Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Chapter 107 Emperor Emeritus Li Yuan!
He wasn't "dealing with interpersonal relationships," but rather "seeing people."

He saw in the children a pure innocence, untouched by the world, and thus responded to their gluttony and mischievousness with indulgence.

He saw the raw energy of young people exploring the world, so he embraced their clumsiness and curiosity with open arms.

For the elderly, he sees the vicissitudes etched by time, so he listens to their memories and melancholy.

He saw the villagers struggling to make a living, so he used equality to dispel their restraint and humility.

This kind of "seeing" has nothing to do with identity, status, or age; it only concerns "living" itself.

He has witnessed too much life and death, and knows that beneath the surface, everyone is striving to "live well".

Children want to grow taller, young people want to accomplish something, the elderly want to enjoy the warmth of the sun a little longer, and villagers want to earn more coins.

These simple wishes, in his eyes, were not distinguished by high or low, but were all "weights of life" worthy of being cherished.

Therefore, his goodwill was never "made up," but rather "flowed out."

When I was serving meat to the little princess, I never thought she was a princess.

When I heard the old farmer talk about chicken diseases, I never imagined that he was a country bumpkin.

When he accompanied Empress Xiao to bask in the sun, he never thought that she was the empress of the previous dynasty.

He simply stood there, like a deep well, allowing anyone who approached to see their truest self, without needing to pretend or defend themselves.

This is more like a kind of "empathy for life"—not deliberate consideration, but an instinctive coexistence with all things.

Just as he can discern the medicinal properties of a plant by looking at it, and understand the anxieties of a person by looking at them, this ability has nothing to do with skill, but only with whether one truly treats "people" as life itself.

Just as he wrote in "Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold" that "human life is of utmost importance, more precious than a thousand pieces of gold," this reverence for "life" translates into the most touching gentleness in his interactions with others.

I neither look down on you nor pander to you; I simply look at you straight on, sharing in the warmth and joy of human life.

Therefore, Xiao Ran was truly reluctant to let Sun Simiao leave.

Xiao Ran hoped he would stay, but he hadn't thought about things like taking care of him in his old age or seeing him off in his final days.

It wasn't that Xiao Ran was unwilling.

The main reason was that Xiao Ran felt he was unlikely to outlive this optimistic and insightful old man.

The little princess ran to the side, picked up a few persimmon cakes, and gave them to Sun Simiao and Empress Xiao.

Zhang Jinhe smiled; these weren't charged.

I silently made a note of it, so that I wouldn't shortchange the villagers later.

Zhang Jinhe's family has made a lot of money recently, so he naturally doesn't care about this small amount.

I thought it was already quite lively, but then more people came after noon.

Behind Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun's carriage, there was another carriage.

Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin were also there, as were Qin Huaidao and Cheng Chumo.

The carriage stopped, and Zhang Anan quickly went to help the old man inside.

Li Yuan and Zhang Jieyu alighted from the carriage.

Upon hearing that Empress Xiao was there, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun decided to bring Li Yuan to find Sun Simiao.

The main purpose was to bring Li Yuan for treatment, and also to take a look at the glass stove.

Xiao Ran walked over with a smile.

Sun Simiao and Empress Xiao also got up to greet them.

"Grandpa~" the little princess called out and ran to Li Yuan's side.

Upon hearing the little princess call him "Grandpa," Xiao Ran knew that this was the Emperor Emeritus.

In the sixth year of the Zhenguan era, Li Yuan was already 66 years old. When Zhang Anan helped him down from the carriage, his figure was noticeably hunched over, like an old locust tree bent by the weight of time.

He wore a loose brocade robe, but it couldn't hide the hollowness in his shoulders and back. His wrist trembled slightly when he raised his hand, and even his gray beard swayed gently.

The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were as deep as ravines, but his eyes were somewhat cloudy. When he looked at Empress Xiao, the light in his eyes was like a candle flickering in the wind, burning slowly and going out quickly.

His breathing was punctuated by barely perceptible panting. He would stand still for a moment, then lean against a nearby pillar to rest. His lips were dark, revealing a sickly melancholy.

Sun Simiao, though nearly as old as Li Yuan, was like an old pine tree weathered by frost—his back was straight, his steps steady, and he could quickly step forward without anyone's help.

He wore a coarse cloth short coat with worn-out cuffs, but his eyes were surprisingly bright. When he looked at Li Yuan, he had the clarity of a physician, and when he glanced at Empress Xiao, he had a gentle warmth. He was completely free of the dullness of old age.

Though the wrinkles on his face were deep, they seemed to etch the wisdom of time. Even the curve of his smile carried a powerful and expansive quality. Compared to Li Yuan's melancholy shrouded in the gloom of old age, one was like a withered vine in late autumn, while the other was like bamboo still tinged with green in the winter sun.

"Cousin!" Empress Xiao called out.

Li Yuan was one of the few people of the same generation who were also close relatives.

