Ning Zhengyu spent most of the morning at the Dimo Garden. After lunch there with Ning Muyan, he returned home in the afternoon.
His steps were light, his mood high. Arriving at Xijin Garden, he saw Tan Yun returning from outside.
“Mother,” Ning Zhengyu greeted with a bow. “You look cheerful. The early snow gathering must have been most enjoyable.”
Tan Yun looked pleased. “You have sharp eyes. The Bian family’s matron also attended. Mother sat with her and had a delightful conversation.”
Ning Zhengyu, knowing the Bian family’s rising influence in the city, understood his mother’s pleasure in befriending them. But seeing that Ning Muyan hadn’t lingered with the Bian family, he advised, “Mother, it’s good you enjoyed the gathering. Still, the Bian family is currently prominent. Best to keep your relationship cordial but distant, so that jealousy or ill-intentioned people won’t cause trouble.”
“You’re just a child—you don’t understand these things,” Tan Yun chided. The Bian family’s future was promising; maintaining ties would benefit her and prevent others from looking down on a widow like her.
Returning to the garden together, Tan Yun finally asked, “Where have you been? Were you attending gatherings too? Though it’s two years until the provincial exams, you can’t be lazy or neglect your studies.”
Seeing she was about to scold him for not studying, Ning Zhengyu replied, “I was reviewing lessons until late last night, Mother. I only had free time today. I did not go out, just visited the Dimo Garden.”
Hearing this, Tan Yun’s expression soured further. “Why do you always go there if there’s nothing to do?”
“I am his elder brother’s younger brother, so naturally I come and go freely,” Ning Zhengyu said.
Tan Yun, noticing that since Ning Zhengyu passed the courtyard exam he had grown increasingly close to Ning Muyan and often spoke well of him, couldn’t help but caution, “Even among close brothers, one should maintain some measure of restraint and distance. Besides, his mother—”
She stopped mid-sentence.
Curious, Ning Zhengyu prompted, “Mother, you can finish what you were saying.”
“I didn’t wish to burden you with this, but I also don’t want you left in the dark,” Tan Yun said slowly. “Years ago, your father and the first madam were very devoted to each other. When he favored your aunt and she bore you, the first madam could not bear to see her husband’s heart divided. Otherwise, how could she have passed away so prematurely?”
Her words were vague yet loaded with meaning. Ning Zhengyu furrowed his brow, glancing up at her.
Unaware of what he was thinking, Tan Yun continued gently, “Silly child, you still call him ‘elder brother’ so affectionately.”
Ning Zhengyu remained silent. When his aunt passed away, Tan Yun had not yet entered the Ning household, so how could she know the circumstances? Moreover, he had been raised by his aunt, and the first madam had never withheld any care or clothing from his mother and him.
He knew well the depth of his father and the first madam’s affection. His father had seldom visited his aunt, and out of a sense of guilt, the first madam had treated his mother and him with even greater kindness, calling him from a young age to study alongside his elder brother.
If the first madam had sought to harm his aunt, he would never have believed it. During her life, his aunt often expressed regret toward the first madam, insisting he should be grateful to her. A person’s goodwill can be feigned, but the first madam had no reason to harm them.
One reason was that she had an outstanding son; another, that his father did not excessively favor his mother and him. There was no threat from which she needed to protect herself.
Understanding this clearly now, Ning Zhengyu felt Tan Yun seemed unfamiliar to him—though she had regarded him as her own for years, her words carried a weight he could hardly absorb today.
He said nothing, merely replying, “Mother, I’ll return to my study.”
Tan Yun smiled, reassured. “Go, then.”
……
By the twelfth lunar month, deep winter had set in, and Bai Lan had grown increasingly reluctant to go outside. Aside from the two days he went to set up the stall at Nanmen Temple, he hardly ventured out—not entirely because of the cold, but because he had to care for the matriarch and also look after Gu Weiyan of the Qi family.
This day, Bai Lan had prepared medicine for Gu Weiyan and was about to send someone via Qing Mo to deliver it to the Qi residence, when Sanling said, “Young Master went out earlier.”
