BYBOTE Chapter 36: Zhao Chuanmeng

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When the Luo family heard that Xi Yanqing was injured, they naturally came over to check on him. Luo Ji even stayed behind to help take care of him. So when Xi Yanqing’s fever spiked again, Luo Ji immediately went to find Dr. Liang.

However, after examining him, Dr. Liang didn’t have any particularly effective remedies to lower the fever. He simply changed Xi Yanqing’s prescription and told Luo Fei to brew the medicine for him. Before leaving, he warned them that the fever might last for several days before subsiding.

Hearing this, Luo Fei grabbed Dr. Liang and anxiously asked, “Uncle Liang, can you guarantee that he’ll be okay? Are you sure?”

Dr. Liang sighed and said, “Erbao, no one can guarantee something like that. But Xi boy is strong, and with you taking such good care of him, I believe he’ll recover.”

It was clearly just words of comfort, and Luo Fei didn’t feel much reassured.

He couldn’t stop worrying. Every so often, he changed the cool towel on Xi Yanqing’s forehead, wiping his hands and feet countless times.

There were no special fever-reducing or anti-inflammatory medicines here. Luo Fei racked his brain for anything that could help but couldn’t think of a quick cure. Then, he suddenly remembered that Xi Yanqing had once told him that dandelions had anti-inflammatory properties.

So, just as Luo Ji was about to send Dr. Liang out the door, Luo Fei hurriedly stopped him. “Uncle Liang, one more question—can I give Qing some dandelion to eat?”

Here, dandelions were commonly called "婆婆丁" (popo ding). Luo Fei wondered if he could use them to help Xi Yanqing.

Dr. Liang thought for a moment and checked his prescription. “It’s fine. It won’t interfere.”

So, when Luo Fei made porridge, he chopped up some dandelion and added it in. He knew this might just be a psychological comfort for himself, but doing nothing was not an option.

To others, Xi Yanqing was just his husband, but only the two of them knew that they shared something more—something no outsider could understand. They had lived in another world together. Those memories belonged only to them. Xi Yanqing wasn’t just his spouse; they shared a deep spiritual bond.

If Xi Yanqing was gone…

Luo Fei didn’t even dare to think about it.

He followed Dr. Liang’s instructions, carefully brewing the medicine and feeding it to Xi Yanqing. When Xi Yanqing couldn’t swallow it, Luo Fei fed him mouth-to-mouth. In the past, he never would have imagined himself doing something like this. But now, it felt natural. Even with Luo Ji nearby, he didn’t care.

“Erbao, get some rest. I’ll watch over Xi Di for now. If anything happens, I’ll wake you.” Luo Ji saw the dark circles under his younger brother’s eyes. Normally, Luo Fei was the most fastidious about cleanliness, yet now he hadn’t even brushed his hair. Luo Ji sighed, “You have to take care of yourself too.”

“I’m fine, big brother. I’m not sleepy.” Luo Fei sat by Xi Yanqing’s side, touching his dry, pale lips.

At that moment, he suddenly understood why their mother had opposed Luo Ji staying and had instead sent Luo Yi. Years ago, Luo Ji had stayed by his wife’s sickbed, taking care of her. His situation now was eerily similar. Their family must have been worried that staying here would bring back painful memories for Luo Ji.

“We were worried that you and Xi Di would have some conflicts after getting married, but it turns out you two have a great relationship.” Normally, the family only visited briefly, so they never fully understood. But after staying for half a day, Luo Ji could clearly see how much Luo Fei cherished Xi Yanqing.

“I’m not stupid. After spending so much time together, of course, I can tell who truly cares about me.” Luo Fei’s eyes stung as he spoke. “Big brother, is there another doctor nearby? Should I find someone else to take a look at Yanqing?”

“If you want another doctor, you’ll have to go to town. But even then, they might not be any better than Dr. Liang.”

“I’ll wait for another day or two. If he gets better, I won’t look for another doctor. But if not, I’ll go find one.”

Luo Ji hesitated for a moment but didn’t say anything. He understood all too well—when someone you love is sick, you’d do anything to save them.

Luo Fei stayed up another night. His dark circles grew worse, and his voice became hoarse. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked even more exhausted.

When their mother, Li Yuehua, came by with food, she felt heartbroken seeing him like this. But she knew that nothing she said would help unless Xi Yanqing woke up. She placed ten eggs in the kitchen, checked on Xi Yanqing, and gently told Luo Fei, “Don’t worry. Yanqing is strong. He’ll wake up soon.”

