The beginning of the story of the Tang Dynasty's Imperial Son-in-Law: A rhinoceros comes knocki

Chapter 106 may contain three stones

Wang Zhihuan turned around, went into the main room, took something out of the cabinet, hid it behind his back, and slowly revealed it to Sizi again.

It is a rattle drum that I polished myself.

The drum body is made of old jujube wood, about the size of a palm, and is polished smooth and rounded all over, without a single splinter or sharp edge. It gleams with a warm, dark red luster in the sunlight.

The drumhead was taut with fine sheepskin, and a gentle tap with a finger produced a steady, resonant sound.

Two round beads are tied to the sides of the drum with thin cowhide ropes. When shaken gently, they make a series of soft, rhythmic clattering sounds.

Most remarkably, a pale yellow ribbon was tied to the end of the drum handle, delicately knotted into a bow, the color of which was exactly the same as the ribbon on the ox-head hair bun.

Sizi's eyes lit up instantly, her little mouth opened slightly, and her tiny fingers gently pointed at the rattle drum. After a while, she finally uttered a soft, sweet voice: "W-Did the handsome pot give this to Sizi?"

"Yes, of course. It was made by Guoguo himself. How is it? Does Sizi like it?"

Sizi quickly stretched out her two little hands, carefully picked up the rattle drum, and gently shook it.

Thud, thud.

The sound was not loud, but it was clear and crisp, like the light rain of early summer tapping on lotus leaves, clean and pleasant to hear.

She shook it a little harder, and the sound became even clearer. She immediately giggled, clutching her beloved item and turning to run towards Chang Le, who had just gotten off the bus; she was overjoyed.

"Big sister! Look! Guoguo made a rattle drum for my brother! It sounds so good!"

Chang Le slowly stepped down from the donkey cart, her gaze falling on the rattle drum in her younger sister's hand.

The drum body is polished with exquisite care, its edges and corners perfectly rounded, showing meticulous attention to detail everywhere. The pale yellow ribbon sways gently in the wind, graceful and lively.

She looked up at Wang Zhihuan, who was standing in the courtyard.

The boy was brushing the wood chips off his knees with his hands. The sunlight slanted down, outlining his handsome profile. His expression was calm and composed, as if he had only done something insignificant.

"Young Master Wang is so kind," Chang Le said softly.

"It was just something I made on a whim. I'm glad Sizi likes it." Wang Zhihuan brushed the hem of his clothes clean, his tone indifferent.

At this moment, Sizi had already squatted down next to the big yellow dog under the jujube tree, constantly shaking a rattle to amuse it.

Ah Huang was initially startled by the crisp sound and pricked up his ears to look around. Finding no danger, he lazily lay down.

However, the child's interest remained undiminished, squatting in front of him and shaking him repeatedly, causing Ah Huang's ears to twitch incessantly. Ah Huang looked helpless but obediently did not move away.

Chang Le stood to the side watching this vivid scene, a gentle smile unconsciously appearing on her lips.

At this moment, the curtain of the carriage with the blue cloth curtain behind was lifted.

Li Shimin wore a dark blue round-necked brocade robe, a plain jade belt around his waist, and black boots on his feet. His attire was understated yet luxurious, making him look like a wealthy landowner.

Behind him followed a gentle woman, dressed in simple, elegant clothes, with tender eyes and brows; she was none other than Empress Zhangsun, who had just recovered from a serious illness.

This was the first time the Empress had gone out for a long distance since recovering from her serious illness of coughing up blood. Her face still had a touch of pallor from her illness, but her spirits and complexion were excellent; she was completely transformed compared to when she was critically ill.

After getting off the carriage, Empress Zhangsun looked around the simple courtyard, her gaze sweeping over her eldest son who was studying hard and her youngest son who was working, and a faint smile appeared in her eyes.

A few days later, Wang Langjun's courtyard became much more lively and warm.

"9

"After taking in a few orphans, the orphanage became more lively."

97

Wang Zhihuan stepped aside and gestured for the two to enter the courtyard: "Master Li, Madam, please come in and have a seat. The herbal tea has been prepared."

On the stone table in the courtyard, several bowls of cooled fresh tea were neatly arranged, and next to them was a plate of osmanthus cake that Xiaoman had just learned to make this morning.

The pastries weren't particularly exquisite; they had faint fingerprints on the surface and slightly cracked edges, yet they exuded a sweet osmanthus fragrance, simple yet comforting.

