GSY Chapter93

The first time Li Jingqi met Su Shenzhao was in Hedong.

 

At that time, Hedong had just experienced the flood, and an epidemic broke out. Natural disasters and man-made disasters continued one after another, and there were cries of grief everywhere. Among them, Shangyang Prefecture in Hedong was the worst hit. Li Jingqi was ordered to suppress the rioters in Shangyang Prefecture.

 

The epidemic broke out in Shangyang Prefecture. It came with great force. Once the news spread, the whole Shangyang Prefecture was in chaos. Some people got sick, some fled, and the shadow of death shrouded the whole Shangyang Prefecture.

 

When Li Jingqi led his troops to Shangyang Prefecture, many people had died. As soon as he arrived, he ordered people to seal off Shangyang Prefecture. People were allowed to enter but not leave the huge main city. The number of people infected with the disease in the city increased day by day. The sick first felt weak and tired, then had a high fever. The seriously ill vomited blood and died of flesh and skin rotting. Everyone was panicked and uneasy, and even the physicians in the city fell down one by one.

 

Even Li Jingqi, who had been baptized by war for several years, couldn’t help but frown.

 

Su Shenzhao came at this time. He followed behind Gu Baiyou. The master and the disciple were both dressed in common clothes. The younger one carried a medicine basket and a medicine box on his shoulder and wore a straw hat. The older one had crane-like hair and a childish face and was covered in dust.

 

When Li Jingqi heard the news, he was also shocked. He didn’t expect that someone would come to this place to help him at this critical moment. He had heard of Gu Baiyou’s name. He was a famous figure in the world, the Hua Tuo of the time.

 

Gu Baiyou came to see the people in the city. Li Jingqi bowed and said, “Master is so kind.” And then reminded him, “Master, you can only enter Shangyang Prefecture but not leave. Now that you have entered the city today, I cannot let you leave easily.”

 

Li Jingqi was respectful, but his words were clear.

 

Gu Baiyou smiled and said, “I know that the epidemic in the city has not been eliminated. You can’t drive me away even if you want to.”

 

Li Jingqi couldn’t help but admire him even more and said, “I am Li Jingqi, if Master needs anything in the city, just come to me.”

 

He looked at the person behind Gu Baiyou, “Who is this?”

 

Gu Baiyou said, “My disciple Su Shenzhao, he is accompanying me on this trip.”

 

As he spoke, Su Shenzhao took off his hat, revealing a dusty but childish face, chubby cheeks, and round eyes that were clear black and white.

 

Li Jingqi was stunned and thought, This child is too small, looks to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, and is very short, only reaching his chest.

 

When he later learned that Su Shenzhao was already eighteen, he was surprised and not at all shy. He pinched the flesh on his cheek and joked, “I’m already this tall at eighteen, Little Divine Physician, how come you’re still this small?”

 

Li Jingqi even gestured with his hands. Su Shenzhao slapped his hands away, muttering, “Don’t pinch, it hurts.”

 

“Master said that I grew up late, and it will be fine in two years.”

 

Li Jingqi withdrew his hand, rubbed the delicate touch left by his fingertips, and couldn’t help but stretch out his arm to put on his shoulder, pressed down on Su Shenzhao’s head, and said with a smile, “I think you will not get any taller, it’s good like this.”

 

Su Shenzhao was unhappy and said, “Don’t.. .don’t get close to me. I need to get—get medicine.”

 

Su Shenzhao was young, but he had learned the true medical skills from Gu Baiyou. Before Gu Baiyou came, the physicians in Shangyang Prefecture City had spontaneously gathered together and worked hard to resolve the epidemic. Now that Gu Baiyou had come, they were all excited. With him leading the way, even the people in the city seemed to see hope.

 

The epidemic in the city was serious, and the situation was not optimistic. Li Jingqi had already settled all the infected people in the west city, and Gu Baiyou and Su Shenzhao moved in directly.

 

Li Jingqi wanted to dissuade them. After all, the epidemic was spreading quickly, and they hadn’t figured out how to cure the disease yet. It was too risky to just stay in the west city. But Li Jingqi didn’t say it in the end. Although he seemed to be careless and unfocused, he was actually a thoughtful person. He knew in his heart that if they couldn’t solve all the problems, they could only wait to die.

 

Master Gu Baiyou and his disciple lived in the West City so Li Jingqi simply delivered food and took care of all the affairs himself and went to the West City entrance every day.

 

The people who came to get food were sometimes physicians in the city and sometimes Su Shenzhao.

 

After spending a few days together, the two gradually became familiar with each other. To say they were familiar was only one-sided on Li Jingqi’s side. Su Shenzhao was a man of few words and a little dull, as if he had plunged into medicine and could only spare a little attention for the world with great difficulty. To say he is dull, he actually understands everything thoroughly in his heart, to say he is smart, but he has no understanding of human emotions or the world. In Li Jingqi’s eyes, he was really interesting.

 

On this day, Li Jingqi had something urgent to do, so he asked his brothers to deliver food to the physicians in the west city. When he went there, Su Shenzhao was sitting on a small stool eating, his cheeks bulging and his mouth full.

