Ning Yanting is the head of the First Branch, father of Ning Nuan and Ning Lang, and husband of Mother Ning. He is known for his filial piety to his mother, which borders on foolishness. He is easily swayed by his mother and brothers, often giving away family assets. He is oblivious to the injustices his family suffers, focusing instead on brotherly harmony. He arrives late to the confrontation and fails to support his wife, instead telling her to calm down. He is a scholar and holds an official position, the highest in the family.