Li Shimin sat down, picked up the bowl, took a small sip, and calmly glanced at the several unfamiliar children in the courtyard.

Upon hearing the sound, Dalang stood up and stood obediently to the side, still clutching the hemp paper book tightly in his hand, looking well-behaved and reserved.

Tie Dan peeked out from the kitchen doorway and quickly retreated.

Xiaoman came out carrying a clay pot filled with wildflowers, gently placed it in the center of the stone table, and then stood quietly and obediently beside Wang Zhihuan.

"Are these children the ones you recently took in, my lord?" Li Shimin asked softly.

"Yes, they are all orphans from Xiahe Village. Their mothers have been gone for a long time, and their fathers have just passed away. There is no one to take care of them."

Wang Zhihuan's words were concise, without much explanation, "They entrusted me with their care, and I thought the estate needed help, so I agreed."

It simply means a few more people will have food to eat, and they can stay on the village to help with odd jobs and make a living.

Li Shimin nodded slightly and did not ask any further questions.

But his gaze lingered on that thin sheet of hemp paper for a moment longer.

When he got off the bus, he vaguely heard the child reciting a text. The words and phrases were unfamiliar, but the rhythm was very neat, and it was definitely not the kind of primer commonly seen nowadays.

He didn't ask, but simply kept it in mind.

Chang Le sat beside her mother, and Zi Guang kept unconsciously falling back onto Wang Zhihuan.

Today, he still spoke concisely and restrainedly, and his manners were appropriate, without the slightest perfunctoriness or negligence.

But her overall demeanor had subtly changed.

If he was once a rough gem with hidden sharpness, gentle and reserved, now he is like a newly sharpened dull knife, his sharpness concealed within, his foundation more stable and profound. He still looks calm and composed, yet he gives people a sense of stability and reliability at first glance.

She quietly suppressed those subtle feelings in her heart, lowered her head to drink tea, and put away all her thoughts.

Before the stone table, Empress Zhangsun slowly extended her wrist.

Wang Zhihuan focused intently on taking the pulse, gently pressing three fingers on it to carefully feel the flow of the pulse.

Compared to the weak and feeble pulse seven days ago, the Empress's pulse is now steady and powerful, with a solid foundation.

Although the pulse at the cun position is still slightly weak, it is already calm and stable, without any signs of heat or fluctuation.

Her tongue coating was thin and white, and her tongue body was pale red, which were good signs that the pathogenic heat had subsided, her vital energy was gradually recovering, and her yin and yang were returning to their proper balance.

"Madam's pulse has recovered remarkably well; it's a world of difference compared to last time."

Wang Zhihuan slowly withdrew his finger and said firmly, "Previously, you had excessive internal heat and floating kidney qi, and your pulse was unstable and critical."

Now that the kidney qi has returned to its proper place and the deficiency fire has completely subsided, only the lung yin is still slightly deficient, so it is no longer considered a stubborn disease.

Empress Zhangsun's brows relaxed upon hearing this, and she breathed a sigh of relief with a slight smile: "It's fortunate that you can recover steadily."

"In the last prescription, I reduced the ephedra to one and a half qian and increased the ophiopogon to six qian, to clear the lungs without harming yin," Wang Zhihuan said softly. "How has Madam been feeling these past few days taking the medicine and resting?"

"I cough and wheeze much less, and I sleep soundly at night."

Empress Zhangsun recalled carefully and slowly recounted: "In the past, I would cough and wheeze incessantly at night, and often couldn't lie down for half an hour."

Now, a few light coughs are enough to stop the cough, and I can sleep soundly through the night every night.

Is the phlegm still sticky?

"It's much thinner now, and the amount is much less."

Having received a definite answer, Wang Zhihuan understood and turned to walk to his desk.

He spread out a sheet of plain paper, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and calmly considered the new prescription. He wrote a few lines, pondered for a moment, and then added two more auxiliary ingredients. He then handed the completed prescription to Zhou Xia, who was standing by.

"Banxia, ​​come and read this prescription."

Zhou Xia took the ingredients with both hands, cleared his throat, and read aloud: "Eight qian of Rehmannia glutinosa, six qian of Dioscorea opposita, four qian of Cornus officinalis, four qian of Poria cocos, three qian of Paeonia suffruticosa, and three qian of Alisma plantago-aquatica."

