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

Chapter 96 Making Dumplings in the Tang Dynasty!
"Young master, you know this too?" Princess Yuzhang asked, quite surprised.

Xiao Ran already knew that the group members were princesses, but he didn't reveal it.

Now it's all out in the open.

It's not surprising that people know Li Lizhi's identity as Princess Yuzhang; what's surprising is that they know about Changsun Chong.

Xiao Ran had only been in Chang'an for a short time and had no contact with nobles of Changsun Chong's rank.

Aside from Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao, this was because Xiao Ran occasionally met Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong while fishing; otherwise, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet them.

"I've heard of it." Xiao Ran said, slightly embarrassed.

"So, it seems this marriage isn't quite right for my elder sister!" Princess Yuzhang murmured to herself, glancing at Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran looked at Sun Simiao and said, "Grandpa, I saw this kind of knowledge in an ancient book before."

"Actually, many people carry diseases, but some people will pass them on to the next generation while others will not."

"People who are closely related by blood often carry the same diseases, and after they get married, the probability of these diseases manifesting in their children increases significantly."

Sun Simiao nodded; Xiao Ran had made things much clearer now.

After listening, Sun Simiao tapped his withered fingers lightly on his knees, and after a long while, he sighed, "Young master's words have cleared up my doubts of many years."

Sun Simiao looked up at the deformed child, his tone full of compassion: "In all my years of medical practice, I have seen too many cases of women suffering from difficult childbirth and children born with diseases."

“Some children are born with incomplete limbs, some cough and wheeze incessantly before they are even a year old, and some are mentally challenged… In the past, we just thought it was ‘fate’ or that they caught a cold during pregnancy. But now that I think about it, many of them are actually from families that are already related.”

"Take gynecology for example. Women who are married to close relatives are 30% more likely to have premature births or difficult births than women from ordinary families."

"This is especially true in pediatrics. Seven or eight out of ten children born with illnesses have parents who are cousins."

Sun Simiao stroked his long beard, his eyes darkening. "I originally thought it was a coincidence, or that something went wrong. But now, after hearing what you said, young master, I realize that it's because our bloodlines are too close, bringing those 'hidden illnesses' together."

Princess Yuzhang turned pale upon hearing this. Sun Simiao's words were even more alarming than Xiao Ran's explanation—these were the experiences that a physician had accumulated from countless cases.

Sun Simiao turned to Xiao Ran, his tone solemn: "If the whole world could know the truth of what you've said, young man, how many children would suffer less? How many women would endure less torment?"

He paused, then looked at the child's mother, "But in this world, marriages are mostly arranged by parents, and marriages between cousins ​​are even more common, so I'm afraid it will be difficult..."

His words contained regret, worry, and the profound weight of a doctor who has witnessed countless sufferings.

Princess Yuzhang was intelligent and quick-witted, and she knew the importance of this matter.

It's not just about Li Lizhi, but about the Tang Dynasty.

If consanguineous marriage is prohibited, the survival rate of the children will be much higher.

The Tang Dynasty is currently short of manpower, which is crucial for the development of its national strength.

Xiao Ran didn't expect Princess Yuzhang to bring up the matter, nor did he want Sun Simiao to do so.

The most suitable person for this matter is Li Lizhi herself.

Xiao Ran felt that Li Lizhi couldn't possibly be indifferent to these things. Even if she didn't care about her own health and the increased risks during childbirth, she still had to consider the health of her child.

Xiao Ran wrote a letter to Li Lizhi, telling her that he and his cousin were close relatives and could not get married.

Xiao Ran also mentioned the dangers of consanguineous marriage.

Give the letter to Princess Yuzhang and ask her to take it back with her.

Li Lizhi had been preoccupied with something before, probably because of this incident.

It all depends on what Li Lizhi does.

Princess Yuzhang knew exactly what was in the letter. She returned to the palace and took Shishuang and the two little princesses to the Lizheng Hall.

There was no mention of consanguineous marriage.

Li Lizhi went to see him alone.

Li Lizhi passed the time by writing and painting in her palace.

I also want to go to Kaolao Village, but I can't go too often.

Upon seeing Princess Yuzhang arrive, Li Lizhi put down her pen and exclaimed, "Sixth Sister, you're back!"

"Yes, elder sister, this is a letter from your young master."

Li Lizhi quickly got up and took the letter; Xiao Ran didn't have much time to write it.

I'm curious what's going on.

Upon opening the envelope, she found the handwriting still crooked and messy. Li Lizhi didn't find it ugly; rather, she found it amusing.

Li Lizhi's expression changed as she read the letter, only then realizing that Princess Yuzhang had not left.

"Sixth Sister, are you also aware of the matter of incest?"

Princess Yuzhang did not hide anything, "It was only today, when the venerable Master Sun Simiao was treating a child, that we started talking about it."

Princess Yuzhang explained the situation.

"Young master actually knows about cousin too!" Li Lizhi also found it strange.

"By the way, Sixth Sister, have you told Mother and Grandfather about this?"

