Please, Don’t Die - Chapter 3

Ying Qujie filled a basket with small yellow flowers, checked the stability of the wooden marker once more, then bid farewell to He Qingsheng and descended the mountain.

Ghosts in the mortal realm are bound to the place of their death, and vengeful spirits even more so.

The fact that the Black and White Impermanence hadn’t shown up earlier might have been due to other reasons, but this rule was absolute.

Ying Qujie wasn’t worried about He Qingsheng latching onto him.

As he reached the bend in the path, an inexplicable impulse made him turn back to glance at the solitary grave in the gap of the golden flower field.

The knee-high blossoms obscured the bloodstained hem of the woman’s dress, leaving only her pristine white robes, ethereal and detached from the world.

The woman, her sleeves fluttering lightly, seemed to sense his gaze. From afar, she waved at him as if bidding farewell.

The wind swept through the flowers.

Ying Qujie thought she must have been smiling.

He Qingsheng was indeed smiling.

Once the figure in blue disappeared around the bend, she leisurely followed after him.

“So easy to fool, what am I to do with you?”

…

The depths of the Jimo Mountain Range were sparsely populated, but at its foothills lay a bustling town called Jimo.

Logically, mountainous terrain was ill-suited for farming, making survival difficult and the formation of large towns unlikely.

Yet, by sheer coincidence, this small flat intersection of the Jimo Mountains happened to be a crucial transportation hub, leading north to the capital, southwest to the Wood Manor, and southeast to the coastal city. Thanks to the constant flow of merchants and travelers, this modest town thrived no less than the prosperous regions of Jiangnan or Yangzhou.

Ying Qujie still remembered passing through here as a child on his way to apprentice at Tianyu Mountain. Back then, the streets had been teeming with people, carriages, and horses, a scene of bustling prosperity.

But now, on his return to the capital, Jimo lay in desolation before his eyes.

Most of the townsfolk bore the pallor of the dying. When he checked their pulses, he found every one of them afflicted with fire toxin.

Jimo had suffered three years of severe drought, yet few had relocated.

The reasons were twofold: the deep-seated belief in staying rooted to one’s homeland, coupled with the town’s once-thriving commerce, and the fact that the townspeople had relied on a clear spring at the edge of town to barely sustain themselves.

But the valley-enclosed town was like a sealed natural oven, and its people had become lambs roasting within.

After three years of scorching heat, the fire toxin had erupted.

By the time the townsfolk thought to leave, it was already too late.

Mindful of the time, Ying Qujie channeled a bit of inner energy to quicken his pace, weaving swiftly through the forest.

When he caught sight of the town, the sun had yet to set, painting the sky in hues of twilight.

At the forest’s edge stood Jimo’s magistrate, Gu Liangbi, along with a retinue, clearly having waited for some time.

Ying Qujie slowed his steps. Before he even reached the group, a wave of stifling heat laced with the stench of sweat hit him.

The crossroads were still some distance from the town. He frowned almost imperceptibly.

“Physician Ying, your medical skills are peerless, and your agility is no less impressive,” Gu Liangbi said with an ingratiating smile.

Ying Qujie replied mildly, “Magistrate Gu flatters me. It’s merely that years of herb-gathering have given me some familiarity with mountainous terrain.”

Gu Liangbi waved a hand. “You’re too modest. I’ve sent men into that forest many times, only those with exceptional skill and great fortune return unscathed. Not only did Physician Ying return safely, but you even brought back Golden Yaoguang. Truly, heroes emerge from the young!”

At his cue, the attendants flanked Ying Qujie on either side.

The foul-smelling wind stirred a faint irritation in him.

“Magistrate Gu, what is the meaning of this?”

Ying Qujie tightened his grip on the basket and took a step back.

A cool breeze brushed past, barely quelling the sudden surge of violent emotion in his chest.

“Physician Ying, outside the town earlier, a single pill from you cured my daughter of her fire toxin. For that, I am endlessly grateful.” Gu Liangbi clasped his hands and bowed.

“Only, Physician Ying’s schedule was tight, and the antidote prescription he left merely stated that mixing Golden Yaoguang with wormwood and ginseng, decocted in water for consumption, could ensure the health of all the people in Jimo Town for three years. I privately find this slightly inappropriate…”

“Oh, so you want to hoard all the Golden Yaoguang for yourself,” Ying Qujie impatiently cut off Gu Liangbi’s lengthy speech. “Does Shangguan Ding’an know you’re planning this?”