Luo Fei nodded, letting the porridge cool before feeding Xi Yanqing a bit of rice broth.

Though Xi Yanqing didn’t respond, Luo Fei felt that he was aware. Sometimes, his brows would furrow ever so slightly.

By midday, Dr. Liang came back on his own. After checking on Xi Yanqing, he said, “His foot injury is improving, but this fever is likely caused by the chest wound.”

Luo Fei had already guessed that it was likely Xi Yanqing's chest wound that had become infected. If this had happened in modern times, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But here, an infection could be life-threatening. And with the weather being so hot, infections were even harder to manage. Xi Yanqing had been running a high fever and remained unconscious—what could they do?

"Uncle Liang, do you have any stronger medicine?" Luo Fei asked. "If you do, please use it on him. Just tell me how much it costs, and I'll pay you." If worst comes to worst, he'd find a way to make more money! Besides, they still had that ginseng plant, didn't they?

"Erbao, I’ve already used everything that should be used. Now, it’s up to fate," Doctor Liang sighed. After a moment, he took out a small bottle and handed it to Luo Fei. "I just made this yesterday. It’s more convenient than applying the wet medicine. Sprinkle it over Xi boy's wound twice a day, morning and evening. Just make sure to cover the wound. Don't waste it, understand?"

"I understand, Uncle Liang. Is this made from the same ingredients as the medicine he was using before?" Luo Fei sniffed the bottle and found the scent somewhat familiar.

"More or less, but with one extra ingredient. Why do you ask?"

"It’s nothing, I'll apply it for him… Wait a minute, Uncle Liang!" Luo Fei suddenly remembered something. The reason this medicine smelled familiar was because he had encountered a similar scent before! Xi Yanqing had given him a bottle of medicine a long time ago, telling him to apply it to certain areas. He still had some left, but he had completely forgotten about it until now. He quickly rummaged through his belongings and found the old bottle, handing it to Doctor Liang.

"Wow, this is much more valuable than the medicine I gave you," Doctor Liang said after carefully sniffing it. "Where did this come from? Do you have more?"

"No, just this much," Luo Fei replied. "Qing-ge brought it back when he returned."

"Let’s not waste time. Apply it to him immediately," Doctor Liang said, helping Luo Fei clean Xi Yanqing’s wound and replace the medicine. "Erbao, see if you can find more of this. If you can, then Xi boy will have a better chance of pulling through."

"I… I don’t know where to find it." Luo Fei was getting anxious. "Uncle Liang, can you tell what ingredients are in this?" If worst came to worst, he could find the herbs and ask someone to mix them for him!

"I can’t identify all of them. And even if I could, this isn’t something an average person can afford. The formula isn’t public knowledge. If I hadn’t encountered it before while treating someone, I wouldn’t even know what it was used for," Doctor Liang said, examining the bottle. The medicine inside was only enough for two more applications at most, as Xi Yanqing’s wound was too large and required a lot each time.

"Then I… I’ll figure something out," Luo Fei said, gripping the bottle. He had a feeling this medicine must have come from Xi Yanqing’s time in the military, possibly a medicine used exclusively by the army. But where could he find more now?!

Xi Yanqing must have had some old comrades, but Luo Fei didn’t know them or where to find them.

Wait—what about the person who had once lent Xi Yanqing a horse? Someone who owned such fine horses must have some kind of special background. But Xi Yanqing had never mentioned that person's identity.

Luo Fei turned to Luo Ji and asked, "Big Brother, do you know where Qing-ge borrowed that horse from when I got married?"

Luo Ji thought for a moment. "I actually asked him about that once. He said he borrowed it from a friend whose family specializes in horse breeding."

Horse breeding?

There were many people who raised horses—how was he supposed to find the right one?

Luo Fei asked Luo Ji again, but he couldn’t provide any more clues. Later, Luo Fei also asked Han Yang, who didn’t know either but suggested asking his second uncle. With no better option, Luo Fei went to town. He left his mother and Luo Yi to take care of Xi Yanqing, then took a bit of the medicine powder and went with Luo Ji to the pharmacy that Xi Yanqing often visited.

Although Luo Fei had only been to this pharmacy a few times, the old shopkeeper, Jing Guangzhao, recognized him immediately. "Young man, why are you here? Where’s your husband?"

