A low, irregular wheezing sound, as if something is struggling to cough up phlegm, reverberates through the room.

The pale woman lying on the bed, despite her colorless complexion, had a beauty that could rival the world.

The room around her was filled with the sharp scent of medicinal herbs, so strong that it could give one a headache. Normally, the scent of medicine is pleasant, but in excess, it fills the room to the point that it feels like your nose might fall off.

Before her, sitting expressionlessly, was an elderly man – the physician, Mr. Je, often referred …