These days, Lang Jiuchuan had not set foot outside, yet she was full of vigor and energy. The reason was simple — she could feel herself being nourished by the power of devotion.

Xue Shi was an old rigid fellow, true enough, but he was a man of his word. He had prepared her longevity tablet and enshrined it in the academy, a place rich in the aura of literary prosperity. With the offering of incense and the power of devotion flowing to her — it was simply a perfect arrangement for both parties.

With her energy and spirit restored, Lang Jiuchuan could spare her hands for other tasks — such as rolling medicinal pills. These days, the fragrance of medicine drifted through her courtyard every single day. Jian Lan and the others who helped alongside her would step outside to find they carried the scent of medicine on their persons, yet oddly, the smell left them feeling rather refreshed and clear-headed.

On this particular day, however, the household was somewhat noisy. Xiao Man went out to inquire and returned to report that Lang Caimeng and the others, who had been escorting the coffin back to the ancestral home, had returned to the residence.

Lang Jiuchuan paid little mind to this. But before long, another servant came rushing urgently to her courtyard to summon her to the front courtyard — for the Zhao Family had sent a gift specially for her, delivered by none other than Zhao Yuancheng, the eldest legitimate son of the Zhao Family himself.

Lang Jiuchuan: “?”

What was the Zhao Family thinking? Instead of observing mourning properly at home, they were here delivering New Year’s gifts, and had even come in person, making such a grand display of it?

By the time she arrived at the front courtyard, a considerable crowd had already gathered. Even Lang Cailing and her siblings, who were under house restriction, had snuck out to watch the spectacle.

When Lang Cailing and her siblings saw Lang Jiuchuan appear, their eyes nearly blazed with fury. They had been confined for days, yet she looked perfectly well-rested?

Zhao Yuancheng saw her and cupped his hands toward her in greeting, a somewhat unnatural smile at the corners of his mouth. “Ninth sister, have you been well of late? Since the last time we met at grandfather’s funeral, it has been many days. Father and Mother have been greatly concerned about your health, so they specially sent me to bring some medicinal herbs and tonics to nourish your body, and to invite you to come visit our home when you are free.”

Lang Jiuchuan’s mouth twitched. Did he hear himself? Where was the person who had pointed at her and cursed her furiously that day, practically wanting to tear her apart?

Zhao Yuancheng had his servants present the gift list, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then took his leave — coming in a rush and departing just as quickly. The whole gift-giving affair had been so ostentatious, it looked as though it was being performed for someone’s benefit.

Lang Jiuchuan fell into thoughtful contemplation.

Very quickly, someone provided her with the answer. “With this, the rumors collapse on their own. Very good.”

Lang Jiuchuan looked toward the one who had spoken — Lang Zhengping — and as he was about to say more, another visitor arrived with a calling card requesting to see her. The visitor was none other than Xue Shi himself.

Lang Caimeng and the male members of the family who were still pursuing their studies all stared wide-eyed, rubbing their ears in disbelief. Who? You said who had come?

Lang Zhengping took the calling card from the servant and looked at it — sure enough, it bore the title of the headmaster of Luning Academy. He immediately said, “Where is he? Quickly, go and welcome Xue Shi inside!”

Xue Shi’s reputation was renowned far and wide, and Luning Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions in the land, known for producing men of remarkable caliber. It was notoriously selective in accepting students, and being admitted to study there was the dream of countless scholars.

Among those in the Lang Family still pursuing their studies, aside from Lang Caimeng who had already passed the provincial examinations, there were the other male members like Lang Caize — yet they were all in academies of the second tier, or in the clan school. Not a single one had gained entry even to the Imperial Academy.

If Lang Caimeng could receive the guidance of a renowned master like Xue Shi, it would truly be as if fortune had dropped right into his lap.

And so it was — he had only just returned, the dust of the road not yet washed from him, yet he was already following his father and uncles in a grand procession to welcome Xue Shi.

In contrast, the one who was being sought — Lang Jiuchuan — stood calmly in place, looking down at the gift list, then at the expensive gift boxes of medicinal herbs arranged on the ground, and blinked. Was it not telling, that every gift brought to her invariably included medicinal herbs? Her frail and delicate image had apparently become deeply ingrained in people’s minds.

The onlookers around her cast gazes of curiosity and probing scrutiny in her direction. What sort of charm did this village girl possess, that all the notable figures she attracted had such remarkable backgrounds?