The fleshy cheeks on Gu Liangbi’s plump face trembled three times as he forced a smile. “Lord Shangguan has long resided in the court and is unfamiliar with the practical affairs of the people. Priorities and urgencies-”

“Oh, so he doesn’t know,” Ying Qujie interrupted Gu Liangbi again.

He Qingsheng nearly burst out laughing, extremely curious about how this farce would end.

Her junior brother had at least shown some indignation upon realizing he’d been deceived, yet the young physician faced the ungrateful magistrate with such indifference.

He Qingsheng suspected he was simply used to being cheated, to the point where such minor provocations weren’t even worth his attention.

The attendants beside Gu Liangbi watched Ying Qujie warily, but the latter’s expression remained cold, betraying not a hint of resistance.

Casually, he set down his bamboo basket as if it weren’t life-saving medicine but a worthless load of rotten cabbage, his tone flat and unreadable: “It’s here. Tell your men to back off.”

His pitch-black eyes, devoid of any emotion, gazed over as calmly as still water. Yet, Gu Liangbi suddenly felt a chill rise within him and uncomfortably averted his gaze.

He signaled two men to retrieve the medicine basket. Inside, layers of golden petals confirmed it was indeed the Golden Yaoguang, Ying Qujie had taught them to recognize.

The process had been far too smooth.

None of the disputes or scuffles he had anticipated had occurred.

Years of corruption had honed his instincts, and an uneasy feeling gnawed at him. He considered detaining Ying Qujie temporarily but couldn’t bring himself to voice the order.

Within moments, the figure in green had vanished without a trace.

A subordinate reminded him, “My Lord, the sedan is ready. Your wife and son are also waiting by the roadside.”

Suppressing the strange sensation in his heart, Gu Liangbi thought that once the fire toxin was neutralized, his family could flee the Su Dynasty.

By then, even if the emperor sought to hold someone accountable, it wouldn’t fall on him. The lives of these lowly commoners were none of his concern.

…

Ying Qujie kicked aside a small pebble and pulled out the jade pendant tucked in his robe. Noticing a blood-red stain had seeped into the originally flawless white jade at the corner, he murmured, “Was the show entertaining?”

He Qingsheng drifted out leisurely and admitted frankly, “Not really.”

A conflict without beginning or end, utterly lacking in drama.

Ying Qujie: “You lied to me again.”

He Qingsheng felt his words carried a hint of coquetry and thought to herself, he really must be used to being deceived.

Ying Qujie didn’t notice her odd expression and pressed on, “Why are you following me? To kill me?”

“No, why would I kill you? Physician Ying is so handsome, even as a ghost, I’d want to indulge in some romance under the peony.”

Ignoring He Qingsheng’s teasing, Ying Qujie examined the circular white jade in his hand.

Intricate and ornate brocade patterns were carved into its surface, and the crimson bloodstain had seeped deep into the jade, not clashing but rather adding a touch of embellishment.

He rubbed it a few times, his fingertips chilled by its coldness. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Earlier, you charged at me but were repelled. Now, with this white jade, you can approach me. Are you seeking a chance to possess me, or is there something special about me that can nourish a vengeful spirit’s soul?”

Before He Qingsheng could respond, his thoughts were interrupted by the urgent sound of galloping hooves.

The man at the lead, clad in an official robe embroidered with crane patterns, scanned the surroundings. Seeing Ying Qujie standing alone, he immediately dismounted and offered a swift, practiced bow of apology, carrying an air of effortless grace.

“Physician Ying, your efforts in gathering herbs are deeply appreciated. It was my oversight to allow vermin like Gu Liangbi to disturb you.”

“Your words are too kind, Lord Shangguan. Magistrate Gu hasn’t gone far yet.”

Ying Qujie seemed to deflate the moment he saw Shangguan Ding’an, his enthusiasm waning. He lazily pointed in a direction. “Head southwest along this path.”

He Qingsheng noticed that when speaking with Ying Qujie, one only needed to hint at the tip of the iceberg, and he would naturally fill in the unspoken details.

The possibilities He Qingsheng speculated about often turned out to be the closest to the truth.

It was rather convenient.

“Many thanks, Physician Ying. I shall repay this favor in the future.” Shangguan Ding’an bowed once more before leading his men away in haste.

In less than half an hour, Shangguan Ding’an had caught up to Gu Liangbi and his group, who were sneaking along a side path in an attempt to flee the mountains.

Gu Liangbi tried to resist, but ordinary estate guards were no match for the Emperor’s elite Qianlong Guards. Within moments, the guards were sprawled on the ground.

As his men fell, Gu Liangbi realized the situation was dire. He dropped to his knees before Shangguan Ding’an, crawling forward in an attempt to cling to his leg.