“Oh,” Bai Lan replied, retracting the medicine. With the New Year approaching, Ning Muyan was busy, and he said, “When the Young Master returns, let me know.”
“All right.”
Bai Lan worked all morning and finally rested for a moment, taking a sip of hot soup. “Rarely is that chatterbox Second Young Master absent today.”
Sanling said, “There were guests at Xijin Garden. Second Young Master is likely entertaining them there and couldn’t come.”
Curious, Bai Lan asked casually, “Who came?”
Sanling explained, “I heard it was the Bian family matron. Lately, our madam has grown close with her, meeting three or five times a month. Today she came by, accompanied by the young master of the Bian family.”
Bai Lan paused mid-sip. “Bian Daiyun came as well?”
Sanling was surprised that Bai Lan knew the young master’s name. Bai Lan quickly explained, “I happened to meet him while out with the Young Master before.”
“Oh.” Sanling said no more, adding, “I heard the Bian matron planned to dine here as well. The Xijin Garden cooks rushed early to buy fresh ingredients. She brought plenty of gifts to pay respects to our matriarch. I went to deliver her medicine and saw them laughing over there.”
Seeing Bai Lan’s focused expression, Sanling continued, lowering his voice, “The Bian family comes so frequently. Though their friendship with our madam is one thing, perhaps they also have designs on the Young Master?”
Bai Lan muttered, “Perhaps… the Young Master isn’t married yet, a top talent in the city. Naturally, families with eligible daughters would be interested.”
Sanling worried, “If that’s the case, and the Young Master favors the Bian family, after the elder brother marries and the household appoints stewards, would our lives still be as easy?”
“Fortunately, the Young Master isn’t home today. Otherwise, they might even try to see him.”
Bai Lan, distracted, frowned. Seeing his expression, Sanling asked, “Young Master, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Staying indoors all day by the stove makes one sluggish,” Bai Lan said suddenly, standing. “I’ll go for a walk and return in time for a meal.”
Bai Lan left Dimo Garden like someone fleeing, wandering aimlessly along the endless corridor. He didn’t understand why his mood felt so low.
“This Ning household garden is truly elegant. Walking here, there’s so much to take in.”
“If you like, you can come often. I’m quite lonely most days.”
“I’m not one to make idle promises. If you say that, I might just start coming by myself.”
Hearing the voice seemingly coming from across the corridor, Bai Lan tensed. He quickly climbed over the railing into the garden and hid behind an artificial rock.
Soon, he saw a cluster of his master’s attendants approaching—a crowd. Tan Yun was talking and laughing with the Bian matron, accompanied by Bian Daiyun.
Although Bian Daiyun didn’t speak much, Tan Yun and the Bian matron chatted and laughed easily. Bai Lan couldn’t help but recall how Tan Yun had once favored Bian Daiyun and kept close ties with the Bian family—arguably more than Ning Muyan, who as a prospective son-in-law of the Bian family had actually visited them less often.
Bai Lan stared, mesmerized by the scene of apparent filial respect and social grace, so lost in thought that he failed to notice the voice behind him until a hand suddenly tapped his shoulder.
“What are you hiding here to watch?”
Bai Lan jumped in surprise, then relaxed slightly when he saw it was Ning Zhengyu.
“I’m collecting snowwater here.”
“You didn’t even bring a container, and you’re just cupping it with your hands,” Ning Zhengyu snorted. Then, leaning closer, he teased, “Are you spying on the Bian young master?”
“tsk tsk tsk… look at his family, look at his appearance, and then his bearing…”
Ning Zhengyu glanced up and down at Bai Lan.
Bai Lan pursed his lips. “Of course, that’s how the son of a prominent family would be.”
Ning Zhengyu said, “Then why don’t you just give up!”
“Give up what? I’m not competing with anyone, not taking anything from anyone. Just because he’s from a noble family doesn’t mean ordinary folk like me can’t live.”
Bai Lan’s fingers clenched tightly.
