“Grandmother sent for you?”
Bai Lan saw the Young Master, face tense, yet didn’t have time to feel relieved. The heat that had barely subsided on his own face immediately flared again, making him want to fan himself.
He couldn’t bear to meet Ning Muyan’s gaze directly, and muttered, “Mm.”
Ning Muyan frowned. “Did Grandmother trouble you?”
Bai Lan avoided mentioning Bao’an Hall, replying, “I only went to take her pulse; nothing else.”
Ning Muyan didn’t believe him, lowering his head to study him. “Why are you so flushed just taking a pulse?”
“…The weather is hot, and the incense she burned is a bit overwhelming. That’s why my face turned red.”
Still skeptical, Ning Muyan’s eyes fell on the box Bai Lan carried. “And this?”
Bai Lan’s spine stiffened. Clearing his throat, he tried to hide the box under his arm, but it was too large.
“It’s a gift from Grandmother,” he said. “She said it’s for properly attending to you. Some herbs and the like.”
Seeing him struggling with two boxes and Sanleng absent, Ning Muyan felt a pang of pity. “I’ll carry them for you.”
Bai Lan tightened his hold. “No, that’s not proper. They aren’t heavy. I couldn’t trouble the Young Master with this.”
Ning Muyan furrowed his brows. Bai Lan, seeing this, shoved the medicine box toward him and chuckled, “This one’s heavier.”
Hearing that, Ning Muyan felt as if he’d regained some of his usual composure. He lifted the box and walked Bai Lan back, keeping three paces between them as they moved.
Was this another way of scolding him for returning late?
His grandmother, though stern in appearance, was not an unreasonable woman. Bai Lan had behaved well in the garden and hadn’t caused any trouble, so she would not have summoned him without reason. If it was truly just to take her pulse, Bai Lan’s reaction seemed far too peculiar.
Unease settled in Ning Muyan’s mind. Perhaps, since Bai Lan was unusually close to him, his grandmother harbored doubts and wanted to remind Bai Lan to maintain proper boundaries and not harbor inappropriate thoughts.
If that were the case, then it only drove Bai Lan a little further away.
Ning Muyan stepped forward slightly, attempting to close the distance.
Bai Lan’s heart pounded like a drum. The closer Ning Muyan came, the more his mind involuntarily replayed the carefully taught lessons from earlier, applying them to Ning Muyan. His mouth turned bitter; he felt utterly shameless.
Taking a decisive step forward, Bai Lan hurried ahead. “Young Master, I need to change. I’ll go first; you can return slowly.”
With that, he bolted off, his heart racing.
“…”
Ning Muyan froze in place. Surely, his grandmother had just reminded Bai Lan not to have improper thoughts about him.
Bai Lan dashed back to Tianmendong, sneaking the items from Bao’an Hall under his bed like a thief. He poured himself a large cup of cold tea and drank it in one go; only then did the heady thoughts in his mind subside.
Turning to leave his room, he almost collided with Ning Muyan, who was still standing outside. Bai Lan felt guilty and unsure of what to say.
“Don’t worry too much about what Grandmother said. Follow your heart—I’ll stand by you.”
Bai Lan’s mouth twitched, and he nodded softly.
But he worried that if Ning Muyan came over like last time in Xijin Garden, it might create friction between him and his grandmother again. After all, his grandmother was not being difficult—she may have simply misunderstood Ning Muyan’s intentions.
Moreover, this was a matter he preferred to handle alone.
He hugged his smaller, vulnerable self quietly.
As for the matter at Bao’an Hall, he would deal with it himself.
“There’s really nothing wrong. Grandmother just wanted me to check her pulse.”
“If it’s just a pulse check, why do you look so troubled?”
Bai Lan said, “Grandmother’s headache is rather difficult to manage. I was anxious and thinking of what medicine to prepare.”
Ning Muyan sighed. “Years ago, after your father and mother passed, my grandmother experienced the loss of her loved ones and carried the weight of the Ning family. Over time, she developed chronic headaches. Though I’ve consulted many doctors, it can only be alleviated, never cured. Taking medicine repeatedly has lost its effect.”
Seeing the worry in Ning Muyan’s eyes, Bai Lan realized that Ning Muyan, too, was very close to his grandmother. If his own father were ill, he would likely be equally anxious.
After a brief pause, Bai Lan said, “I can try to treat Grandmother myself.”
Ning Muyan glanced at him but did not comment.
“I’ll watch you prepare the prescription then.”
“…Even if he underestimated my skills, did he really need to supervise? Did he think I would confuse poison with medicine?” Bai Lan muttered in his mind.
Still, he could not push Ning Muyan away, so he asked, “Shall I have you write the prescription?”