Shangguan Ding’an sidestepped the advance.

Gu Liangbi’s rotund body nearly rolled several times on the ground. Snot and tears streamed down his face as he wailed, “Lord Shangguan, I had no choice! My wife and child couldn’t wait any longer! My son suffers from the fire toxin, wasting away day by day. You, my lord, are unwed, you cannot understand the agony of a father powerless to help his own flesh and blood!”

Shangguan Ding’an glanced at the chubby boy clutched tightly by the woman beside them. The moment their eyes met, the boy shrank back, his neck stiff with fear. He seemed about to cry, but the woman pinched his mouth shut and pressed him against her chest.

Shangguan Ding’an smiled faintly. “Magistrate Gu, your eldest daughter is well-educated and refined, and your youngest is quite adorable. Why didn’t you bring them along when fleeing?”

Gu Liangbi’s sobbing ceased abruptly. “My lord, you wrong me! My daughters have already been cured of the fire toxin, and our household lacks neither gold nor silver. Why would they need to join me in this desperate flight?”

“You shameless fat oaf,” came a crisp, disdainful female voice. “With the fire toxin ravaging Jimo, what use is wealth to your daughters?”

Gu Liangbi looked up to see a woman dressed as a shadow guard standing beside Shangguan Ding’an, arms crossed as she glared down at him.

“You dote on your son, is a son a child, but daughters not? Your children are precious, but the children of Jimo’s people are not? Do you even realize how many lives this batch of Golden Yaoguang could save in the entire town?”

Cold sweat drenched Gu Liangbi as he scrambled for excuses. After a long pause, he stammered, “This batch of Golden Yaoguang isn’t enough anyway. If we kept Physician Ying a few more days, he could gather more. Besides, a small basket of herbs like this can only suppress the toxin for three years. What happens after that? The cycle will just repeat. Better to make the most of what we have.”

As if keeping Ying Qujie for a few more days were a simple matter.

Shangguan Ding’an had considered this approach before, but Physician Ying had made it clear: for Jimo’s fire toxin, Golden Yaoguang was only a temporary measure, not a permanent cure.

“Saving two or three people is no trouble for me,” Ying Qujie had said plainly. “But if the root cause isn’t eradicated, the suffering will never end.”

The mountains were fraught with danger. That Physician Ying had agreed to gather Golden Yaoguang at all was already buying them three years of time.

As for the so-called root of calamity, he would naturally investigate it himself.

These words were heard together with Gu Liangbi, and though he knew Gu Liangbi was not an official of great righteousness, he never expected the man to actually dare to go all the way, absconding with all the Golden Yaoguang.

Completely disregarding the suffering people of Jimo.

“You really are beyond redemption,” Shangguan Ding’an sneered, ordering the Qianlong Guards to bring forward Gu Liangbi’s attendants. From each of them, a slip of paper was retrieved.

Shangguan Ding’an took one of the slips and flung it into Gu Liangbi’s face: “See for yourself. Guess how many of Jimo’s twenty thousand residents received these slips?”

Gu Liangbi scrambled to pick up the paper, only to collapse in horror upon reading its contents.

No longer was his face twisted in the hypocritical tears of a man seeking exoneration, now it was replaced with genuine terror.

“Lord Shangguan, spare me! I admit my wrongdoing! I was blinded by greed! Please, my lord, do not hold this against me! I beg you, save me!”

Shangguan Ding’an ordered his mouth gagged. The woman beside him curiously picked up one of the slips.

It read: “If Golden Yaoguang is brewed with living flesh and blood as a catalyst, its medicinal effects are greatly enhanced. Those who consume Golden Yaoguang pills, when boiled with a living person, can ensure a lifetime free from the torment of fire toxin.”

In other words, had Gu Liangbi not intercepted the Golden Yaoguang for his own use, distributing it as boiled medicine, they and the people of Jimo could have bought three years of respite to seek a way to eradicate the source.

But if Gu Liangbi had seized the Golden Yaoguang and secretly refined it into pills, the dosage would not have been enough for all those he intended to take in his escape. And among them, some would have already received this slip, learning its contents.

This meant that even if Gu Liangbi had promised his attendants rewards, when faced with the brink of death, none would hesitate to act in self-preservation.

Thus, the fate awaiting Gu Liangbi and his family would be to be boiled alive to sustain others!

The agony of such an end was unimaginable, far worse than death by fire toxin.

No wonder Gu Liangbi had been so terrified moments ago.

“Physician Ying truly…” Though the intention was to save the entire town, the implications of this slip sent chills down one’s spine. The woman struggled to find the right words.

