Chapter Sixty-Three: Gratitude and Repayment

Inside the house, there were only a few simple pieces of furniture, but everything was swept and kept extremely tidy. Xie Qingtang sat down on a sofa that looked as though it had seen many years, though it was covered with a clean cloth.

“Doctor Xie, our home is a bit modest, please don’t mind. Go and get a snake apple for Doctor Xie,” Axian urged her husband, Aben.

Aben immediately responded and went outside to wash a snake apple, bringing it in for Xie Qingtang. The other neighbors also took out the best things in their homes to offer her. That was how the mountain folk were—warm and hospitable.

Faced with their offerings, Xie Qingtang felt embarrassed to refuse, so she ate a little, though her purpose here today was not to enjoy their hospitality.

“Aben, I have something I need to discuss with you,” Xie Qingtang said gravely after nibbling at some food.

Aben had already guessed what this might be, while the others, who had been chatting cheerfully, all fell silent in surprise.

“Doctor Xie, you must have some business with Aben to come all the way to our remote village. We shouldn’t intrude while you discuss serious matters. We’ll leave you to it,” said one of the villagers. Though uneducated, the mountain people were adept at reading the room, so they quietly set down what they had brought and left.

In a short while, the previously bustling main room was left with only Aben’s family and Xie Qingtang. After a moment’s hesitation, Xie Qingtang turned to Aben and said, “Last time, you mentioned that before you fainted, you saw a four-leafed ghost needle grass in the forbidden ground. That herb is extremely important to me, so I plan to go there and pick it.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Aben’s expression grew serious, and Axian exclaimed in surprise, “Doctor Xie, you saw for yourself what happened to Aben last time. That forbidden ground isn’t a place just anyone can enter.”

“That’s right, Doctor Xie—the forbidden ground is a curse in our village. Anyone who goes in is doomed. No one has ever come out alive. Aben was only lucky to survive because he didn’t go deep inside,” Aben’s mother added earnestly.

The tale of the forbidden ground’s curse had been passed down for generations, so deeply rooted in their minds that even when Aben had his ordeal, his mother believed he was possessed.

“I understand all you’ve said, but I don’t believe there’s a curse. I think there’s a poisonous plant that’s been growing there for years, releasing toxins that form a poisonous barrier. That’s why people say no one survives after entering,” Xie Qingtang declared firmly. When treating Aben, she had quickly realized he was poisoned, not possessed.

Her words made Aben’s family look even more unsettled. Just then, Aben’s father, having heard that Xie Qingtang had arrived, rushed home from the fields.

“Doctor Xie, you’re here! We’re so glad you could visit. You must stay for dinner tonight so we can properly thank you. If not for your medical skills, Aben would never have survived,” he said warmly upon seeing her.

Xie Qingtang rose and greeted Aben’s father, after which Aben explained in full the reason for her visit.

As expected, Aben’s father was strongly opposed. “Doctor Xie, that place is far too dangerous. If, as you say, the reason people faint is the poison barrier, you should all the more avoid it.”

“I understand your concerns, but I’ve prepared thoroughly. I brought a gas mask with me, and I hope to collect some of the plants inside to study how the poison barrier forms. If I can develop an antidote, it will be easier for all of you to gather herbs there, and it could help improve your lives.”

Xie Qingtang did not mention her true purpose of picking the four-leafed ghost needle grass, instead focusing on the benefits to the family, hoping to sway them to her side.

Though the family had been nothing but warm, she knew that people were ultimately moved by self-interest; they would not help for nothing.

“Doctor Xie, I understand what you mean, but our lives are more important. I don’t want you risking yours for the plants in that place. Who knows if your mask will work? That curse has been spoken of for so long in our village—it’s better to believe than not,” Aben’s mother said, still clinging to her superstitions.

The others remained silent. Xie Qingtang could only sigh. Though Aben had described the location of the forbidden ground, it would be difficult to find without local guidance.

If Aben’s family refused to help, she would have to search the surrounding mountains herself in hopes of finding it.

“I’m sorry—I can’t ask you to take risks for me. But I must have that four-leafed ghost needle grass; it’s vital for a friend of mine,” Xie Qingtang said with resolve in her eyes. Slinging her black backpack over her shoulder, she left Aben’s house.

After a while, Aben suddenly ran after her. “Doctor Xie, if I can’t stop you from going, then let me come with you.”

“Aben!” Axian and his mother followed him out, shocked and covering their mouths at his words.

Aben turned to his wife and mother, speaking earnestly: “Axian, I trust Doctor Xie’s skills. If the forbidden ground’s problem can truly be solved, it will benefit the whole village. It’s time we let go of these cursed beliefs. Besides, Doctor Xie saved my life—when she asks for my help, how can I refuse?”