“Grandmother was overjoyed when Madam Shi left. I heard they are choosing a date,” Ning Zhengyu said with a smile. “As expected, brother—you planned this well. With Madam Shi speaking, everything was settled.”
“Bai Lan, I haven’t said anything in your favor lightly. You better not argue with me again in the future.”
Bai Lan was overjoyed, so happy that he was momentarily dazed. Hearing Ning Zhengyu’s words, he said, “How could I ever argue with a child?”
Ning Muyan’s lips curved into a small smile. He reached for Bai Lan, pulling him close, and said to Ning Zhengyu, “Alright, I have other matters to attend to. Zhengyu, you can head back now.”
Zhengyu didn’t want to disturb the couple’s private time, so he nodded and watched Ning Muyan lead Bai Lan away.
Since Ning Muyan had afternoon lessons to teach, he didn’t leave the academy. He took Bai Lan to the headmaster’s office in the west wing.
Bai Lan followed closely, secretly relieved once they entered the room. He quickly closed the door behind him, poured himself a cup of tea, and even sat down in Ning Muyan’s chair.
“Have you eaten breakfast?” Ning Muyan asked.
“Not yet.”
Ning Muyan lifted a lunchbox from the side of the desk and opened it, revealing two bowls of porridge with pickles and some crispy fried youtiao.
“The youtiao might be a bit cold. Try it anyway.”
Bai Lan didn’t hesitate, grabbing a piece. “You knew I’d come here?”
“Yesterday, your teacher invited you and Doctor Jiang to the Ning residence. You must have been full of questions and didn’t see me. How could you not come today?”
Watching Bai Lan bite into the youtiao, Ning Muyan reached out to poke the lower corner of his eye. “Didn’t sleep well last night? Dark circles under your eyes.”
Bai Lan took a big bite of porridge. “Yeah, I didn’t eat dinner either.”
Knowing Ning Muyan wouldn’t run away, Bai Lan finished the whole bowl, feeling full before asking the question on his mind: “Did you arrange for Master Shi to adopt me as his godson on purpose?”
Ning Muyan nodded.
“How did Master Shi agree?”
Ning Muyan sat beside Bai Lan and began recounting the Shi family’s past.
In his youth, Shi Zizhan had also come from a humble farming family but possessed remarkable talent. He rose through the imperial examinations to become one of the emperor’s trusted ministers.
When Shi Zizhan was poor and unknown, many suitors appeared seeking to marry his daughter after he achieved success. But Shi Zizhan’s heart had always belonged to Madam Shi, who had cared for him during his struggling youth.
Even Madam Shi herself came from a modest household and had been frail since childhood, hardly a match for someone who had passed the highest examinations twice. Yet Shi Zizhan risked offending powerful families and defying his clan to marry her—and never regretted it, even living without children.
“Knowing this history, my teacher is a person of deep sentiment,” Ning Muyan said. “He would understand our difficulties and be willing to help.”
Ning Muyan remembered that day he had first made his request. He had expected some persuasion, but his teacher had immediately agreed. Only then did he realize the teacher and Doctor Jiang shared a long-standing bond, which explained the swift compliance.
“Bai Lan, I didn’t have to go to such lengths,” Ning Muyan continued. “My teacher could have married Madam Shi himself, and I could have done it too. But over the years, I’ve watched how difficult life has been for them, and I’ve seen it all since childhood.”
The scrutiny of others, the pressure from relatives, Madam Shi’s weak health—these were all reasons why things had been difficult. Had Ning Muyan sought only his immediate desire to marry Bai Lan, the union might have fulfilled his wish, but marriage wasn’t the end—it was the beginning.
As a man, he had few obstacles outside, but Bai Lan was different. Without a formidable protector, life could be harsh. Ning Muyan didn’t want Bai Lan to suffer unnecessarily.
“All these arrangements aren’t because of your humble status,” he said softly. “I just want life to be easier for you in the future.”
Bai Lan nodded. “I understand your intentions.”
“Luckily, Master Shi was willing to see it through.”
Ning Muyan stroked Bai Lan’s head.
Winter had arrived. This year’s winter was mild, with no snow yet, and the days were sunny and bustling.
Bai Lan had been busy preparing for the wedding. The three families agreed on a date in March after the New Year—a month with auspicious days for weddings and warmer weather, making it easier to arrange the feast.