 

Li Jingqi said, “Why are you eating so late? The food is already cold.”

 

Su Shenzhao ate silently without saying a word.

 

Li Jingqi squatted down. “Little Divine Physician?”

 

Su Shenzhao then looked up at him. The distinct black and white eyes reminded Li Jingqi of a deer in the forest, they are pure and harmless.

 

Li Jingqi subconsciously stretched out his hand to touch him, but when he was about to touch him, he turned and pinched Su Shenzhao’s cheek.

 

Su Shenzhao swallowed the food in his mouth and said, “Don’t pinch me.”

 

He doesn’t know what was wrong with this person, he was naturally outgoing. On the first day they met, he hugged his shoulders and pinched his face, calling him “little divine physician” all the time, as if they had known each other for a long time.

 

Li Jingqi said, “Where is Master Gu?”

 

Li Jingqi touched his cheek again with an unsatisfied look. This guy is a soldier who is used to seeing what’s good for himself. Moreover, Su Shenzhao’s face and personality really suited his taste. He was very adept at doing hooligan things without any burden on his mind.

 

Su Shenzhao stuffed the last piece of meat into his mouth, chewed it with satisfaction, and said incoherently, “Treat patient, Physician Chen fainted today. He also contracted the plague.”

 

Physician Chen is a well-known physician in Shangyang Prefecture.

 

Li Jingqi took a breath, frowned, and said, “Is there anything Master Gu can do?”

 

Su Shenzhao shook his head. “This city has never had an epidemic before, and there is no record of it in ancient books. Master said it is very difficult.”

 

Li Jingqi’s heart sank, but when he saw Su Shenzhao lowering his head and concentrating on picking up the remaining rice in the bowl, eating it all up, he inexplicably relaxed a little, moved closer, and asked with a smile, “Is it delicious?”

 

Su Shenzhao muttered, “It’s delicious, but the meat is a little salty.”

 

Li Jingqi was amused, his hands itched, and he wanted to pinch his face again. Su Shenzhao put the bowl and chopsticks neatly back into the food box, rubbed his stomach, and turned to go back. Li Jingqi grabbed him, hesitated for a moment, and reminded him, “Be careful, and ask Master Gu to take care of himself.”

 

Su Shenzhao blinked and said, “Alright, I’ll tell Master.”

 

Li Jingqi slowly loosened his hand, and Su Shenzhao patted his sleeves and left without even looking back, which made Li Jingqi laugh out of anger.

 

What a heartless person.

 

Although Gu Baiyou’s arrival eased the fear of the people in Shangyang Prefecture, but as long as the epidemic was not resolved, the cloud of death hanging over the heads of the people in the city would not dissipate.

 

Li Jingqi was a smart person. He knew that Shangyang Prefecture was a hot potato. If all the people in the city died of the epidemic, even if he could survive, he would also be the first to be pushed out when the court held him accountable, not to mention that the epidemic was so dangerous.

 

Li Jingqi had already prepared for the worst when he came.

 

Su Shenzhao was his pleasant surprise.

 

This little physician is silly and has a bit of naughtiness. Li Jingqi likes to tease him whenever he has nothing to do, not only with words but also with hands. Li Jingqi touches his chubby cheeks all over, which makes Su Shenzhao very angry.

 

Su Shenzhao stuttered when he was angry, and his words were not clear. His eyes were wide and his eyebrows were wrinkled. “Li—Li Jing—Chuo!”

 

His name was difficult to pronounce, and he was anxious. He picked up the pestle and tried to hit Li Jingqi. There was no way Li Jingqi could be hit by him. With his skills, Su Shenzhao couldn’t even touch the corner of his clothes.

 

Li Jingqi laughed so hard that Su Shenzhao stamped his feet, “Why—why are you so—so annoying?”

 

Li Jingqi saw that he was really angry and coaxed him, “Alright, alright, alright, don’t be angry, I am the most annoying, Little Divine Physician, calm down.”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “You, get, get out!”

 

Li Jingqi smiled so hard that his teeth were exposed. He then went up to pinch the little physician’s cheeks and stuffed a freshly picked red plum into his mouth, saying, “Get, get, get, I’ll get out now.”

 

Su Shenzhao had a plum in his mouth, and he couldn’t bite it or spit it out. When he saw Li Jingqi walk out of the wooden door, he took a bite and tasted the sweet juice. His mood immediately improved.

 

Who knew that Li Jingqi would stick his face out again and say with a smile, “Little Divine Physician, is it sweet?”

 

Su Shenzhao was angry and didn’t say anything.

 

Li Jingqi said, “There are some more in the room. They have been washed and placed there for you. They were all picked by Gege.”

 

After he finished speaking, he waved and left.

 

Someone else joked with Li Jingqi, saying, “Feng Ning, why do you always bully the Little Divine Physician?”

 

Li Jingqi said, “When did I bully him?”

 

The person thought, They were trapped in Shangyang Prefecture, so how can there be any good food? Li Jingqi was thinking about Su Shenzhao, so it couldn’t really be considered bullying. He thought of Su Shenzhao’s face and smiled, “Don’t say it, the Little Divine Physician really looks like my younger brother at home.”

