Chapter 111

 After the Cannon Fodder Gong Turns to Farming, He Gets a Happy Ending with the Aloof Protagonist (Transmigration)

Accompanied by a few attendants and grooms to see to their daily needs, the two arrived in the capital—a city thick with the atmosphere of the upcoming examinations, where provincial scholars who had arrived early were already settled everywhere.

Scholars clad in Confucian robes could be seen frequently moving through the streets; hailing from all provinces and prefectures of the Great Ning Dynasty, Lu Lizhi and his party were among the last to arrive.

"Let's go straight to the house I bought earlier; I’ve already had it prepared," Jiang Baiye said, leading the way.

Lu Lizhi, however, was in no rush. "I’d like to go see Dr. Pang first."

"Right, I almost forgot about that—let's check on your health first." Jiang Baiye felt a twinge of uncertainty; surely they weren't expecting another baby?

He had been under the impression that Lizhi had a constitution that made conception difficult; besides, he had specifically taken herbal medicine to prevent it.

A faint, subtle smile played on Lu Lizhi’s lips, and he seemed to radiate the gentle glow of a loving father.

"Hurry up!" he urged, looking back.

Jiang Baiye gave a soft cough, unable to hide his guilty conscience. "Coming."

Huichun Hall was situated at one of the capital's busiest intersections, occupying a corner spot where a row of shops curved around to meet it.

They asked for directions along the way, though it turned out that just about anyone knew exactly where it was. "Huichuntang is excellent—their medicine is affordable, and the doctors don't prescribe unnecessary drugs. You really shouldn't go to Shanyitang anymore!"

"Even Dr. Pang—that 'miracle doctor' who used to anchor Shanyitang—has moved to Huichuntang; that tells you everything you need to know about which one is better. I heard a doctor from Shanyitang actually caused a patient's death and ended up in jail!"

Jiang Baiye wondered if they were talking about Hu Yaowei, who was still behind bars.

Had it not been for Jiang Yueming, Hu might have secured his release sooner; unfortunately, Jiang Yueming, terrified of becoming the scapegoat, had refused to let him off the hook.

The two of them were living a life in prison that was worse than that of a pig or a dog.

Jiang Baiye made a few more inquiries and learned that the new arrival was Dr. Luo—the expert from Shanyitang who had treated the epidemic back then. Dr. Pang had once described him as an eccentric character.

Lu Lizhi was also intrigued. "I recall Dr. Meng saying that this man was highly skilled; even without the *Zhuwei* herb, it seemed he had a way to resolve that epidemic."

When the two arrived at Huichuntang, it was the busiest time of the morning. A steady stream of people came and went, and the medicine packets they carried bore the red-stamped seal of "Jichun Medical & Herbal Shop."

Some people were carrying gift boxes filled with various tonics. These exquisite wooden medicine boxes were crafted by Jiang Dazhu; featuring unique diamond-pattern designs and clever mechanical mechanisms, they made for a stylish and impressive gift. Some people even came specifically for those medicine boxes—wanting to take them home to store other items—and ended up buying medicinal herbs along with them.

Old Master He had gone to Xuanhe Prefecture to oversee He Yun’s wedding arrangements; the person currently managing Huichun Hall was the Second Master He.

Upon seeing the two of them arrive unaccompanied, he felt a twinge of regret for not having spared someone to meet them.

Jiang Baiye smiled and said, "We’re here to see Dr. Pang."

"Is something wrong?" Second Master He asked with concern.

Lu Lizhi smiled but remained silent, while Jiang Baiye felt his head spinning; he was torn between the fear that a little one was truly on the way and the fear that there wasn't.

Since joining Huichun Hall, Dr. Pang had been so busy he barely had time for a sip of water. All the patients who used to seek him out had flocked here; they didn't care whether it was Shanyi Hall or Huichun Hall—they simply knew that sticking with this specific doctor was the right choice.

The "renowned physician effect" propelled Huichun Hall’s business to new heights. Conversely, Shanyi Hall—having been "abandoned" by Dr. Pang—became the subject of speculation regarding whether something had gone wrong there.

