Chapter 12 Herbal Gathering in the Mountains

Chapter 12: Going Up the Mountain to Gather Herbs

Lei Ding's fingertips lightly brushed Wu Qiu's cheek as he moved. Wu Qiu couldn't feel his body temperature, only a tingling, shivery sensation that made his whole body tremble. Lei Ding wore a face covering, obscuring the lower half of his face, but his exposed eyes were full of laughter.

Wu Qiu looked into Lei Ding's eyes and felt his mind drift off again, his hand rising unconsciously to touch his own cheek as he stared wordlessly.

Lei Ding jerked his chin toward the direction of Wu Qiu's side room. "Go on. Don't worry."

He said not to worry, but how could Wu Qiu truly stop worrying? Now, he, along with Auntie Liu and Yang Shu, were in charge of all the household chores while Lei Ding and the others were busy outside from morning till night. This plague spread extremely fast and was very virulent; in just these three or four days, many people had already died. Wu Qiu also heard that the authorities had set aside an empty compound on the city's edge, instructing infected citizens to stay there for treatment to avoid spreading it to others.

As he was lost in thought, Auntie Liu teased him, "Young Master Qiu is daydreaming again. You've been scrubbing and kneading this one piece of clothing for half the day; if you wash it any more, you'll rub a hole in it."

It was just after breakfast. Auntie Liu was washing the family's clothes from the past couple of days in the courtyard, and Yang Shu had brought Wu Qiu along to help, dividing the laundry into two basins. Wu Qiu was washing while thinking about Lei Ding and the others, his mind wandering without him realizing it, the same garment turned over and over in his hands.

Wu Qiu blushed, lowering his head with a smile. "Please don't laugh at me. I was just looking at these clothes, thinking about them treating plague patients these past few days, and feeling a bit worried."

Yang Shu agreed. "That's true. Qiu'er, you don't know this, but our village had a plague outbreak decades ago. The situation was terrifying to recall even now. Later, the court sent down many physicians, but there was little they could do. Those who fell ill still had no cure. It shows how dangerous this plague is."

Auntie Liu sighed. "But who knows how long this one will last? First, there was a great flood, submerging areas for thousands of miles around, with countless victims. Now, this plague comes. But then again, it's fortunate you all arrived early, truly a blessing from the Bodhisattva. I've seen them burning the midnight oil for two days. I heard physicians from other clinics are also putting their heads together. I wonder if they've come up with a prescription to eradicate this disease."

This was indeed true. For the past two days, Lei Ding had spent entire nights in the study, searching through medical texts and ancient books, trying to find a suitable prescription. But this plague progressed too rapidly after infection. Previous prescriptions couldn't control the illness in time, and the medicines were too potent. Many frail patients couldn't survive the initial, most violent stage. This troubled Lei Ding greatly; he had devised several formulas, but none were entirely satisfactory.

Moreover, money had gotten tighter at the clinic lately. Compared to ordinary households, they were somewhat better off. Just half a month ago, even with the disaster, they could still buy some fresh vegetables and occasionally even some fruit for a treat. Now, barely over ten days later, such things were no longer available. Although they had some rice and flour left, they had to use them sparingly. The government's relief funds were too slow in coming, and they had already spent a considerable amount of their own silver and medicinal supplies. Therefore, they'd had to cut back on food and clothes.

Lei Ding couldn't help but worry about the family's situation.

At dinner time, Lei Ding finally returned from outside. Wu Qiu carefully observed his expression, which seemed to show a hint of relief, and quickly asked, "Is there good news? Has there been progress with the plague prescription?"

Lei Ding took out a piece of paper from inside his robe, drawing everyone around him. "Exactly. Young Master Qiu is indeed observant. I just stopped by the pharmacy on the way and discussed it again with Yu Yuan. We think this prescription is worth a try."

Wu Qiu had met this Yu Yuan a few times. He was the young manager of the pharmacy, also well-versed in medicine, two years younger than Lei Ding, with a generous and straightforward personality. He and Lei Ding were close, addressing each other as brothers. He had sometimes delivered medicine to the clinic before. Recently, he had also been busy searching for prescriptions, and Lei Ding often went to consult with him. Today, it seemed they'd finally come up with something.