Though the marriage date was set, the elaborate customs expected of two prominent families still had to be observed meticulously.
On the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Ning family formally sent a matchmaker to the Shi residence, delivering the betrothal letters.
Bai Lan stayed at the Shi household during this period, and whenever there was an important event, his father accompanied him.
Shi Zizhan had to return to the capital to continue his duties, but he stayed long enough to see the wedding arrangements begin. Being childless, the Shi family was delighted to oversee the marriage of Ning Muyan and Bai Lan. If not for urgent political matters, Shi Zizhan would have stayed to witness the entire process.
Madam Shi rarely parted from Shi Zizhan. Though the couple would be apart for this winter, she was too preoccupied with Bai Lan’s affairs to dwell on personal feelings.
On the day Shi Zizhan left, he lingered, saddened, for half an hour, reminding Madam Shi to ensure that, during the New Year, she coordinated with the court so that both children’s wedding celebrations could be attended.
Once the guests left, she cheerfully began managing all the preparations for Bai Lan’s wedding.
“If it weren’t for you, I might never have had the chance to oversee such joyous events in my life,” the old matriarch said with delight. “Being busy feels better than taking medicine—truly, I am enjoying the happiness of grandchildren.”
Though initially less approving of Ning Muyan’s marriage, she accepted the request from Madam Shi with ease.
With the matter settled, whether happy or not, preparations must go forward. Yet her own joy could not be hidden, especially as the Ning household had not seen such celebrations in a long time. With the eldest grandson marrying, she took charge despite usually avoiding household affairs.
She worried about possible conflicts with Tan Yun and Ning Muyan’s mother, recalling past misunderstandings with Bai Lan. She wanted the proceedings to go smoothly, personally overseeing all details.
Now, both households’ leading ladies were handling preparations directly, ensuring proper etiquette.
That day, Bai Lan was measured for his wedding attire. The next day, he was called to inspect the dowry—truly, every day brought a new task.
The flurry of activity was inevitable, given the sudden turn of events. Ning Muyan had prepared a dowry for Bai Lan, and since the Shi family had no children, Madam Shi treated him as her own son and had also prepared a generous dowry. Naturally, Jiang Zichun contributed one as well.
Though their contributions were not as extravagant as those from the Ning or Shi families, they were exactly the things Bai Lan cherished—medical texts and prescriptions carefully preserved by Jiang Zichun.
Moreover, the Ning family’s betrothal gifts were added into Bai Lan’s dowry by both Madam Shi and Jiang Zichun, so overnight his personal wealth had increased dramatically. He couldn’t help teasing himself: no more reaching out to the miserly Young Master Ning for money, and no more worrying about him pinching coins at every opportunity.
After the long series of betrothal rituals—sending the betrothal letters, formal acceptance, inquiring names, presenting gifts, and selecting a date—they had finally entered the twelfth lunar month. What remained was the traditional “three letters and six ceremonies” and the wedding itself, to be held after the New Year. With these preliminary steps completed, the marriage was effectively set, allowing a bit of relief.
As the year’s end approached, Bai Lan returned from the Shi residence to the medical hall. On the street, he saw many elderly men selling couplets. Realizing this would likely be his last New Year spent at home, he wanted the festive atmosphere to be strong. He got out of the carriage, bought two couplets, a few large red lanterns for the doorway, and of course, paper-cut decorations for the windows.
Noticing an elderly calligrapher whose writing was excellent and whose stall was crowded, Bai Lan picked up a set of couplets and raised his brows. “Sir, do you have blank couplet paper without inscriptions?”
“Yes, how many sets?”
“Three, please.”
Bai Lan carried the red paper and headed straight for Qingshan Academy.
It was class time, and the students’ voices rang out across the academy, particularly the younger ones, whose tones were especially loud. Bai Lan dashed skillfully to the headmaster’s office. Ning Muyan was still teaching, so the room was empty.
He spread out the couplet paper on the desk and looked around. Since his last visit, more scrolls and documents had appeared. Ning Muyan had been busy not only with wedding preparations but also with academy affairs.
Bai Lan tidied the slightly messy desk just as he heard the sound of steady footsteps.
“When did you get here?”
