A knock sounded at the door. “Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
Hearing Ning Muyan’s voice, Bai Lan put down the herbs he was handling. He hesitated in the courtyard, reluctant to open the door.
“Young Master, do you need something?”
“I’d like you to examine a patient.”
Bai Lan sighed. Ning Muyan always seemed to need such excuses to find him. “What medicine do you need, Young Master? I’ll have Sanleng send it over shortly.”
Qi Zhuo followed Ning Muyan, his hopes high for finding the doctor. From the main hall, they reached the side quarters. Just as Qi Zhuo was about to jest about the journey, he saw the young master being denied entry.
He pointed inside. “The doctor is here?”
Ning Muyan said nothing, only exhaled lightly.
“I thought the situation was too coincidental,” Qi Zhuo said, “but now I see the doctor’s temperament is truly as the rumors describe.”
Ning Muyan replied with a sigh, “He’s easy enough to summon with the right words, but we had a disagreement not long ago. That’s why he acted as you see.”
No sooner had he spoken than the door of Tianmendong flew open.
“Young Master, what nonsense! I would never dare to contradict you—there was no argument.”
Bai Lan and Qi Zhuo both bowed.
Qi Zhuo’s eyes brightened as he recognized Bai Lan faintly—he recalled seeing him at the polo grounds some time ago. Quickly, he bowed again.
“I’ve heard that Physician Xiao Jiang is highly skilled, especially with women’s ailments. I hope you might examine my wife. Should you relieve her discomfort, I shall reward you handsomely.”
“Qi Shao, you are too courteous. A physician’s duty is to care for the patient.”
Ning Muyan watched Bai Lan quietly, having said nothing since calling him out.
Bai Lan sensed Ning Muyan’s glances but wasn’t sure if he imagined it. Either way, he felt guilty. Yet he couldn’t let feelings interfere with his duties. After briefly discussing with Qi Zhuo, he hurried back inside to prepare his medical box.
“Physician Xiao Jiang is gentle, nothing like the rumors of a strange temper,” Qi Zhuo said with a smile, looking at the somewhat absent-minded Ning Muyan. “What’s the matter? Still silent? You haven’t asked how he came to be summoned here?”
Ning Muyan returned to reality. “It took some effort to bring him.”
“Why keep it secret? A hidden treasure, eh? If I had known, I would have come sooner,” Qi Zhuo teased. “Had I known he was here, I’d have visited immediately.”
Bai Lan had only brought basic supplies, intending first to observe and diagnose, then treat as appropriate. When he left with his medical box, Ning Muyan and Qi Zhuo were still at the doorway. Eager to reach the Qi residence, Qi Zhuo wished to depart quickly.
Bai Lan lowered his gaze but still addressed Ning Muyan: “Young Master, I shall go first.”
Unexpectedly, Ning Muyan said, “I haven’t visited the Qi household in some time. I’ll go with you.”
Qi Zhuo clapped his hands. “That will cover us from prying eyes. No one will know I summoned a doctor to treat Wei Yan. Otherwise, complications might arise.”
Bai Lan opened his mouth, but no words came. He rode with Ning Muyan in one carriage, while Qi Zhuo took the Qi residence carriage.
Though not their first journey together alone, the atmosphere was more awkward than ever.
Bai Lan could only stare down at his own feet.
“Winter’s come.”
“Mm.”
“Is Tianmendong cold?”
“Not too bad.”
“Using charcoal?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of charcoal are you using?”
“….”
Here it comes again—another familiar attempt to make conversation out of nothing.
Bai Lan suddenly lifted his head and looked toward Ning Muyan seated at the main position. “Isn’t the garden all using silver-bone charcoal?”
Ning Muyan paused briefly. “That’s true.”
“Then why have you been avoiding me?”
Bai Lan rubbed his hands nervously. “I haven’t.”
Ning Muyan didn’t want to recount all the times Bai Lan had hidden from him before, so he took the opportunity to say, “Don’t avoid me. I won’t say those things anymore. Just like before.”