Lei Xun was carefully examining the prescription. After reading it, he agreed, "This prescription is indeed good, but there's this Yunhu Herb." He pointed to one of the medicinal herbs listed. "Although it's not a rare herb, it's not commonly found in this season. We'd have to wait another month for large-scale collection and purchase. The pharmacy's current stock probably isn't enough."

Lei Ding had already thought of a solution. "The stock in the city's few pharmacies isn't much. Including the losses from decocting and testing the medicine, it won't last more than two days. But this herb grows in the mountains outside the city. Although it's not the peak season now, we can probably find some usable ones. The required amount for this ingredient isn't huge. The pharmacy has already sent many people to the Jiangnan region to purchase it. If we can find a dozen or so usable *jin* in the mountains, it should be enough to support the city for a while."

They had often gone to the mountains to gather herbs before, so they were familiar with the task and knew the mountain routes well. However, it was best for two people to go together for support in the wilderness.

While everyone else was distracted, Lei Ding looked up and met Wu Qiu's eyes, raising his brow slightly, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry.

Going up the mountain to gather herbs wasn't an outing for leisure. These patients couldn't be without Lei Ding for long, and the situation in the city was critical. This trip would undoubtedly be time-pressed and labor-intensive. Even if Wu Qiu did accompany him, the two wouldn't have time for anything else. But Lei Ding had a selfish thought—he had been utterly exhausted these past few days, not just physically but mentally, and he inexplicably often wanted to spend some time alone with Wu Qiu.

Just hearing him talk would be enough to ease his worries.

Moreover, Wu Qiu was very capable. He had done farm work back in Xue Family Village, and now that his health had recovered, he could indeed be of help in gathering herbs.

However, Lei Ding wasn't sure if Wu Qiu would be willing and was thinking of how to find an opportunity to ask him first. Unexpectedly, upon meeting his gaze, Wu Qiu immediately nodded decisively, not even needing further prompting.

Lei Ding understood and felt a great weight lift from his shoulders, his whole body lightening. Just then, Cui Nanshan asked him, "Should we have Yue'er or Tan'er go with you again this time?"

Seizing the opportunity, Lei Ding said, "There are many patients recently; we're shorthanded. My being away for two or three days will already require you all to work harder. Yue'er and Tan'er can hold their own now and should stay here during this critical time. If I need an assistant... would Young Master Qiu be willing to go into the mountains with me?"

Cui Nanshan was concerned about Wu Qiu's health and also felt it inappropriate to have a guest laboring so hard. Besides, Wu Qiu was a young man. Initially, he disagreed. "That might not be suitable. Young Master Qiu's constitution can't withstand such exertion. Moreover, he's a young man, going with you into the wild mountains... what would that look like? I think we should have Yue'er go."

Before Lei Ding could speak again, Wu Qiu hurriedly stepped forward to explain himself. "Thank you for your concern, sir. My illness is already cured. In the past, I often went up the mountain to gather firewood in the village. Now that the city faces such a disaster, I should naturally contribute."

At this point, Wu Qiu couldn't speak too forcefully, and Lei Ding couldn't strongly insist on having Wu Qiu accompany him. So, Lei Ding glanced over at Lei Tan. The little one pouted, then put on an expression of understanding, shaking his head with his hands behind his back before switching to an innocent look. He came over, shook Cui Nanshan's arm, and whispered in his ear, "Father, Brother Qiu never boasts. If he says he can do it, then he can. The situation is so urgent now; saving lives is paramount. I think some formalities can be overlooked. Besides, they are both very proper people. I doubt anything wrong would happen."

Although still uneasy, Cui Nanshan had to admit Lei Tan made sense. This arrangement was indeed the most appropriate at the moment. He pulled Lei Ding aside and repeatedly instructed him to take good care of Wu Qiu.

