After the academy was finished, the leftover construction debris was cleared, and gardeners gradually brought in plants.
Some old locust trees had already existed on the planned grounds and were preserved during construction. Now that the buildings were completed and the planting not yet fully done, the academy did not feel bare.
Though Bai Lan had seen the progress every day, one had to walk some distance from the main gate to view the classrooms. Once the walls were built, the interior was hidden from view.
This was his first time entering the academy.
Through the red gate next to the clinic, he passed a large screen wall like that of a grand residence, with the characters “Qingshan Academy” carved in bold relief.
Beyond the stone wall stretched a broad plaza paved with blue stone, flanked by covered walkways. Bai Lan imagined that a thousand people could easily gather there.
“Bai Lan, come this way.”
Looking up, he saw Ning Muyan inspecting the plants the gardeners had brought in.
Bai Lan ran over. “What plants are we putting in?”
Ning Muyan sent the assistants away, and even Qing Mo, sensing the moment, stepped back.
“In autumn, we must have golden osmanthus. Also, the academy traditionally plants the Four Gentlemen—plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. I’ve added some pine and cypress as well.”
He led Bai Lan along the walkway. With no one around, he held Bai Lan’s hand. “The academy already has locust and camphor trees. There’s no need to plant much more.”
Bai Lan looked around. Indeed, the greenery was already sufficient; any additional plants were just to give the academy a scholarly atmosphere.
Halfway along the corridor, the buildings came into view.
Ning Muyan explained, “The four directions—east, west, south, and north—each have their own buildings.”
“The east-facing buildings, catching the morning sun, are classrooms, the largest of the four. They are East Academy One and Two. One is for scholars of xiucai rank and above, Two for young students and elementary lessons.”
Bai Lan listened, entranced. Though he had never studied in an academy, seeing such well-planned buildings and finely divided classrooms made him yearn to learn.
“Will Director Ning be teaching the students?”
“Of course,” Ning Muyan said. “But the schedule is not yet finalized. In a couple of days, all the instructors will meet for discussion.”
After viewing the east buildings, they came to the west: “Smaller, for the instructors’ daily meetings and work. South is the students’ dormitories, north the dining hall.”
The four directions enclosed a central garden with a lotus pond, pavilions, and water features.
In the northeast, a corridor connected to a separate building for the library.
To the southwest lay a grassy area not yet paved with stone: “For practicing the six arts, like archery and martial training. I plan to plant pine trees here.”
Bai Lan was surprised; from outside, one could only see the corners of the main buildings, unaware of the inner scope.
“This must have cost a fortune to build.”
Ning Muyan laughed. “If I spent all my family fortune, would you support me?”
Bai Lan stepped back. “If that were the case, I’d have to reconsider our relationship.”
Ning Muyan pulled him back. “You look so startled. The Ning family has deep roots. This land in the western part of the city has long been ours, even when it was still wasteland. Apart from a few shops at the entrance, all the rest belongs to us.”
“The cost is just for construction and paying the instructors. That’s manageable.”
Bai Lan raised an eyebrow.
“By the way, I cleared a small piece of land behind the clinic. We can expand a little there. The clinic can’t be built upward, only wider. The front yard is fine, but the back yard is rather narrow.”
Bai Lan’s brow twitched. “Are you implying my earlier hospitality at the clinic was insufficient?”
“Not at all,” Ning Muyan said. “I’ve lived in humble conditions before; the clinic is tidy and weatherproof. It’s already good. But now, it needn’t be simple out of necessity.” Ning Muyan leaned close and whispered, “No need for your father-in-law to live so austerely anymore.”
Bai Lan reflected and nodded to himself. In the past, during times of exile, he had slept in ruined temples or braved the elements; now, what was there to complain about? A little hardship for them was no problem, but there was no reason for his father to endure it.
Still…
“Even with the best plans, Young Master, you might forget—those shops belong to someone else. I’m merely renting them.”
Ning Muyan chuckled. “Even if I’m busy, I would never forget your matters.”
With that, he produced a deed from his belongings and handed it to Bai Lan.
“The deed for the clinic’s land!”
Bai Lan’s eyes lit up at once. He pressed it to his chest with delight. After a moment, he asked, “How much did it cost? I’ll count it as owing you for now. The clinic’s income is good; it shouldn’t take long to repay you.”
“Do you really need to be so formal with me?”
Bai Lan raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t entirely formal by nature, but some people were particularly meticulous about keeping accounts.
“Very well. You, Doctor Bai, are not interested in wealth or power, a man of virtue. So we’ll consider the clinic’s purchase a debt for now—later, it can be deducted from the bride price.”
Bai Lan quietly drew a deep breath. Very well. Before it had been deducted from monthly income; now from the bridal fund… he wondered what would be next.
“The academy is completed, but I’ll be busy for a while yet.”
Bai Lan knew well. The instructors needed to settle into the academy, recruit students, and handle countless matters. Everything had to proceed step by step. In truth, things were already good as they were.