Not seeing Xi Yanqing, the old shopkeeper glanced behind Luo Fei but didn’t see anyone except another person.

"He slipped and fell on the mountain and got hurt," Luo Fei explained, handing over the medicine bottle. "Uncle Jing, could you take a look? Can you make something like this?"

"Don't rush, let me see what it is first," Uncle Jing said as he carefully opened the paper packet, bringing the medicine powder to his nose for a gentle sniff. "This should be Jiuxian Powder. I can’t make this here."

"Then… do you know where I can get it?"

"This…"

"Uncle Jing, please, just tell me. Whether or not my Qing-ge can be saved depends on whether we can find this medicine." Luo Fei was on the verge of tears. It was clear that Shopkeeper Jing knew where this medicine could be made or knew someone who could make it, but he was hesitant to speak.

"Young man, it's not that I don’t want to tell you—it’s that even if you find the person, it might not help," Uncle Jing said, looking troubled.

"Even if it’s uncertain, I have to try. Just tell me who they are and how I can find them. Please!" Luo Fei pleaded, looking at Shopkeeper Jing with desperation. "Uncle Jing, I beg you!"

"Alright, alright! Stop shaking me! You’re making me dizzy!" Uncle Jing sighed and waved his hand. "Fine, fine! Come with me. I'll take you to see my master. But let me warn you, my master has a bad temper, so be careful when you speak."

"Don't worry, as long as I can see them, I'll figure out the rest myself," Luo Fei said, wiping his sweat and hurrying to follow. "Thank you, Uncle Jing."

Uncle Jing waved him off and led Luo Fei and Luo Ji on a long walk to a secluded courtyard on the west side of town. The place was quite large, standing alone with no neighbors nearby. The front gate was even locked. Luo Fei’s heart sank—was the owner not home? But then, Uncle Jing simply raised his hand and called out, "Master, it’s Old Jing. Are you home?"

Luo Ji gave Luo Fei a strange look, as if to ask: The door is locked, why is he knocking?

Luo Fei shook his head—he had no idea either. But then, surprisingly, a voice from inside responded, "Wait a moment!"

The voice sounded like a young woman, and she didn’t seem very old.

Uncle Jing waited at the entrance, while Luo Fei pondered how to convince this person to give him the medicine, no matter what it took.

After about two or three minutes, someone appeared—but instead of opening the door, they climbed down from the wall. The person had loose, unkempt hair and looked like they hadn't even washed their face. It was a young woman. She looked at Luo Fei and Luo Ji, then immediately scowled. "Who are they?"

Uncle Jing bowed slightly. "Master, this young man is Luo Fei. His family member, Xi Yanqing, often gathers herbs and sells them to our pharmacy. He's an honest guy. I was wondering why Xi Yanqing hadn’t been coming recently, but today I heard he got injured while picking herbs. They’re looking for Jiuxian Powder to save—"

Before Uncle Jing could finish, the young woman interrupted, "No! Go, go, go! This isn’t a charity! Why should I give them medicine?"

Uncle Jing exchanged a helpless look with Luo Fei before trying again, "Master, please, just help them this once. The couple just got married, and it wouldn't be right to leave him to die, would it?"

The lady boss gestured towards Luo Ji with her chin and asked, "Who is he?"

Luo Ji replied, "I am Luo Ji, Luo Fei's elder brother. Miss, saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda; please do us this favor."

Luo Fei also bowed to the lady boss and said, "Beautiful sister, please help us. You run a pharmacy to save more people, don't you? Please be kind."

The lady boss sneered, her smile somewhat mocking, "Be kind? Do you know what the most famous medicine in my pharmacy is?"

Luo Fei looked at Shopkeeper Jing in confusion.

Shopkeeper Jing wrinkled his face into folds like a steamed bun. “Ab-abortion medicine.”

Luo Fei almost choked on his own saliva—he never expected his flattery to backfire so spectacularly.

The master of the house waved a hand. “Hurry up and leave. I don’t have time for you.”

With that, she prepared to climb over the wall, but Luo Fei grabbed her leg. He didn’t care about propriety anymore and clung to her. “Big Sister, wait! I’m not asking for the medicine for free—at least let me finish talking!”

She shook him off. “I already said no!”

Then, she leaped over the courtyard wall.

Luo Fei knew this wouldn’t do. “Pah! Pah!” He spat into his palms, pressed them against the wall, and jumped with all his might, landing on top of the wall.