Ning Muyan, holding a book and looking serious, saw Bai Lan and instantly smiled. He put the book down, stepped forward, and took Bai Lan’s hand, rubbing it gently. “Been here for a while? Your hands are so cold.”
“I just arrived,” Bai Lan replied. “I bought some couplet paper on the way and came to ask the headmaster for a calligraphy piece.”
Ning Muyan led him to the desk. “No problem. Once I finish, I’ll personally deliver it to the medical hall.”
“Then I am truly grateful, Headmaster.”
Bai Lan picked up the inkstone nearby. Ning Muyan handed him the brush, grasping his hand to guide the first stroke—but then a knock came at the door.
“Headmaster, yesterday’s essays have been collected and are delivered to you.”
Bai Lan quickly wriggled free from Ning Muyan’s arm. “Should I hide under the desk?” he whispered.
“No need,” Ning Muyan said with a smile. “Come in.”
The student entered cautiously, halted at the doorway, and carefully placed a stack of essays on the desk, apologizing.
Bai Lan had the instinct to hide, but realizing the path was now clear, he could behave naturally. After all, as a future teacher to these students, he needed to present himself appropriately and uphold the headmaster’s dignified image.
Just as he was about to sit properly, he glimpsed the newcomer’s face and nearly fell over in shock.
The student hurried to leave but remembered something unsaid, mustering courage to return. “Headmaster, Qin Ze said he has a stomach ache and wants to leave class to see a doctor this afternoon.”
Ning Muyan furrowed his brow. “Have him stay in the classroom. I have a doctor right here.”
“Oh, okay.”
The student bowed to Ning Muyan and Bai Lan before carefully closing the door behind him.
Watching the footsteps fade, Bai Lan’s thoughts lingered on the face he had seen—there was a mole by the eye, strikingly familiar. He leapt toward Ning Muyan, panicked. “That student looks so familiar… didn’t I see him at the lakeside, startled by you?”
Ning Muyan nodded. “Exactly.”
Bai Lan’s cheeks flushed. “Aren’t you afraid he’ll spread it and ruin your reputation? Yet you let him enter the office—people will say you seem upright but do shameful things in private.”
Ning Muyan laughed. “Not to mention, we both have a claim, so no one dares mention that day. Besides, our private meetings are nearly official now, so I’m not worried.”
Bai Lan pressed his lips together, muttering “cunning and sly.”
“All right, come with me to check on Qin Ze,” Ning Muyan said. “The boy is a wealthy merchant’s son, a bit spoiled, always thinking about skipping class for trivial pursuits.”
Bai Lan straightened his clothes. “Fine, but be careful—remember, we aren’t married yet. If word gets out, it won’t sound good.”
“Understood.”
Bai Lan followed Ning Muyan to the classroom in the east wing. Ning Muyan had initially planned to bring only the candidates, but there weren’t two in the class, so he included a scholar from the classroom.
Morning lessons had ended, and the students were idly chatting or working on essays when someone suddenly called out, “The Headmaster’s here!”
Everyone hurried back to their seats, sat properly, and greeted Ning Muyan. They noticed a small figure trailing him and secretly craned their necks to see who it was.
Just as they wondered who this boy was, Ning Muyan tapped the desk.
A student, half-lying on his desk, lazily said, “Yu He, have you told the Headmaster yet? My stomach really…”
Looking up, he realized a handsome young boy was standing before him. Thinking he must be dreaming, he pinched his thigh in disbelief, wincing in pain.
Bai Lan didn’t speak at first. He reached over, took the student’s wrist, and felt his pulse. “Where do you feel unwell?”
Qin Ze swallowed nervously. “Just… my stomach feels uncomfortable.”
Bai Lan released his wrist, lifted his fingers to gently open the student’s eyes, and said calmly, “You’ve just overeaten and are feeling bloated.”
The other students who had been watching couldn’t help laughing. Qin Ze’s cheeks reddened, and he was about to protest, when Ning Muyan, standing nearby with his hands behind his back, spoke coldly: “Next time, if you use such excuses to skip class, I won’t be so lenient.”
Qin Ze shrank his neck. “Understood, Headmaster.”
Bai Lan said, “I’ll have the apprentice fetch some digestive medicine for you—after that, you’ll feel better.”