“Very well.”
Today he had only glanced at the pulse without a thorough examination. In truth, this alone wouldn’t fully reveal the illness. But since he already understood Grandmother’s condition from the previous life, this cursory check sufficed.
As Ning Muyan explained, the death of the senior Ning had been a heavy blow to Grandmother. Ning Muyan, still young at the time, had to manage household affairs, leaving him frequently frustrated. Over time, these lingering emotions became a chronic condition. Whenever the weather turned excessively hot or cold, her illness would flare up.
Judging by the symptoms, it was damp-heat phlegm; treatment required clearing heat and reducing internal fire.
Following the instructions in his mind, Bai Lan dictated the ingredients while Ning Muyan listed them, working in tacit coordination.
Bai Lan divided the medicine into several doses, then retrieved a large-bellied bottle from his own medicine box and placed it alongside the prepared herbs.
Ning Muyan looked at the bottle, hand icy to the touch. “What is this?”
Many of the items in Bai Lan’s medicine box were either his own creations or collected herbs and pills, lacking labels unlike his father’s; he recognized them by sight alone.
“It’s water for boiling the medicine.”
Bai Lan retrieved the bottle. “Be careful not to break it. I only brought this much to the manor.”
“Very well. The prescription also includes instructions on dosage and preparation.”
Ning Muyan gazed at the tray of medicines. “I’ll go to Grandmother to pay my respects and deliver these together.”
“Good.”
Bai Lan checked the time. It was late, and he wouldn’t make it to Xiaoxi Alley today. He would have to wait until a day off.
Later, Ning Muyan went to Shou’an Hall to pay respects and delivered the medicine.
“I heard you went to see your teacher today?”
Ning Muyan nodded. “Yes. My teacher was assigned to supervise the salt tax affairs and passed through Yongchang Prefecture. He sent a letter requesting I visit him.”
Grandmother nodded. “The imperial examination is near. Sir Shi has always valued you; he likely inquired about your preparation.”
“My teacher always worries about me.”
Grandmother said, “If Sir Shi hadn’t been occupied with official duties, he would have been invited here. I haven’t seen him in two years—I vaguely recall the last time was when your father passed.”
Ning Muyan sighed. Time has moved on. In the past, everyone worked closely in the capital and visited frequently. Later, they were gradually transferred to Beijing, and the distance made even brief meetings rare. “My teacher also corresponds with me by letter.”
“Of course.”
The elderly lady glanced at Ning Muyan again, her words carrying a subtle meaning. “Although your studies are important, you must also take care of your health. Do not stay up too late at night, and allow yourself some relaxation. If you find someone suitable, have them attend to you. You are not young anymore and ought to take a wife, though I know you have no such intention at present.”
Ning Muyan’s brow twitched slightly. “Grandson is aware, but I hope Grandmother also takes good care of her health.”
The elderly lady saw that he did not respond further, nor give any confirmation, and she felt a bit dissatisfied. “You must be tired today. Go back and rest early.”
After Ning Muyan withdrew, the elderly lady could not help but shake her head. Madam Kang stepped forward. “Grandmother, did you hear that Sir Shi returned to the capital and it made you think of Master Ning?”
“It has been many years in the blink of an eye. I see that Muyan has grown to this age.”
Yet, hearing news of old acquaintances naturally brought memories of the past. She recalled the days when her son and grandson gathered together, and a tinge of melancholy settled over her. Sitting in the room for a while, she covered her forehead.
“Grandmother, is your headache acting up again?”
Madam Kang quickly massaged her temples. “You’ve been busy these past days and have had to worry about arranging for the young doctor. Now that you are recalling old matters, it’s no wonder your head aches.”
The elderly lady sighed. She had originally expected that Ning Muyan would bring someone himself. She had set the matter aside, but a season had passed without news. In the end, she would have to find someone herself to instruct. She wondered if this young master could truly accomplish the task.
With the household’s only promising heir still young and inexperienced, if she did not properly guide Ning Muyan, how could she face his future children after her passing? The thought made her somewhat irate.
“Earlier, the eldest young master brought the medicine prescribed by the young doctor. Shall I have Cai’er prepare a decoction for you?”
The elderly lady reached out, and a servant quickly handed over the prescription.
Her eyes scanned the lines: Huang Qin, Xiang Fu Zi, Qing Dai, Ze Lan, and a series of other herbs. It was not an extraordinary prescription—similar to the remedies brought by doctors in recent days. She sighed, “The same herbs in every meal—bitter as they are, they are increasingly ineffective.”
