Chapter 0008: The Calamus and the Charlatan in Zhang Mu's Eyes
However, the sweet flag is indeed a spirit of heaven and earth, with the divine being the primary agent in healing.
The child heard that the herb Acorus calamus, when consumed for ten months, can aid digestion. After two months, it can eliminate cold ailments. After three months, it can cure all diseases. By the fourth year, one will have abundant vitality. In five years, the bone marrow will be replenished. After six years, the complexion will be radiant, resembling that of a youth. In seven years, the hair will turn white and then return to black. After eight years, lost teeth will regrow. In nine years, the skin will be smooth and supple. After ten years, the face will resemble a peach blossom. In eleven years, the bones will be light. By twelve years, one will become a true immortal, living a long life in the world, with a countenance like a lotus flower, able to command all spirits, free from evil influences, and forever free from calamities. This herb, when consumed by the great immortal, leads to ascension, yet the world remains unaware of it. Those who obtain it will calm the heart, enhance energy, strengthen willpower, and replenish essence, with hair and beard remaining black. If one can persist in its consumption, they will ensure eternal life. At this point, Zhang Bairen looked at Zhang's mother and said, "If we can obtain Acorus calamus, we can help mother prolong her life and maintain eternal youth."
Zhang Bairen was taken aback upon hearing this: "This is not what the child said, but what Bian Que said to Liu Gen."
Zhang Bairen began to feel a bit of a headache, not being in that bustling place, and at a young age, he was unable to accomplish anything well
Zhang Mu looked at Zhang Bairen, then went outside to tend to the fire. Zhang Bairen slowly opened the book in his hands, which stated: "Acorus calamus can treat miasma and seasonal wind diseases, can kill roundworms in the stomach, can treat strokes, paralysis of the hands and feet, weakness and debilitation, as well as various wind-related ailments affecting the waist and legs, hemiplegia, numbness in the hands and feet, paralysis from wind, the five labors and seven injuries, hemorrhoids, eye dryness and foot pain, abdominal disorders, whether diarrhea or dysentery. Such ailments can be effectively treated, and with continued use, the root cause can be permanently eliminated. It also treats postpartum blood fainting in women, heart rush, red and white discharge, and is linked to fatal outcomes for women suffering from postpartum blood fainting..."
Sigh! Mother Zhang gently sighed and said, "You are still young, do not recklessly associate with people, lest you be deceived by those charlatans, who are always spouting nonsense, fooling others and causing harm. If it leads to families being torn apart, that would indeed be a grave sin."
There is indeed a medicinal pill that might be worth trying, but the calamus is hard to find, especially in this bitterly cold land. However, the stationed troops must have communication with the Central Plains, so perhaps we should consider seeking a solution from the stationed troops.
Zhang's mother was taken aback and said: "Who claims that calamus has such miraculous effects? Although people regard calamus as a medicinal herb, my son’s words seem somewhat exaggerated! Do not indulge in wild fantasies."
"Hmph, what is so good about the Central Plains? You have an emperor controlling you, and countless corrupt officials exploiting you. There is rampant bullying and no rule of law. How can it compare to the freedom of the frontier? Although it may not be as prosperous as the Central Plains, it offers a sense of ease. There is no one to impose restrictions on you, what is wrong with that?" Mother Zhang glared at Zhang Bairen and said, "In any case, you are not allowed to have such thoughts again. Tomorrow, I will arrange for you to be betrothed to the maid from your Uncle Zhang's family, so you can marry and have children as soon as possible, to continue the family line."
The immortal reveres the Dao, possesses a pure and harmonious nature, and regards medicine as fundamental. The fragrant plant is abundant, the cattail is universal, and the essence is spiritual. It can widely alleviate various ailments, prolong life, enhance vitality, and maintain youthful appearance.
Zhang Bairen had a rough guess about his current location, which was likely in the northeastern provinces of the later generations, specifically in the regions of the three northeastern provinces and Inner Mongolia. However, he could not ascertain the exact location, though it was certainly closest to Hebei.
Moreover, the food during the Sui and Tang dynasties was not very clean. Over the past three to four years, Zhang Bairen felt certain that he had developed roundworms in his stomach
"No, this is what the book says." Seeing the inexplicable severity in Zhang's mother's eyes, Zhang Bairen was momentarily taken aback
What is the imperial army doing here in the frontier? This is something Zhang Bairen should understand as soon as possible
This elixir was popularized during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty. At that time, Emperor Wu was focused on seeking immortal formulas, searching for wise individuals and virtuous men throughout the realm. It was during this period that Lü Louyun submitted a memorial: "In the past, the Central Scatter Official Dongfang Shuo was an immortal during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. He only revered and took the herb calamus. I humbly request Your Majesty to follow his example." The Liang ruler emulated this and took it, resulting in the elimination of all ailments and an enhancement of intelligence and clarity.
This is a record from Taoist classics, merely a deification of the efficacy of the Acorus calamus pill
"Elixir." Zhang Bairen pondered to himself what kind of elixir he should refine. Many elixirs were unsuitable for him due to his young age, and the remote areas beyond the pass made it impossible to find the necessary ingredients. Even if he understood the art of alchemy, it would still be difficult to successfully refine them.
