Chapter 7: Encounter
"No need for that." The young woman suddenly pulled the warhorse, which neighed loudly. With a flash in her phoenix-like eyes, she said, "This is Shouyang, not our territory. Do not create unnecessary trouble. After we find the item, we must return to Daxing immediately. Yu Wenshu is likely to take action, and if anything happens to Father, we will all be in trouble."
"Remember, in a couple of days, go to the mountains outside the city to help me gather herbs." Master Yao snorted coldly, packed the medicine box, and said to Yao Muxue: "Xiaoxue, you may go back now"
The scenery of Dayan Mountain is even better. Yao Muxue also felt a bit shy, as it was her first time standing alone with Li Xin.
"Mother, is there something wrong with Mu Xue?" Li Xin said with a furrowed brow
Miss, just now on that ox cart, I saw two people, and there was a backpack on the cart. They are likely going to gather herbs, and the only place to gather herbs around here is Dayan Mountain. Miss, what do you think we should do?" A robust man on horseback said with some concern, his gaze containing a hint of coldness.
Ah! Seeing that Li Xin had already made up his mind, Li Gao felt it was inappropriate to say anything further
As Li Xin was about to speak, he noticed that Master Yao was impatiently waving his hand. Left with no choice, Li Xin glanced at the herbs above, which were nothing more than ginseng and Tianqi, among others. He had heard of them, but he did not recognize these items at all. After some thought, he decided to wait until he reached his destination to inquire with others. There would surely be many herbal gatherers on Dayan Mountain. When the time came, he could just ask if he encountered any.
Mu Xue? Li Xin did not expect that Yao Mu Xue was actually waiting for him ahead. However, in an instant, he realized that Yao Mu Xue must be concerned that he would not recognize the medicinal herbs, which is why she accompanied him.
Modern warfare strategy occupies only a small part, with the primary focus still being on the theory of weaponry. However, in ancient times, strategy occupied a much larger portion, while weaponry was of lesser importance. Matters such as how to march, how to set up camp, the number of cavalry and infantry, the amount of supplies, daily consumption, weather predictions, how to charge the enemy, and how to employ strategies are all meticulously recorded in the "Chang Gong Military Book." There is even a training method called "Tiger and Leopard Cavalry" mentioned, though it is unclear who Chang Gong was. In any case, the records captivated Li Xin. The Li Gao family also possessed an unknown number of military texts, ranging from the most basic concepts to the most systematic military knowledge, from which Li Xin was able to gain insights. Although this was merely theoretical discussion, as long as Li Xin has the opportunity in the future to apply theory to practice, with his talents and the various knowledge stored in his mind, becoming a renowned general is likely just a matter of time.
Li Xin answered the call, and Zhang opened his mouth wide, staring at Master Yao. He did not understand anything about medicinal herbs, let alone what kind of herbs to collect. Master Yao snorted coldly, casually tossed a piece of paper, pointed to the street across, and said: "You may leave now. Remember, there are plenty of medicinal herbs on Dayan Mountain in the west of the city, and you must not damage their medicinal properties"
The next morning, after practicing martial arts, Li Xin went to the Yao's pharmacy at the East Gate, where he met the owner, Master Yao. Upon seeing Li Xin, Master Yao merely snorted coldly and instructed his apprentice to throw a背篓 (basket) and a采药锄 (herb-picking hoe) to Li Xin, directing him to leave the city to gather herbs
I never expected that such a small place as Shouyang would have such beautiful scenery. The atmosphere in the carriage was quite awkward, and Li Xin could only gaze at the landscape outside Shouyang City. This body was inherently foolish, having lived in Shouyang City for over a decade without ever venturing outside the city. Although Li Xin's previous life had taken him to many places, the modern environment had been largely destroyed. Even those that had become tourist attractions were mostly artificial, crowded with people, and lacked the fresh air present at this moment. The wonders of nature made Li Xin nod repeatedly. He felt that although the transportation and living conditions in this era were poor, he preferred living in this time.
"Perhaps! I must learn my father's medical skills to help more people," Yao Muxue nodded, smiling, yet still gazed into the distance at a group of cavalry. At this moment, the two could only see the retreating figures of the cavalry. However, Li Xin could tell that the direction they were heading was also towards Dayan Mountain, which gave him an ominous feeling.
Everyone has different abilities. She may be able to ride horses and gallop across the world, but you can save lives and heal the wounded. Perhaps she envies you very much!" Li Xin said with a smile. He was also quite curious; the place of Shouyang was not well-known in the Great Sui. Although there were powerful families like the Li and Liu clans, they were merely local landlords compared to the Five Surnames and Seven Clans. The woman he had just seen clearly came from a noble background, not an ordinary person. He wondered how she ended up in such a small place as Shouyang. He was also quite curious; the place of Shouyang was not well-known in the Great Sui. Although there were powerful families like the Li and Liu clans, they were merely local landlords compared to the Five Surnames and Seven Clans. The woman he had just seen clearly came from a noble background, not an ordinary person. He wondered how she ended up in such a small place as Shouyang.
After half a month, Li Xin finally made a complete recovery. When Master Yao Dong removed the bandages from Li Xin's back, revealing his white skin, he couldn't help but marvel at the fact that there wasn't even a trace left.