 

“Go away, don’t try to get close to him.” Li Jingqi said with a smile, “How come our little divine physician is your brother?”

 

“Our? What do you mean by ours and yours?” Li Jingqi was two ranks higher than them, but he was always humble and caring. The soldiers all remembered his kindness and treated him like a brother. They joke, “Feng Ning, you are not attracted to him, are you?”

 

In the military camp, the habit of cutting one’s sleeve and sharing peaches[mfn]Means homosexual[/mfn] is not uncommon.

 

Li Jingqi blinked, smiled, and said nothing.

 

Does he like him?

 

Of course he likes him.

 

Li Jingqi liked Su Shenzhao the first time he saw him and felt that he was attractive in every way.

 

Su Shenzhao was young and simple-minded, and his heart was focused on the epidemic in the city. Li Jingqi had no intention of talking about romance at this juncture.

 

More importantly, he didn’t know if they could leave Shangyang Prefecture alive or not.

 

Shangyang Prefecture had been under lockdown for over a month, and the death toll in the city continued to increase. Heavy rains had been pouring down for several days in a row, and dark clouds were moving. The entire Shangyang Prefecture was filled with an atmosphere of depression.

 

Gu Baiyou and Su Shenzhao were busy with one patient after another every day. Li Jingqi no longer disturbed Su Shenzhao and just watched them quietly. However, he privately asked the person in charge of purchasing to prepare more meat snacks and also deliberately added people to patrol and guard to prevent chaos in the city.

 

Unexpectedly, the riot still broke out.

 

That night, no one knew how it started. All the people in the city braved the rain and walked to the city gate. The seriously ill and the temporarily healthy were clearly distinguished. The crowd of people shouted in unison that they wanted to leave the city and not be trapped to death in Shangyang Prefecture.

 

Li Jingqi looked grim, the city gates were tightly closed, and the patrolling soldiers received his orders and stood in line, each with their weapons drawn.

 

The two sides faced each other, thunder roared in the rainy night, purple lightning flashed, and it was terrifying.

 

Most people in the world were afraid of death. Even if there were those who are not afraid of death, being trapped in this city and watching their relatives and friends get sick and die every day is nothing but severe torture.

 

Li Jingqi looked at those eyes, they were the eyes of trapped beasts, filled with despair, fear, and desire. He took a deep breath and said, “Everyone, let’s go back first. If you catch a cold in today’s heavy rain, it will be even worse for your condition.”

 

Before he finished speaking, someone angrily said, “We are already in this state! Why afraid of catching a cold?”

 

The man who was speaking had a bruised face, a cloth covering his head, and a thin body, leaning against the person next to him. As soon as he finished speaking, the people around him all responded, and the sound was so loud, wrapped in the instinctive desire to survive, that it was even louder than thunder.

 

Li Jingqi felt a chill in his heart. The people in front of him were ordinary people who wanted to live. He could not use force against them.

 

Suddenly, his eyes fixed on Su Shenzhao in the distance. The heavy rain made his eyes blurry, and the sky was dark, but he recognized Su Shenzhao’s figure at a glance.

 

Su Shenzhao stood blankly under the eaves, probably having never seen such a battle before, and was at a loss as to what to do. Li Jingqi didn’t have time to think about it and jumped down the city wall. In a few jumps, he grabbed Su Shenzhao’s arm and hugged him in his arms, then turned around and returned to the top of the city wall.

 

He moved very quickly and skillfully. In just a few breaths, before Su Shenzhao could come to his senses, he had already been led out of the chaotic crowd by Li Jingqi.

 

Li Jingqi only grabbed Su Shenzhao’s palm and glanced at the soldiers beside him. The soldiers nodded knowingly. Then a loud drumbeat was heard, which directly drowned out the noisy voices.

 

Li Jingqi coldly said, “Who wants to leave the city?”

 

“If you want to die, go ahead. This general will never stop you!”

 

The sky was dark and stormy, but Li Jingqi stood tall, like a sword unsheathed, its edge exposed. Seeing that everyone had calmed down and their eyes were all looking at him, Li Jingqi slowed down his tone and said, “I know everyone wants to live, but everyone, you want to live, don’t we want to live?”

 

“If we really just want to trap you to death here, why do we have to guard you all here and transfer food and supplies from various states to meet the needs of the city?”

 

“Everyone also knows that the Divine Physician Gu Baiyou is in this city. He is the best physician in the world. Who can you find to treat you when you leave Shangyang Prefecture?”

 

The people were all silent, the rain slid down their cheeks, but no one cared.

 

“The epidemic is a natural disaster. Natural disasters like this, you and I can only do our best to deal with it and find a solution. Li Jingqi swears here that I will live and die with you all. I will not leave Shangyang Prefecture until the epidemic is eliminated!” Li Jingqi’s voice was low, and he met those eyes without dodging, saying, “But today, if anyone leaves this city gate and takes the epidemic out of Shangyang Prefecture, he will be a sinner of Dayan! And this general will never show mercy!”