It wasn't until midday that Dr. Pang finally found a moment to speak with them, and Lu Lizhi suddenly felt a flutter of nervousness.

He wasn't entirely sure why he was looking forward to a second child so much.

Perhaps he had forgotten the pain of carrying Jiaojiao, or perhaps Jiaojiao was simply so adorable and beautiful that he wanted to have a few more—so as not to waste his own excellent genes. Dr. Pang casually took his pulse without needing to examine him closely. "You’ve been taking good care of yourself; your vitality is strong. It was likely just a bit of trouble adjusting to the local environment during the journey."

Lu Lizhi blinked but didn't withdraw his hand immediately, locking eyes with Dr. Pang.

"What is it? Is something else bothering you?" Dr. Pang asked, looking bewildered by the stare.

"No." Lu Lizhi slowly pulled back his arm, appearing completely unruffled.

Jiang Baiye shrank his neck slightly, feeling a shiver run down his spine.

"Come on, let me treat you to a meal at the best restaurant in the capital! Sometimes I regret coming back to practice medicine instead of just enjoying the good life—sigh." Dr. Pang let out a heavy, portly sigh.

Yet, seeing those patients leave with smiles and peace of mind, he seemed to find some meaning in his exhausting, busy work after all.

It was during the meal that Jiang Baiye learned the full story regarding Dr. Luo from the Shanyi Hall. Dr. Pang’s expression was grim. "A doctor friend of mine confided this to me. He eventually found an excuse to quit, terrified that a place as depraved as Shanyi Hall might one day harm him too. It’s a pity there wasn't enough evidence; otherwise, Shanyi Hall would have faced dire consequences for this!"

Jiang Baiye was stunned, unable to process it all at once. "I knew something felt off about Shanyi Hall. They must have been plotting this for a long time. Sending their key physician, Dr. Hu, to Xuanhe Prefecture for no apparent reason, then suddenly deciding to open a pharmacy there—wasn't all of that preparation to claim credit during this epidemic?"

"Hard to say."

Reflecting on his past life, Jiang Baiye felt it was highly probable.

To dare to do something like this—manufacturing a plague, killing people for profit—were they so obsessed with money that they disregarded life itself?

"It’s a shame about the evidence... but now that he’s stepped in, Shanyi Hall won't be able to use this method to harm others again."

"So that’s why Dr. Pang..." Jiang Baiye hit the nail on the head: "Because he wanted Shanyi Hall to disappear completely."

"Exactly. If Shanyi Hall doesn't vanish, those owners need to be driven out of the medical trade entirely! Huichun Hall is capable of taking them down, but if that’s not enough, I certainly won't stand idly by." Dr. Pang certainly didn't want a day to come when his family or those around him fell victim to a hopeless, incurable illness—the result of some unknown person's malicious scheme—leaving him utterly helpless.

There were already enough natural disasters in this world as it was.

Sensing his determination and soaring spirit, Jiang Baiye raised his cup: "Here’s to taking down Shanyi Hall!"

Lu Lizhi, who had been rather quiet, also drank a cup; however, once they parted ways with Dr. Pang and headed toward the "school district" property near the Imperial Academy, the atmosphere grew hushed again.

"Why are you walking so far away?" Lu Lizhi had just snapped back to reality when he noticed Jiang Baiye had moved to the far side of the street, walking right up against the wall.

"Lizhi, what's wrong?" Jiang Baiye called out from a distance. "You don't seem to be in a very good mood."

"If you know I'm in a bad mood, why are you walking so far away? Is it on purpose?" Lu Lizhi was venting some of his frustration; after all, things had been so intense on the painted boat that night, and when they emerged from the room the next morning, everyone had looked at them with teasing eyes.

Lu Lizhi had secretly wondered if all three of them might have conceived, only to find out that none had—it had all been a case of false hope.

"Let's pick up the pace; the Metropolitan Examination is in a few days, so you can still get some more studying done," Jiang Baiye said, trying to change the subject.