Bai Lan glanced at Ning Muyan, then looked away, nodding slightly.
The governor’s residence was impressive, yet for someone who had lived in the Ning estate, it felt like a minor display.
When word came that Ning Muyan would visit, the governor personally invited him to the main hall, and Bai Lan took the opportunity to visit Lady Qi Zhuo’s garden.
His visit was hurried. Qi Zhuo had not informed his wife beforehand; it was the servant who led Bai Lan in.
Having previously discussed the matter with her husband, Gu Wei Yan, delighted, politely invited Bai Lan into the inner chamber.
“Physician Xiao Jiang, please forgive the inconvenience. Normally, I would welcome you properly, but today you must examine me in secret. I apologize for the trouble.”
Bai Lan looked at the woman—young, beautiful, gentle, and kind—and immediately felt a sense of goodwill.
“I often treat women’s ailments and understand the difficulties young ladies face. Most of my previous patients requested discretion, so there’s no need to worry about etiquette, Lady Qi.”
Gu Wei Yan smiled gratefully. She had heard that the doctor was said to be peculiar, but seeing him now, young and considerate, she realized that the outside gossip had exaggerated his temperament.
Bai Lan set down his medical box. “Lady Qi, please let me feel your pulse.”
Gu Wei Yan sat down quickly and extended her hand. Bai Lan placed his fingers gently, feeling the slight coolness, and palpated carefully.
“Do your limbs often feel cold? Does your lower abdomen feel chilly?”
Gu Wei Yan nodded and added, “And sometimes my lower abdomen feels heavy and bloated. My taste is mild, though I favor spicy flavors.”
Bai Lan noted this, then inquired about her daily habits and performed a brief examination.
“Physician Xiao Jiang, am I… infertile?”
“Not so severe. You have a condition of uterine cold, which makes conception difficult. This is a common women’s ailment; with proper herbal treatment, you will improve.”
Gu Wei Yan’s face brightened with relief. “Then how should I treat it?”
Bai Lan instructed, “Stay active to promote circulation. In cold weather, add some astragalus, red dates, and angelica to your tea to nourish Qi and blood.”
Gu Wei Yan blushed slightly. Born into a martial family, she had been kept from physical exertion; walking around the courtyard had been limited, inadvertently affecting her health.
“Is that all?”
“Of course not. You will need prescribed herbs. I will prepare the formula and have it sent to you.”
“You must go to so much trouble, Physician Xiao Jiang.” She raised her hand lightly, and the attentive servants brought two large pouches. “This is only a small token of appreciation. I will rely on your care for my health from now on.”
Bai Lan did not refuse. Treating patients was never free, and since he had been summoned, a fee was naturally due. The generosity of a noble family far exceeded the earnings from a year at a stall at South Gate Temple.
Bai Lan bowed politely. Lady Gu personally escorted him back to reunite with Ning Muyan.
Once the servant confirmed Bai Lan’s presence, Ning Muyan stood to take his leave.
“Thank you for making the trip and for bringing Physician Xiao Jiang.”
The couple accompanied Ning Muyan and Bai Lan, expressing further gratitude and explaining later how to obtain the herbs.
At the gate, a carriage arrived—just as they reached it.
“Your household is quite lively today.”
As Ning Muyan spoke, a young man stepped down from the carriage, followed by a refined middle-aged woman, lavishly dressed.
Bai Lan’s heart skipped, instinctively moving behind Ning Muyan, hiding most of his body.
Ning Muyan noticed Bai Lan’s subtle unease, frowning, yet did not question him.
Qi Zhuo subtly signaled Ning Muyan, then approached Lady Gu with Gu Wei Yan. “Madam Bian and young master have arrived?”
The woman smiled. “We recently arrived in Yongchang. Since the governor has been so attentive, and the weather is nice, we thought to bring Dai Yun along to greet Lady Qi.”
Qi Zhuo replied, “You are too polite. Mother has been mentioning you; your timing is perfect.”