 

Li Jingqi’s voice was loud and powerful, and a purple lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the young general’s resolute and handsome face. Suddenly, he raised his hand, bowed and saluted, and said, “Please go back!”

 

The sound of rain crackled, and thunder rolled in. After a few roars, not sure who took a step back first, and the crowd slowly dispersed in groups of three or two while supporting each other.

 

Li Jingqi breathed a sigh of relief, turned around, and looked at Su Shenzhao. Su Shenzhao seemed to have not come back to his senses yet. He was dazed, his face was pale, and he was still a little flustered.

 

He raised his lips and touched Su Shenzhao’s cheek. “Shenzhao?”

 

Su Shenzhao raised his eyes and looked at Li Jingqi. Both of them were soaked. Li Jingqi realized that he was barefoot and his clothes were messy. He must have been awakened in the middle of the night and ran out in a hurry.

 

Li Jingqi sighed and said, “Why don’t you wear shoes?”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “I for… forgot.”

 

Li Jingqi laughed, pulled Su Shenzhao’s wet hair, picked him up, and hugged him, saying, “Go back first, don’t get sick.”

 

Su Shenzhao was startled and muttered, “Put me down!”

 

Li Jingqi said, “You’re barefoot.”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “I can still walk.”

 

Li Jingqi: “No.”

 

The soldier passed an umbrella over. Seeing that Su Shenzhao was still trying to fight, Li Jingqi simply said, “I’ll have to trouble Little Divine Physician to hold the umbrella for me. I’ve been soaked for a long time, and even my head hurts.”

 

Su Shenzhao looked at the umbrella, said “oh”, stopped fighting, and obediently stretched out his hands to hold the umbrella open to block the two of them.

 

Li Jingqi walked back while holding Su Shenzhao in his arms. The umbrella swayed in the wind and rain. Su Shenzhao was so focused on holding the umbrella that he completely forgot how ambiguous their posture was.

 

As soon as he entered the house, Li Jingqi ordered someone to prepare hot water, but he held Su Shenzhao tightly in his arms. Su Shenzhao realized it belatedly and refused. He hurriedly tried to get out of Li Jingqi’s arms.

 

Li Jingqi sighed, shamelessly hugging Su Shenzhao tightly, and joked, “I’ve been holding you all the way and so many people have seen it. You’re not shy earlier. Why are you shy now?”

 

Su Shenzhao was unable to get over it and frowned as he said, “Only children need to be held, put me down!”

 

Li Jingqi smiled and said, “You are a child, aren’t you? Who would run around barefoot in the middle of the night? Huh? Aren’t you afraid of hurting your feet?”

 

Su Shenzhao choked and muttered, “I left in a hurry.” 

 

Just as he closed his eyes, he heard the noisy voices outside. The footsteps were particularly frightening on the rainy night. Su Shenzhao didn’t have time to think. He just put on his clothes and ran out.

 

He didn’t expect to see such a riot.

 

He still felt scared when he thought about it. If it weren’t for Li Jingqi, he’s afraid that tonight would not end well.

 

Su Shenzhao’s eyes fell on Li Jingqi’s face. His hair was wet, and he had a smile on his face. Somehow, Su Shenzhao paused in his struggle and felt a little flustered.

 

Su Shenzhao’s strength suddenly increased, and Li Jingqi failed to hold him. Su Shenzhao’s bare feet just touched the ground. Li Jingqi reacted quickly and lifted his feet to let him step on his black boots. The two of them steadied their bodies. Li Jingqi laughed angrily and slapped Su Shenzhao on the butt, saying, “Why are you in such a hurry? It’s not like I will stop you from getting down. What if you fall?”

 

Su Shenzhao’s eyes widened after being spanked. Even his master had never spanked him like this, and he was already eighteen years old!

 

Su Shenzhao stuttered even more as he opened his mouth, “Li—Li Jing—Jingqi!”

 

His pants were wet, sticking to his buttocks, outlining his plump buttocks, and it felt so good to slap them. Li Jingqi rubbed his fingers, still feeling unsatisfied, and replied with a smile, “I’m here.”

 

Su Shenzhao was ashamed and also angry and said in disbelief, “How… how can you hit, hit my buttocks!” He was so angry that he couldn’t speak clearly. Li Jingqi became happier and said leisurely, “Aiya, who told someone to be disobedient?”

 

Su Shenzhao’s eyebrows were tightly wrinkled, and his face was tense. “Why… why should I… listen to you! Li, Li Jingqi… you are really… hateful!”

 

Li Jingqi nodded and said, “Yes, yes, yes, I am the most hateful.”

 

He refused to listen and took pleasure in it. Su Shenzhao was so angry, but he couldn’t convince him either. He raised his leg and stepped on Li Jingqi’s foot. Li Jingqi took a breath, and his hand relaxed. Su Shenzhao shook and subconsciously grabbed Li Jingqi.

 

Li Jingqi took advantage of the situation and held Su Shenzhao’s hand. There was a table behind Su Shenzhao, and Li Jingqi pressed his whole body on it, he pressed him against the table.