"No rush." Lu Lizhi furrowed his brows slightly; he knew his constitution made conception difficult, but since Jiao-Jiao had been born, there was no reason why another child couldn't be.

Consequently, as soon as they arrived at the house Jiang Baiye had purchased—without even pausing to marvel at its prime location right behind the Imperial Academy and next to the Imperial Examination Hall—he immediately coaxed Jiang Baiye into the bedroom.

"What is it?" Jiang Baiye, unaware of the impending "danger," was busy unpacking and neatly arranging the items the attendants had delivered; they would be living here for the next several months.

As for what would happen next, it depended on the official appointment the Emperor bestowed upon Lu Lizhi. Barring any surprises, he would enter the Hanlin Academy, which served as a fast track to the Grand Secretariat.

Just as he was pondering this, the loosening of his sash gave him a start.

"Aren't you hot?" Lu Lizhi asked, undoing his outer robe.

"A little." It wasn't like back home, where they had ice and an abundance of good food and drink. "I'll see if I can buy some ice later so we can sleep comfortably tonight."

"We can do that later." With a seemingly casual air, Lu Lizhi removed his own outer robe—white as fresh snow—and placed it alongside Jiang Baiye’s dark red garment; the sight of the two colors together was enough to stir the imagination.

Lu Lizhi then removed the jade thumb ring from his hand.

Jiang Baiye remained oblivious, continuing his tasks, unaware that Lu Lizhi was watching him and contemplating how to make him exert himself vigorously later.

"Do you want to take a bath?" Seeing that Lu Lizhi had even removed his hairpins, Jiang Baiye said, "After such a long journey, a bath would feel good."

"That sounds good." Lu Lizhi paused; he didn't like feeling grimy.

Jiang Baiye walked out with a composed expression, but the moment he was out of sight, he patted his chest. "That was a close call!"

The effects of the medicine were temporary, and he had finished his supply long ago; between dealing with Lizhi’s father and the rush of the journey, he hadn't had the chance—or the inclination—to prepare more.

Jiang Baiye had assumed they would wait until the Metropolitan Examination was over; he hadn't expected Lizhi to be so overcome by desire for him right now.

"Sigh, I suppose being too handsome has its downsides." Jiang Baiye found the small kitchen; the stove was newly built, and there was a small well in the courtyard. Real estate in the capital was expensive, but this house—while small—was fully equipped; it was a perfectly comfortable size for a family of three or four.

Jiang Baiye heated the water and carried it in. By then, the mood had passed, and Lu Lizhi was no longer in a rush to have a child.

After bathing and taking a short nap, he woke up in the afternoon to study and get into the right mindset. A few days before the Metropolitan Examination, he paid formal courtesy calls to the examiners who had previously praised his essays—such as Tai Song.

"For the upcoming exams, make sure you don't go around talking about your preference for men." Tai Song held mixed feelings about the matter—much like the regret one feels for a sapling that should have grown into a towering tree but instead withered.

To put it as he had told his wife: the roots were already rotten.

Lu Lizhi pressed his thin lips together and offered a quick bow before hurriedly taking his leave. Upon stepping outside, he saw Jiang Baiye smiling, completely free of gloom, and felt a sudden, poignant ache in his chest.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Baiye asked, caught off guard as the man suddenly embraced him. "People are watching."

Lu Lizhi held him even tighter. "Is it not allowed?"

"Of course it is." It just felt a bit unusual. "Did that old grump Tai Song give you a hard time?"

Not far away, someone exclaimed, "Look! There are two men hugging over there!"

Tu Huanwen squinted to get a better look, then grinned. "Are you blind? That’s Lu Lizhi."

"Oh." The person who had called out was a fellow scholar named Tu Huanwen—who had stayed with them during the provincial exams—and the two of them quickly walked over.

That embrace had certainly drawn attention; Song Haocheng and Yi Shuyun had spotted them too. "Well, well! When did you two get here? You didn't even say hello. Don't tell me you're only just now coming to pay your respects to the capital officials?" ”

Lu Lizhi nodded noncommittally; it wasn't something that *had* to be done—he had merely wanted to secure a bit of unobtrusive assistance.