Wu Qiu's expression was very serious. "I will definitely help Brother gather the herbs properly to treat the people."

Lei Ding smiled. "Young Master Qiu is starting to sound like a physician too. Good. We will surely find suitable medicinal herbs and return as soon as possible. Naturally, the sooner the patients can use this prescription, the better. We'll set off early tomorrow morning."

Back in Xue Family Village, Wu Qiu had often gone up the mountain to chop firewood or gather wild edibles, but ordinary villagers didn't venture deep into the mountains. Only hunters went into those remote forests. Wu Qiu had only been to the more populated foothills. Lei Ding said they needed to go a bit deeper to find this herb, adding a layer of subdued excitement to Wu Qiu's mood. He woke up before dawn the next day, packed a small bundle of essentials, and came out to the main room.

Lei Ding was already up, looking refreshed, and was about to go to the backyard to bring out the carriage. Yang Shu and Auntie Liu helped prepare travel food and saw them off at the gate. Cui Nanshan pulled Lei Ding aside, meticulously instructing him again and again to look after Wu Qiu and be mindful of safety. Lei Ding agreed to everything, and only then did the two set off on their journey.

The city gates weren't open yet. Wu Qiu sat in the back, listening as Lei Ding got down and spoke to the city guard soldiers, apparently showing them some official document. Then came the heavy creaking sound of the gates opening. The carriage paused for a moment before resuming its brisk pace. Wu Qiu quietly lifted the curtain on the carriage window. A cool breeze brushed his face, feeling uncharacteristic for summer.

He arranged their bundles properly on the seat, then lifted one side of the front curtain. Hearing the sound, Lei Ding turned slightly to look at him and asked softly, "What is it?"

Wu Qiu pointed to the empty space beside him. "Can I sit there?"

Lei Ding reined in the horse, first took a soft cushion from inside the carriage and laid it out, then supported Wu Qiu's arm to help him sit up front.

Wu Qiu shook his head, his body brushing against Lei Ding's arm as he settled, but neither of them moved away.

Lei Ding continued driving attentively, eyes on the road ahead, speaking as if casually. "We still have some way to go. If you're still tired, you can sleep a bit more. We have a long day of mountain paths ahead; you need to be well-rested."

Blushing, Wu Qiu reached out and gently grasped the sleeve of Lei Ding's left hand. "Then... then I'll really sleep. Don't let me fall off."

Lei Ding chuckled. "Of course not. Rest easy."

The carriage didn't stop. Lei Ding didn't suggest Wu Qiu return inside, and Wu Qiu had no intention of doing so either. He closed his eyes and leaned against Lei Ding's left shoulder. Lei Ding relaxed his posture slightly, not sitting so rigidly upright, making the height more comfortable. Feeling Lei Ding's body warmth, Wu Qiu's heart raced wildly.

He had always harbored some reservations—fearing their family backgrounds were too different, worrying the elders would object to his status, afraid that after the initial novelty wore off, their feelings would fade while appearances remained. They were no longer youths. Wu Qiu felt he couldn't bear the weight of a mistaken love. Because of this, whenever Lei Ding had almost brought the topic into the open, Wu Qiu had flustered and avoided it, not daring to respond without reservation. But these past days, observing carefully, he had gradually made up his mind.

Lately, they had all been extremely busy, yet Lei Ding's care for him seemed to have become a habit, as natural as dressing or eating. His every word and action were noticed and held in Lei Ding's heart.

There were no sweet nothings, which, strangely, made Wu Qiu feel more at ease.

He also thought he should take the initiative once, openly expressing his thoughts and feelings. But now was precisely not the time for romance; he couldn't find a suitable opportunity to speak, so he had to express it through other means.

Wu Qiu couldn't sleep at all, his heart pounding, but he kept his eyes closed, trying to steady his breathing, pretending to be asleep.

Lei Ding naturally knew he was pretending.

The sky was gradually lightening, and the two were very close. Wu Qiu's eyelashes kept trembling, and occasionally he nervously bit his lip unconsciously. He was unaware, but Lei Ding saw it clearly.