“You focus on your work; I have matters of my own as well,” Bai Lan said, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not some clingy ghost.”
“I am,” Ning Muyan replied. “I’ve already told my grandmother that the academy’s affairs are busy, and I’ll be staying here while the construction finishes.”
Bai Lan cleared his throat, understanding silently. He pressed his lips together to hide a smile and went about his tasks.
After the plaque was hung, young scholars came daily to gather outside the main gate to observe.
Ning Muyan spent his days convening the instructors. Notices were issued stating that scholars could visit the academy to tour it, with guides explaining every detail. Soon, crowds flowed in and out.
Word spread that Qingshan Academy not only taught rites, music, and literature but also offered a dedicated equestrian and martial training ground.
Gentlemen were expected to learn the Six Arts, but not every family could afford the conditions to do so. By opening the academy with such provisions and a spacious, well-maintained environment, Ning Muyan had already surpassed many other schools. Naturally, this drew the envy and admiration of numerous young scholars.
However, because the academy seemed so ideal, children from poorer families worried about the cost of admission.
Quickly, the academy issued a notice: fees varied by grade but were comparable to regular schools, even more affordable than many private academies.
Though students were pleased, they also read that entrance required examination. Nervous anticipation swept over them, but still, the eager young scholars came in droves.
Bai Lan and Jiang Zichun watched the long lines stretching from dawn till dusk outside.
Jiang Zichun remarked, “Our clinic is well-placed. When my grandson goes to school, it will be convenient.”
Bai Lan was arranging herbs when he heard this. He put down his work, smiling as he ran to Jiang Zichun’s desk. “Father, you’re confident my grandson can get into Qingshan Academy? Haven’t you heard that admission requires exams? Director Ning is strict.”
Jiang Zichun laughed. “You’ve cared for Ning Taihou and Young Master at the Ning household. Surely you can manage a small favor here and there—it’s easier than most.”
“So father knows how to ask for favors,” Bai Lan teased.
Jiang Zichun chuckled, handing a bundle of herbs to the assistant boy. “Yesterday, Madam Zhang from the street came for medicine and mentioned a family interested in you. They work at the county office. Not high-ranking, but respectable.”
Bai Lan rested his chin on his hand. “Father, how do you have time for such matchmaking when the clinic is already busy?”
Jiang Zichun waved a hand. “They keep asking about your future, so I just listen in. If you like them, I can look further.”
“I’m not interested at all,” Bai Lan said, hugging his bundle of herbs and returning to work. “If you keep talking about this, I won’t accompany you on charity visits anymore.”
“All right, all right. We’ll wait until after the charity clinic,” Jiang Zichun said, laughing. “It’s only that seeing the children lining up at the academy made you envious.”
“You don’t know how to strike while the iron’s hot,” Bai Lan muttered.
“Iron? I’m not a blacksmith,” Jiang Zichun teased.
Bai Lan, having silenced his father, returned to his work. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy his playful moments with Ning Muyan; he simply had duties to attend to.
The autumn harvest had been plentiful, and the city’s porridge houses opened to feed the poor. The clinic’s reputation and business were thriving this year.
Bai Lan and Jiang Zichun decided that, while charity was spreading in the city, they would set up a stall for a three-day free clinic to help the needy.
Running the clinic wasn’t just about medicine—it was about building a good reputation.
Preparations included posting notices at the entrance and readying common remedies: medicines for colds, injuries, sprains, and so forth. Bai Lan stayed up late, preparing bundles so that as many people as possible could be treated.
Once ready, they stationed the stall near the porridge house for convenience.
On the first day of the charity clinic, the father and son closed the clinic, allowing workers to expand the rear yard, and brought their medicines to the porridge house with the assistant boy.
Word had already spread. When the day arrived, people were waiting early in the morning.
The patients had formed two orderly lines, waiting for their turn.
The early autumn wind was crisp, and the day had grown chilly. Without the sun on this overcast morning, the poorer townsfolk, dressed lightly, clasped their hands together and craned their necks, waiting for porridge and medicine. The sight naturally stirred a sense of compassion in the heart.
For Bai Lan, this was his first time seeing a charity clinic in action. As a child, he had often heard his father recount his own experiences and anecdotes from traveling as a wandering physician. In his youth, he had never understood how his father could endure the elements, drifting from place to place, treating the sick with no permanent home. Now, standing here, he had a clearer sense of it.
“Doctor Jiang and his family truly embody the benevolence of a physician. They’ve never charged exorbitant fees at the clinic, and now they’ve set up a stall for free treatment,” Bai Lan remarked.
“Indeed. The father and son not only have excellent skills but are also men of integrity,” a nearby vendor added.
Other street merchants, seeing the charity clinic, whispered among themselves. Even if they had no ailments to treat, it was good to know such generosity existed—who knew when they might benefit from it themselves?
The porridge field was especially lively that day, with more townsfolk than usual, many coming for medical treatment.
Bai Lan called out, “Those with women’s ailments, please line up here.”
He busied himself with pulse-taking, diagnosis, and acupuncture, leaving barely a moment to breathe.
