Chapter Four: The Transfer Student, Ma Wencai

Liu Xiangdong had already been chased away by Acheng, and the room fell into sudden silence. Wang Lan performed acupuncture on Wang Lantian, claiming it could expel the poison, though its effectiveness was uncertain.

Yezi and I went to the dining hall to help Wang Lantian brew the medicinal soup. When we returned, he was already awake. Acheng stopped us at the door, urging us to pretend we knew nothing about what had just happened.

I agreed; no one wishes for others to know their days are numbered.

I brought the medicine to the bedside, but when Acheng reached out to take it, I refused. “You’re a big, burly guy, not exactly gentle. Let me handle this.”

I blew on the medicine to cool it before bringing it to Wang Lantian’s lips. He stared at me blankly. “Brother Lantian, you’ll recover faster if you drink this!”

The prescription was new, concocted by Wang Lan. It smelled strong and looked darker than before. Wang Lantian took a sip and immediately frowned. The taste was bitter and hard to swallow, yet the ancients believed that good medicine tastes bitter.

I pulled a handkerchief from my sleeve—an action that felt awkward—and wiped the corners of his mouth. “Yezi, bring me my maltose.”

Yezi fetched the maltose from the cabinet and handed it over. It was bought before we came to Mount Ni, tasting different from the modern kind—perhaps more authentic. I offered the sweet candy to Wang Lantian. “This is very sweet; it will counter the bitterness.”

He held the maltose in his mouth and faintly smiled. I thought he was pleased, but tears welled in his eyes. Perhaps the bitter poison in his body and the looming shadow of death saddened him. Everyone has moments of vulnerability.

“It’s not dawn yet. Rest well. Let Acheng stay here to care for you. I’ll take a nap in Yezi’s room.” I covered him with a blanket but immediately regretted the gesture. I was a man now—how could I behave so tenderly, as if I were a woman?

I cast an awkward glance at Wang Lantian, who looked back with a puzzled expression. I quickly left the room. Yezi noticed the oddity. “Young master, how can you be so gentle with Master Wang? You’re a man now!”

“Oh, I know! I just forgot for a moment. I’ll be more careful next time.”

At dawn, I returned to wash up and found the teacher’s wife sitting by Wang Lantian’s bed. She told me she had prepared a separate room for me and that I should move immediately, leaving this room solely for Wang Lantian.

It must have been Wang Lan who reported to her that Wang Lantian needed care, and that his aromatic herbs affected me adversely. I smiled inwardly; perhaps this was a blessing in disguise.

After moving, Acheng took up residence with Wang Lantian to better attend to him. Thus, Yezi and I each had our own rooms, and we enjoyed several carefree days.

Liang Shanbo was a warm-hearted fellow and knew some medicine. Having shared a few days with Wang Lantian, we were among the most familiar at the academy. Liang and I often visited Wang Lantian. Though he remained reticent, he was courteous enough.

Fate was cruel to him—so young, yet death loomed. History was unjust, painting him as a frivolous scoundrel rather than the frail nobleman he was.

However, my good times were short-lived. Wang Lan told me a new student was arriving at the academy.

What? A transfer student? Mount Ni Academy only admitted new students once every three years. How was a transfer allowed?

This newcomer must be someone powerful, with strong backing.

Today’s class was calligraphy. Since I had learned brushwork at a modern university, my writing paled in comparison to those who had practiced since childhood.

Our seating followed room assignments. Though Wang Lantian and I each had separate rooms now, he was still my desk mate. Fortunately, he was willing to teach me. His calligraphy was graceful, unlike Liang Shanbo’s steady and proper style. It was more suited for a young lady, yet he was a man.

The headmaster entered with several men. The foremost was tall and handsome, with refined features and a proud aura. His straight nose framed deep brown, alluring eyes. Truly a striking man—like a protagonist in a novel.

The others appeared to be attendants or servants. Coming to study with such an entourage meant he was no ordinary student.

Upon his arrival, Zhu Yingtai at the neighboring desk visibly flustered, her character stroke stretching endlessly. The newcomer glanced at her for a long moment, then surveyed the room.

“Zijun, please ask everyone to pause,” the headmaster instructed the teacher Chen.

“Everyone, take a break. The headmaster has something to say.”

The headmaster and the man stood in the center. “Students, this is your new classmate, Master Ma Wencai.”

Ma Wencai? The handsome man was none other than Ma Wencai! I straightened up in shock, silently thinking, “My dear Wencai, I’ve waited so long, longer than the blossoms have faded.”

His appearance matched the legend, dignified and majestic—a perfect score. Yet who was the real Ma Wencai?

Why did Zhu Yingtai grow so nervous upon seeing him? Could they be old acquaintances? What drama was unfolding?

Wang Lantian nudged me gently when I kept staring at Ma Wencai, reminding me to come back to reality. Everyone was watching me except Zhu Yingtai, who kept her head lowered.

There was definitely something amiss with her.

“I am Ma Wencai from Hangzhou. I look forward to studying alongside you all,” he said, his voice magnetic and sincere.

Ma Wencai was a late arrival; we were all his seniors.

The headmaster turned to him. “Wencai, the academy’s chambers are cramped. You will share a room with Master Liu Yiqing. The teacher’s wife will show you the way shortly.”

No way! Did I hear that right? Ma Wencai was to be my roommate? I pinched myself—was this a blessing or a curse?

“Thank you, headmaster. But I would prefer to share a room with Master Zhu Yingtai. I hope you will approve,” Ma Wencai said, casting a meaningful glance at Zhu Yingtai.

Zhu Yingtai jumped up. “No! Headmaster, I live happily with Liang Shanbo and do not wish to change.”

“Yes, headmaster. I am sworn brothers with Yingtai. We have lived together for days with no issue,” Liang Shanbo added, reluctant to be separated.

But Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai were always together. If not with her, then with me? Did Liang Shanbo truly think less of me?

I was furious! I refused to believe in predestined love. Though history could not be changed, I wanted to try.

Just as I was about to speak, Ma Wencai beat me to it. “So, you are Liang Shanbo?”

Ma Wencai knew Liang Shanbo? What on earth was going on?