"This matter is of great importance, but it hasn't happened yet!"

Li Lizhi nodded, then looked at Xiao Ran's letter again, "Close relatives cannot marry."

Even if Li Lizhi didn't want to get married, she had to consider the bigger picture.

They didn't want to put Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun in a difficult position, nor did they want to embarrass the Zhangsun family. Now it seems they have an excuse.

Li Lizhi became more and more excited as she thought about it.

"Sixth Sister, let's not talk about this for now. I'll ask the young master tomorrow and then tell Grandpa and Grandma."

“Okay, sister, don’t worry,” Princess Yuzhang replied.

The next day, Li Lizhi made an excuse, saying it was about coal, and went to Kaolao Village with Princess Yuzhang and two maids.

They wouldn't normally come together, but this time it's special.

Xiao Ran and Zhang Erya were both stunned for a moment.

Upon seeing Li Lizhi get out of the car, Xiao Ran knew it must be because of the matter of close relatives.

This time we're just here for fun, so we didn't ask anyone to scrape the persimmon frost off it, because there's not much of it.

"Young master, I'd like to ask about the hereditary disease." Li Lizhi was also direct.

"Fifth Sister, you can say whatever you want."

"This matter is very important, but the old man's explanation is not convincing. How can I persuade others?"

Li Lizhi needed to persuade not only Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun, but also all the civil and military officials.

As long as the imperial court prohibits marriage between close relatives, then the marriage between Li Lizhi and Changsun Chong can be legally dissolved.

You don't have to worry about being gossiped about.

They could even use this incident as a case study to prohibit consanguineous marriage among ordinary people.

The idea of ​​marriage between close relatives has a long history, and many people are unwilling to accept the fact that close relatives cannot marry in the short term.

Case studies are needed to enhance persuasiveness.

Li Lizhi thought for a long time but couldn't find a satisfactory solution.

"This is easy to handle!"

Li Lizhi was delighted, "Please enlighten me, young master!"

"I wouldn't presume to offer advice. Fifth Sister can have someone investigate the mortality rates of children born from consanguineous marriages versus those born from non-consanguineous marriages. The difference will be obvious then."

“A little more investigation will make it more convincing.” Li Lizhi’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, young man!”

I think this method is very good.

When these results were presented to Li Shimin, Li Lizhi believed that her father-in-law would not remain indifferent.

From the perspective of national strength, at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, population was the core of supporting agricultural production and military service.

Consanguineous marriages result in high rates of birth defects and infant mortality, directly hindering population growth—every unhealthy child represents a loss to the family's workforce and the nation's potential population.

Li Shimin deeply understood that "the people are the foundation of the state." A large population means sufficient tax revenue and a large pool of soldiers. Reducing the reproductive risks associated with consanguineous marriages is equivalent to increasing the population survival rate from the source, which perfectly aligns with his goal of recuperating and strengthening the nation.

As a politician, Li Shimin was adept at using the imperial family as a benchmark to guide public opinion. He would not miss any opportunity to promote such matters concerning the foundation of the country from the top down.

From a long-term institutional perspective, Li Shimin himself possessed the courage to reform old customs.

Although consanguineous marriage was a common practice at the time to "strengthen kinship," it was essentially a means for powerful clans and nobles to consolidate their power, and it may not have been in the overall interest of the country.

If consanguineous marriage could be prohibited in the name of "benefiting the country and the people," it would not only weaken the deeply entrenched power of aristocratic families formed through marriage alliances, but also establish the court's image of "valuing the people's livelihood and avoiding bad habits," further strengthening centralized power—which was precisely one of Li Shimin's core demands for rule.

Of course, he won't achieve it overnight.

It is highly likely that renowned physicians such as Sun Simiao would first compile case studies and corroborate the harms, and then promote the policy starting with the royal family and nobles through court discussions and imperial edicts, gradually spreading it to the common people.

After all, the old custom of "arranged marriages by parents and cousins" was deeply rooted. But as long as this matter could truly increase the population and strengthen the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin, with his foresight and decisiveness, would surely push it forward.

With the marriage issue resolved, Li Lizhi was in a good mood.

It was restored to its previous state.

Instead of rushing back, he stayed at Xiao Ran's house to play.

Xiao Ran took out some flour and prepared to roll out the dough for making dumplings.

As for the meat filling, Xiao Ran chose venison.

This is quite delicate; the three little girls can't eat too much bear meat.

With the seasonings, Xiao Ran's meat filling tasted pretty good.

Xiao Ran placed the items on the table in the living room.

Everyone was completely bewildered.

This includes Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, Zhang Jinhe, and Zhang Erya.

"Young master, what is this?" Li Lizhi saw a lump of flour and a bowl of meat, which looked raw.

"Let's make dumplings!" Xiao Ran said. "It's very simple."

Xiao Ran demonstrated for the group, and Sun Simiao and the three little girls next to him also curiously came over.

I watched as Xiao Ran rolled out the dough and made a dumpling.