She tossed the prescription aside, not overly concerned with taking it herself. Yet, since it had been personally delivered by Ning Muyan, a filial gesture, she said, “Very well, have a dose prepared according to the prescription. It is not much different from the usual remedies, and taking it will at least settle the matter.”
Seeing this, Madam Kang waved her hand, and a maid hurried to prepare the medicine.
“Grandmother, go lie down in your room for a while.”
The elderly lady waved her hand. “Lying on the couch, I still toss and turn, unable to sleep.”
The more restless she felt, the more the pain worsened: first a dull heaviness clouding her mind, followed by sharp, stabbing pains.
Madam Kang, noting her worsened state, whispered, “Madam, you are uncomfortable—perhaps we should summon Lady Ning to attend to you?”
“To call her here is only to worry others. Bodily ailments cannot be lessened by concern.”
Madam Kang pressed more firmly on her temples and instructed the maid waiting in the room, “Hurry and have Cai’er finish preparing Grandmother’s medicine and bring it immediately.”
The elderly lady’s headache was severe, and her usual authority faded. Her face was pale, and by the time the servant brought the medicine, she had already grown weary.
Still, Madam Kang assisted her in taking it. As she sipped the decoction, she murmured drowsily, “Today, the medicine is not as bitter.”
That morning, Bai Lan had placed his written work on Ning Muyan’s desk. Yesterday, the teacher had been away on official business, so he could not go to the study, but his lessons were not to be neglected.
Ning Muyan picked up the stack of papers and examined them carefully. “Your handwriting has improved considerably recently. I can see some structure now.”
“I owe thanks to Eldest Young Master for your patient instruction.” Bai Lan had not missed a single day of practice.
Ning Muyan set the papers aside. “You used to complain that practice was tedious. Since you have made some progress today, I will teach you something else.”
Though the subject remained instruction, it was a welcome change from repetitive handwriting exercises. Bai Lan quickly asked, “What shall I learn today?”
Ning Muyan took out a piece of guqin sheet music. “Qing Mo, fetch my guqin.”
“I have to learn the guqin too?”
He had never studied music; he was completely tone-deaf. Typically, those who learned it were either performers in pleasure quarters or idle aristocrats. He belonged to neither.
“Consider it cultivation of character,” Ning Muyan said.
Bai Lan forced a dry smile. “I have little character; must I cultivate it?”
“Precisely because you have none, you should improve it.”
Bai Lan sighed. Was he here to work or to study?
Before long, Qing Mo returned with an antique guqin. Ning Muyan called Bai Lan over and patiently taught him to identify the instrument, the strings, and read the music.
Bai Lan, revealing none of his ability, found the task incomprehensible.
Soon, the study echoed with the sharp plucking, “zheng zheng zheng.” The servants cleaning the garden outside thought the guqin was broken.
Bai Lan winced and covered his ears. As a tone-deaf student, it sounded terrible even to him. He plucked too hard, his fingertips hurt, and he feared breaking the strings.
“This is too difficult.”
Ning Muyan sat beside him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, but encouraged him, “You will master it. Previously, your writing improved with effort.”
Bai Lan felt helpless; before, his poor handwriting had been deliberate. This was genuine exertion.
He was about to suggest returning to the dull practice of writing when Qing Mo knocked at the door. Bai Lan whispered beside Ning Muyan, “See, we are disturbing the people outside.”
Ning Muyan frowned. “What is it?”
“Madam Kang, attending to Grandmother, has come and requested that Doctor Xiao Jiang visit.”
Bai Lan’s heart stirred with suspicion.
Ning Muyan glanced at him, then asked toward the door, “For what purpose?”
Madam Kang’s voice came from outside: “Grandmother wishes for Doctor Xiao Jiang to come over and take another look at her pulse.”
Ning Muyan asked, “Has Grandmother’s headache flared again?”
“You’ll know once Doctor Xiao Jiang arrives,” came the reply.
Soon after, the study door opened. Ning Muyan stood at the threshold and said, “I will accompany you to pay respects to Grandmother.”
Madam Kang glanced at Bai Lan, who was half-hiding behind Ning Muyan. She had intended to say that only Bai Lan had been summoned, but as an old housekeeper, she could not refuse the eldest young master’s desire to pay respects.
Bai Lan, however, spoke up first: “I’ll go see Grandmother first. Eldest Young Master surely has other matters to attend to.”
He exchanged a meaningful glance with Ning Muyan. Ning Muyan understood but still felt a touch of worry. After a brief pause, he said, “Go and return quickly. I have something else for you to handle.”
“Yes.” Bai Lan inhaled quietly and followed Madam Kang toward Bao’an Hall.
At the garden gate, Bai Lan’s steps faltered slightly.
