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

Chapter 97: Data on Inbreeding!

The three little girls didn't join in making dumplings; each of them ate their small bowls with relish.

The three little girls thought it was fine to eat it plain, but they still followed the others and dipped it in vinegar.

Li Lizhi and the others did not try again and continued making dumplings.

The little princess tugged at Xiao Ran, "Little Nangjun~ Dip in white sugar seven~"

Xiao Ran was both amused and exasperated; this little oddball actually wanted to dip it in white sugar.

"Sizi, there's no way to eat it like this, it doesn't taste good at all." Xiao Ran can eat both sweet and savory rice dumplings, but he really can't accept dumplings dipped in white sugar.

"From now on, we'll dip the glutinous rice balls in white sugar," Xiao Ran said.

"Mmm-ah, mmm-ah~"

The little princess continued eating her dumplings.

"Young master, what are tangyuan?" Li Lizhi asked curiously.

Dumplings are indeed delicious, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what glutinous rice balls will taste like.

"Tangyuan are similar to dumplings, except the outer skin is made of glutinous rice and the inside is sweet."

Not only had Li Lizhi and Zhang Jinhe never heard of this name, but even Sun Simiao had never heard of it.

Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) only appeared in the Song Dynasty, so naturally people don't know that now.

Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, Zhang Jinhe, and Zhang Erya wrapped the dough very quickly, and Cheng Tiehuan rolled out the dough just as fast.

Xiao Ran was in charge of cooking.

The three little girls were in charge of eating.

Since no one else was eating, Sun Simiao felt embarrassed to eat any more.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang knew very well that the dough was not difficult to make; it was the meat filling that was difficult to prepare.

The Imperial Kitchen in the palace can't make this taste.

There were a lot of buns, but the princesses didn't eat much, so not all of them were cooked. Zhang Dalang hadn't returned from his work.

Ask Zhang Jinhe to take some back to Zhang Mingde.

The third sister prepared some to give to the two little princesses to take back, so that Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun could also try them.

If it's not cooked, you can leave it for a while longer.

If you leave it for too long after cooking, it will affect the taste.

Back at the Lizheng Hall, the little princess excitedly ran to Empress Zhangsun.

"Mother~ Seven cents~"

"Hmm?" Empress Zhangsun did not hear clearly.

"Mother, it's dumplings, and it's delicious." Princess Chengyang, being a little older, could express herself clearly.

"Mmm, mmm~ It's so good~" the little princess said with a smile.

"Dumplings!" Empress Zhangsun was also curious. Seeing the little princess like this, she was sure the dumplings were delicious.

Li Lizhi and Yuzhang, having already sat down, discussed the dumpling matter.

The food containers were all uncooked and neatly arranged.

Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, Zhang Jinhe, and the others are all skillful and made very beautiful bags.

“Mother, these are all wrapped up, but haven’t been cooked yet. They’ll be ready to eat after a little cooking,” Li Lizhi said.

"Mother, this is what I wrapped," Princess Chengyang said, pointing to a smaller one.

"Very good!" Empress Zhangsun smiled.

Princess Yuzhang had a stove prepared, as she wanted to cook and eat fresh.

Although she had eaten in the afternoon and was quite full, it doesn't affect the little princess's desire to try it again.

Li Lizhi cooked the first pot herself, and Li Shimin, having finished his work, returned to the Lizheng Hall.

"Ah-yes~" The little princess ran towards Li Shimin.

Li Shimin knelt down and picked up the little princess, "Sizi!"

"Grandpa~ Seven cents~"

Empress Zhangsun, Li Lizhi, and the others quickly stood up when they saw Li Shimin arrive.

"What is this?" Li Shimin couldn't hear clearly either.

"It's good seven~ It's also good two~" The little princess waved her little hand.

Li Shimin sat down and saw dumplings that had just been scooped out of the pot, as well as some that hadn't been cooked yet.

