Section 04: Salt is more precious than life

Regardless of past or present lives, those who are beneficial to others, or those who can bring advantages to others, find it easiest to integrate into groups and be accepted by them. Yun Ye's immediate priority is to join the Tang Dynasty family, obtain household registration, and become a part of this great feudal dynasty, as after a thousand years, he will still be a brick; it does not matter where he serves as a brick.

Yun Ye stood up and respectfully bowed to Zhang Cheng and everyone else, saying: "Listening to your words is more valuable than reading for ten years. Today, I have received Uncle Zhang's teachings, which I will surely remember and not dare to forget."

Yun Ye secretly smiled, understanding that Zhang Cheng was afraid there might be poison in the meat. Therefore, after picking up the second piece of meat pie, he did not hand it to Zhang Cheng

Isn't it just salt? There is plenty of it!" After saying this, Yun Ye took out a small cloth bag from his backpack. The bag contained about four to five pounds of salt that Yun Ye had collected from several rock faces along the way. Zhang Cheng's eyes widened in astonishment as he snatched it away, carefully opening the salt bag beside the fire, staring blankly at the grayish-white powder inside.

"Uncle Zhang, how can salt be consumed in this manner? It must be crushed, dissolved, filtered, and analyzed, and only then can the crystallized product be considered edible salt. Just like some herbs that are inherently toxic, they can become harmless and even medicinal through certain special processing. Salt is no different; everything in this world is prepared for humanity. As long as the correct and suitable methods are found, all things in heaven and earth can be utilized by people. The method of salt production is merely a trivial matter." Observing the bewildered expression on Zhang Cheng's face, Yun Ye realized that his previous words had been in vain. This salt is also like this; everything in this world is prepared for humanity. As long as the correct and suitable methods are found, all things in heaven and earth can be utilized by people. The method of salt production is merely a trivial matter." Seeing the bewildered expression on Zhang Cheng's face, Yun Ye understood that his previous words had been in vain.

It is unclear whether Zhang Cheng's face turned red, as the dim light made it hard to see. Nevertheless, he reached out and gave Yun Ye a slap on the head. "You may be young, but you have quite a few tricks up your sleeve," he remarked, before taking a knife to cut the mutton, truly deserving of his livelihood earned with a blade.

"You little brat! How dare you waste such fine salt like this?" Zhang Cheng was completely furious. Seeing that Yun Ye was hiding behind two women and was difficult to catch, he took a breath and said, "You little brat, where did you get so much salt?"

Is this salt? This is poison!" After saying this, he casually threw it away. Just as he acted, Zhang Cheng, who was watching the block of salt in Yun Ye's hand, swiftly retrieved it. He wrapped it in a cloth and tucked it back into his bosom. His eyes were somewhat sorrowful as he pointed with a grim smile at the crowd around them who were listening to their conversation.

Hmm? After he took the first bite, he strangely exclaimed. He pulled out a piece of meat from the bun, licked it with his tongue, which made Yun Ye feel somewhat nauseated

I am merely a humble warrior, unworthy of knowing the secret formula. I implore you, young master, to show compassion for our plight, allowing me to report this matter to the captain. You will surely receive recognition from the court, and your virtuous deeds will be celebrated throughout the world

These people are all good individuals, and Yun Ye is very clear about this. Seeing that Yun Ye appeared somewhat cold, Zhang Cheng took off his own clothes and offered them to him. The fourteen-year-old Yun Ye looked quite comical in Zhang Cheng's clothes. The two women accompanying the group took the clothes away to alter them, removing some stitches to make them smaller for Yun Ye.

Zhang Cheng's face was filled with joy, wanting to speak but hesitating, his face flushed red, anxiously rubbing his hands. He paced back and forth in front of Yun Ye, like an old donkey grinding at a mill. His lowly status constrained his eagerness to know the secret formula. He could not offer Yun Ye any promises; the alchemical methods that turn waste into treasure involve too many interests, far beyond what his small team could participate in. Yun Ye was a high disciple of a recluse, revealing only a glimpse, which had already astonished people; if everything were to be revealed, how vast would his knowledge be? He could not offer Yun Ye any promises; the alchemical methods that turn waste into treasure involve too many interests, far beyond what his small team could participate in. Yun Ye was a high disciple of a recluse, revealing only a glimpse, which had already astonished people; if everything were to be revealed, how vast would his knowledge be.

The sound of slurping filled the air, greatly enhancing the sense of satisfaction. Zhang Cheng found a piece of wood and used a small knife to carve it into thin slices. He took the flatbread from their hands, split it in half, and stuffed the meat slices inside, creating a delicious meat sandwich.