The weather was bright and clear, and the rarely-out-of-house Grandmother was by the koi pond, feeding the fish. Seeing them approach, she smiled faintly. “You’ve come in quite a lively group.”
“Grandmother seems in good spirits today,” Bai Lan greeted politely.
Supported by her maid, Grandmother rose from the stone bench. “I slept well last night; today I feel somewhat better.”
“This is thanks to the prescription you delivered—it relieved the headache.”
Madam Kang recounted the events of the previous day: “Last night, Grandmother’s headache was severe. All traditional remedies failed. The young doctor’s medicine was prepared and brought over. After drinking a bowl, the pain gradually eased. She slept until dawn, rising later than usual today.”
Those who had never taken Bai Lan’s medical skills seriously were now astonished at the efficacy, amazed that someone so young could be so capable.
Though Bai Lan did not directly look at their expressions, he knew many eyes were filled with scrutiny and surprise. Long accustomed to disbelief in his skills as a rural young doctor, he remained composed and said calmly, “All prior doctors were competent; their prescriptions were not wrong. Yesterday’s prescription differed little in ingredients and dosage from those used before. The only difference was the water used to brew the medicine.”
“That was snowwater I collected in the countryside. After the winter solstice, during the third ten-day period of the twelfth month, snow was sealed in a dark place for storage. This snow can last decades without spoilage. Used to soak seeds, it resists drought and pests; when used to brew medicine, it can alleviate headaches caused by damp-heat phlegm accumulation.”
Listening to Bai Lan’s logical explanation, Grandmother’s confidence in him grew. The usual timid expression vanished, replaced by assurance.
Madam Kang thought to herself, indeed, one is always more confident when operating in one’s area of expertise. Yesterday’s embarrassment seemed like a distant memory.
“I see now,” Grandmother nodded with understanding. When she looked at Bai Lan, her eyes showed a newfound respect. She smiled kindly: “I did not expect someone so young to understand medicine so well.”
She pondered briefly. “No wonder Ning Muyan brought you into the household.”
“If Eldest Young Master had not valued me, I would not have had the honor of attending Grandmother’s consultation,” Bai Lan replied.
Grandmother smiled. “You do have a sweet tongue.”
“Let us go inside. Doctor Xiao Jiang should give Grandmother a careful examination again.”
Madam Kang, seeing Grandmother’s condition improved, was even more pleased than if her own ailments had eased.
Inside, Bai Lan carefully checked Grandmother’s pulse and inquired about symptoms, finding them consistent with his previous understanding.
“Grandmother must maintain calm and composure to better nurture her spirit. While this prescription effectively relieves wind-heat headaches, long-term dependence may introduce coldness into the body. Use it appropriately and follow the prescribed course.”
Grandmother, now older and more tempered, nodded silently, heeding Bai Lan’s advice.
He paused briefly, glancing around. Grandmother’s sharp eyes noticed and dismissed the surrounding servants.
“Do you have something you wish to say to me alone?” she asked.
“I will ensure timely care for your medicine. While it cannot guarantee a complete cure, it can provide relief,” Bai Lan said. He inhaled quietly, then continued: “As for matters of medicine, I will do my utmost for Eldest Young Master and for you. As for others, I have neither interest nor strength.”
Grandmother leaned back slightly in her chair, understanding Bai Lan’s meaning. “You truly have no such intentions?”
“Yes.”
“But Muyan treats you well.”
Bai Lan said, “The young master values my skills.”
Grandmother’s gaze sharpened. “If Ning Muyan keeps a doctor by his side… could it be that his health…”
Bai Lan shook his head. “You need not worry. Eldest Young Master is well; whatever concerns you have can be set at ease.”
She studied Bai Lan with a discerning eye. After a moment, she said, “You are indeed clever. Since you came yourself to request this, I will not force the matter.”
Bai Lan breathed a long sigh of relief and bowed. “Thank you, Grandmother.”
Leaving Bao’an Hall, Bai Lan’s steps were considerably lighter.
He had not expected Grandmother to value him, considering him for a role beside Ning Muyan. The sudden events of yesterday meant he dared not refuse immediately.
Grandmother’s words were law; her authority far outweighed that of the one in Xijin Garden, and if he disobeyed, Ning Muyan’s intercession would hold little sway.
Rather than letting Ning Muyan worry about everything, it would be better for him to resolve the matter himself.
At present, letting the Old Madam see his value was far more important than becoming a ge’er who merely waited on Ning Muyan. Moreover, this concerned her own health directly. Under such circumstances, when he spoke again, the Old Madam would naturally choose the option with greater value and allow a ge’er with neither power nor influence to make his own choice.
In the future, he would also be able to practice medicine with peace of mind—and do so as a physician whom the Old Madam trusted.