Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 428

Chapter 428
Anxious calls came from within the tent—Eumbong’s voice, breathless and alarmed.

I glanced inside to find Gungbong struggling for breath, his skin a deep, feverish red.

Beads of sweat coated his brow and dripped from his chin, leaving his entire face glistening. He was clearly gripped by a high fever.

Then—slicing through the chill of the morning—Eumbong’s cry rang out, sharp and urgent:

“Dok-hwa!”

This was the tent shared by the women.

I had only entered to assist with packing it away, while Eumbong had come to rouse Gungbong, who had not emerged even as the morning meal was prepared. Alarmed by his condition, she instantly summoned Hwa-eun.

I moved nearer to assess him myself—Gungbong was breathing in labored gasps, incapable of even lifting his eyelids.

He was unquestionably in a dire state.

It appeared to be a severe fever. Was it influenza, or perhaps extreme fatigue?

Judging by his appearance, it seemed to be an intense chill or fever.

We had traveled from the humid, warm northeast of India into significantly colder mornings and evenings—more than enough to trigger such an illness.

At Eumbong’s summons, Hwa-eun arrived just behind me and asked with concern,

“What is it, Eumbong?”

“It’s Gungbong! He’s fallen ill. Please, examine him!”

I moved back to allow Hwa-eun space. She knelt beside Gungbong and began her evaluation.

“His skin is scorching and damp with sweat… This appears to be a serious bout of Wind Fever Syndrome.”

Wind Fever Syndrome—a term from the Central Plains referring to what we commonly call the flu.

As the person among us most familiar with ailments of the body, Hwa-eun’s assessment aligned with my own: a severe flu or cold.

It was not a hard condition to identify. Soon, others gathered just outside the tent.

“What’s happening, Dok-hwa? Why did Eumbong sound so distressed?”

“What’s the matter, Hwa-eun?”

“Is something wrong? Eumbong, what’s going on?”

“Gungbong didn’t wake this morning, so I came to check on him, and…”

“Gungbong?”

Looking over, I saw the rest of our party—who had been sitting around the campfire preparing breakfast—now clustered outside the tent entrance.

My elder brother, Hu-gae, Tenzin, Master Jaheo… even the children, who had remained in their tents to avoid the morning cold, had drawn near.

– Kissit?

– Tsrrr. 『What is happening?』

– Kkuu. 『That strange woman appears unwell.』

– Tsrr. 『Was she not unwell in the mind already?』

Eumbong’s shout had clearly drawn everyone’s attention.

Hwa-eun turned and announced, “Gungbong seems to be quite ill.”

“Gungbong is sick?”

“Yes, sister. It looks like Wind Fever Syndrome.”

“Wind Fever Syndrome?”

Uncertain glances were exchanged throughout the group.

Those who practice martial arts seldom fall ill with common sicknesses like colds.

But “seldom” is not the same as “never.” Soon, everyone was nodding in acceptance.

Even the trained can catch a chill. And honestly, on expeditions such as this, it is often the most unusual member who becomes sick and complicates matters.

That it was Gungbong? Not a shock. Their expressions said it all: Of course… it would be her.

“Could it be the abrupt shift in weather?”

“Long voyages strain the body, and women can be more susceptible, even those skilled in martial arts…”

“Dok-hwa, is her condition grave? What must we do?”

That last query came from Ji-ryong.

But it held a dual meaning—Can we proceed with our travel? and How critical is Gungbong’s state?

In reply, Hwa-eun rested her hand again on Gungbong’s forehead and questioned Tenzin,

“Tenzin, is this region secure enough to pause our journey?”

“Yes, Lady Hwa-eun. We are now well within the mountain range. Followers of Islam will not venture this deep.”

“Then we should remain here until Gungbong can travel again. Her temperature is far too high to move her.”

Her decision was clear: we would not depart for several days.

My elder brother gave a firm nod and stated,

“Then we must reassemble the tents. We are staying awhile.”

“We will erect them again after the meal.”