The lady enjoyed the warm reception. Bian Dai Yun, standing beside her, remained quiet, appearing reluctant to engage.
“Ah, and this young gentleman?”
The woman had noticed Ning Muyan immediately upon stepping down but first spoke to Qi Zhuo before acknowledging him.
“Oh, I was about to introduce him. This is my friend, Ning Muyan, the eldest son of the Ning household.”
Her eyes brightened. “Young Master Ning is truly a remarkable youth—he lives up to his reputation.”
“In the past, I had a brief encounter with Young Master Ning when handling official matters in the county. His bearing was extraordinary; he lives up to being the eldest son.”
Ning Muyan replied lightly, “Madam Bian, you are too gracious. I have long heard of your family’s appointment to the city’s salt affairs, but never had the chance to meet. I didn’t expect such a coincidence to encounter you here today.”
“Yes.”
“What kind of charcoal are you using?”
“….”
Here it comes again—the familiar small talk to fill the silence.
Bai Lan suddenly lifted his head and looked at Ning Muyan seated at the main position. “Isn’t the garden all using silver-bone charcoal?”
Ning Muyan paused slightly. “That’s true.”
“Then why have you been avoiding me?”
Bai Lan rubbed his hands nervously. “I haven’t.”
Ning Muyan didn’t want to recount all the times Bai Lan had hidden from him before, so he took the opportunity: “Don’t avoid me. I won’t say those things again. Let’s go back to how it was before.”
Bai Lan glanced at Ning Muyan, then looked away, nodding slightly.
The governor’s residence was grand, but for someone who had lived in the Ning estate, it felt comparatively modest.
When news came that Ning Muyan was visiting, the governor personally invited him to the main hall. Bai Lan took the chance to go to Lady Qi Zhuo’s garden.
His visit was hurried. Qi Zhuo had not informed his wife beforehand; it was the servant who guided Bai Lan in.
Having discussed the matter with her husband earlier, Gu Wei Yan, pleasantly surprised, politely invited Bai Lan into the inner chamber.
“Physician Xiao Jiang, please forgive the inconvenience. Normally, I would welcome you properly, but today I must have you examine me in secret. I apologize for the trouble.”
Bai Lan looked at the young woman—beautiful, gentle, kind—and immediately felt a sense of goodwill.
“I often treat women’s ailments and understand the difficulties young ladies face. Most of my previous patients requested discretion, so there’s no need to worry about etiquette, Lady Qi.”
Gu Wei Yan smiled gratefully. She had heard the doctor was said to be peculiar, but seeing him now—young and considerate—she realized the gossip had exaggerated his temperament.
Bai Lan set down his medical box. “Lady Qi, please let me feel your pulse.”
Gu Wei Yan sat down quickly and extended her hand. Bai Lan placed his fingers gently, feeling a slight coolness, and palpated carefully.
“Do your limbs often feel cold? Does your lower abdomen feel chilly?”
Gu Wei Yan nodded. “And sometimes my lower abdomen feels heavy and bloated. My taste is mild, though I favor spicy flavors.”
Bai Lan noted this, then inquired about her daily habits and performed a brief examination.
“Physician Xiao Jiang, am I… infertile?”
“Not so severe. You have a condition of uterine cold, which makes conception difficult. This is a common women’s ailment; with proper herbal treatment, you will improve.”
Gu Wei Yan’s face brightened. “Then how should I treat it?”
Bai Lan instructed, “Stay active to promote circulation. In cold weather, add some astragalus, red dates, and angelica to your tea to nourish Qi and blood.”
Gu Wei Yan blushed slightly. Born into a martial family, she had been kept from physical exertion; walking around the courtyard had been limited, inadvertently affecting her health.
“Is that all?”
“Of course not. You will also need prescribed herbs. I will prepare the formula and have it sent to you.”
“You must go to so much trouble, Physician Xiao Jiang.” She raised her hand lightly, and the attentive servants brought two large pouches. “This is only a small token of appreciation. I will rely on your care for my health from now on.”