“Grandpa, this is a recipe taught by the young master. It’s delicious. Please try it.” Li Lizhi handed the chopsticks to Li Shimin.

"Mmm-hmm~" the little princess wholeheartedly agreed.

Li Shimin blew on it and took a small bite.

He paused for a moment, then exclaimed, "Wow, this meat is really delicious!"

Another one I've never eaten before.

Hehe~ It's duck, it's duck~

"Father, it's even better with vinegar." Princess Yuzhang placed the vinegar in front of Li Shimin.

Li Shimin took another bite and said, "It's really good, very delicious. Empress, you should also have some."

“Mother, please try it, we’ve already eaten,” Li Lizhi said.

"This kid eats better than the imperial palace." Li Shimin stopped eating and fed the little princess a bite.

"Send some over to His Majesty the Retired Emperor." Empress Zhangsun thought that Li Yuan would probably like it too.

"Yes, send some over after it's cooked." Li Shimin nodded and put down his chopsticks.

We didn't bring back much, so we could only really try some.

You can really eat your fill at Xiao Ran's house.

The two little princesses couldn't resist eating some.

After leaving Lizheng Hall, Li Lizhi immediately arranged for Yu Shu to investigate cases of consanguineous marriage.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang did not say anything, saying they wanted to investigate further before speaking.

Li Wu and Cheng Tiehuan wouldn't say anything, and as for the two little princesses, they didn't understand at all.

Qin Qiong happened to be at Cheng Yaojin's house when he heard that Xiao Ran had sent him something, so he didn't rush to leave.

When I opened the food box, the dumplings looked just like regular noodles when they were raw.

"It looks quite ordinary," Cheng Yaojin said with a smile. "I just wonder how it tastes."

"Grandpa, it'll be ready to eat after a quick boil, it's delicious." Cheng Tiehuan smiled, "It's been a long time since I've eaten this much."

"Quickly cook two, I'll have a taste too," Qin Qiong said without any hesitation.

There's no need for formalities between the two; they're practically half-brothers.

Both men initially joined the uprising at the end of the Sui Dynasty and served in Wagangzhai in their early years, becoming core combat forces under Li Mi.

After the destruction of Wagangzhai, they went to seek refuge with Wang Shichong. Dissatisfied with Wang Shichong's character, they eventually surrendered to the Tang Dynasty together and became important generals under Li Shimin.

From the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty to the unification wars of the Tang Dynasty, they fought side by side in a series of key battles, including defeating Song Jingang, Dou Jiande, and Liu Heita, and repeatedly covered for each other on the battlefield, entrusting each other with their lives.

The trust built amidst the clash of swords and the shadows forms a solid foundation for their relationship.

"Brother Qin, don't rush, I'll cook it right away!" Cheng Yaojin said without hesitation.

Tell Cheng Chumo and Cheng Tiehuan to prepare braziers and such.

Upon tasting the dumplings, both of them showed obvious enjoyment.

"Alas!" Qin Qiong sighed, "It's a pity there's not enough."

“Perhaps the young master doesn’t have many either,” Cheng Yaojin said.

"Grandpa, Uncle, the young master made a lot. We all ate our fill, and even saved some for the eldest son. Jinniang also took some back, as did the princesses..."

"What a pity we missed it!" Cheng Yaojin said with a smile, knowing that Xiao Ran wasn't a stingy person. If he were at Xiao Ran's house, he would have been well-fed.

They knew Xiao Ran's family was wealthy, otherwise Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong wouldn't have been able to eat so freely.

Ordinary families can't afford to feed people with that kind of appetite.

Cheng Chumo stared longingly for a long time before finally eating two.

There weren't many to begin with, not nearly enough for Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong to eat.

"I heard from Tiehuan that Kaolao Village is building roads. Brother Qin, do you want to go and help?"

"I'd better not, this old man..." Qin Qiong suddenly realized, "Since it's a business deal between the young master and Her Highness the princess, it's only right that I help out, isn't it?"