Meanwhile, on the street bordering the porridge field, a carriage drove into the city from outside. The person inside lifted the curtain to take in the familiar cityscape and said, “Madam, we’ve entered Yongchang Mansion.”
A woman’s voice replied, “Yes, we’ve arrived.”
“We’ll reach the mansion shortly, where you can rest and recover from the journey,” he added.
“We were weary along the way, but now that we’re in the city, I feel much better,” the woman said, glancing out the window. “Husband, look—the city’s porridge field is open.”
Shizi Zhan remarked, “It’s the harvest season. I’ve heard this year’s grain yields in Yongchang Mansion are abundant. Official Qi must have authorized the porridge distribution.”
The woman smiled warmly. “I remember when you were magistrate here; I visited a distribution event back then. So many years have passed. Why not take a look now?”
“We’ve just arrived. We can rest today and go tomorrow,” he replied.
But the woman, eager, lightly tapped his hand.
Shizi Zhan sighed. “Very well, my dear. You’ve longed to revisit the city, and you’re too impatient to wait.”
They stopped the carriage and stepped down together, Shizi Zhan supporting his wife. When he had served as magistrate, he had been a young man barely past twenty; now, he was middle-aged. The city remained much as it had been, but the years had not spared him.
The couple walked toward the porridge field, noticing townsfolk carrying bowls of porridge and bundles of medicine.
Shizi Zhan called out to a passerby, “Is there a physician offering free treatment here?”
“Yes, sir. Many are seeking treatment. If you wish to be seen, you should hurry; the medicine bundles may run out.”
The couple exchanged pleased glances. Seeing someone serve the common folk was a comforting sight, and as former officials, they were reassured by such order and benevolence.
They dismissed their attendants and moved forward to observe the charity clinic.
Inside the field, a long line of patients had already formed.
Shizi Zhan frowned slightly. “Has there been an epidemic or outbreak recently, for so many to seek treatment?”
A woman in the front of the line replied, “Doctor Jiang is highly skilled. Even ordinary visits to the clinic are crowded; with this free clinic, naturally, the crowds are larger.”
“Which doctor should we see? For women’s ailments, please line up on the left with young Doctor Bai; for men, consult old Doctor Jiang on the right,” someone explained.
Shizi Zhan noted the orderliness and, without causing disruption, led his wife forward to observe the doctors, who were highly respected among the people.
Bai Lan had just finished acupuncture with an elderly woman when he noticed a middle-aged man peeking about nearby. Though his attire was neat and composed, he was not of impoverished means.
Yet no matter one’s appearance, skipping the line was improper.
Hearing the gentle reprimand, Shizi Zhan furrowed his brow. Looking down, he saw the fair-featured young doctor glaring slightly in displeasure.
Accustomed to flattery and respect, Shizi Zhan found the straightforward admonition refreshing; even his wife quietly smiled and lightly tapped his hand. “Husband, behave yourself. Let the doctor instruct you; join the line properly.”
Following her guidance, Shizi Zhan bowed to Bai Lan. “Thank you, young doctor, for the reminder. I shall join the queue.”
Hearing the commotion, Jiang Zichun looked up and was momentarily taken aback to see Shizi Zhan and his wife. He quickly rose and bowed.
Seeing the couple’s simple attire and the surrounding townsfolk, he simply bowed again and addressed Bai Lan, “Bai Lan, do not be impolite.”
Bai Lan frowned, puzzled.
Shizi Zhan, recognizing Jiang Zichun fully, exclaimed with delight, “You are Doctor Jiang Zichun?”
“Indeed. You remember?”
“How could I forget? Though years have passed, the past bond remains unforgettable.”
Jiang Zichun smiled.
They exchanged a few words, but seeing the long queue, Shizi Zhan refrained from prolonging the conversation, having come only to witness the charitable work. He asked that Jiang Zichun visit their home after finishing his duties.
After Jiang Zichun agreed, Shizi Zhan and his wife finally left, and before departing, he even laughed and patted Bai Lan on the head.
Once they had gone, Bai Lan looked at his father and asked, “Who exactly is that man?”
“An old acquaintance of mine from when I was young,” Jiang Zichun replied.
Bai Lan furrowed his brows. “Why have I never heard you mention such a big uncle before?”
“You were still little back then, so naturally you wouldn’t know. I’ll tell you about him once we’re home,” his father explained.
Bai Lan shrugged, not taking his father’s words too seriously. After all, his father had been a wandering physician in his youth and must have known many people. It wasn’t unusual that Bai Lan hadn’t heard of this particular acquaintance; just now, he had probably been a bit careless.
By midday, all the prepared medicine bundles had been distributed, yet many patients still remained. The father and son did not dismantle the stall—they continued to provide acupuncture to those they could and wrote prescriptions for those who needed medicine. Though they couldn’t give every patient a full bundle, at least having a prescription allowed the patients to collect medicine themselves from the clinic, saving them the cost of a consultation.
They worked until the sun was low in the west before finally closing the stall.