Adding 6 qian of Ophiopogon japonicus and 3 qian of Schisandra chinensis, removing Aconitum carmichaelii and Cinnamomum cassia, and adding 2 qian of Amomum villosum, this is a modified formula for Maiwei Dihuang Wan (Ophiopogon and Schisandra chinensis Rehmannia Pill). One dose per day, decocted in water and taken warm in two divided doses.

"Explain the medical principles behind the modifications to this prescription," Wang Zhihuan instructed, his eyes lowered.

Zhou Xia looked down at the prescription carefully, pondered for a moment, and answered clearly: "The root of the lady's illness lies in yin deficiency and kidney weakness, and the kidney's inability to receive qi."

Last time, we used ephedra to relieve the lung congestion and stabilize the acute condition, but it depleted the yin fluids and failed to strengthen the body's foundation.

"Rehmannia glutinosa, Dioscorea opposita, and Cornus officinalis nourish the kidneys and replenish essence, strengthening the foundation and cultivating the source; Ophiopogon japonicus and Schisandra chinensis moisten the lungs and astringe qi, promoting the mutual generation of metal and water, and tonifying the lungs to strengthen the kidney qi. Poria cocos, Paeonia suffruticosa, and Alisma plantago-aquatica clear away turbidity and heat

"Removing aconite and cinnamon avoids their warming and drying properties, which could damage the remaining yin fluids; adding amomum can strengthen the spleen and stomach, resolve the drawbacks of the rich and greasy nature of rehmannia, and help the medicine to be transported and absorbed."

Wang Zhi listened quietly without saying a word, then picked up his pen and added the doctor's instructions at the end of the prescription: Take it for half a month, then come back for a follow-up visit to adjust the prescription.

He handed the prescription to Empress Zhangsun, his tone calm: "This prescription is not intended to stop the cough or treat the symptoms, but is specifically for strengthening the body's foundation and nourishing its vital energy."

It nourishes Yin and promotes the absorption of Qi.

"Madam can stop taking her previous medication and focus solely on this prescription. We can adjust the treatment plan after two weeks based on her recovery progress."

Empress Zhangsun took the prescription, looked at the neat and tidy handwriting on the paper, carefully folded it and put it into her sleeve, and said gently, "Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Wang."

"It's my duty, Madam, please don't stand on ceremony."

Wang Zhihuan turned around and packed his medicine box with calm and efficient movements.

Li Shimin, who had been observing the whole thing from the sidelines, saw the interaction between the master and his disciple.

Zhou Xia stood beside him, her eyes fixed on the tip of the pen, studying intently, even her breathing was very soft, her attitude was respectful and devout, showing her true desire to learn.

This young man before me, so young, teaches with such methodical skill.

The words the child had just recited resurfaced in his mind—"At birth, people are inherently good—their natures are similar, but their habits differ"—

'

In just twelve characters, the principles of human nature and upbringing are explained clearly and concisely, making it easy to remember.

He had never seen such elementary education texts in any classic texts.

After Wang Zhihuan fastened the clasp of his medicine box and straightened up, Li Shimin spoke: "Young Master Wang, have you been spending your days seeing doctors, farming, and brewing wine?"

"Yes, just a simple villager from the mountains, living a plain life just like before, nothing has changed."

Wang Zhihuan responded, then suddenly looked up at the direction of the rice paddies behind him, his eyes brightening: "There is something I need to tell Master Li."

The rice paddies in the backyard will be ready for harvest in about twenty days. This year's growth has far exceeded expectations, and the harvest is sure to be substantial.

Li Shimin immediately became interested, put down his teacup, and asked, "Does what you said before about a yield of two shi per mu still count?"

"Well, actually it's more than that. Judging from the current situation, conservatively speaking, it's more than three shi (a unit of dry measure)."

Wang Zhihuan got up and walked to the courtyard gate, pointing to the vast rice paddies.

The warm afternoon sun shines across the fields, and the rice ears are full of grain, bending the stalks with their heavy weight, creating layers of shallow golden waves.

A gentle breeze blows, and the rice paddies ripple and undulate, thick and warm, a scene of abundant harvest everywhere you look.

"San Shi?" At this moment, Li Shimin was no longer as casual as before.

"Yes, at least three shi (a unit of dry measure). Of course, this is an experimental field, and everything is being carefully tended. If it is promoted to a wider area, it may not achieve this effect. But two shi should be no problem."