“Hey! This is my house!” The master of the house was furious. Over the years, many people had come begging for medicine, but this was the first time someone had dared to climb her wall!

“I won’t leave if you won’t give me the medicine. If I go back without it, Qing-ge’s life will be over! What’s the point of me living? I might as well die here—at least my family will save money on a burial mat!”

“You wish!” The master of the house shouted toward the house, “Wang Ma! See them out!”

“Yes, Master.” Before Luo Fei could react, a stout woman with broad shoulders emerged from the house. She rolled up her sleeves, crouched down, hoisted Luo Fei onto her shoulder, kicked the door open, and carried him outside. Then she turned to Shopkeeper Jing. “Old Jing, you broke the rules, so you fix the lock!” With that, she slammed the door shut and bolted it from the inside.

“You see now, young man?” Shopkeeper Jing sighed at Luo Fei. “That’s just how our master is. I advise you to think of another way—no matter what, she won’t give you the medicine.”

“Why not? I can pay her!”

“It’s not about money. Besides, do you think our master looks like someone who lacks money?”

Luo Fei thought about it. That woman wasn’t even dressed up, yet her clothes were made of fine fabric—he was sure it was top-quality cloud brocade.

But this was his only chance. He had no other options.

Gritting his teeth, Luo Fei banged on the door louder than ever. “Open up! Big Sister, please, open the door! If you don’t agree to help today, I’ll keep knocking until you do—I won’t leave!”

Zhao Chuanmeng glanced at the entrance in irritation. “Wang Ma, get rid of them. I need to rest.”

With that, she went into her inner chamber, opened a secret door, and disappeared inside.

Wang Ma let out a long sigh and stood by the door. “Old Jing, take them away. You know our master’s temper—she won’t change her mind. Just go. She’s gone to bed, no point in waiting.”

Shopkeeper Jing also tried to persuade Luo Fei. “You should find another way.”

Luo Fei was worried about Xi Yanqing, but what could he do if he went back? Doctor Liang had said only the Jiuxiun Powder could save him.

Luo Ji suggested, “Erbao, why don’t we find another doctor? Maybe someone else has the medicine.”

Luo Fei shook his head. “Big Brother, why don’t you go back? You can bring a doctor to check on Qing-ge while I stay here and keep trying to convince their master.”

Luo Ji was reluctant to leave his brother alone, but with someone’s life at stake, he hesitated.

Luo Fei handed him a tael of silver and pushed him forward. “Big Brother, just go. I’ll be fine. If anything happens, I can ask Uncle Li at the cloth shop for help.” He clenched his teeth. “Big Brother, make sure to watch over Qing-ge and tell him to wait for me.”

Luo Ji clenched his fists. “I will.”

Luo Fei watched his brother leave, and Shopkeeper Jing also left. He remained outside the door, pacing back and forth.

He didn’t know what to do. He could probably get the master of the house to come out, but then what? If he couldn’t convince her, it would still be useless.

After a while, Luo Fei knocked on the door again. “Wang Ma, could you please let me see your master one more time?”

No response.

Luo Fei squatted at the doorstep. After a while, he knocked again. “Wang Ma, please, let me see her just once.”

Wang Ma finally spoke. “Go home, young man. Even if you sit here until you die, it won’t change anything.”

Luo Fei didn’t believe her. What else could he do? This place had no modern communications, no transportation, no proper medical care! He couldn’t even buy medicine with money!

Hearing no more noise, Wang Ma assumed Luo Fei had left. But soon enough—he climbed over the wall again!

“You stubborn kid!” Wang Ma had a bucket in hand.

“It’s life or death! Of course I’m stubborn! I’ve only been married for a year—if my Qing-ge dies, I’ll be a widower! Don’t you get it?!” Luo Fei was too exhausted to think straight, but his determination burned strong. “Wang Ma, just tell me—why won’t your master help? I’m not stealing or robbing, I just want to buy medicine—is that so unreasonable?”

“How could we servants dare to speak of our master’s affairs? She has her reasons. I say you should stop wasting time and find another way.”

“If I had another way, I wouldn’t be here bothering you.” Luo Fei sighed. “Please, just let me see her.”

“No!” Wang Ma picked him up like a little chick and tossed him out. “Don’t climb the wall again, or I’ll report you for trespassing!”

“Tres—! You think I want to break in?!” Luo Fei scratched his hair in frustration and kicked the door. He looked furious, but soon tears welled up in his eyes.

