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In the wilds of Yongzhou, a peculiar snake is found: black in body with white markings, a touch of its brush against plants and trees spells death; when it bites a man, no one can fend it off. Yet, if caught and cured as bait, it can cure severe influenza, convulsions, fistulas, flesh decay, and kill intestinal parasites.
Chilian County of Yongzhou.
A small village below.
"Brother Ji, off to catch snakes in the mountains again?"
"Hmm, Brother Liu, isn't your wife about to give birth? Wait till I return, and I'll bring a snake to your house to nourish her, so she gives birth to a healthy, chubby boy."
"How can I accept that? You go through so much trouble to catch those snakes; I couldn't possibly take them."
"Nothing of the sort. If it weren't for Brother Li, I would've died long ago. Besides, I might not even catch any. If I don't, Brother Li, please don't blame me."
