News soon spread through the prefectural city: this year’s top-ranked scholar had not participated in the palace examination, and the position of zhuangyuan went instead to the original second-place candidate, Qi Zhuo.
Before anyone could clearly understand why Ning Muyan had chosen not to attend the palace selection, another piece of news spread like wildfire.
The Ning family was establishing an academy in the prefectural city, personally approved by His Majesty, with Ning Muyan serving as its head. Renowned teachers were being recruited, and construction of the academy was already underway.
For a time, the entire city was in an uproar.
Scholars and prominent households discussed it endlessly, speculating on why Ning Muyan had not entered officialdom through the palace examination. Some said he had offended His Majesty and been stripped of his qualification to sit the palace exam, but the special permission to establish an academy quickly dispelled such rumors. No matter how people tried, they could not make sense of it, and it seemed His Majesty had other arrangements in mind.
As a result, attention shifted even more toward the newly built academy. Though it was not a royal academy, royal academies were reserved exclusively for members of the imperial clan. Even officials’ families could only send companions to study there—how could ordinary households ever dream of such a place?
The academy now being founded by the Ning family, however, carried the emperor’s approval and the glow of imperial favor. And with Ning Muyan himself—top-ranked scholar—at its helm, his learning and talent were plain for all to see.
Thus, households with children of suitable age moved swiftly, bringing gifts as they flocked to the Ning residence, all hoping that once the academy opened, they might secure a place to study.
These days, whenever Bai Lian went out on house calls—whether to officials’ grand estates or humble homes in the alleyways—almost everyone talked about the matter. Since Ning Muyan was currently recruiting instructors and overseeing construction, student admissions had not yet been discussed, leaving hopeful scholars like headless flies, anxious and uncertain whether they would be able to enter the academy.
“Little Physician Jiang, does your family have children who need schooling? It would be wonderful if they could attend Scholar Ning’s new academy. Back when Scholar Ning was studying, his calligraphy was already peerless—praised by masters and collected as works of art. Now that he’s founding an academy, there are countless students drawn by his reputation.”
“The academy is right there west of the city, next to Little Physician Jiang’s clinic. It’s so close.”
After finishing a consultation and writing out a prescription, Bai Lian listened to the family chatting idly. Hearing this, he felt quietly pleased. “Is that so? Sounds like the academy is already in great demand, even before it’s officially opened.”
“Exactly. What scholars ultimately seek is the civil examinations and official appointment, isn’t it? I heard that the academy the Ning family is opening has been personally approved by His Majesty. If one studies there, it adds another layer of possibility for the future, doesn’t it?” As she spoke, the woman sighed again. “It’s just that I don’t know whether such a fine place would take in students from poor families like ours.”
As she said this, the woman grabbed Bai Lian again. “Little Doctor Jiang is right next door to the academy, so you’re surely more likely than the rest of us to see Director Ning. Could you help us feel things out? I’ve never even laid eyes on this jinshi gentleman.”
Bai Lian’s brow twitched slightly. On this point, she really had asked the right person. Just last night, he had talked with Director Ning by the lakeside for a good half hour, and when they parted, the man had been reluctant to leave.
“This… I’m afraid it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to ask.”
“You’re always coming and going here. Once you’re familiar with him, wouldn’t it be easier for your own children, or children from your clan, to enter the academy as well?”
Bai Lian scratched his head. Setting everything else aside, his own future children would certainly have no trouble getting into the academy. Not only that—they would even be able to enter Director Ning’s classroom and receive his personal instruction.
“Since it’s an academy specially authorized by His Majesty, it should naturally accept students broadly, much like the civil examinations. Anyone in the realm with ambition and learning should be able to participate. The academy wouldn’t go against the court’s way of selecting talent.”
The woman smacked her lips thoughtfully. “What Little Doctor Jiang says makes sense. That does put my mind more at ease.”
Bai Lian handed her the prescription. “All right. Madam, take good care of your health first. Once that’s settled, then worry about your child entering the academy.”
“Ah, all right. I’ll see you out, Little Doctor Jiang.”
“There’s no need. I’ve been here plenty of times—you don’t have to be so polite.”
“Then take care on your way.”
Bai Lian walked out of the residence, waved, and headed back with his medical kit on his back.
As soon as he reached the market street, a familiar carriage pulled over and stopped in front of him. Bai Lian pressed a hand to the medical kit at his waist, a smile spreading across his face, and in a flash he climbed aboard.
Seeing the man inside sitting upright and studying blueprints, Bai Lian stepped forward and snatched away the large sheet of paper that had been blocking Ning Muyan’s face. “I got on the carriage and you didn’t even look at me.”
Ning Muyan chuckled. “I saw you come out of the alley a long time ago.”
Bai Lian set down his medical kit and sat close beside him. “How did you know I’d be here?”
“Didn’t you tell me last night that you’d be making house calls in this area today?”