Inside, Zhao Chuanmeng rubbed her forehead. “Did he leave?”

“He’s just sitting by the door,” Wang Ma sighed. “Poor kid. He said he’s only been married for a year. If his husband really dies…”

“What does that have to do with me?” Zhao Chuanmeng downed a cup of wine. “Ignore him. He’ll leave eventually.”

“…Alright.” Wang Ma wanted to take away the wine jug but thought better of it.

Luo Fei waited outside for a long time, but in the end, he had to leave. The night was falling, and he was worried about Xi Yanqing—fevers always worsened at night.

When Wang Ma opened the door and found no one, she reported back. “Master, he left.”

Zhao Chuanmeng scoffed. “Hah, thought he’d last until morning. Turns out he’s just like the rest.”

On his way home, Luo Fei wished Xi Yanqing would wake up. But when he arrived, Xi Yanqing was still burning up, showing no signs of regaining consciousness.

“How did it go, Erbao? Did you get the medicine?” Li Yuehua asked anxiously. She was terrified—her eldest daughter-in-law had burned with fever just like this and never recovered. She couldn’t bear to see her second son suffer the same fate.

“No. I’ll go again tomorrow.” Luo Fei sat beside Xi Yanqing, feeling the unbearable heat radiating from his body. His heart ached, and his eyes burned with tears.

“Er-ge, I’ll go with you tomorrow,” Luo Yi said. “No matter what, we have to get that medicine for Xi-ge.”

“Mm.” Luo Fei responded softly. He lay beside Xi Yanqing, watching him quietly, and soon, he drifted off to sleep—he hadn’t rested in days.

But he didn’t sleep for long. He soon jolted awake from a dream—Xi Yanqing was there, smiling at him.

In the dream, Xi Yanqing asked, “Does marrying someone who understands you and spending a lifetime together really conflict with liking them?”

Yes, that's right. Although Xi Yanqing had never deliberately told him that he liked him, he had never hidden his feelings either. But what about him? He hadn’t even had the chance to tell Xi Yanqing that he liked him too.

He couldn’t even pinpoint exactly when it had started—it was as if Xi Yanqing had unknowingly taken up residence in his heart and become someone truly important to him. At first, he thought it was just a habit, but now he knew—it wasn’t a habit. It was genuine, heartfelt affection.

He liked Xi Yanqing, the kind of liking that no one else could replace.

Luo Fei’s heart suddenly clenched with pain, as if something was stuck in his chest. If Xi Yanqing really left just like that, what would he do?!

He looked at Xi Yanqing and instinctively reached out to touch his forehead. He had been prepared for it to still feel burning hot, but surprisingly, it seemed a little better? This made him think that the Jiuxian Powder might be working, and he immediately felt a surge of excitement. He whispered to Xi Yanqing, "Qing-ge, I came back just to check on you, but I’ll be heading out again soon." Luo Fei lightly touched Xi Yanqing’s ear. "Don’t worry, I’ll definitely find the medicine. Even if in the end, there’s really no way, and you have to leave, don’t be afraid. I’ll stay with you. Who knows, maybe we’ll both be able to return. If we do go back, I’ll come to your school to find you, and I won’t even look at your cousin."

Xi Yanqing didn’t respond. Luo Fei changed the cool cloth on his forehead a few more times. It was only when the sky started to lighten that he finally left the house.

Most people wouldn’t be awake at this hour, but Zhao Chuanmeng was someone who slept during the day and stayed active at night. So the moment Luo Fei arrived, she noticed, as this was just the time she was getting ready to sleep after stretching her limbs in the courtyard.

Luo Fei wasn’t familiar with Zhao Chuanmeng’s routine, so after some thought, he decided not to knock right away. He didn’t want to risk annoying someone who was already difficult to deal with, especially if she had just woken up and was in a bad mood. So he sat at the door and said to Luo Yi, "Let’s wait until we hear movement inside before knocking."

But just then, a somewhat familiar voice came from the courtyard:

"Sis, who’s outside?"

Luo Fei instantly jolted upright.

That voice—gentle and pleasant to the ear—wasn’t it the same as that person from before? The one who had come to his shop before the Dragon Boat Festival to buy sachets and pouches? That family of three?

What was his name again?

Luo Fei racked his brain, and after a moment, he suddenly shouted, "Oh right, Siyuan!!!"

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