Mother, if a man cannot protect even a woman and a child, what great enterprise can he undertake? Moreover, at this time, the Liu family is proposing marriage to Uncle Yao; do you not find that strange, Mother?" Li Xin's eyes gleamed with cold light as he coldly snorted: "I have offended the madam, and for half a month, I have not seen any sign of them; can she endure this? I suspect that this is perhaps her scheme. What kind of people are the Liu family? They bully men and dominate women, having committed all sorts of misdeeds in Shouyang. Furthermore, at this time, the Liu family is proposing marriage to Uncle Yao; do you not find that strange, Mother?" Li Xin's eyes gleamed with cold light as he coldly snorted: "I have offended the madam, and for half a month, I have not seen any sign of them; can she endure this? I suspect that this is perhaps her scheme. What kind of people are the Liu family? They bully men and dominate women, having committed all sorts of misdeeds in Shouyang. Years ago, Liu Mingji had ill intentions towards Mu Xue; if it were not for the child, Mu Xue would probably have grass growing on her grave by now. Mu Xue can marry anyone, but she absolutely cannot marry into the Liu family.
"Yes, miss," Ma Sanbao replied with his head lowered, his gaze devoid of any dissatisfaction
"Brother Li, what are you looking at?" Yao Muxue said curiously as she gazed out the window, "Oh! What a remarkable heroine." Yao Muxue looked at the woman riding by, her words tinged with a hint of envy.
"Xiner, it would be best if you could recover, but it's just Mu Xue!" Li Gaoshi said with some difficulty
To Li Gaoshi, he said: "Sanlang's constitution is remarkable; I originally thought there would surely be some traces left on him, but it seems that there are actually no traces at all. Quite impressive, indeed."
"Rest assured, Miss, my young master has already returned to Hedong, and I believe he will certainly be of assistance to the Duke of the State. " The young man said with a hint of pride, "Among those in the court, who doesn't love money? The Chai family may lack other resources, but we certainly have plenty of money. Once my young master takes action and buys off more officials, even if Yu Wenshu intends to frame Duke Tang, he will have to think twice."
Thank you, Uncle Yao. Li Xin clenched his fists, jumped down from the bed, and began to stretch his body, the sound of his bones cracking resonating, feeling extremely refreshed
Ma Sanbao, remember this. The Chai family is the Chai family, and the Li family is the Li family. Although I, Li Xiuning, am a daughter, I am capable of doing things just like a son. As long as we find a way to sell weapons and provisions to the Turkic people through the Yuwen family, even the emperor will not show favoritism towards the Yuwen family. " Li Xiuning cast a slightly dissatisfied glance at the young man.
"That is a good relationship." Li Xin felt a surge of emotion in his heart, realizing that the girl must have been worried about his unfamiliarity with the medicinal herbs, which is why she found an excuse to help him. He glanced gratefully at her, while also pondering the intentions of Master Yao. Is this support for him, or does she have other thoughts in mind?
"What if it doesn't work out?" Li Gaoshi sighed and said, "The world is vast, and there are many beautiful people. Until you possess absolute power, any beautiful woman will become the object of others' covetousness. Do you understand the principle of bearing the burden of beauty?" Li Gaoshi advised.
Oh, Father." Yao Muxue looked at Li Xin with some reluctance before leaving with a heavy heart
Li Xin was about to speak when suddenly a series of hoofbeats echoed from a distance. He leaned forward and looked into the distance, where he saw several riders galloping towards him at great speed. Soon, they arrived right in front of Li Xin, and at the forefront was a beautiful woman dressed in yellow. Beside her was a robust man and several young women dressed as maidservants. The beautiful woman had eyes like lightning, which made her appear even more heroic and spirited. In her left hand, she held a long sword, exuding the demeanor of a female hero. The maidservants behind her all wielded long swords, and some even carried long bows on their backs. The robust man at the front gripped a large knife at his waist, his eyes sharp as he constantly surveyed the surroundings, as if wary of a sudden attack on the woman in front of him.
"Brother Li, the pharmacy is still short of some medicinal herbs, just in time for you to join me," said Yao Muxue, dressed in a youthful outfit, her face beaming with a smile as she raised a small herb hoe in her hand. "Don't underestimate me! I've been with my father since I was little, and I know many medicinal herbs!"
However, when he reached the street, he realized something was amiss. In the distance, he spotted a young and handsome man, also dressed in blue attire, but appearing as a young boy. He had a basket on his back and was holding a small medicinal hoe in his hand
Dayan Mountain is not far from Shouyang. Yao Muxue, concerned about Li Xin's health, chose an ox cart, and the two of them swayed gently towards Dayan Mountain
"Liu family? Liu Mingji? Is he not that dandy, the sole heir of the Liu family?" Li Xin thought of the situation of the Liu family and sneered, "Is it possible that Master Yao would marry Mu Xue to the Liu family?"
Ah, I have heard that the Liu family is preparing to propose marriage to Master Yao. I am afraid!" said Li Gao with some concern.
During this period, Li Xin has been quite relaxed. Master Yao occasionally comes to tend to him, using very fine medicinal materials. Although he still lectures Li Xin and insists that he help gather herbs after he recovers, he takes good care of him. Even Yao Muxue assists the Li family with Master Yao's tacit approval.
Li Xin silently flipped through the military texts of Chang Gong, absorbing the knowledge like a sponge. This was his first systematic reading of military books in both his past and present lives. He had quite a few battles in his mind, and comparing the two allowed him to grasp a lot. Although he could not remember every word, he clearly retained the concepts discussed within.