Sun Simiao, Li Lizhi, and Princess Yuzhang exclaimed in unison, "Laowan!"

"Huh?" Xiao Ran had never heard of it before. "Is that what the Tang Dynasty is called?"

Sun Simiao stroked his beard. "The origin of Laowan can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is said to have been created by Zhang Zhongjing, the Sage of Medicine."

“It was the dead of winter when Zhang Zhongjing saw that the people’s ears were frostbitten. So he wrapped mutton, dogwood and other warming ingredients in dough, shaped them into ears, cooked them and distributed them to the people. They were called ‘jiao’er’, which had both therapeutic and warming effects.”

"This is the prototype of Laowan, which originally existed as a medicinal food."

Xiao Ran realized that this was what it was called during the Tang Dynasty.

Xiao Ran thought the name "laowan" sounded unpleasant, so he said, "Mine is different, but it's a similar thing."

"Young master, what's the difference between this and a prison?" Princess Yuzhang asked.

"It tastes even better, doesn't it!" Xiao Ran was very confident, feeling that his minced meat was far superior to the prisoner's meat of this era.

Several people believed Xiao Ran when he said that.

Xiao Ran's culinary skills were unmatched in the Tang Dynasty.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang were both clever and quick learners.

Although they had never done this kind of work before, it didn't stop them from learning it in no time.

Cheng Tiehuan was not idle either; she was in charge of rolling out the dough.

Li Wu wanted to help, but realized he couldn't join in the fun.

Because the three little girls also wanted to participate.

The little princess studied very diligently, and compared to the others, she put in more meat.

"Sizi, there's too much! We'll spill some!" Li Lizhi reminded her younger sister.

"You're so good, Seven Ducks!" the little princess exclaimed, "Give Little Nangjun more Youyou!"

Hearing the little princess say that, Xiao Ran also laughed.

Everyone else is pretty much the same.

The little princess from Chengyang and the third-year-old are also learning to do it quite well, except that the little princess's is bigger than the others'.

The dough is pretty much the same, the main difference is that the little princess bun has more filling.

Xiao Ran realized that he wasn't needed, and Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya quickly followed suit.

So he simply brought over the brazier. Coal still had a strange smell, so Xiao Ran used charcoal to burn.

We put the pot directly on top of the pot in the living room to cook dumplings.

When he started cooking, Xiao Ran also prepared vinegar so that they could dip the food in it later.

Xiao Ran quickly scooped the dumplings out and placed them on a large plate. "These are cooked and ready to eat."

"I want seven!" The little princess was the most enthusiastic.

"Okay, let's have Sizi try it first."

Xiao Ran picked up a round dumpling, rolled it gently in the vinegar dish, and coated the edges with a translucent, tangy aroma.

He blew on the dumpling repeatedly, tested its temperature with his fingertips, and then carefully brought it to the little princess's lips: "Sizi, be careful, don't burn yourself."

The little princess tilted her head back, leaned in, gently blew on it, and took a small bite. The fresh and smooth venison filling, mixed with the slight sourness of vinegar, exploded on her tongue.

Her big, watery eyes suddenly widened, her little cheeks puffed out as she chewed, and she mumbled indistinctly, "Wow~ so good~"

Seeing the little princess's reaction, Li Lizhi and the others knew it wouldn't be bad.

"Fifth Sister, Jinniang, you should try some too, it tastes better hot now." Xiao Ran fed Princess Chengyang and Third Sister.

Her reaction was similar to that of the little princess.

Princess Yuzhang took a bite and looked on with enjoyment. "It smells so good. I never expected that this venison would be prepared in such a special way."

They had all tried the "laowan" (a type of dumpling), but found it far inferior to Xiao Ran's dumplings.

They both thought these were two separate items.

Sun Simiao picked up a dumpling, first brought it close to his nose to smell it, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then slowly put it into his mouth.

He chewed slowly and carefully, and only put down his chopsticks after a long while. He stroked his long beard and sighed, "This flavor truly deserves the word 'harmony'. Venison is warm in nature and is usually greasy, but this wrapper is just right, and the vinegar sauce helps to cut through the richness. The sour and fragrant flavors complement the freshness of the meat, creating a refreshing and smooth taste."

Sun Simiao looked at the filling on the table and said, "Ordinary 'laowan' (a type of dumpling) is mostly for filling the stomach or has a strong medicinal flavor, but young master's method shows skill in 'freshness' and 'harmony'."

"The meat is chopped finely but not mushy, the seasoning is evenly mixed but not mixed, and even the dough is rolled out to the right thickness, so that it is chewy but not hard when cooked. Such food is not only pleasing to the taste buds but also gentle on the spleen and stomach. It is truly 'delicious beyond taste and nourishing without causing stagnation'."

After saying that, he picked up another one and said with a smile, "I have been practicing medicine for many years and have seen many methods of using food to supplement treatment, but I have rarely seen such exquisite ways of making ordinary ingredients. These 'dumplings' have more of a touch of culinary ingenuity than those dumplings. They are rare, truly rare."

(End of this chapter)