Bai Lan did not refuse. Treating patients was never free, and since he had been summoned, a fee was naturally due. The generosity of a noble family far exceeded the earnings from a year at a stall at South Gate Temple.
Bai Lan bowed politely. Lady Gu personally escorted him back to reunite with Ning Muyan.
Once the servant confirmed Bai Lan’s presence, Ning Muyan stood to take his leave.
“Thank you for making the trip and for bringing Physician Xiao Jiang.”
The couple accompanied Ning Muyan and Bai Lan, expressing further gratitude and explaining how to obtain the herbs later.
At the gate, a carriage arrived—just as they reached it.
“Your household is quite lively today.”
As Ning Muyan spoke, a young man stepped down from the carriage, followed by a refined middle-aged woman, lavishly dressed.
Bai Lan’s heart skipped, instinctively moving behind Ning Muyan, hiding most of his body.
Ning Muyan noticed Bai Lan’s subtle unease, frowning, yet did not question him.
Qi Zhuo subtly signaled Ning Muyan, then approached Lady Gu with Gu Wei Yan. “Madam Bian and young master have arrived?”
The woman smiled. “We recently arrived in Yongchang. Since the governor has been so attentive, and the weather is nice, we thought to bring Dai Yun along to greet Lady Qi.”
Qi Zhuo replied, “You are too polite. Mother has been mentioning you; your timing is perfect.”
The lady enjoyed the warm reception. Bian Dai Yun, standing beside her, remained quiet, appearing reluctant to engage.
“Ah, and this young gentleman?”
The woman had noticed Ning Muyan immediately upon stepping down but first spoke to Qi Zhuo before acknowledging him.
“Oh, I was about to introduce him. This is my friend, Ning Muyan, the eldest son of the Ning household.”
Her eyes brightened. “Young Master Ning is truly a remarkable youth—he lives up to his reputation.”
“In the past, I had a brief encounter with Young Master Ning when handling official matters in the county. His bearing was extraordinary; he lives up to being the eldest son.”
Ning Muyan replied lightly, “Madam Bian, you are too gracious. I have long heard of your family’s appointment to the city’s salt affairs, but never had the chance to meet. I didn’t expect such a coincidence to encounter you here today.”
After speaking, Ning Muyan politely dismissed any thought of inviting her back to the Qi residence. “Unfortunately, I have matters at the house and must return.”
The woman looked slightly disappointed. “No matter. Young Master Ning will surely visit the residence another day.”
Others might take this as mere courtesy, but Qi Zhuo understood his intention. Smiling, he said, “Madam, please come inside. If Mother saw you standing at the gate, she might think I was negligent.”
Ning Muyan nodded slightly. “I shall take my leave first.”
The woman watched Ning Muyan board the carriage and freely commented, “Young Master Ning truly is a remarkable young man.”
Qi Zhuo simply smiled as if he hadn’t heard.
“What’s wrong?” Back in the carriage, Ning Muyan quickly asked Bai Lan. “You don’t look well.”
Bai Lan shook his head, unwilling to admit that seeing Bian Dai Yun unsettled him. “Nothing. I was just thinking about preparing Lady Qi’s prescription.”
“You’re quite diligent.”
Bai Lan replied, “Well, she is the wife of your friend.”
“Is that so?”
Hearing this, Bai Lan felt he had spoken too quickly. He was used to joking freely before, but now such words could be misinterpreted. He quickly added, “I saw the young master of the Bian family earlier. He truly is outstanding. No wonder everyone admires him—Second Young Master was right.”
He recalled hearing gossip that Ning Muyan and Bian Dai Yun were a perfect match, having been infatuated at first sight. Bai Lan had only heard of it from servants and had never witnessed it himself. He imagined the union of two well-matched families.
After their marriage, Bai Lan had not often seen them together. When he did, the relationship seemed polite, but not as romantic as rumored. He assumed Ning Muyan’s busy work schedule left little time for intimacy.