 

The two of them were close together, their noses touching. Li Jingqi looked into Su Shenzhao’s eyes and said with a low laugh, “Little Divine Physician, you pulled me this time.”

 

Su Shenzhao was stunned. He was close to him, he was tall and had a strong pressure. Su Shenzhao was not good at speaking, and he didn’t know what to say for a while. He could only say dryly, “You, you get up!”

 

Li Jingqi’s eyes moved down to his red lips, his adam apple moved, and he said, “Shenzhao.”

 

Just these two words, called by his good voice, seemed to scratch his heart.

 

Su Shenzhao was confused and didn’t understand. He just felt his heart beat faster. He had never experienced this before. His hands and feet were numb, and he just felt weird and strange.

 

Suddenly, someone called out from outside the door, “General.”

 

It was the servant who fetched water over.

 

The two of them woke up as if from a dream. Li Jingqi looked at Su Shenzhao, brushed away the wet hair stuck to his ears, stood up straight, and said, “Come in.”

 

Su Shenzhao was wet all over, and Li Jingqi was afraid that he had caught a cold, so he stopped teasing him.

 

The two of them took a bath with hot water and changed into clean clothes. The depression and worries in the wind and rain seemed to have temporarily subsided, allowing them to take a breath.

 

The servant brought hot porridge. When Su Shenzhao approached in wooden clogs, Li Jingqi had already finished washing and was reading a few letters with hot porridge and steamed buns.

 

The letters were all from Tingzhou, the main city of Hedong.

 

As soon as Li Jingqi saw Su Shenzhao, he put away the letters without leaving any trace, holding the steamed bun in his mouth. Su Shenzhao was slow to react, and his eyes were attracted by the hot porridge and steamed bun on his table.

 

Li Jingqi smiled and said, “Hungry?”

 

Su Shenzhao glanced at him, and without being polite, he sat down and stuffed a steamed bun with some side dishes into his mouth, his eyebrows wrinkled, as if he was venting anger.

 

Li Jingqi poked the steamed bun in his mouth with chopsticks and said with great joy, “What’s wrong? My steamed bun didn’t even offend our Little Divine Physician.”

 

Su Shenzhao’s cheeks bulged, and he swallowed it down before saying, “I’m worried.”

 

Li Jingqi paused, his tone softened, and said, “What are you worried about?”

 

Su Shenzhao was not a good liar and said gloomily, “I’m worried about the epidemic, the people, and my master…”

 

Li Jingqi reached out and touched his hair, saying, “I’ll hold up the sky even if it falls, there’s nothing to worry about.”

 

Su Shenzhao looked at Li Jingqi, took another bite of his steamed bun, and said, “You’re not even a physician.”

 

Li Jingqi: “……”

 

Li Jingqi was so angry that he laughed. He ate all the leftover porridge in the bowl and felt relieved. He hadn’t eaten for the whole day and finally had time to eat.

 

Su Shenzhao said, “Li Jingqi, why did you join the army?”

 

He was worried and couldn’t eat the steamed bun. He put one hand on the table, rested his chin on it, and asked Li Jingqi casually.

 

Li Jingqi said without thinking, “To make achievements and stabilize the country.”

 

Su Shenzhao looked at him, uttered a slow “oh”, and scratched the table unconsciously with his fingers.

 

Li Jingqi hesitated for a moment and asked Su Shenzhao, “Has the Little Divine Physician ever been hungry?”

 

Su Shenzhao shook his head. “I have been following my master since I can remember.”

 

Li Jingqi said, “When I joined the army at that time, I just wanted to have a meal and steamed buns to fill my stomach. Later, when I had steamed buns, I wanted wine and meat. After these were satisfied, I thought about fame and wanted to climb up the social ladder.”

 

Su Shenzhao seemed to understand, but Li Jingqi smiled at this and was quite open-minded. “I am just a vulgar person with vulgar thoughts. I’m sorry for making Little Divine Physician laugh.”

 

Su Shenzhao thought for a moment and said, “Ah Lan said that it is a good thing for people to have some thoughts.”

 

Li Jingqi raised his eyebrows, thought for a moment, and said, “General Cen Yelan?”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “Ah Lan said that people who march and fight in battles go through life and death, and only if they have some thoughts can they live longer.”

 

Li Jingqi pondered for a moment and smiled, “It makes a bit of sense.”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “It’s not just a little bit, it makes a lot of sense. Whatever Ah Lan said makes sense.”

 

Li Jingqi sighed, looking at his face, his long eyelashes covered by candlelight, and poking the wooden table with his fingers. He couldn’t help pinching his cheek and said sincerely, “Don’t be afraid.”

 

“If the epidemic in the city gets out of control, I will send you and your master away.”

 

Su Shenzhao looked at Li Jingqi, his eyebrows slowly wrinkled, and asked, “Why leave?”

 

“Once the epidemic gets out of control—” He paused, thinking of those fatal letters in his mind, and said, “You are not from the city. If there is no other way, why make a meaningless sacrifice?”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “I won’t leave, and Master won’t leave either.”

 

“As long as there is one person alive in the city, we won’t leave.”

