master added, "You've been studying medicine, but without your grandfather's guidance, your skills are lacking. If you succeed, he will surely support you."
Lu practiced medicine under the family's resident physicians.
He had never qualified for his grandfather's instruction.
And that instruction meant more than teaching—it meant elevation. Lu Shu's title as "Young Divine Physician" came largely from his grandfather's backing.
Lu believed he was no worse.
"…Then I'll try," he said reluctantly. "But if I fail, don't blame me."
Fifth Master smiled. "Of course not. Just do your best."
He even gave Lu twenty taels of silver to treat Wen Zhao to a meal.
At the same time, the Lu family patriarch grew increasingly anxious.
If Empress Dowager Hu summoned him again and he still had no answers, he might lose her favor entirely.
He urged Lu Shu to act faster.
Lu Shu, however, remained confident.
With his reputation, if Zheng Qian truly possessed skill, she would surely be interested in meeting him.
Meanwhile, within the Lu family, whispers spread—mocking Fifth Master for sending his incapable concubine-born son to try as well.
"At a time like this, still trying to compete for favor—how laughable."
Lu Shu found it ridiculous too.
What was Lu, compared to him?
If Zheng Qian refused to see even him, how could Lu possibly stand a chance?