Volume One: Faint Fragrance and Elusive Shadows 

Prologue: Jian Su Medical Clinic

In the fifth year of Empress Chen Zhao’s reign in Xuanwu Kingdom.

After enduring the “Literature Rebellion,” Wu Yan seized power and ruled the land. Ten years after his ascension, he passed away and was known as Emperor Xian. His son, Wu Xing, succeeded him but died suddenly three months later, and was referred to as Emperor Ai. Wu Long, his younger brother, then ascended the throne. However, five years into his reign, his mother, Chen Zhao, grew furious with him for his lack of ambition, indulgence in pleasures, and neglect of state affairs, leading her to depose him.

Chen Zhao then proclaimed herself as empress, marking the beginning of a new era. The nation stabilized, and efforts to rebuild began.

At the end of the third alley on South Street in Taiping Prefecture’s capital city stood a medical clinic called Jian Su. The alley was rarely frequented, and over the years, surrounding shops had either closed or relocated, leaving only this clinic behind.

The clinic saw little business and remained quiet most of the time. The attending physician, Wen Yao, was a young girl. Assisting her by dispensing medicine was a ten-year-old apprentice named Shu Xiang.

It was said that the proprietor bore the surname Di, but few had ever seen her. Due to the clinic’s inactivity, she spent her days sleeping, often not rising until dusk.

Those who knew of Di Jiang understood her to be utterly unscrupulous. Her medicinal herbs were priced at least three times higher than elsewhere, yet her inventory was comprehensive. Whatever someone needed, she could provide, which explained why Jian Su Medical Clinic had managed to stay open all these years.

Jian Su Medical Clinic faced south and was constructed entirely of wood, divided into a front hall and a rear courtyard. The front hall had two floors; the upper level served as a resting area, while the lower floor housed the main hall where patients were treated, prescriptions filled, and visitors greeted.

In the back courtyard, aside from a bedroom and a woodshed, there stood a large banyan tree. The tree remained lush year-round, enveloping the entire yard in its shade, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer. It was precisely because of this tree that Di Jiang fell in love with the courtyard and purchased it. Over the years, she found it to be quite comfortable.

Rumors in the neighborhood suggested that the alley near Wumen Gate was heavy with grievances, deterring most people from living there. However, Di Jiang was undeterred, finding peace and solitude instead, much to her delight.

But one noon, a coffin shop opened next to the clinic.

The opening was marked by the sound of firecrackers, waking Di Jiang from her slumber.

Di Jiang lived on the second floor. When she opened her window, she saw a man dressed in a gray-blue Daoist robe standing with his hands clasped behind his back. He had sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, a firm jawline, and sported a beard about a centimeter long.

Expressionless, he stood on the doorstep addressing a boy before him, “Changsheng, after we move the ghost-hunting equipment to the basement, be careful not to damage anything. And those talismans—ensure no character is misplaced. Remember?”

“Disciple remembers,” Changsheng responded, continuing to carry coffin planks inside, soon disappearing from sight.

“Knock, knock, knock.” Three knocks came from outside.

Di Jiang recognized it was Wen Yao and responded, “Come in.”

Wearing a light yellow gauze dress, Wen Yao entered and sat beside Di Jiang, expressing deep concern, “Boss, there’s a Daoist priest next door. What should we do?”

“What can be done?” Di Jiang seemed unconcerned, looking down at the priest with weary eyes and indifferently replying, “If our paths don’t cross, we’ll live in peace.”

“And if they do?”

Di Jiang squinted, “Then we eat him.”

“For real?” Wen Yao licked her lips, “I haven’t eaten anyone in so long, I miss it terribly!”

Di Jiang glanced at her, yawning as she shooed her away, “It’s still early. Let me sleep some more.”

“Madam, it’s already midday!”

“Don’t you know me? If I don’t sleep my full eight hours every day, I can’t even eat!”

Exaggerating her expression, Di Jiang smiled.

“You’re just going to sleep yourself to death!”

“To die of laziness isn’t such a bad fate.”

Wen Yao snorted, adding, “Our new neighbor has arrived. Shouldn’t we pay a visit?”