“I will assist, Do-ryong.”

The men had already dismantled the tents at daybreak to make breakfast, but now we had to pitch them once more.

As we arranged our extended camp, Ji-ryong inquired of Hwa-eun,

“To help her heal faster, we should collect healing plants. Dok-hwa, which herbs should we seek?”

He was referring to brewing a medicinal tea. Hwa-eun paused briefly before answering,

“Search for Gilgyeong—the root of the balloon flower. It is less potent without licorice root, but it is better than nothing.”

Gilgyeong—that is Platycodon, or balloon flower root.

She had named one of the most widespread and recognizable medicinal roots.

More obscure herbs might not be known to all, but everyone was familiar with the balloon flower.

I recalled something from my online reading in a previous life: like ginseng, balloon flower root is abundant in saponins.

Saponins aid in reviving strength and reducing weariness—perfect for someone battling a harsh flu.

“Understood. Let us forgo breakfast and search for gilgyeong.”

“I will join you.”

“I will as well.”

Everyone moved quickly into action.

Gungbong’s body radiated heat, and none of us could bear to eat while she suffered. Gathering remedies took priority.

Regardless of her oddities and irritations, Gungbong had been the one ensuring we were fed throughout this trip.

“We should separate and return by noon.”

“Agreed.”

“Very well.”

Ji-ryong, my brother, Eumbong, her sister-in-law, and Geolgae each took some dried meat and fanned out.

I could not idly stand by, so I requested a favor from Yo-hwa.

“Yo-hwa, could you fashion a pouch for carrying water?”

– Kisshishi.

Yo-hwa produced one swiftly. I filled it with melted snow from the Himalayas and brought it to Hwa-eun and Sister Seol, who were caring for Gungbong.

“Hwa-eun, take this. Perhaps placing it on her forehead will reduce the fever.”

“Thank you, So-ryong.”

“I will also search for gilgyeong.”

“Take care.”

With that, I lifted into the air with Cho beside me.

“Let’s go, Cho!”

– Tsrrr. 『Yes, Father!』

***

“It makes no sense. Back in Korea, balloon flowers cover the mountain slopes. Why are they so scarce here?”

– Tssrrt. 『Korea?』

“Ah… I only mean they are plentiful in the highlands where I originated.”

I hunted for some time without success. Eventually, Cho and I descended toward the base of the mountains to continue the search.

In my former life, I remembered balloon flowers often grew on lower elevations. That thought led me downward.

And just as expected, right past the boundary of the range—I spotted them.

A cluster of white flowers in full bloom on a sunlit cliff face seized my attention.

“Cho, let us go there.”

– Tsrrr. 『Understood, Father.』

Drawing closer, I confirmed it was indeed white balloon flower—white gilgyeong.

Typically, these flowers are blue. This was the less common, white type.

“Aha! Here it is. Gilgyeong.”

I cleared away the moss from the rock face and drew out several plants, the roots yielding with a firm pull—each thick and substantial, nearly the size of a man’s fist.

“Two or three should suffice.”

Since they grew on a sheer cliff, untouched by people, the roots were pure and strong. Certainly enough for medicine.

After gathering only what was necessary and preparing to leave, I noticed something else flowering farther up the cliff: blooms I recognized.

“Wait a moment… lilies?”

I had missed them on the descent, but now I saw it plainly: a growth of wild lilies blossoming beneath the trees on the ledge above.

It reminded me of the Sandan event, when we had cooked wild lilies over a fire. Everyone had grown tired of dried meat and jerky—those lily roots had tasted somewhat like a blend of sweet potato and standard potato.

“Ideal. The others will appreciate these. Let’s go, Cho.”

– Tsrrr. 『Alright, Father.』

We flew back toward camp, with Cho coiled around me during the flight.

When I returned, only my brother and his wife had come back.

His wife was already at the water’s edge, cleaning some roots—it seemed they had also found some gilgyeong, though far less than I had.

“Brother!”