Ning Zhengyu wanted to argue a bit more, but with the Bian family’s visit, being stuck in the garden entertaining guests had already worn him out. One Bian matron acted as if the Ning household were her own, and Bian Daiyun carried himself with that high-and-mighty air of disdain for everyone—yet Mother said he was dignified. No wonder Ning Muyan was unwilling to accept the Bian family’s invitation.
Seeing Bai Lan’s pale expression, Ning Zhengyu asked, “You’re not angry, are you?”
“I was just teasing. Brother doesn’t favor the Bian family, so I said it on purpose.”
When Bai Lan saw Ning Zhengyu walk away, he returned to the corridor. “Why would I be angry? I’m heading back first.”
“Ah, I was just talking casually. He can’t compare to you—look at his background, he started from some minor county post, only rising through his sister’s help. He knows nothing, yet carries himself so haughtily, looking down on everyone. He’s not worth your concern.”
“You’re skilled in medicine, kind-tempered, and have a good appetite…”
“….”
Bai Lan quickened his pace back.
Once back at Tianmendong, he claimed he had been cold outside and, barely touching his lunch, lay down on the bed. He couldn’t sleep, and his limbs felt weak.
He had once thought that some things in life might turn out differently. Ning Muyan at least did not like Bian Daiyun—but seeing the Bian family gradually align themselves with the Ning household filled him with a sense of inescapable fate.
It was a subtle warning: to stop indulging in Ning Muyan’s kindness and to avoid coasting through life without confronting consequences.
After the Little New Year, Bai Lan arranged several days’ worth of medicine for the matriarch, delivered some to the Qi family, packed his things, and bought New Year supplies in preparation for returning home.
Ning Muyan, knowing Bai Lan missed his family, wanted him to stay for the New Year, but ultimately didn’t insist.
Before leaving, Ning Muyan gave Bai Lan a generous amount of New Year money.
“Thank you, Young Master.”
“The snow is difficult to travel through. I’ve arranged for Liu Da to send a carriage. You’ll go home first and return after the fifth day of the lunar month.”
“All according to your instructions, Young Master.”
Ning Muyan noticed Bai Lan had been somewhat off in recent days, though he hadn’t avoided him or expressed dissatisfaction; his temperament had simply grown quieter.
When asked, Bai Lan only said he missed his father and wanted to return home for the New Year, having never been away from home this long before. Ning Muyan therefore gave him early leave to spend a few days at home.
After lunch, Bai Lan rode the carriage home.
Ning Zhengyu, carrying a food box, ran to the main gate but saw the carriage already gone and sighed.
Ning Muyan, standing at a distance, called out, “Brother?”
“Did you come to see Bai Lan off?”
“Yes. I brought a roast goose for him to take home, but the carriage left so quickly.”
Holding the food box, Ning Zhengyu couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
Ning Muyan noticed and asked, “Did you two argue?”
Ning Zhengyu hesitated to meet his elder brother’s gaze. “Uh… I joked with him a few days ago, didn’t expect he’d take it to heart.”
Ning Muyan frowned. “What did you say?”
“Nothing much. I was just teasing Bai Lan a bit,” Ning Zhengyu scratched his head. He had promised to keep Bai Lan’s secrets and so didn’t mention the Bian family. “We ended up arguing a little.”
Ning Muyan’s voice was firm. “From now on, don’t bully Bai Lan. He’s just a young lad.”
Ning Zhengyu nodded. “I understand.”
When Bai Lan arrived home, Jiang Zichun was cooking and happily welcomed him back.
He hadn’t returned for several months, and the household was naturally overjoyed.
Bai Lan hurried inside. The village couldn’t compare to the city—the rooms were mostly unheated except for the kitchen, yet seeing his father warmed his heart. He rubbed his hands together and helped stoke the fire.
“You’ll be home a few days. I’ll make you some good food.”
Bai Lan smiled. “While I was away, Father has been cooking too.”
“Of course, though not as good as your mother’s, and not as good as yours.”