“No rush. We’ll meet soon enough.” Smiling, Di Jiang urged Wen Yao to leave.

Wen Yao shot her a fierce glare and turned to descend the stairs.

Once Di Jiang confirmed Wen Yao had gone downstairs and no one else would disturb her rest, she returned to bed, pulling the curtains shut.

The thick curtains blocked out the light, and she quickly drifted back to sleep.

In her dream, she heard a voice saying, “Always practice compassion in action, speech, and thought. Only when all beings are saved can one attain enlightenment.”

She simply smiled and replied, “Buddha doesn’t save others; Buddha saves oneself.”

Early the next morning, Zhong Xu woke from a dream to the scent of an exotic fragrance. Startled awake, he immediately grabbed his wooden sword and followed the aroma.

As he passed North Street, the fragrance grew stronger. Suddenly, a green-clad woman dashed out from the alleyway, collapsing directly toward Zhong Xu.

“Master, I feel so dizzy.”

Zhong Xu hastily retracted his sword, ensuring he hadn’t harmed the woman. He nearly injured himself with his own sword energy, his wrist slightly numb.

Impatiently, he looked down at the green-clad woman leaning against his chest. She appeared around twenty, with an oval face, wearing delicate water-green attire. Her black hair was loosely tied into a bun at the back, without a single strand out of place. In her right hand, she held a bamboo basket containing a wine jar, and in her left, a crystal-clear jade cup filled with a transparent liquid.

The exotic fragrance didn’t emanate from her; clearly, she was just a wine seller.

Frowning, Zhong Xu urgently tried to shoo her away, “This humble Daoist has urgent matters and cannot delay. Please step aside!”

“But Master, I really am dizzy.” The woman feigned weakness, leaning fully against him, “Such scorching weather must have caused heatstroke.”

“Nonsense! How can there be a heatwave in the dead of winter? You’re obviously drunk! Men and women shouldn’t touch; keep your distance!” Zhong Xu pushed her twice, but strangely, she clung to him as if glued, resisting his attempts to push her away.

“Move aside! Don’t hinder my work!”

“Master, saving a life earns more merit than building seven pagodas. Please, consider my frailty as a woman and show mercy.” The woman persisted, “Besides, my home is just ahead. Escorting me won’t take much of your time.”

Zhong Xu glanced at the sky; it was still midday. Moreover, the woman clung to him like sticky candy, impossible to shake off. Resigning himself, he sheathed his sword and helped her up, “Alright, I’ll escort you home.”

“Where do you live?”

“Jian Su Medical Clinic.”

“Jian Su Medical Clinic?” Zhong Xu’s expression changed noticeably, suspicion evident as he frowned, “I’ve been here many times but never heard of such a clinic.”

“It’s just ahead. I’ll guide you.” A faint smile graced her pale face as she unabashedly rested her head on Zhong Xu’s shoulder, drawing envious glances from passersby.

In the Tai Chu Prosperity Era, the citizens of Taiping Prefecture were open-minded, finding nothing amiss. Besides, she wasn’t from a wealthy family. Yet, Zhong Xu was somewhat startled. Having resided on Qingyun Mountain, dedicated solely to Daoist cultivation, his mind was preoccupied with battling demons—not worldly affairs. This was the first woman he’d encountered since coming down the mountain, and such a bold one at that. His eyes stayed fixed ahead, refusing to look down at her.

As they walked, houses became sparser.

“Are we there yet?”

“Oh, my head feels dizzy. I’m about to faint.” The woman took a deep breath and collapsed, losing consciousness.

“Miss?” Zhong Xu was stunned, quickly checking her breathing. Reassured she was merely unconscious, he shook her a few times. With no response, he hoisted her onto his back, asking passersby for directions to Jian Su Medical Clinic. Unfortunately, none had heard of it.

As the sun set and night fell, Zhong Xu gazed at the horizon, feeling a chill. He muttered under his breath, “Consider yourself lucky. Next time won’t be so fortunate.”