Nanny Cheng had hurried over upon hearing the news. Seeing the assortment of things spread across the ground, she immediately directed Molan and the others to help gather them and send them back to Lang Jiuchuan’s courtyard. Then she pulled Lang Jiuchuan aside, frowning deeply. “Madam heard those unsavory rumors being spread about you outside and was so infuriated that her heart condition flared up. Would you go look in on her afterward?”

Lang Jiuchuan raised an eyebrow. “What rumors?”

Before Nanny Cheng could answer, Lang Zhengping had already brought Xue Shi and an unfamiliar face through the door. He waved at her with a broad smile. “Ninth young lady, come quickly — Xue Shi has come to see you.”

Nanny Cheng was startled and looked over. It really was Headmaster Xue.

Jiang Che returned at this very moment as well, and the moment he spotted her, he burst out in a clamor. “Lang Jiu! You’re famous now! People all over Wu Jing are saying you’re a bringer of misfortune, a jinx with the mouth of a crow!”

He landed on her shoulder, excitedly recounting the rumors spreading outside. “I deliberately followed people around to trace the source — and you’ll never guess who started it. It was that Qi fellow’s doing. They failed to best you when they came to your door, so they resorted to this despicable method. Truly hateful! What do you say — shall we live up to the name and curse that little wench to death and be done with it?”

Lang Jiuchuan: “…”

She had kept her ears closed to the world outside her window, yet she had managed to become “the talk of Wu Jing” in this particular manner?

“Ninth young lady?”

Lang Jiuchuan came back to her senses. She saw that Lang Zhengping had already brought his guests right up to her. Everyone in the household who had been watching the spectacle was bowing in greeting to Xue Shi and the others — only she had been standing there in a daze.

“Never mind that for now.” Lang Jiuchuan pressed Jiang Che down and gave a slight bow toward Xue Shi. “Greetings, Xue Shi.”

Xue Shi’s eyes held a warm smile. Seeing that her complexion looked considerably better than before, he gave a satisfied nod and said, “No need for such formality — feel free to be at ease. Oh, that reminds me — Little Ah Jiu, let me introduce you. This is my old friend, Master Youhe.”

The assembled crowd drew in a collective breath. Master Youhe — was this the Master Youhe whose painting of magnificent rivers and mountains hung in the Imperial Study?

Indeed — Master Youhe was known for his prematurely white hair, and his hair was already white while the man himself remained youthful in appearance. This was precisely his most distinctive feature.

Lang Caize’s eyes burned with admiration — he was deeply fond of Master Youhe’s ink wash paintings, and seeing him in person today was a stroke of extraordinary fortune.

Lang Jiuchuan looked toward Ou Luozhong. He was equally studying her intently, his expression carrying a mixture of restrained emotion and unmistakable urgency.

This man had white hair yet a youthful face. His forehead was broad and full, the bridge of his nose high and strong, his eyebrows long and gently drooping, his chin well-rounded. Observing his bearing, his temperament was free-spirited and unrestrained. Overall, his appearance bore the rare signs of one destined for a long life.

However — the area of his physiognomy pertaining to children showed hidden fractures, the gates nearly crumbling, dim and without light. It bore the inauspicious signs of a child suffering injury or loss.

He had come here on behalf of his children.

“Master Youhe, I hope you are well.” Lang Jiuchuan gave him a bow.

“Ah, ah — and greetings to you, young lady.” Ou Luozhong raised his hand in acknowledgment. For some inexplicable reason, when Lang Jiuchuan had been looking at him just now, he felt as though he were about to be seen through entirely.

He tugged lightly at his old friend’s sleeve.

Xue Shi understood at once. “Shall we find a quiet, warm room to speak in?”

Lang Zhengping immediately offered, “The household has a warm pavilion with a view of snow and garden scenery. Xue Shi, why not let my eldest son and the ninth young lady show you the way for some tea?”

“Just let Little Ah Jiu lead the way. She and I are friends across the generation gap, and the reason I have imposed on you today is primarily because I have a matter I wish to consult her about.” Xue Shi said cheerfully.

At these words, sharp gazes immediately shot toward Lang Jiuchuan, slightly glazed with disbelief.

A figure who others struggled to even approach from a distance — and she was his dear young friend with whom he crossed generational lines?

She had kept her depths well hidden!