“Lord Li!” Sun Simiao did not reveal Li Yuan’s identity.

"Sir, Madam, it's been a long time. I don't have much time left, but you two are still so healthy and robust, which is truly enviable," Li Yuan said with a smile.

Sun Simiao raised his hand to stroke his beard, his smile as warm as the winter sun melting snow, his voice not loud but exuding a reassuring calmness:

"Master Li, you've gone astray. My wife and I are simply benefiting from the rural life; we eat simple food, sleep soundly, and don't have our minds preoccupied with other things."

He took a half step forward, his gaze falling on Li Yuan's trembling wrist. His tone carried a physician's earnestness, but without a trace of gravity:
"A person's life is like that of an old locust tree. It is normal for it to sprout in spring and fall in autumn. But as long as the roots are still moist, even if the leaves fall, the branches can still be strong."

“Look at the sun in Kaolao Village, it’s so warm. Spend more time in the sun, eat more hot porridge, and chat with your wife when you’re free. That’s better than anything else.”

The group entered the courtyard chatting and laughing.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya were used to it, mainly because they didn't know the identities of Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

But Xiao Yu knew that she was truly startled.

The guests here at Xiao Ran's place are truly terrifying in their identities.

The retired emperor, the current emperor and empress, several princesses, princes, and Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong were all important figures.

Here, they are just like ordinary people.

Upon hearing that Li Yuan and Li Shimin had arrived, Li Ke returned immediately.

Cheng Yaojin pulled Xiao Ran aside, "Nephew! Do you need help with your coal mining? Your uncle will find you two, no pay, just meals."

"Sure! We're short-handed!" Xiao Ran readily agreed, considering it a good deed.

Cheng Yaojin does have a good reputation.

Xiao Ran also understood why Cheng Yaojin had Cheng Chumo here.

It's like finding a place for my two teenagers to "train their patience".

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao grew up among meritorious officials. Relying on their fathers' achievements, they caused a lot of trouble in Chang'an. Riding horses through the streets and engaging in cockfighting and dog racing were commonplace for them.

Cheng Yaojin cursed "rascal" while secretly knowing that Qin Huaidao was alright, but his own son was a hothead who would inevitably stumble if he continued to raise him like this.

Cheng Yaojin also wanted to join the army, but in this peaceful era, there was no military merit to be earned.

With Prince Li Ke by his side, he not only tempered his temper but also learned to be down-to-earth, which was ten times more effective than having a tutor at home watching over him.

Another skill is the art of cultivating relationships and building connections.

Cheng Yaojin had already figured it out: Xiao Ran was no ordinary young man.

The fact that the emperor and empress frequently visit him, and that the retired emperor specially comes to see him for medical treatment, suggests that his glass and coal mines are all novelties that can stir up Chang'an. His future prospects are likely to be greater than anyone else's.

Not to mention that Li Ke and the princesses gather here, and even the former empress often comes here.

Letting my son stay here, even if he's just helping out by carrying coal or handing over tools, will help him become a familiar face and give him a respectable position in Chang'an in the future.

Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong hoped their sons would stay in Kaolao Village and get closer to Xiao Ran, while Qin Huaidao and Cheng Chumo were also happy to stay with Xiao Ran.

Everyone is happy.

With two more free laborers and an extra favor to be done, Xiao Ran couldn't lose out no matter how he calculated it.

"Young master, let's go over there first." Cheng Chumo indicated that he had to get to work and couldn't be idle.

"This place is full of important people; I don't feel comfortable here." "Brother, teach me your martial arts later," Qin Huaidao said, still longing for Xiao Ran's skills.

"no problem."

When Li Yuan, Li Shimin, Qin Qiong, and Cheng Yaojin arrived, Empress Xiao and Empress Zhangsun sat on the other side.

Leave room for Sun Simiao, Li Yuan, and others.

Zhang Erya and Zhang Jinhe were busy making tea and serving pastries.

Xiao Yu had finally relaxed, but now she's become reserved again.

To Xiao Yu's surprise, Third Sister was also very familiar with Empress Zhangsun, and they were chatting and laughing together.

Xiao Yu admitted that she couldn't do that.

Li Yuan, who had been listless, looked much better after meeting Sun Simiao.

Li Shimin found Xiao Ran and said, "Nephew, go and check on the glass and coal. Cast a couple of shots later."

Li Shimin came fishing, but now he doesn't bring anything with him.

I know Xiao Ran has fishing rods, quite a few of them.

Enough for several people.

"it is good!"

Li Yuan originally did not want to leave, but Sun Simiao suggested that it would be better to exercise appropriately.

Only then did he go along.

Empress Xiao, Empress Zhangsun, and Consort Zhang were drinking tea and chatting in the courtyard.

It wouldn't have been appropriate not to go and join in the fun.

The princesses did not stay; they all went out with them.

The courtyard quieted down.

Little Black definitely won't stay, but the cat will.

Zhang Jieyu gently hugged it and stroked it.