Bai Lan tossed a piece of firewood into the stove. “Father, I set up a stall at Nanmen Temple and drew quite a crowd. Many bought the medicine I prepared, and some wealthy families even asked me to examine patients.”
“That’s excellent. Just the other day I heard a doctor in town mention it.”
Bai Lan’s expression turned serious. “What I mean is… I want to open a clinic. Father, would you come with me to help run it in the city?”
Jiang Zichun paused for a moment, surprised. “Well… why do you suddenly want to open a clinic?”
“I’ve had this wish for a long time,” Bai Lan replied. “I had planned it even when I went to the Ning residence. Now that my skills are recognized, I can’t spend my whole life just staying there.”
Jiang Zichun looked at him closely. “Have you not been happy at the Ning household?”
Before Bai Lan could answer, Jiang Zichun added, “Life in a large household isn’t simple—you must have endured some hardships.”
Bai Lan fell silent, staring into the fire. In truth, he hadn’t been unhappy there, but he no longer wanted to remain as he had in the past. It was better to leave openly and calmly rather than continue uncertainly.
He had been thinking about this for days and had already made up his mind.
Regardless of whether his father agreed to come with him, Bai Lan would open a clinic in the city on his own. It would give him a secure place to stand, a proper reason to tell Ning Muyan why he was leaving, and spare him from awkwardness.
If his father could come as well, that would be ideal.
But Bai Lan also knew that his father’s attachment wasn’t just to the local acquaintances over the years; more importantly, he felt this village was his wife’s birthplace and didn’t want to leave.
His father had held to this place all these years, and Bai Lan could not force him. Fortunately, the city wasn’t far, and the village could still be visited regularly.
“Father… you’ll stay in the village…”
“No. I’ll go with you to the city and open the clinic.”
Bai Lan was taken aback. “I can manage on my own. There’s no need for you to force yourself. I only came home to tell you my plan.”
Jiang Zichun smiled and waved his hand, motioning for Bai Lan to listen. “When I was young, I was a traveling physician, wandering until I met your mother and settled down. These years, I stayed here for her. But it wasn’t until you went to the Ning residence that I realized I could stay here all these years because you were by my side—I never felt lonely.”
“Now that you wish to open a clinic in the city, I will go with you. Besides, the city isn’t far; we can always come back to visit.”
Bai Lan felt moved, seeing tears in his father’s eyes.
During the few free days over the New Year, Bai Lan and Jiang Zichun went to the city’s pharmacy to buy supplies and also inspected potential shop locations.
If he wanted to buy a shop outright, his savings weren’t enough. But renting a space for stocking herbs and medicines would suffice to operate for about half a year.
He had thought it would take two or three years to save enough, but income from treating wealthy clients helped him accumulate quite a sum. After treating Gu Weiyan and seeing her health improve, she introduced him to her acquaintances, and Bai Lan treated a few more wealthy families, steadily adding to his funds.
He intentionally chose a spacious shop on the southern streets of the city, farthest from Lihua Garden, and put down a deposit.
After taking care of these matters, Bai Lan felt a sense of stability for the first time in a while, his spirits lifting. He spent the New Year happily with Jiang Zichun.
On the fifth day of the lunar year, Bai Lan returned to the Ning residence.
The household was busy with visits, unlike the quiet before the New Year. Bai Lan assumed the mansion was empty, but to his surprise, Ning Muyan was in the garden.
“You’re back.”
Bai Lan nodded, carrying a small bundle. “Young Master hasn’t gone out?”
Ning Muyan shook his head, as if he had been waiting in the garden for a long time. “The provincial exams are in February, so I’ve postponed unnecessary social visits.”
Bai Lan nodded in understanding; the exams were approaching. Their city was close to the capital, so departure didn’t require excessive preparation. Being from an official household, travel with carriages was fast, unlike the poorer students who came from afar and had to prepare months in advance.
Even so, Ning Muyan would likely depart in early February, with three to five days of travel, plus a brief rest upon reaching the capital. Bai Lan realized he needed to leave the Ning residence before Ning Muyan departed.
“I’m a bit tired from the journey; I’ll return to my room first.”