As the sky gradually darkened, Zhang Bairen set down his chopsticks, tidied up the bowls and chopsticks, let out a soft sigh, lit the dim oil lamp, and stared blankly at the books in front of him
To refine this sweet flag, both the harvesting and the refining processes are closely guarded secrets. This plant is rare in the northern regions; if one were to hire someone to gather the herbs, would it not risk revealing the formula for the elixir
In a previous life, there existed a type of elixir known as "Acorus Magical Response Pill." Acorus belongs to the water category, representing the essence of water, a divine herb of immortals, and a precious formula of great sages. Since the Song Dynasty, it has been consumed by wandering hermits and recluses.
"You little rascal, don't overthink it," Zhang's mother shot a glance at Zhang Bairen.
"Acorus?" Zhang's mother was taken aback for a moment, then said: "I have heard of it, why do you ask this?"
This also serves as a reminder to Zhang Bairen that in the future, he must keep matters hidden from Zhang's mother.
Mother, have you ever heard of the calamus?" Zhang Bairen looked at his mother across from him.
"Mother, why do you say this? The child speaks of the sweet flag, is it not for the good of the mother, to fulfill a filial duty for her?" Zhang Bairen quickly rushed over to act cute
Compared to those who are illiterate, one's own mother is more reliable
In the dim light of the candle, Zhang's mother did not know when she had arrived in front of Zhang Bairen. She quietly looked at him, and after a long while, she gently sighed: "Bairen, tell me, did you encounter any strange person or peculiar thing in the mountains the other day?"
Zhang's mother took the book, flipped through it briefly, and indeed found a mention of sweet flag. This book is a pharmacopoeia, so it is naturally not surprising that sweet flag is mentioned.
Mother Zhang had previously come into contact with some practitioners of the occult, who spent their days engaging in supernatural antics and exaggerating their abilities; they were nothing more than petty thieves and charlatans. You must not emulate the ways of those practitioners.
The child understands. Zhang Bairen strives to make himself a bit more obedient
Mother has nothing left now, only you remain. If you were to leave me as well, I truly would not be able to go on... Two lines of clear tears slid down Zhang's mother's face
The desolate and harsh lands beyond the Great Wall are regarded by the people of the Central Plains as the domain of the barbarians. However, a court army has secretly infiltrated these lands, establishing a moderately sized earthen fort right under the noses of the Turks, clearly intending to prepare for the long term. Moreover, the Turkish forces have yet to encircle them, merely sending people to harass, which seems rather strange. Zhang Bairen was gnawing on tree bark... No, it was chicken bones, harboring suspicions.
"At your young age, how could you possibly know about the sweet flag?" Mother Zhang's eyes scrutinized Zhang Bairen; although still gentle, there was a hint of coldness in that gentleness
As the saying goes, those who do not plan for the future will inevitably face immediate troubles. The harsh winds and cold in this frontier region are severe, and given my current frail condition, it is essential to make preparations early
However, the calamus grass should not be consumed indiscriminately; it requires a specific refining process. This method of refinement is a closely guarded secret, yet coincidentally, Zhang Bairen is aware of it
Where on earth am I!" Zhang Bairen sighed weakly. Although he had heard from the villagers that this place was in Hebei, his mother possessed an extraordinary temperament and outstanding beauty, clearly not a woman of ordinary family. Moreover, she was well-versed in the classics, which further confirmed her exceptional nature.
The sweet flag indeed has some utility; in the future, I will see if there are any available for exchange at the market said Mother Zhang
Zhang Bairen secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, then pretended to be indifferent and said: "The child just finds the calamus grass intriguing and wants to give it a try!"
Zhang Bairen sighed inwardly, realizing that even if the calamus grass was obtained, without knowledge of the preparation method, its medicinal efficacy would surely diminish, rendering his efforts in vain
Zhang Bairen secretly smiled wryly, fortunately, he had prepared in advance. Before mentioning the calamus, he had already done his homework; otherwise, today would have been a great trouble. Faced with his mother's questioning, how should he respond?
In the future, matters concerning the sweet flag must be conducted in secrecy, and the practice of cultivation cannot be mentioned even in the slightest. Observing my mother's demeanor today, she seems somewhat off. Zhang Bairen closed the book, silently shut his eyes, and began to contemplate the four methods of incantation.
"Mother, are we to remain forever outside the gates?" Zhang Bairen looked at his mother, contemplating his journey to the Sui Dynasty. If he were to spend his life outside, it would indeed be absurd. In the future, during the conflict between the Sui and Tang dynasties, heroes would emerge in abundance. Moreover, with the divine path looming above, there would inevitably be differences from true history. If Zhang Bairen were to end his days here, he would never be willing to accept it.
After speaking, Mother Zhang ignored Zhang Bairen and turned to leave the room, going outside to tidy up her things
"Why does mother say that?" Zhang Bairen exclaimed in astonishment as he opened his eyes