Of course, with several more rounds of seed selection and improvement, it's not impossible to achieve three-stone yields more widely in the future.

"Then, could I send someone to learn how to cultivate it?" Li Shimin asked casually. "We agreed before that we would send someone to learn when the rice is almost ripe. When do you think would be the most suitable time?"

"It would be best to wait two weeks."

Wang Zhi thought for a moment and then answered prudently, "At that time, the rice ears were fully filled with grain and ready for harvest."

From harvesting, drying, and threshing to seed selection and storage, you can witness the entire process being carried out in person.

"As long as you are diligent and willing to learn, you can master all the techniques of farming and storage in half a month."

After saying that, he added frankly, "I just want to make it clear in advance that I hope you will send an experienced farmer who has been farming for many years."

Farming is all about hands-on experience; you can't learn it just by watching. If someone who doesn't understand farming comes along, it'll all be a waste of their time.

Li Shimin laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Don't worry, I have experienced farmers under my command. I'll send two seasoned farmers over to you to train and instruct them."

"That's good." Wang Zhihuan nodded. "Once they've learned how, they'll be able to cultivate and plant seedlings themselves next spring. The promotion of new rice needs to be done step by step, steadily and surely, so that it can be sustainable."

Li Shimin gazed at the calm and composed young man before him.

When he talks about farming and the importance of moderation, his simple phrase "it can't be rushed" reveals a calm and composed demeanor that belies his age.

Such temperament and talent are rare in this world.

The two walked back to the jujube tree side by side and sat down to drink tea.

The tea was steeped three times, and the color gradually faded, but the aftertaste remained sweet and lingering, refreshing and delightful.

Empress Zhangsun sat quietly under the shade of a tree, a cool breeze blowing, the tea soothing her throat, and the gentle sunlight sweeping over the children in the courtyard.

Dalang sat back down under the jujube tree and began reciting his lessons in a low voice. His childish, earnest recitation filled the courtyard.

This time, she heard it much more clearly.

"—If a child is raised but not taught, it is the father's fault. If the teaching is not strict, it is the teacher's laziness. If a child does not study, it is not proper. If one does not study when young, what will one do when old?"

Every word rhymes, every sentence makes sense, clearly explaining the duties of being a parent, teacher, and child, yet without being rigid.

She was secretly amazed—she had never heard of such elementary education articles before.

If this was indeed done by this young man, then what he possesses is probably far more than just medical skills and farming knowledge.

She didn't ask, but simply kept the thought to herself, her gaze softening as she looked at the child diligently reciting his lessons.

Tie Dan carried the chopped and mixed hay and poured it all into the goose pen. The geese flapped their wings and scrambled for the food, creating a lively scene.

The boy squatted to one side, watching the lively flock of geese, his smile pure and simple.

Xiaoman stood quietly behind Wang Zhihuan, calm and composed. Occasionally, she would glance at the guest, then lower her head and stand obediently, gentle and well-behaved.

The courtyard is peaceful and serene, with the gentle warmth of fireworks.

Empress Zhangsun picked up her teacup and took a small sip, the faint fragrance of orchids lingering on her lips and teeth.

She still remembered the last time she drank tea here, Wang Zhihuan shared his philosophy of life: tea should retain its original flavor, water that is too boiled will burn, and everything should be done in moderation.

Those few words, conveying a profound truth, have stayed with her to this day.

After a moment's hesitation, she spoke softly, "Young Master Wang, what are your plans for the future after taking in these children?"

At that time, Wang Zhi was carefully peeling loquats for Si Zi, his fingers moving nimbly and cleanly.

Hearing the question, he looked up and replied, "For now, there's no rush. Dalang should focus on learning to read and write, and also learn carpentry. He can make a living with his skills in the future."

Tiedan is hardworking and reliable, and I've been diligently working with her in the fields. Xiaoman is thoughtful, calm, and composed; I plan to teach her medicine.

"Xiaoman is studying medicine?"

Empress Zhangsun was slightly surprised and looked up at Xiaoman, who was thin and seemed timid.

"She is still young, meticulous and calm, making her most suitable for studying medicine."

Wang Zhi handed the peeled loquat to Sizi and said slowly, "From now on, you can help me manage the miscellaneous affairs of medical care in the village, and also help the women in the village with their medical needs."