It seems that scholars faced immense pressure regarding this matter. Historical records indicate that in the early Tang Dynasty, the proportion of scholars among the population was merely one to two per thousand. Knowledge has never been a luxury that commoners could aspire to; it was monopolized by the aristocracy. In this era of widespread ignorance, those who possessed knowledge enjoyed a superior social status. Moreover, it was the very ordinary people, eager for knowledge, who spontaneously elevated their status. This is evident from Zhang Cheng's varying titles for Yun Ye, such as "young man," "little rascal," "Lord Yun," and "young master," which progressively reflect his growing understanding of Yun Ye.

"So you know how to extract edible salt from toxic salt?" Zhang Cheng is not foolish; he can summarize and is able to ask the key points without being confused.

With a loud bang, those men quickly stepped aside. Zhang Cheng shook like a windmill and said, "What can we hardworking people teach the young master? We are just talking nonsense. The young master is a person of great ability and will surely achieve high positions in the future. To be able to associate with the young master is already a great blessing."

The leader of the group is named Zhang Cheng, who serves as a squad leader overseeing fifty soldiers and several laborers. Zhang Cheng was originally a genuine farmer, working the fields during busy times and practicing martial arts during his leisure. In the Guanzhong region, it is common for the youth to be skilled in martial arts. Therefore, during the campaign to eliminate the rebel Wang Youliang of Changle, he achieved notable success by beheading two enemies and was promoted to squad leader. Due to Youliang's rebellion, the security situation in Longyou deteriorated rapidly, leading to the Qiang people becoming uncontrollable and occasionally attacking supply convoys. This is why Zhang Cheng is filled with vigilance towards Yun Ye.

Isn't it already the Zhenguan era? Why are the days still so difficult?

Zhang Cheng carefully took out a cloth pouch from his bosom, unwrapping it layer by layer. A walnut-sized yellow-brown crystal appeared before him. Yun Ye picked it up and tasted it; besides the saltiness, there were various strange flavors that nearly made him feel like he was going to die from the experience. He grabbed a water gourd and rinsed his mouth vigorously several times before the strange taste finally subsided

They went to Heifengkou to see their husbands, Zhang Cheng quietly told Yun Ye, and with a wink said, they only come back after their bellies have grown. After saying this, he slapped Yun Ye and told the little brat not to ask about adult matters

In an instant, a lamb's hind leg was transformed into a pile of meat slices under his knife. Upon seeing Zhang Cheng take a big bite of the meat pie, Yun Ye even heard him let out a satisfied moan. Yun Ye couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly; this was what a meat sandwich was all about. If he were to have a few hearty dishes, he would surely be in ecstasy.

"Salt, you little rascal, is this how you live? Putting so much salt in!" As he spoke, he was about to hit Yun Ye. Yun Ye covered his head and ran away, feeling as if being struck by a big hand was like being hit with a wrench; he tried to avoid getting hit as much as possible.

Yun Ye was somewhat at a loss, while the two women anxiously held his hands and looked at him.

"Nonsense, I know there are salt mines by the river, but that is toxic salt and cannot be consumed. Eating that salt could lead to severe diarrhea, even death, not to mention that it would cause the body to turn purple. What I am referring to is the salt in your bag, which is better than official salt. Where did it come from?" Zhang Cheng's eyes had already turned red as he loudly questioned Yun Ye.

The bonfire has been lit, casting a red glow on the faces of those gathered around it. The men beside Yun Ye are soldiers of the Tang Dynasty, affiliated with the Left Martial Guard. However, they are not combat troops; they are support soldiers responsible for transporting provisions, military supplies, and various other logistics.

Zhang Cheng's superior's superior is named Cheng Chumo, the eldest son of the legendary figure Cheng Yaojin, known as the "King of Chaos." He currently holds the position of Zhechong Xiaowei in Lanzhou, a typical second-generation official. He is known for his generosity and loyalty, having followed his father into battle at the age of eighteen, making him a prime example of a wealthy playboy. Through him, the method of salt production can be seen as a shortcut to success, and more importantly, it is said that the old Cheng lived to be over a hundred years old, a perennial figure in the Tang Dynasty. Regardless, it is best to first secure a strong ally.

The several men sitting across the campfire shook their heads in unison, while the two women also awkwardly lowered their heads

Then he handed the meat pie to the two women. The two women accepted the meat pie with a sense of entitlement and began to devour it eagerly.

It is not that he wants to show off his knowledge, but rather that he genuinely respects. Setting aside General Cheng's oath, the other remarks truly astonished him. My goodness, the prosperous era of Zhenguan was actually like this: military disasters, hunger, and suffering were everywhere. Zhang Cheng and their demands were so minimal; as long as there was no war and they could fill their stomachs, it was worth risking their lives for. What qualifications do low-quality individuals like me, who eat meat with one hand and curse with the other, have to act grand in front of them? Young master? What a joke! What qualifications do low-quality individuals like me, who eat meat with one hand and curse with the other, have to act grand in front of them? Young master? What a joke!