Qin Ze quickly got up and bowed to Bai Lan. “Thank you, Doctor.”
He then bowed to Ning Muyan. “Thank you, Headmaster, for taking care to summon the doctor.”
“Enough. Get back to writing your essays,” Ning Muyan said, flicking his sleeve and leaving. The students watched Bai Lan follow him out, and once he had gone, they laughed. “Qin Ze, next time don’t fake illness. The medical hall is right next to the academy.”
Qin Ze, unusually quiet, tugged at Yu He. “Hey, that doctor just now—she’s from the medical hall outside the academy?”
Yu He nodded. “Probably, otherwise how could she arrive so quickly?”
Qin Ze rubbed his chin, looking toward the direction Bai Lan had gone. “I didn’t expect a doctor so young.”
Yu He tilted his head, noticing the dreamy expression on Qin Ze’s face, and frowned. “You haven’t taken a fancy to the doctor, have you?”
Qin Ze’s gaze lingered, smiling dreamily. “Didn’t you see? That doctor’s features are gentle, and she’s skilled in medicine—she must be kind and considerate. The moment I saw her, it felt like a dream.”
Yu He shivered at the thought. If Ning Muyan knew…
“Do you think the Headmaster is easy to deal with?” Yu He asked.
Qin Ze furrowed his brow. “Why would I? If he were easygoing, I wouldn’t have been made a laughingstock today.”
Yu He patted Qin Ze on the shoulder. “Then be sensible, since you know the Headmaster isn’t someone to trifled with.”
Qin Ze didn’t grasp Yu He’s hint, feeling a bit annoyed. He thought, A young man should be free-spirited. How could the Headmaster care whom I fancy? Still, he said nothing, merely replying, “Fine, I know.”
Bai Lan returned to the medical hall, prepared some digestive medicine, and had the apprentice take it to the classroom. The new apprentice, not wanting to boil it in the cramped classroom, prepared it in advance so the students could drink it directly.
He turned to Ning Muyan. “Teaching these students isn’t easy, I suppose. It’s not like the simplicity of taking an exam.”
“The youthful spirit is hard to manage,” Ning Muyan said. “But luckily, it’s just laziness in study. So far, they haven’t caused any truly troublesome problems.”
Bai Lan smiled. “No matter. I’ll always have medicine ready for you if tempers flare.”
Ning Muyan reached out as if to pull Bai Lan close. “The Headmaster is in a good mood lately—happy occasions, you know. He won’t lose his temper easily. I suppose my preparations will go unused.”
Before his hand could touch Bai Lan, Jiang Zichun returned from seeing patients. Ning Muyan withdrew his hand and greeted him respectfully. “Father-in-law.”
Jiang Zichun’s face lit up. “Haven’t you started teaching yet?”
“Morning classes are done. A student was unwell, so I came with Bai Lan to prescribe medicine.”
“Good, good. Normally I’d share a cup of tea with you, but I must see another patient. This afternoon, come to the medical hall for lunch—Bai Lan will prepare extra dishes for you.”
Ning Muyan laughed. “It’s an honor.”
Bai Lan leaned over the examination table, watching the two men talk for a while before Ning Muyan escorted the elder doctor out. He propped his chin on his hand. “Will you help me cook?”
“Well… the couplets aren’t done, and essays aren’t graded yet. But if my husband asks me to cook, I certainly won’t refuse.”
“Enough with the chatter. Go on, and come back at the appointed time for lunch. I’ll buy a fresh fish for your soup.”
Ning Muyan smiled and nodded. “Good.”
Bai Lan watched Ning Muyan return to the academy, feeling a warmth in his chest, then took his basket to buy the fish. He returned to the kitchen, lit the fire, and prepared the soup. By near-noon, the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of fish soup.
He wiped his hands and went to the front hall of the medical clinic. The academy bell had rung, and students were trickling out. He peeked at the main gate, thinking Ning Muyan probably wouldn’t come out this way, then remembered he might enter through the back.
Suddenly, a flower seller called out, “Little Doctor Jiang, your flowers.”
Bai Lan’s brow twitched. He accepted the bundle of camellias, smiled, then cautiously asked, “Have you been paid?”
“Of course.”
Bai Lan raised an eyebrow, thanked him, and carried the flowers inside.