Having searched the entire West Market without finding Jian Su Medical Clinic, Zhong Xu reluctantly carried her back to his coffin shop. As he approached the entrance, the green-clad woman on his back suddenly lifted her head, pointing ahead joyfully, “Oh, thank you, Master. I’m home.”

“Home?” Zhong Xu frowned, following her gaze. To his surprise, he spotted a shop around the corner, adorned with a row of small red lanterns glowing softly in the night. Approaching, he discovered the clinic’s main entrance on the side. Above the door hung a signboard with two gold characters: Jian Su.

Staring at the crimson doors, Zhong Xu rubbed his eyes, confirming it wasn’t a hallucination!

How could a clinic appear opposite where there was none at noon?

“Where did this demon come from!” Zhong Xu placed the woman down, pointing his sword at her.

“Demon? Where’s the demon?” Di Jiang blinked, brushing his sword aside. She then pulled a jug of wine from her basket, offering it to him, “Freshly brewed plum blossom wine. Care for a cup?”

Zhong Xu sneered, “I’m a practitioner of Daoism. I never touch such things.”

Di Jiang’s smile widened, “You used to love wine above all else. Truly, you’ve changed.”

“Used to? You know me?” Zhong Xu was taken aback.

Di Jiang shook her head, “Must’ve mistaken you for someone else.”

“...” Zhong Xu narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her. By now, even the most naïve person would realize this woman was peculiar. However, he usually dealt only with demons and ghosts, rarely involving himself in mortal affairs. Bowing his hands, he said, “It’s late. Rest early, Miss. Zhong Xu takes his leave.”

After Zhong Xu departed swiftly, entering the coffin shop and lighting a red lamp, Di Jiang turned back inside. Inside the shop, Shu Xiang was grinding medicine, and Wen Yao reading a book. Seeing this amused Di Jiang.

“Oh, today Wen Yao isn’t grinding medicine but reading a book, and Shu Xiang, who usually reads, is tidying up herbs. Rare indeed!”

Shu Xiang cast a nonchalant glance at Di Jiang and continued grinding. Wen Yao, however, burst into chatter, “Boss, you’re back! Where were you this afternoon? This bookworm insists my grinding bothers his reading. Today, I let him demonstrate how to grind silently!”

“So you started reading?”

“Of course! He claims my grinding disrupts his concentration, so I read aloud just to prove it’s his problem, not mine!”

“And did you manage to concentrate?”

“Certainly!” Wen Yao smirked proudly. Di Jiang hummed, preparing to ascend the stairs. Before leaving, she couldn’t help but add, “Though I prefer not to interfere, Wen Yao, your book is upside down.”

“What?” Wen Yao’s face flushed red and white.

Hearing this, Shu Xiang couldn’t contain his laughter.

“What’s so funny? Finished grinding?” Wen Yao threw a book at him. Shu Xiang immediately stifled his laughter, resuming his stoic expression as he ground the herbs.

That night, after dinner, Di Jiang remembered the wine jar in her basket. Placing it on the table, she blew on it, and instantly, a mist swirled within the room. Gradually, a figure emerged from the mist.

The figure moved gracefully, exuding elegance. She bowed deeply to Di Jiang, softly saying, “Thank you, Auntie, for saving me.”

“Ah, don’t thank me just yet. Today I saved your life, but perhaps someday I might need your help. Then, I’ll be the one thanking you.”

“If Auntie asks, I will obey unto death.”

“It’s not that serious. Besides, you’re already a ghost. How can you die again?” Di Jiang chuckled, fanning herself with a feather fan, “Go on, go where you wish.”

“Really?” The ghost’s eyes lit up, excitement in her expression, “I can see him again?”

“Of course. Why not?”

“They say... I’ll kill him.”

“Who says?”

“Those wretched Daoist priests.”

“How can their words be trusted? I’m a doctor. I don’t treat humans, only ghosts. Do as I say and follow your heart.”

After pondering for a moment, the ghost transformed into a wisp of green smoke, vanishing through the window. After she left, Di Jiang smiled, pouring herself a glass of wine from the jar. Taking a sip, she chuckled, “Plum blossom vintage—truly lives up to its name.”