 

Li Jingqi was stunned. Su Shenzhao said this seriously, without any room for maneuver. The two looked at each other. Somehow, Li Jingqi’s heart trembled. He sighed and said, “Why are there still people rushing to seek death?”

 

Su Shenzhao disagreed and corrected him, “We are not seeking death, we are seeking life.”

 

Li Jingqi smiled helplessly, rubbed Su Shenzhao’s head vigorously, and said, “Yes, yes, yes, Little Divine Physician, it’s already late. If you still don’t sleep tonight, how can you see patients tomorrow?”

 

Su Shenzhao suddenly came to his senses and said, “Yes, I want to sleep, sleep.”

 

Li Jingqi raised his chin and said, “It’s still raining outside. You can stay here tonight. I’ll sleep next door.”

 

Su Shenzhao looked at his upright figure. Li Jingqi’s eyes fell on him. All he could see was him. Unspeakable feelings arose in his heart.

 

Li Jingqi said, “See you tomorrow.”

 

Su Shenzhao stammered, “See you tomorrow… tomorrow.”

 

The epidemic was still spreading in the city, and there was no solution yet, but Su Shenzhao fell ill and had a high fever. That day, he was feeding medicine to the infected people, and just about to stand up, he suddenly felt dizzy, staggered two steps, and fell on the ground, unconscious.

 

Just when the epidemic was serious, Su Shenzhao fell ill, and people immediately became nervous, wondering if he was also infected.

 

Li Jingqi’s face was gloomy. He listened to the whispers of several people and cursed, “Bullsh*t!”

 

Those people were all soldiers in the army. They were frightened when they saw Li Jingqi. They lowered their heads and dared not say anything anymore.

 

Li Jingqi coldly said, “Whether Su Shenzhao is suffering from the epidemic or not has not been diagnosed yet. As soldiers guarding Shangyang, you spread rumors privately to disturb the people. What crime should you be punished for?”

 

Several people pale and begged for mercy.

 

Li Jingqi said, “Go and receive the military punishment yourself.”

 

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the city has become lifeless, and most of the houses are empty.

 

Li Jingqi walked past the houses and went in. Gu Baiyou was taking Su Shenzhao’s pulse with a frown on his face. When he saw Li Jingqi, he immediately said, “General Li, please go out first.”

 

Li Jingqi paused and looked at Su Shenzhao, whose face was flushed red on the bed, and said, “Master, how is Shenzhao?”

 

Since entering Shangyang Prefecture, Gu Baiyou has been busy with the epidemic in the city. He has been sleepless day and night. He looks haggard, but his eyes are still bright. Gu Baiyou said, “The high fever won’t go away.”

 

Li Jingqi was shocked when he heard those four words and whispered, “Is it really an epidemic?”

 

Gu Baiyou pondered and said, “It’s hard to say for today. At the beginning of the epidemic, there is only high fever, and in the later stage, it will damage the lungs, vomit blood, and limbs will decay. If the fever subsides tonight, there will be no worries.”

 

Li Jingqi was silent for a moment and said, “Shenzhao will be fine.”

 

He said this with such conviction that Gu Baiyou looked at him in surprise. Li Jingqi said, “Master, I will take care of Shenzhao tonight. You have been tired all day. If you don’t rest, I am afraid you will also fall ill too.”

 

Gu Baiyou was old after all, and there were many patients outside who were more seriously ill than Su Shenzhao. He could not delay it. He reminded Li Jingqi of some important matters and finally said, “You should be careful too.”

 

Li Jingqi smiled and said, “Yes, I understand.”

 

Gu Baiyou nodded and walked out.

 

The room fell silent again. Li Jingqi rolled up his sleeves, twisted a handkerchief to change the wet towel on Su Shenzhao’s forehead, tucked in the quilt on his body, and then sat down beside the bed. Li Jingqi looked at Su Shenzhao quietly. Su Shenzhao slept uneasily, with his eyebrows wrinkled and his mouth tightly closed, looking extremely uncomfortable.

 

Li Jingqi touched his cheek with the back of his hand and thought of the infected people he had seen in recent days. His heart was tightened, and the pain was slow and lagging.

 

Li Jingqi called out, “Shenzhao.”

 

Li Jingqi considered himself as someone who cherished his life, but at that moment, he completely forgot about the epidemic and only thought of the person in front of him.

 

Li Jingqi suddenly found that he liked Su Shenzhao much more than he thought. Li Jingqi thought, Let Su Shenzhao get better, if he gets better—Li Jingqi thought, He would really risk his life to defend the people of Shangyang Prefecture, let’s not talk about the overall situation; he, Li Jingqi, would accompany him through thick and thin and live and die together.

 

Li Jingqi took care of Su Shenzhao all night. When it was almost dawn, Su Shenzhao’s fever finally subsided. Li Jingqi breathed a sigh of relief, and then he realized that even his legs were a little weak.

 

Li Jingqi stared at Su Shenzhao for a while, smiled, and couldn’t help but stretch out his hand to pinch Su Shenzhao’s cheek, “You scared me to death.”