Without looking at Ning Muyan, Bai Lan hurried back to his room, set down his bundle, and sat quietly.
Years ago, Ning Muyan had risen through the ranks with continuous academic success. The year the family moved to the capital, Bian Daiyun’s sister, Lingfei, requested a royal marriage, which the emperor granted personally. The wedding had been grand and memorable, its firecrackers still echoing in Bai Lan’s memory.
Bai Lan curled his fingers, recalling how he had once hidden in a corner to witness that wedding. Now, he vowed never to be in such a position again.
He suddenly felt a chill, wrapping his hands around himself, reassuring himself that before spring arrives, the cold is always sharp, but after this, everything would bloom and be well.
Ning Muyan stood at the doorway of Tianmendong, silent as a statue, only looking away when Bai Lan entered the inner room.
This month, Bai Lan had been busier than ever—treating Gu Weiyan, teaching the matriarch’s attendants and Bao’an Hall staff the proper techniques for preparing medicine, and checking the progress of his clinic’s setup.
Ning Zhengyu had visited a few times, but Bai Lan never had free time, prompting complaints about his absence.
By the end of the month, the clinic owners asked him to come and check the shop.
Bai Lan rose early, skipping his usual stall at Nanmen Temple, and hurried westward into the city.
“Doctor Jiang, what do you think of this sign? Gold-embossed—it looks very grand.”
When Bai Lan arrived, he found his father had come even earlier. Father and son each held a key, able to inspect the shop at any time.
Bai Lan ran up. “Father, why are you here so early?”
Jiang Zichun replied, “The carpenter said the shop isn’t old; it used to sell fabric. A simple renovation will turn it into a clinic. I brought the herbs we saved from home to check the progress while I was at it.”
He said it with genuine delight, “Just now I took a walk through the shop—everything looks excellent.”
Hearing this, Bai Lan hurried inside. The shop was single-story but spacious; the backyard had two small rooms suitable for lodging.
The front was the main shop area, with two side rooms divided for male and female private consultations. There were also two main consultation tables, a front counter for transactions and dispensing medicine, and a tall, wall-mounted medicine cabinet.
“Doctor Xiao Jiang, take a look—anything that seems off? I can adjust it for you.”
Bai Lan expressed repeated gratitude. “I’m satisfied—it’s all perfect. Thank you, master carpenter.”
The carpenter waved his hand modestly. “Not at all. If you hadn’t treated my wife before, she might not have fully recovered. When I heard you were opening a clinic, everyone was delighted to help set it up—it’s a good deed.”
Although Bai Lan didn’t remember exactly what ailment the carpenter’s wife had, he felt genuinely happy. Taking the opportunity, he said, “In the future, not only will your wife be able to consult here, but my father will also see patients at the clinic. He’s skilled in orthopedics and surgery.”
“That’s wonderful! From now on, we’ll all come to you.”
Bai Lan’s smile lingered as he looked at the gilded sign outside—“Jiang’s Clinic”—feeling a sense of fitting completion.
After sending off the carpenter, the shop grew quiet. Bai Lan stood at the counter, arranging the herbs his father had brought, and gently touched the small sign that read “Xiao Jiang’s Medical Stall” tucked in the corner.
He pressed his lips together. That sign would likely never be used again. Carefully, he folded it and placed it at the bottom of his medicine box.
Today, he felt a happiness he had never experienced before. He and his father would now run their own lives in the city. Yet beneath that joy, he could not entirely hide the tangle of lingering melancholy.
On the way back to the Ning residence, Bai Lan wondered how he should approach Ning Muyan—how to remain composed and calm when speaking.
“Doctor Xiao Jiang!”
As he wandered along, a carriage suddenly stopped by the roadside, and a beautiful lady leaned out the window.
“Madam Qi?”
“Doctor Xiao Jiang, are you free today? I’d like to invite you to Yasi for a gathering,” Gu Weiyan said, her eyes bright with anticipation. “I want to properly thank you.”
Bai Lan’s brow twitched in realization, and he nodded.