Bai Lian gave a small huff and lifted the blueprint Ning Muyan had been holding to take a look. It was the progress plan for the academy. It was already beginning to take shape.
“Lately, whenever I go out to see patients, everyone talks about their children’s schooling. They all ask me to check with Director Ning about whether the academy will accept students from humble families, and what the admission requirements are.”
Bai Lian continued, “I originally thought that since the prefectural city already has academies, opening another one here might mean a lack of students. Now it seems I was worrying for nothing. Young Master Ning is always in high demand.”
Ning Muyan looked at him. “You sound a bit sour. As if I alone get all the good things. This academy will be our joint enterprise in the future. Besides, whether it’s me being sought after or the academy being sought after, isn’t it all yours in the end?”
Hearing this, Bai Lian felt sweet inside. “That’s why I put in a lot of good words for you.”
“What did you say?”
“I said the academy will treat students from poor and wealthy families alike.”
Ning Muyan nodded in agreement.
“Then have you decided on the specific admission criteria?”
“Do you have any ideas? Let’s hear them.”
“Everyone has their own expertise—what ideas could I have? You’re really trying to slack off. Besides, I’m afraid even if I did say something, it wouldn’t count.”
Ning Muyan said, “How could that be? I listen to everything you say.”
Bai Lian leaned closer. “Really?”
“Of course.”
Bai Lian immediately said, “Then I want to eat the roasted lamb ribs from Nanmen Temple.”
“…”
“These two things have absolutely nothing to do with each other.” Ning Muyan reached out and ruffled Bai Lian’s hair, then added, “I still need to check on the academy’s construction today, and I have to meet a teacher who’s come to apply. I’ll buy them when I come to find you this evening, all right?”
“That works.”
Seeing this, Ning Muyan smiled. “Your head is full of nothing but food.”
Bai Lian raised his brows. Not to mention that he had always loved to eat—when he used to be a ghost, he could only look and not eat. Now that he could, of course he had turned into a glutton.
“Oh, right. You said a few days ago that you needed to make a plaque for the academy. Have you decided on a name?”
Ning Muyan pondered for a moment, a trace of wistfulness crossing his face. “‘From generation to generation, talents emerge from green hills.’ I kept the words ‘Green Hills.’”
Bai Lian repeated it softly. “It’s grand and dignified.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the driver outside called out, “Young Master, we’ve arrived.”
Bai Lian frowned slightly. Had the carriage drivers recently switched to Ferghana horses or something? The ride seemed faster and faster these days. They had barely exchanged a few words before arriving.
Unwilling to believe it, he lifted the curtain to take a look. Sure enough, they had arrived.
As usual, he got off the carriage first to the side, clasped his hands behind his back, and discreetly waved to the person still inside before heading lightly toward the medical hall.
“Bai Lian!”
Hearing Jiang Zichun’s voice, his hand jolted. For a moment he thought someone had discovered him being together with Ning Muyan, and he felt a bit guilty.
“You’re finally back. The servant from the Bian family has been waiting for you for a long time. They want you to make a house call.”
Bai Lian let out a breath of relief, then glanced back again. He realized that today Ning Muyan had not taken the carriage he usually used. It had all been a false alarm.
“Why is the Bian family here again?”
Bai Lian muttered under his breath. He had originally wanted to spend a bit more time with Ning Muyan, and that hadn’t worked out. Now he had to go make another house call, which only made him more displeased.
If it were just at the medical hall, he could still slip over to the academy under the pretext of watching the construction and stay with Ning Muyan a little longer.
But remembering that Ning Muyan had said he needed to meet an applying teacher that afternoon, he likely wouldn’t have much free time anyway. Fine, then. Going to the Bian residence would at least make the time pass faster. That way he wouldn’t have to sit around anxiously waiting for nightfall, when the two of them could meet by the lake.
After returning to the medical hall and tidying up briefly, Bai Lian said to Jiang Zichun, “Then, Father, I’m heading out.”
“Alright.”
Jiang Zichun watched Bai Lan climb into the side household’s carriage, hands clasped behind his back. He clicked his tongue softly, feeling that Bai Lan had grown somewhat lazier these past days. Previously, he would have eagerly gone out for every medical consultation, but now he seemed less inclined to leave the clinic, preferring to stay inside. Jiang Zichun found his thoughts somewhat inscrutable.
Bai Lan, familiar with the way, entered the Bian Mansion smoothly. Lady Bian was waiting for him, explaining that Bian Daiyun was about to travel to the capital and should have his health checked beforehand to avoid any problems on the journey.
Bai Lan wondered if this was intended to give Bian Daiyun a change of environment. It had been some time since his last visit, and Bian Daiyun could now walk freely. Compared to the first time Bai Lan saw him outside the Qi Mansion, he had clearly grown thinner, his former fullness and vibrant appearance gone, though at least his eyes now held a spark of life.