 

Su Shenzhao was drowsy and did not respond.

 

When he woke up, it was already bright outside. Su Shenzhao tilted his head and saw a person lying beside him. It was Li Jingqi.

 

Su Shenzhao’s eyes widened, and as soon as he moved, Li Jingqi sat up straight, like a sword out of its sheath, cold and intimidating. He raised his hand to rub his brows, remembered something, and looked at Su Shenzhao again, meeting his eyes.

 

Four eyes were looking at each other.

 

Li Jingqi’s defenses disappeared, and he asked Su Shenzhao, “How do you feel?”

 

Su Shenzhao opened his mouth, his voice was hoarse. Li Jingqi turned over and got out of bed to pour a glass of water for Su Shenzhao, and when he calmed down, he heard him say, “Thirsty, headache.”

 

Li Jingqi commented, “Fortunately, the fever didn’t damage the brain that was not very sharp to begin with.”

 

Su Shenzhao blinked and said, “Do I have a fever?”

 

Without waiting for Li Jingqi to speak, he reached out and touched his own forehead, felt it, and nodded, “I caught a cold.” Li Jingqi was amused by his slow realization, “You are even a little divine physician, but you don’t even know you are sick, and you still dare to treat patients. Do you think your life is too long, or are you stupid?” When he talked about this, Li Jingqi was still frightened and couldn’t help but scold him with a few more words: “What if it is really an epidemic?”

 

Su Shenzhao was not happy to hear this, but when he thought of Li Jingqi sleeping beside him, he suddenly had an idea and slowly asked Li Jingqi, “Aren’t you afraid that I am really affected by the epidemic?”

 

Li Jingqi paused, blinked, and pretended to be deep and said, “I have calculated it with my fingers. The epidemic will not find a fool like Little Divine Physician.”

 

Su Shenzhao: “……”

 

“Li Jingqi, why are you so annoying!”

 

Li Jingqi laughed.

 

In the end, God did not destroy Shangyang Prefecture. After all the hard work, they finally found a cure.

 

The people in the city were so happy that they cried.

 

The dark clouds that shrouded Shangyang Prefecture gradually dissipated. In early autumn, the city’s houses and streets were gradually filled with laughter and joy, and the city was full of life again.

 

Su Shenzhao dipped the brush in ink and recorded all the epidemics in Shangyang on bamboo slips. This was his habit of taking care of all kinds of problems. When he was practicing medicine, he would record any difficult or rare diseases he encountered, leaving them for future generations. So far, he has a full bookshelf.

 

This is the hard work of the great physicians of all generations.

 

“Are you guys leaving?” Su Shenzhao and Li Jingqi were sitting at a wonton stand on the street, with a large bowl of wonton in front of them.

 

Su Shenzhao’s cheeks moved, and he hummed vaguely, saying, “Master said that we are no longer needed here, we have to leave.”

 

Li Jingqi looked at Su Shenzhao, who was picking up the wonton in the bowl without knowing and even slurping a mouthful of soup with satisfaction, without any lingering feelings, and heartlessly made Li Jingqi’s teeth itch.

 

Li Jingqi said, “Why are you in such a hurry? The people in the city haven’t recovered yet.”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “They can just take good care of themselves and take medicine on time. Master has given the diagnosis method to other physicians. They will take care of it.”

 

Li Jingqi looked at Su Shenzhao, who ate quickly. There was only one piece of wonton left in the bowl, and he was about to scoop it into his mouth. Li Jingqi directly took the porcelain spoon and ate it in one gulp in front of Su Shenzhao.

 

Su Shenzhao opened his eyes wide, looked at Li Jingchao, and then looked at the most of the bowl left wonton, feeling unhappy. “You… you snatch, snatch my food. What… what are you doing!”

 

Li Jingqi imitated him, “Not… Not doing anything.”

 

Su Shenzhao’s eyes widened even more, his eyes were round like an angry squirrel. “You, you are so annoying!”

 

Li Jingqi smiled and said, “Is it delicious?”

 

Li Jingqi is hateful, but the wonton was delicious. Su Shenzhao was honest and nodded hesitantly, “It’s delicious.”

 

Li Jingqi put one hand on the table, approached Su Shenzhao, and said, “Stay, Gege will treat you to all the delicious food in Hedong, you can eat whatever you want, alright?”

 

Su Shenzhao blinked, a little tempted, but shook his head firmly in a moment and said, “No.”

 

“I want to accompany my master to practice medicine and travel.”

 

Li Jingqi sighed and said, “Then stay a few more days?”

 

Su Shenzhao looked at Li Jingqi, and Li Jingqi couldn’t help pinching his cheeks, “Su Shenzhao, why are you so hateful?”

 

Su Shenzhao slapped the hand on his cheeks away, he was so strong that two red spots were left on his fair cheeks. “I’m not, I’m not hateful, you’re the most hateful.”

 

He muttered, “Where is it that I’m hateful?”

 

Li Jingqi looked at him, sighed, and said, “Shenzhao, don’t you feel a little bit reluctant?”

 

Su Shenzhao said, “Yes.”