“Ah, So-ryong. You found gilgyeong as well?”

“Yes, I did.”

“And what are these?”

“Oh, I also collected some lilies. I thought they might be good roasted.”

He accepted the balloon flower roots I passed to him, then noticed the lilies I carried.

Just as I explained, Hwa-eun approached with a water pouch, her expression brightening.

“So-ryong, you discovered lilies?”

“Yes, Hwa-eun. Their roots are delicious when cooked.”

I smiled and shook the lilies eagerly. She returned the smile and nodded with approval.

“Lily root is also beneficial for Wind Fever Syndrome. This will hasten Gungbong’s recovery. Well done, So-ryong.”

“Is that so? Even better.”

It seemed lily roots could also treat flu-like symptoms.

Perhaps I truly was favored by simple fortune—whatever I dug from the earth seemed to hold medicinal value.

Honestly, I could likely grab a random weed and it would prove to be a remedy…

“Then let us prepare them and begin making the decoction.”

“Of course, So-ryong.”

“Master So!”

“Hu-gae, you’re back!”

Just as I started rinsing the lilies, the others began to return to camp.

First was Hu-gae. He lowered himself onto a nearby stone and drank cold water directly from the stream.

“Whew… by the heavens, I am worn out.”

“Did you not find any gilgyeong?”

I was not criticizing—only verifying. Since he had gone searching, it was reasonable to ask.

He held nothing in his grasp.

But when I questioned if he had failed, he smirked and drew a bundle of green leaves from his robe.

“I did not find gilgyeong, but I did locate Mountain Garlic.”

“Mountain Garlic?”

“It is also called wild garlic.”

Ah… so that is Mountain Garlic.

Wait—is that not what we term Wild Garlic?

I had certainly encountered it before. It was Wild Garlic, recognized for its potent garlic scent and taste.

I was unsure if it aided colds, but garlic overall is known to bolster resistance.

Just as I considered its potential use, Hwa-eun beamed.

“Mountain Garlic is also very good for Wind Fever Syndrome. Well found, Hu-gae.”

“Heh. In that case, I have earned a portion of that cooled porridge.”

He passed his bundle of leaves to her and headed directly for the pot of porridge, which had gone cold long before.

After him, the rest of the group returned—some with nothing, all expressing regret.

They joined Hu-gae near the pot, while my sister-in-law aided in preparing the herbs. Soon, the plants we had collected were steaming over the fire.

– Bubble, bubble…

We had included every herb we believed could combat colds.

Regrettably, the odor was terrible.

***

Gungbong stayed unconscious for three entire days.

The fever persisted, and she did not awaken, causing everyone anxiety. However, on the fourth day, she emerged from it as though nothing had occurred.

By the fifth day, she had improved enough that we continued our trek to Podarlap Palace after the morning meal.

“Are you certain you are well?”

“Y-yes, I am fine.”

“If you feel any weakness, inform us immediately.”

“Certainly.”

Although we were traveling again, we agreed not to hurry that day.

She had endured days of high fever—there was no benefit in hastening.

Still, to be cautious, I sent a silent thought to Hwanji and Hwana:

Hwanji, Hwana… if Gungbong grows too weary, would you permit her to ride for a time? I realize you dislike it, but… she has been ill.

They both reduced their speed and drifted nearer to Gungbong, watching her with hesitant and unwilling looks.

– Shuaa. 『We are not pleased… but very well, So-ryong.』

– Shiaa. 『We will allow her to ride if necessary, since she was sick. Only this once, So-ryong.』

They were clearly displeased, but they consented to endure her company this time.

Then abruptly—

“N-no, it’s alright! I can walk! Truly!”

Gungbong recoiled and stepped back, shaking her head vigorously.

This was the same person who had previously pleaded to ride them—now she was outright declining.

Now that I considered it… she had been maintaining a distance, walking far behind me and the spirit beasts, staying at the group’s rear.

And in that moment, a comprehension dawned on me:

She comprehended them.

What? Wait… what in the world?