Summer too passed in a happy haze.
Lu Yan began to learn how to heal larger cuts, stab wounds, and broken bones.
There weren't a lot of burn wounds in the camp.
But a fire had broken out in the city. Master took her to a civilian healer nearby. This healer was an old man who talked gruffly. He taught her what to do in case of redness, blisters and white skin. She spent several days watching and learning, then assisting him.
Lu Yan and Luizhu also took this chance to roam around the city. They didn't have any money to spend, but seeing the bustle was still interesting.
---
One time, Shan sneaked out of camp with her, and bought her a really good bowl of noodles. They ate and played to their heart's content.
Unfortunately, platoon leader Han was waiting for Shan when they returned to camp.
Shan's happy smile froze and cracked.
He looked back at Lu Yan with puppy-like eyes. Lu Yan watched in commiseration as he was dragged away for punishment by two soldiers.
When they left, only Lu Yan and platoon leader Han remained.
Lu Yan smiled half-heartedly at him.
She had avoided him since that day in his office and the conversation with master after.
He was busy and barely had time to think about her behavior.
He nodded curtly, and followed behind Shan.
Later, after afternoon lectures, Lu Yan went to find Shan. He was lying on his stomach in the barracks. He had been hit by the board twenty times.
"Does it hurt a lot?" she asked.
He grinned, "It's alright. Only bruises, no blood. It'll heal soon."
Seeing Lu Yan's upset expression, he changed the subject, "Did you get me any snacks?"
"I did," Lu Yan had Luizhu open the packet she'd brought.
Shan ate and sighed contently, "It's good you brought me food. Otherwise I might have gone hungry."
Heng, who had just reached the door, carrying a large bowl of noodles stolen from the eating hall frowned.
It was too late to go out. He'd already been seen.
Shan waved him over, reaching out for the bowl, "Give me. Give it to me."
Heng held it out of his reach, "I thought you were going hungry. You don't need to eat this then."
Shan smiled, abashed, "Eh, I said that because brother Ayan was feeling so upset."
He reached further.
Heng pulled the bowl back. Glancing at the little snacks, he said, "I see you have already eaten. You must not be hungry anymore."
"I'm hungry. I'm hungry."
Heng looked at Ayan from head to toe, "You have a new brother now. You must not need me anymore."
Shan protested, "How can that be!" Casting an apologetic look at Lu Yan, he continued righteously, "You're my best brother!"
Heng looked at Ayan. He didn't seem upset. He just sat their smiling.
Shan finally got his hands on the bowl, and wolfed the noodles down at an astonishing rate.
Having safely finished the food, he put the bowl aside and finally retaliated, "You're so jealous!"
Heng sat on a stool, and crossed his arms, "You wish."
Shan took one of the snacks Lu Yan had brought, popped it into his mouth, and chewed loudly, "Is it because brother Ayan only brings snacks for me, and not you?"
Heng sneered, "Who cares about your dirty snacks?"
"Then you won't know where the sugar coated nuts I left under my pillow went?" Shan teased.
Heng looked away, two little spots of color on his cheeks, and said firmly, "I don't."
Shan clapped his hands together, laughed loudly, "I'm sure! I'm sure!"
Heng looked at him, his embarrassment giving way to anger.
Shan grinned wider.
Before they could break out into another of their legendary fights, Lu Yan wanted to safely get out.
She stood, and inched towards the door, calling out, "I'll see you later!"
Then she ran away.
From behind her, the sound of a bowl crashing to the floor and Shan's startled exclamation were heard.
Lu Yan laughed.
---
She saw master at the door to the residence. He was also just returning.
Lu Yan smiled happily and ran up to him.
He seemed distracted, and it took him to moment to look down and really see her.
Feeling his own lips rise, he teased, "I heard your friend got punished today. Why are you so happy?"
Lu Yan put her hands on her hips, smiling until her eyes were closed, "Of course, I'm happy to see you."
He patted her head lightly, "Sweet-talker."
Without another word, he swept into the house.
Lu Yan followed him, "It might be sweet, but it's the sweet truth."
He hummed.
As he took his outer robes off, Master glanced at the almost empty plates on her table in his study, and remarked, "I see all the snacks have disappeared."
Lu Yan hurried to block his sight, "I felt bad that he was beaten because of me, so I casually gave him some."
Master sat at his desk, and arranging his sleeves, said, "He was beaten because he broke the rules and was caught. It's not your fault."
"I still felt bad for him."
Master stopped moving, placed an elbow on the table, and rested his head on his fist.
After a pause, he said, "He's stupid, loud, and mannerless. He might be a good soldier, but that's all. You should like some other boy."
Lu Yan flushed crimson.
"Eh, where is you mind going! I don't like him like- like- like- that!"
Master continued, "There are many good little boys in the capital. If you like, I can introduce you to them."
Lu Yan plopped herself down across from him, "No! No! He's only a friend! I don't want to meet anyone!"
"You're protesting too loudly," he teased, "It makes me feel you're guilty."
"No!"
Lu Yan saw the teasing smile on her face and paused.
She took a deep breath, then continued calmly, "He's kind to me. We're friends, nothing more."
He stopped teasing, "Alright."
After another pause, where Lu Yan fidgeted with her hands, she said, "Actually, master. I think they don't mean harm to the Ji family army, and have some other reason for being here."
Master got serious at once, "Why do you think that?"
"It's something Shan said."
Seeing his questioning expression, she narrated the whole situation, and the exact words he had said. No matter what happens in the future, I promise I will never hurt you or let you down.
"Do you believe him?" master asked after a moment.
"He's usually very honest. I don't think he can lie so convincingly."
Privately, Lu Yan was sure he was telling the truth. But master didn't know Shan as she knew him.
He tapped the table, "Alright, I'll take this into account."
He looked at her. The earlier carefree smiles had disappeared, replaced now by a slight frown between her brows.
In truth, the best course ahead would be to have her pump Shan for information.
But...
The truth would come out anyway. He wasn't in a hurry.
Smiling, he said, "Let's start our evening lessons. Now, yesterday we talked-"