Now, by coincidence, he witnessed their first meeting—and it was unlike the stories.
One was dignified and aloof, the other impatient, with no words exchanged, no meaningful glances. Bai Lan couldn’t make sense of it.
His mind raced, recalling what Ning Muyan had said to him earlier. Could it be…? No, impossible…
He stealthily glanced at Ning Muyan, who frowned. “How did Zhengyu tell you these things? That boy learns little about studies, but knows much of the city’s trivialities.”
Bai Lan coughed lightly, mentioning Bian Dai Yun, and Ning Zhengyu was scolded.
“I—don’t you think Bian Dai Yun suitable? She’s… a proper match.”
Ning Muyan gave Bai Lan a sidelong glance, voice sharp. “Are you testing me? Or trying to provoke me deliberately?”
Bai Lan shrank back, muttering, “How dare I provoke you, Young Master? Just speaking the truth.”
“Here we are.”
The carriage stopped. Seeing Ning Muyan’s cold expression, Bai Lan bowed slightly and quickly stepped out, moving ahead without waiting.
“Why so angry!” he muttered, though his heart felt oddly unsettled.
Back at Tianmendong, Bai Lan began preparing Lady Qi’s prescription. Common women’s ailments were well-documented in his father’s medical texts, so targeted remedies were plentiful. To make them faster and more effective, he adjusted the formula according to the patient’s constitution.
He combined herbs like wine-processed peony root, rehmannia, cyperus, cnidium, and charred mugwort into a powder for the Uterine Cold Powder. When used, it was mixed with rice vinegar and applied to the right palm to induce perspiration. He also included a pre-made Uterine Cold Plaster in Lady Qi’s medicine box.
Other women had requested this plaster before, and feedback had been positive. Even with Lady Qi’s weaker constitution, it was safe.
Bai Lan remained in the garden for several hours, neither tired nor hungry—truly absorbed in his work.
“Physician Xiao Jiang, may I enter?”
Bai Lan had just finished preparing the medicine when a voice came from the door. “Come in.”
Qing Mo entered, carrying a box.
“What’s this?” Bai Lan asked, noticing the box on the table.
Qing Mo smiled. “This was sent this afternoon by Young Master Qi as a token of gratitude.”
Bai Lan’s brow twitched. “Young Master Qi is too polite.” Previously, Lady Qi had given silver when he diagnosed her, and now another gift—aristocratic families are certainly meticulous.
“Young Master Qi is always courteous. He said it’s an honor that Physician Xiao Jiang is willing to help.”
Bai Lan replied, “I will take great care with Lady Qi’s health. It’s not for nothing that Young Master Qi is so considerate.”
“Of course. With your skill, Physician Xiao Jiang, if you can treat the Grandmother’s headaches, Lady Qi’s health will certainly be no problem either.”
Bai Lan smiled and, seeing Qing Mo ready to leave, called him back.
He cleared his throat. “Has the Young Master rested?”
Qing Mo hurriedly explained, “These past days, Young Master has had trouble sleeping, often staying awake for most of the night. I wanted to call Physician Xiao Jiang to see him, but Young Master said it was unnecessary.”
Bai Lan pressed his lips. “Winter has begun; perhaps it’s the season affecting him. Once I finish preparing Lady Qi’s medicine, I’ll bring it to him along with a box of calming incense.”
“Ah, good!”
Bai Lan first brought Qing Mo’s gift into the bedroom, then picked up the calming incense and Lady Qi’s medicine to find Ning Muyan, who, unusually, was not in the study that day.
He knocked on the door, and a low voice from inside said, “Come in.”
Bai Lan entered, carrying the medicine, only to find Qing Mo absent. “Young Master?”
“I’m in the inner room. Come in.”
He stepped in and saw Ning Muyan in a simple undergarment, standing in the room and drying his hair with a white cloth—clearly having just finished bathing. He made no fuss about Bai Lan entering, simply calling him in.
