Qinggeng

Bird Against Plague

Green magpie-like bird whose presence was said to ward off epidemic disease.

Qinggeng is the green magpie of Jinli Mountain, its body green, its beak, eyes and tail white. Unlike the beasts that herald flood or plague, Qinggeng is beneficial: keeping it was said to ward off epidemic disease. It is a rare guardian bird in a text filled with warnings.