Li Yuan was also quite interested in the glass.

As the retired emperor, he was no stranger to glass, but he had never seen glass like this before.

Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin loved it dearly.

Xiao Ran offered two, but they refused to accept them.

I know this thing is priceless.

These luxury items are certainly expensive, but you can't owe favors to people in such places.

Xiao Ran thought that since Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao were literate, it would be a waste of their talents to work in coal mining.

It would be a good place to have glass made.

In the future, Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao would feel more at ease about important matters such as building telescopes.

Li Shimin trusted these trusted second-generation confidants.

"Sanlang, how are you feeling?" Li Shimin asked.

Li Ke had just come over from wiping his hands by the stove, his fingers still damp with soot. Hearing the question, his eyes lit up like stars, and he took half a step forward, his voice brimming with barely suppressed warmth:
"Life here is completely different from where I used to live!"

He raised his hand and gestured, the quartz sand dust on his fingertips falling down in a flurry: "I thought that translucent object was just some melted stone, but who knew there was so much more to it than that."

"When mixing the sand and saltpeter, if you're off by even a tiny bit, the resulting product will turn dark, like it's covered in a layer of soot. I tried seven times yesterday before I finally got the hang of the proportions."

It was truly a great sense of accomplishment.

Li Ke's brief visit also made him realize that this was the place with the most advanced glassmaking technology in the Tang Dynasty.

Xiao Ran's versatility also broadened Li Ke's understanding.

He didn't understand the classics like the Four Books and Five Classics, but rather technical skills and many theories that Li Ke couldn't comprehend.

Li Ke also sensed that Xiao Ran was not proficient, but knew a lot.

The research directions and approaches of others were all given by Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran pointed out the direction, and only then did the others know how to proceed.

This is very crucial.

Even if Xiao Ran didn't say anything, no one would know what went wrong, even if the fired glass wasn't good.

Li Ke excitedly talked with Li Shimin for a long time.

Li Shimin nodded repeatedly, able to tell that his son had indeed learned something, and more importantly, he felt that Xiao Ran had not held anything back.

They really teach things.

There were some things Li Ke said that Li Shimin couldn't understand.

"Very good, study hard." Li Shimin wanted to make a telescope as soon as possible.

After observing the glassmaking process, it's natural to check on the coal situation.

It's a bit far; we'll have to ride a horse or take a car there.

Seeing Xiao Ran leave, the three little girls also wanted to join in the fun.

Li Lizhi went because she was a partner, so it was only right for her to go and see.

Soon the group arrived at the coal mining site.

"Wow, this place is quite unusual!" Li Yuan also noticed that something was amiss.

Li Shimin and the others nodded in approval.

At the entrance to the pit at the bottom of the slope, shovels, baskets, and carts were neatly arranged, their wooden handles glistening with sweat stains, clearly indicating that they were well-crafted items that had been polished day after day.

Coal dust mixed with water vapor drifted from the tunnel, creating a faint gray mist in the wind, but it couldn't mask the sounds that rose and fell.

The sounds of shovels digging, baskets hitting the ground with a thud, and carts rolling over gravel roads all blended together like a powerful melody, without the slightest hesitation.

Some people were bending over to load coal into baskets, their backs hunched like a fully drawn bow. Each time they straightened up, they felt a heavy weight on their backs, yet no one seemed to stop. It was as if the coal beneath their feet had gained strength, pushing them forward.

The conveyor belt on the slope creaked and turned, and shiny black coal chunks slid down the wooden trough. People were already waiting at the landing point, quickly gathering them into piles. Their fingertips were covered in black ash, but they didn't even have time to wipe their faces.

Occasionally, a few shouts would break through the noise, not complaints, but greetings like "This side is full" or "Push it over here quickly," revealing a familiar and tacit understanding.

No one looked around aimlessly, no one dawdled. Even when they rested against the mine cart, their eyes were fixed on the tools in their hands, as if they were calculating what more they could carry on the next trip.

Besides the smell of coal, there was also an indescribable energy in the wind—the shadows of copper coins swaying in the basket, the longing for a new piece of clothing at home, and the hope that Xiao Ran would "get a bigger share at the end of the year."

This drive propelled the shovels to fall faster and the carts to run more steadily, filling the gray fog with a vibrant sense of purpose and ambition.

There was no idleness, no perfunctory attitude; like the coal piles covering the mountain, they were solid, determined, and strained, striving to make life warmer.

This is also why Sun Simiao liked Xiao Ran and Kaolao Village.

The atmosphere here is better than other places; it's so harmonious it feels unreal.

Li Shimin saw his great-grandfather and went over to greet him with a smile, "Old man, you're here too!"

"Haha, now that you have some free time, come and do some easy work." The third grandfather pushed the cart.

According to the calculation of the price, you don't need to come if you are busy at home, but you can come over when you have time.

It's considered quite humane.

Everyone is doing their job comfortably.

(End of this chapter)