As for Lu Lizhi himself, he didn't really need it anymore.

"Fine, you certainly have the right to choose."

The group gathered for a meal and exchanged news about the latest happenings in the capital.

"Lu Qing has so many cards up his sleeve—you must be careful, Lizhi. Don't be as careless as you were during the provincial exams!"

A trace of wistful melancholy lingered in Lu Lizhi's mind; while his state of mind back then hadn't been great, the happiness he had found with Jiaojiao was unforgettable.

"Mm." Lu Qingchuan was certainly not to be underestimated; it would ultimately come down to which of their styles the examiners preferred, for in terms of sheer aptitude for the imperial examinations, his rival was in no way inferior to him.

Two or three days flew by in the blink of an eye. When the ninth day of the eighth month arrived, the procedures mirrored those of the provincial examinations.

However, the scale was far more solemn and grand. The panel of examiners had expanded from a handful to around twenty, with the proceedings overseen by the Ministry of Rites. The chief examiners were drawn from the Hanlin Academy and appointed by the Emperor as the presiding officials. In addition to the successful provincial candidates (*juren*), students from the Imperial Academy (*Guozijian*) also participated—individuals whose backgrounds were often far more formidable and inscrutable.

Had there been any foul play, Lu Lizhi would have found it difficult to stand out; fortunately, this was an enlightened and prosperous era.

He unfolded the examination paper and read through the questions with a calm, clear gaze. After a brief moment of contemplation, he had the draft ready in his mind; dipping his brush into the ink, he began to write with fluid, vigorous strokes. It is worth noting that the news of Lu Lizhi’s preference for men had likely become common knowledge; arrangements for private matters—such as bathing and using the latrine—were made for him without him even having to ask, reportedly under the Emperor's own orders.

This sent a clear signal to Lu Lizhi, fueling his determination to secure the top spot in the imperial examinations and stand before the throne.

Meanwhile, Jiang Baiye remained outside the palace. He knew that much had transpired during this time—including the significant period devoted to conceiving and having a child—yet he remained certain that a brilliant future awaited Lizhi.

Second Master He stood beside him, keeping him company while discussing the possibility of opening a pharmacy in the capital.

"Our nearest branch is currently near the Chang estate, and transporting medicine from there involves quite a bit of trouble. Although the capital already has many renowned, long-established pharmacies, we’ve decided to open a shop of our own here."

Jiang Baiye knew their business was thriving, but he hadn't realized just *how* successful it was; no wonder his monthly share of the profits poured in like a rushing stream.

"That sounds great—and it shouldn't be difficult at all." Wherever Li Zhi went, that was where he conducted his business—that was a given.

The two of them discussed business right there by the roadside, going over the arrangements for the next steps; Jiang Baiye already possessed mature experience and established procedures for setting up workshops.

If things continued this way, his medicinal workshops would soon span the entire Great Ning; later, when Li Zhi went on diplomatic missions beyond the borders, he might even be able to expand operations into other countries.

Over the next few days, Jiang Baiye felt like the parent of a student taking the college entrance exam—sometimes dozing in the carriage, other times squatting by the roadside to sample local delicacies—yet the constant was that he was always surrounded by people.

Some were drawn by his status as "Workshop Master Jiang," while others knew of his connection to Lu... People came in a steady stream to network with Lu Lizhi, discuss collaborations, and build connections; amidst the bustle, Jiang Baiye managed to get his own business affairs largely sorted out.

That way, he could free up more time to snuggle with his wife... Wait a minute!

It was the final day when Jiang Baiye suddenly realized he hadn't taken his medicine yet, so he hurriedly rushed over to Huichuntang.

When Lu Lizhi came out and didn't see Jiang Baiye, he felt puzzled; for the past few days, Jiang had dutifully waited for him—rain or shine—a devotion that made Lu feel both tender affection and a touch of heartache.

Not seeing him there now left Lu feeling a bit dejected; he couldn't even muster the spirit to join Song Haocheng and the others when they invited him out to celebrate.

"You guys go ahead; let's meet another time."

"Lizhi, you..."