"It's not that I'm telling you, it's just a little path." There's no need to trouble honest people; Yun Ye directly provided a clear answer, making an effort to appear as a wise figure.

"What are you looking at?" Zhang Cheng said as he tore off Yun Ye's tattered clothes. Amid Yun Ye's miserable screams and the laughter of others, he quickly wrapped the white cloth around Yun Ye's waist. It was only then that Yun Ye realized that the two naked, plump men were wrestling on stage with this thing. After all this time, it turned out to be just this little thing, which was still learned from our ancestors.

Young master, you may not be aware that the world has only just achieved peace, free from military disasters. On ordinary days, foraging for wild vegetables along with grain can barely suffice for a half-full stomach. A few years ago, although salt was expensive, we could occasionally procure a few taels. However, in recent years, the Turks have invaded our territory year after year, committing atrocities of burning, killing, and plundering without restraint. Trade routes have been severed, and salt from Shandong can no longer reach us, while the salt lakes on the grasslands are inaccessible for harvesting. I have been stationed at Longyou with the Left Wuwei for three years now, engaged in battles year after year, and the army is lacking in salt. We have resorted to using vinegar as a seasoning, and the soldiers' health deteriorates year by year. The Grand General is well aware that the Turks are returning to the grasslands from Yanchuan, and the soldiers, weak and exhausted, can only defend the city and are unable to pursue. It is said that the Grand General, in his anger, broke his treasured sword and vowed to annihilate the Turks completely. Young master, with your hidden skills, once they are unleashed, the army will no longer suffer from a lack of salt. After we have regained our strength, it will be a matter of course to eliminate the Turkish dogs completely.

He handed the cake to Zhang Cheng with both hands. Zhang Cheng cradled the cake in his hands, took a deep sniff, and his face was filled with ecstasy. Then he composed himself and said, "Let's eat in two waves; finish one wave before starting the next."

Wang Cai was also barking, clearly laughing. Yun Ye, infuriated, slapped him. He took out the smoked lamb from his backpack, which he was reluctant to eat, skewered it with a branch, and placed it over the fire to roast. After a while, the fat began to ooze out, sizzling and crackling.

There are salt mines by the river; just dig them up

First, do not pay attention to Zhang Cheng's seductive language. A straightforward approach is employed by the rough man, and the books are charming. The method must be clearly explained, but to whom and how it is conveyed is indeed a profound question

Yun Ye holds great admiration for the spirit of experimentation exhibited by ancient people. While consuming salt is not inherently wrong, ingesting the nitrates and phosphates found in salt mines is tantamount to courting disaster. Consuming nitrates may allow one to endure for a while, but if one consumes too much phosphate and potassium, it would be strange not to experience a lack of purple discoloration throughout the body. In later generations, Yun Ye has witnessed calcium and iron supplementation, but has never encountered supplementation of nitrates or phosphates.

The generals and ministers? They really dare to think that way, Yun Ye secretly laughed. Are there really generals and ministers who cannot even recognize all the characters? The Zhenguan era was a time filled with talented individuals, and as a mere novice in the officialdom, encountering figures like Li Er, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji would be tantamount to seeking death. It is inevitable to be sold out and then help others count the money. Merchants? They are merely lower-class individuals who cannot even afford to wear silk and satin. In a feudal dynasty, having too much money is not a blessing; it is merely a fat pig waiting to be slaughtered.

Yun Ye had a face full of grievance, saying, "Did I ask this? You insisted on telling me, okay?" The two women snickered softly and handed Yun Ye a piece of white linen. Yun Ye looked left and right, unable to understand what this was for.

"Uncle Zhang, I am starving, so I will eat first," he said, taking a big bite. The lamb was already quite fatty, and with one bite, the grease dripped down from the corner of his mouth. What a delight.

Yun Ye walked over and nudged him: "What’s so interesting about salt?"

Uncle Zhang, what does the salt you eat look like

Young Master, do you think everyone is like you, having been raised in luxury since childhood, never having to lift a finger, only concerned with scholarly pursuits? Even now, when faced with difficulties, you still have the means left by your ancestors to survive comfortably. Looking at you, a person of remarkable talent, intelligent and understanding of the ways of the world, in a few years, the luxury you enjoy will feel as if it is a part of you, something that cannot be taken away. That is fate! We are different; our parents only taught us to scrape for food from the earth, and nothing else. The salt block you casually discard is a reward I received for taking down two traitors, specially bestowed by the captain. Ask them, how many have seen a large block of salt?