She remembered that exceedingly young physician, his strikingly refined features softened by his uniquely gentle demeanor, exuding an air of warmth and comfort.

Yet this very same man could be utterly ruthless in his indifference.

Shangguan Ding’an sighed. “Enough. Let’s go.”

…

“So, you’re really abandoning that basket of little flowers?” He Qingsheng floated beside Ying Qujie.

Ever since encountering that official named Shangguan Ding’an, the young physician had seemed utterly disinterested.

He Qingsheng circled around him, her spectral form occasionally stirring a breeze that tousled the loose strands of hair on Ying Qujie’s forehead into his face.

Despite this deliberate annoyance, Ying Qujie remained unshaken, as if determined to ignore He Qingsheng entirely.

“Little physician, silent treatment isn’t the way to go.”

Ying Qujie deftly avoided a bamboo branch bent low by He Qingsheng’s weight, his gaze fixed ahead as he walked steadily onward.

“Little physician, Physician Ying, Ying Qujie… even the murderer of my entire family didn’t leave my words hanging in the air like this. Say something!”

He Qingsheng floated ahead. Since becoming a ghost, she felt she had grown far more patient.

The town was now within sight, a small river lying before them, its murmuring waters showing no sign of drying up.

How could fire toxin emerge from a place with water?

He Qingsheng’s doubt vanished in an instant as another brilliant idea took shape in her mind.

Moreover, her mouth had always been faster than her thoughts.

“Physician Ying, I’ll definitely be sticking with you for a while longer. If you keep ignoring me, I can’t guarantee whether you might suddenly lose a piece of clothing or your pants in public.”

Ying Qujie halted abruptly, turning sharply with a faint flush on his face, as if angered.

“If you want to possess me, just do it. All this rambling is nonsense. What exactly do you want by following me?”

He Qingsheng thought to herself that he was indeed still young, thin-skinned, and easily provoked.

She guiltily rubbed her nose, feeling a rare pang of conscience. “Nothing much. It’s just that in this world, you’re the only one who can see me and hear me. I can’t stand being idle.”

Ying Qujie said, “I’ll give you one more chance to tell the truth. Three, two…”

“I have unfinished vengeance, died with grievances, and am filled with deep resentment. I refuse to be trapped in these mountains as a bound spirit.”

Hehe, just kidding. A mere mortal who even I can’t possess must harbor some great opportunity.

What He Qingsheng sought by following him was precisely this great opportunity.

As for being a bound spirit? When she was alive, no place could hold her. Did death suddenly make her meek?

After hearing this reason, Ying Qujie’s expression softened slightly. He Qingsheng leaned in, her tone sincere:

“Sorry, I was wrong.”

She was certain this guy responded better to softness than hardness. Though she could certainly keep pushing, days without conversation were unbearably dull.

Four hundred years of silence in this life were enough.

Ying Qujie pressed his lips together and spoke with difficulty, “In that case, you absolutely must not… pull my pants down in public.”

That jade pendant had absorbed his blood, there must be some sinister sorcery at play.

Right now, he had no power to refuse the ghost girl. It was better to placate her for the time being. Once they reached the capital, he could seek the Imperial Preceptor to exorcise the vengeful spirit.

Keeping a vengeful spirit by his side was one thing, but having his pants drop in public from time to time? Ying Qujie found that utterly unacceptable.

He Qingsheng nodded solemnly. “Please trust my integrity, Physician Ying.” Hehe, she wasn’t human anymore anyway.

Ying Qujie’s temple twitched violently. A sudden thought struck him, and he added, “And you must not peek when I bathe or change!”

“Relax, I’m a vengeful ghost, not a perverted one.” He Qingsheng nearly let out another “hehe,” but as she floated beside Ying Qujie, her wider field of vision caught sight of a strange serpent lurking in the nearby bushes, poised to strike.

“Snake on your left! Watch out!”

“Don’t try that trick again-”

Ying Qujie’s words died in his throat as a six-winged, four-legged serpent lunged toward his throat with terrifying speed.

Just before it touched his skin, a streak of blue light deflected it, slicing the creature in midair.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye.

Instinctively, he looked at He Qingsheng. A blue glow flickered across her spectral form, lending her an ethereal, almost cold aura, as if her ghostly presence had diminished.

Ying Qujie steadied himself and bowed. “Thank you.”

He Qingsheng waved it off dismissively, more interested in the still-writhing serpent on the ground.

“There is a serpent called Feiyi, with six legs and four wings. Its appearance heralds great drought across the land.”