 

Li Jingqi said, “Oh? What are they?”

 

Su Shenzhao nodded as a matter of course and counted them to Li Jingqi, “Physician Jin, Physician Zhang—”

 

Those ate the physicians who treated patients together in the city.

 

“Xiao Ahxiao, Li Mu, Aunt Zhang, Uncle Qian…”

 

Yes, they’re the sick patients.

 

Li Jingqi calmly said, “Who else?”

 

“Brother Zhao, Brother Zhou—”

 

Brother Zhao often brought him food, and the other was a soldier under Li Jingqi, who always liked to joke with Su Shenzhao.

 

Li Jingqi’s face turned green, and he asked, “Who else?”

 

Su Shenzhao thought for a while and said a few more names. Then he turned his gaze to Li Jingqi’s face and said, “And you ah.”

 

With just four words, the anger in Li Jingqi’s heart instantly extinguished. Like a big dog whose fur had been smoothed, the corners of his mouth curled up, and he said, “You can’t bear to part with me?”

 

He thought, He put him last, he must be reluctant to part with him most.

 

Su Shenzhao nodded and said, “I’m reluctant.” He added, “We have known each other for so long, even though you are hateful—”

 

He looked at Li Jingqi and thought, Although this person is hateful, sometimes he is not that hateful either. Before he could finish his question, his cheek hurt, and Li Jingqi pinched his chin and bit him angrily.

 

Su Shenzhao took a breath. “Hiss, you bite me. Why are you biting me?!”

 

Li Jingqi relaxed but did not retreat. He put his nose against Su Shenzhao’s and said, “Today I finally understand what it means to originally want to illuminate the moon with my heart, but the moon only illuminates the ditch[mfn]It means sth like the person you care about doesn’t take you seriously.[/mfn].” 

 

Su Shenzhao exclaimed in confusion.

 

Li Jingqi looked at him and sneered, “No, you’re not the moon, you’re a whole piece of wood, even the stone is smarter than you.”

 

Su Shenzhao frowned and stammered to blame him, “How, how could you bite and, and still scold people!” Li Jingqi came too close to him, with their noses touching. And they were on the street. Su Shenzhao felt embarrassed and wanted to retreat. But in a moment, his lips hurt, and he was bitten by Li Jingqi.

 

Su Shenzhao’s eyes suddenly widened, and he looked at Li Jingqi helplessly.

 

Li Jingqi looked at the confusion in his eyes and sighed in his heart. He thought, Su Shenzhao was young and naturally slower than others, so why should he be angry with him? He endured it and rubbed his lips against Su Shenzhao’s as a way of comforting him.

 

He said, “Forget it. I’ll give you a few more years.”

 

“Shenzhao, remember me.” Li Jingqi said, “As long as I’m not dead, you have to remember me. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be like these two bites today. Do you understand?”

 

Su Shenzhao seemed to understand, but when he heard what he said in his ear, his heart felt strangely numb, and his fingertips trembled. “Ah?”

 

“What death?” Su Shenzhao muttered and rubbed his ears. “Why are you talking about death? No one would curse themselves to death.” Li Jingqi smiled and said nothing.

 

Su Shenzhao and Gu Baiyou really didn’t stay for long. On the day he left, perhaps he remembered what Li Jingqi said, he actually left him a big bag of bottles and jars and pointed them out to him one by one, saying, This one is for treating external injuries, that one is for detoxifying, and there are dozens of them.

 

Li Jingqi’s heart softened after hearing his words. He thought that he couldn’t bear to let the person go just like that.

 

Li Jingqi said, “I can’t remember.”

 

Su Shenzhao was stunned. Looking at the table full of medicine, he muttered, “You even say I’m stupid. You’re obviously the stupidest one. You can’t even remember this.”

 

Li Jingqi looked at Su Shenzhao with a smile, his dark eyes were incredibly gentle. Su Shenzhao looked at him, and his heart beat uncontrollably. He covered Li Jingqi’s eyes with his hands and said, “Don’t look at me.”

 

Li Jingqi, “En?”

 

The voice was low and gentle, like trying to touch people’s hearts.

 

Su Shenzhao pushed him frantically, saying, “Go, find a brush for me.”

 

Li Jingqi smiled and said, “Alright.”

 

Later, Su Shenzhao put small notes on each bottle and jar, indicating the name of the medicine and its effect, and threw the full bag to Li Jingqi. He also warned him seriously, “Don’t talk about death casually. It’s not easy for a person to live once, so live well.”

 

Li Jingqi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and said, “Alright.”

 

“When you go somewhere else, you have to remember me.”

 

Su Shenzhao nodded and said, “Alright.”

 

When the master and disciple arrived, they carried a medicine basket on their backs and a medical box on their shoulders. When they leave, they just put on their hats and left.

 

Li Jingqi stood outside the city, looking at their backs. Su Shenzhao turned around and saw Li Jingqi. A smile appeared on his face. He waved his hands and sprinkled the sunshine, which was quite innocent.

 

Li Jingqi looked at them and took a deep breath. The two of them turned their backs and walked towards the city.

 

——No more——