To avoid others and not delay their journey, Lei Ding chose a small path, which was rougher and bumpier. Going over a dirt ridge, the carriage jolted heavily. Lei Ding swayed, his right hand tightening on the reins, his left arm wrapping around Wu Qiu's body, pulling him close.

Startled by the jolt, Wu Qiu opened his eyes. Thinking he might be thrown from the carriage, he instinctively wrapped his arms around Lei Ding's neck, then felt Lei Ding's arm tighten around his waist. He hurriedly let go.

Lei Ding looked down and soothed him. "Don't be afraid. I didn't notice the uneven patch on the road. Are you hurt?"

Wu Qiu's face burned. Not daring to look up, he lowered his gaze and shook his head. But he didn't pull away from Lei Ding's embrace. Instead, he relaxed his body and slowly leaned back against Lei Ding, almost nestled in his arms.

Lei Ding's voice seemed to hold a smile. "Mm, go back to sleep."

Wu Qiu obediently closed his eyes, still pretending. Lei Ding didn't expose him, only smiling where Wu Qiu couldn't see. Afraid of startling him, he quickly suppressed his laughter and held his breath to look. Wu Qiu's eyes remained closed, his body gradually relaxing, no longer so tense, and he stopped biting his lip.

Wu Qiu's lips were also beautiful—thin, soft, like peach blossoms in spring. Their color wasn't very red; he usually wore no makeup, but when nervous, he tended to bite them, and when released, they became as vivid as cinnabar. The corner of his lip was a bit chapped. Seeing this, Lei Ding realized he had unconsciously leaned too close. He forced himself to look away and sit up straight, thinking he should remind Wu Qiu to drink more water when they got down later.

Also, after returning, he should find time to buy some lip balm.

The pretend-sleeper had almost given himself away just then. Peeking through barely open eyes, he could sense Lei Ding had drawn much closer, his lips almost touching his own. Wu Qiu's heart trembled, and he closed his eyes completely.

If... if they really touched...

Wu Qiu hadn't yet decided whether to continue pretending to sleep when Lei Ding came back to himself, lifting his head again to watch the road ahead. A subtle sense of disappointment suddenly washed over him, followed by bashfulness. Not daring to move, he could only try his best to steady his breathing. These past few days, he had indeed been somewhat tired. Though leaning against Lei Ding made him a bit nervous, it brought him even more comfort. He kept up the pretense until he genuinely fell asleep.

When he opened his eyes again, it was because Lei Ding had woken him. The carriage had already come to a stop, and Lei Ding no longer needed to hold the reins. His right hand reached over to straighten Wu Qiu’s collar and lapels. Wu Qiu rubbed his eyes and said with a smile, “I really did sleep the whole way. It must have been hard on you, having to drive and look after me at the same time.”

Lei Ding patted his head. “What’s the big deal? Gathering herbs all day is no easy task either, so getting some sleep now is a good thing. Let’s get off. The carriage can’t go any farther from here, so we’ll have to walk the rest of the way.”

He jumped down from the carriage first, then reached out to help Wu Qiu down. The two of them went to the back to retrieve their packs. They were at the foot of a mountain, in a dense forest far from where the disaster victims had gathered. It had been arranged in advance: a clerk from the pharmacy, who lived in nearby Dayou Village, had arranged for his family to come meet them. The carriage would be handed over to him, and the two of them would continue on foot up the mountain.

The mountain path was rough, so neither of them spoke much, saving their energy and strength. But though Wu Qiu walked quietly with his head down, appearing no different on the surface, his thoughts were in turmoil.

Earlier, when Lei Ding had woken him, he hadn’t called him “Qiu Geer” as he usually did…

There was a steep slope ahead. Lei Ding went up first, then turned back and reached out his hand to Wu Qiu. “Qiu Er, come here.”

Author’s Note:

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Almost accidentally kissed, hehe [whoops]

Lei Tan: I'm on duty as the #1 guardian of my brother and his partner's love story!

*Yunhu Herb is a medicinal herb I made up! Totally made up!