Seeing Ning Muyan’s broad shoulders, Bai Lan felt a bit embarrassed and turned his head aside, though he had seen him unclothed before, so there was little cause for shame. He wondered if the distance between them over the past days was why this felt awkward.
For a while, Ning Muyan said nothing, focusing on drying his hair, as if Bai Lan wasn’t there. Bai Lan quickly realized: the young master was still sulking about the morning’s events. Ning Muyan, it seemed, held grudges over trivial matters.
“I’ve prepared the medicine for Lady Qi. It’s on the table—perhaps you can have someone deliver it tomorrow.”
“I heard that your sleep has been restless lately. I brought a box of calming incense; shall I light it for you?”
Ning Muyan tossed aside the cloth and glanced at Bai Lan. “Go ahead.”
Bai Lan placed the incense into the censer. As he stirred the fragrant herbs, the scent wafted through the room, enriched by the charcoal fire.
He clapped his hands lightly. “All done. Young Master, please rest early. I’ll take my leave now.”
Yet Ning Muyan said, “Come, check the injury on my hand.”
Bai Lan thought a minor scrape wasn’t worth fuss, but he understood the dramatics of a pampered young master. Dutifully, he examined the hand.
Ning Muyan rolled up his sleeve, revealing a long scar along his smooth forearm. It was already scabbed, the healed areas shedding, leaving only a faint trace. Bai Lan applied some of his father’s medicinal ointment.
“I didn’t know your medical skill was so impressive. Your reputation precedes you. Today Qi Zhuo couldn’t stop praising you,” Ning Muyan remarked.
Bai Lan carefully spread the ointment. “There’s much you don’t know, Young Master.”
Ning Muyan fell silent for a moment. “Will you tell me things in the future?”
“All done—the ointment is on.”
Bai Lan released his hand and checked the time. “I should return and rest now.”
He turned to leave, but Ning Muyan suddenly grabbed his wrist. “I feel dizzy… do I have a fever? Take my pulse again.”
Bai Lan gently pushed his hand away. “You’re just tired, Young Master. Sleep will fix it.”
Ning Muyan blinked, eyes hazy. “Did you give me medicine?”
“Not at all,” Bai Lan replied patiently. “It’s the calming incense working.”
Ning Muyan refused to let go. “Then help me to bed.”
Bai Lan cleared his throat but remained calm. “I’ll call Qing Mo to attend you.”
“I already sent him away.”
“….”
Bai Lan pursed his lips and carefully lifted Ning Muyan. The young master leaned heavily on him, almost toppling him.
“Really no medicine? Why does my head spin and body feel weak?”
“You haven’t slept well these past days. That’s all,” Bai Lan explained.
Ning Muyan glanced at him. “Then why do you look fine?”
Well, Bai Lan thought, that’s because you’re overacting!
He didn’t say this aloud, steadied Ning Muyan, and placed him onto the bed. Ning Muyan’s weight nearly pulled him onto the mattress as well.
Once on the bed, Bai Lan removed his shoes and positioned him comfortably.
Breathing heavily from the effort, he said, “Rest well, Young Master. I’ll leave now.”
Ning Muyan didn’t respond.
Bai Lan leaned in to check his breathing—it was steady.
“This calming incense really works,” he murmured.
Looking at Ning Muyan asleep, with ink-black brows, a high nose, and elegant bone structure, Bai Lan, even as a physician, couldn’t help but admire the natural grace of his features. The skin covering such refined bones could hardly diminish his presence.
For a moment, Bai Lan lost himself, lightly touching Ning Muyan’s nose. The faint firmness made his heart race. Though tempted, he stopped at the tip of his nose, finally daring to do something he had longed to do but never dared.
The candlelight cast a warm, gentle glow. Bai Lan exhaled softly, a tender smile on his lips. The calming incense also made him drowsy, allowing him to sleep well once he returned.
He tucked the covers around Ning Muyan and turned to leave, nearly colliding with Ning Zhengyu, frozen at the doorway, eyes wide in shock.
“!”