“You’ve come at the right time. Look at these herbs—they’re bitter enough to make you wince!”
Seeing Bai Lan carrying his medical kit, Bian Daiyun immediately pushed aside a bowl of herbal medicine brought by a servant. The dark brown liquid sloshed dangerously in the bowl, nearly spilling.
Bai Lan raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected him to persist in drinking it all this time. With a deliberately solemn tone, he said, “If your mouth is bitter, your heart will not be. This medicine heals not just the body, but the heart as well.”
Hearing this, Bian Daiyun didn’t argue further.
“Then prepare more of this medicine for me. I can continue taking it when I reach the capital,” he said.
Bai Lan’s brow twitched slightly at the news that Bian Daiyun was going to the capital. He considered asking, but thought it might be inappropriate, and instead said, “A change of scenery can do some good.”
Bian Daiyun snorted. “Change of scenery? It’s just relocating to better grounds to choose a proper residence.”
Bai Lan immediately understood—apparently, the Bian family believed there was no one suitable for Daiyun in the city. Their thoughts had shifted to the capital, likely using Lingfei’s desire for her younger brother’s companionship as an excuse to bring him there and find a suitable match.
It was like being adrift on water: for those he cared about, he could not defy the family, could not even die if he wished. He could only exist like a living corpse, subjected to the family’s arrangements.
“Does Bian Daiyun have to marry into a wealthy family?” Bai Lan asked.
Bian Daiyun looked at him. “Matters of the heart are not something you can understand.”
Bai Lan was silent for a long moment. Being involved himself, he understood feelings well enough. He had once been in the same position as Bian Daiyun—only he had waited for the clouds to clear and the moon to shine.
He didn’t resent Bian Daiyun, so there was no question of forgiveness. He only found it shameful that Daiyun had repeatedly tormented a mere concubine for not being able to be with her beloved.
But those past events were over. Bai Lan didn’t want to torture himself with old memories. Bian Daiyun was likely to choose a bride in the capital. Once married, he would no longer enjoy the freedoms of home. With the capital so far from the city, their paths would no longer cross.
He would have no connection with Ning Muyan, and consequently no further entanglements of his own.
Bai Lan exhaled lightly. “If Bian Daiyun goes to the capital, we may never meet again. Since we’ve known each other, I’ll do him one favor.”
Bian Daiyun glanced at him. “What could a lowly doctor like you possibly do for me?”
Bai Lan opened his medicine box, twirling his fingers. “I can read fortunes. Long ago, my father saved a half-immortal. In gratitude, he taught me his skills in divination.”
Bian Daiyun rolled his eyes at Bai Lan’s mysterious manner. “Then why not become a half-immortal yourself?”
“Half-immortals endure exposure and hardship; they earn less than a doctor,” Bai Lan replied.
Bian Daiyun barely looked at him. “I’ve never met anyone more greedy and worldly than you.”
Indeed. Were his parents not the same? Of course, Bai Lan didn’t voice this.
“I can make an exception and read your fortune once. Will you let me?”
“Why not read your own fortune?”
Bai Lan assumed a serious tone. “I’ve already had it read by the half-immortal. He said I am destined for wealth and honor. Though my early years were difficult, in later life I will marry someone as beautiful as Pan An, wealthy beyond measure, living in happiness with children and grandchildren.”
“Tch,” Bian Daiyun scoffed. “You take all the benefits. Such nonsense, and you believe it?”
“Fine,” Bai Lan said, retracting his hand. “If you don’t believe it, forget it. The prescription is ready; follow it from now on.”
As Bai Lan packed his medical kit to leave, Bian Daiyun called from the doorway, “Wait.”
After a pause, he said, “Read my fortune with him—how will things turn out?”
Bai Lan’s brow twitched. He stepped back, squinted, and began muttering while counting imaginary fingers.
“Childhood sweethearts, a heaven-sent match at first, fate twists, lovers suffer separation…”
Bian Daiyun frowned. He had never told Bai Lan these things, yet some of it seemed uncannily accurate. Hearing “separation,” he opened his mouth but could not speak.
Bai Lan shifted tone. “But according to your fortunes, there may be a turn of events. Perhaps in the future, your past bond can be renewed.”
Bian Daiyun’s eyes brightened. “You really mean that?”
Bai Lan deliberately spoke cryptically, yet logically. “Bian Daiyun, believe it or not. As for me, I trust the half-immortal’s reading completely.”
With that, he bowed solemnly. “Farewell.”
He studied Daiyun’s thoughtful face one last time. He did not know where the tides of fate would carry him, but if there was even a sliver of hope, perhaps one could cling to a lifeline amid an unstoppable current.
Now, he would step away from a fate once intertwined with another. He neither blessed nor cursed the person who had once shared a path with him, for there would be no further contact.