"Ah, yes, yes, we'll go tomorrow too. I can't eat any of the food at home, and my unfilial son is always idle. It'll be good for him to work!"

Qin Qiong nodded, "Call my eldest son too..."

Qin Huaidao had always wanted to find Xiao Ran.

However, since the princesses would visit every few days, Qin Huaidao and Cheng Chumo could no longer go.

Cheng Tiehuan was handpicked by Li Lizhi.

It's not appropriate for Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao to go.

They wouldn't be needed for protection.

……

The next day, several unfamiliar figures appeared among the group of practitioners.

Zhang Mingde was startled when he saw it.

Many people in Kaolao Village had seen Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin before, and Xiao Ran came here quite often when he was building his house.

I know he's unusual, but I don't know his specific identity.

Zhang Mingde knows!
Zhang Mingde walked over shakily, and Qin Qiong said with a smile, "Old man, you're here to help too!"

Qin Qiong didn't want anyone else to know.

Zhang Mingde understood immediately, "I'm too tired to work anymore, I just came to check on things..."

Soon someone told Zhang Jinhe about this, and Zhang Jinhe went to find Xiao Ran.

"Young master, the Duke of Ji has arrived!"

"Where is Uncle Qin?" Xiao Ran asked.

"Helping with road repairs..."

Xiao Ran took San Niang and Xiao Hei to see it, and they were both amused and exasperated.

"My two uncles, what brings you here!"

"Hahaha!" Cheng Yaojin laughed loudly, "I just had nothing better to do, so I came to lend a hand!"

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao smiled and looked at Xiao Ran as a greeting.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin went to see Sun Simiao for medical treatment.

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao were in a tough spot; they really had to help with the road repairs.

Upon entering the courtyard, one sees Sun Simiao organizing medicinal herbs.

Zhang Erya and Zhang Jinhe were also there.

"Old sir!" Cheng Yaojin walked over with a smile.

“Two generals!” Sun Simiao recognized Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin.

Sun Simiao did not actively seek to befriend powerful figures, but they all knew him.

When Sun Simiao heard that they had come to see a doctor, he did not refuse.

In Sun Simiao's eyes, there were no patients, and no difference between them.

Sun Simiao first took Cheng Yaojin's pulse, placing his fingertips on his wrist for a moment before releasing his hand and smiling: "General Cheng's physique is even more robust than that old locust tree at the village entrance."

Cheng Yaojin chuckled: "Old sir, you flatter me! I'm the kind of person who eats well and falls asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. What problems do I have?"

“It is this very spirit that nourishes people.” Sun Simiao stroked his beard and nodded, his gaze sweeping over the general’s strong arms. “General, your blood and energy are abundant and your muscles and bones are flexible. It’s just that you’ve been wielding a spear and staff for many years and your shoulders are slightly strained. In the future, don’t swing too fast. Slow down when you finish your swing. Apply a hot towel at night and you’ll be fine.”

He changed the subject, a hint of mockery in his eyes, "It's this easygoing and plump nature that's better than any tonic; you should keep it up."

Cheng Yaojin laughed even harder: "The old gentleman understands me best! What's the point of life if not to be comfortable and carefree?"

When it was Qin Qiong's turn, Sun Simiao's expression darkened. He carefully examined Qin Qiong's wrist with his fingertips, then looked at his eyelids, and pressed on his shoulders and waist. Although Qin Qiong did not make a sound, fine sweat beaded on his forehead.

After a long while, Sun Simiao finally released his grip and sighed, "General Qin's injuries were earned by risking his life on the tip of a spear."

Qin Qiong smiled wryly: "It's an old wound, nothing serious."

"How can it not be a problem?" Sun Simiao's tone became more serious. "Your old injury in your left arm aggravates the meridians, causing soreness and swelling on rainy days, which is due to stagnation of qi and blood. As for this area in your waist, you must have suffered a severe blunt force injury back then, and the tendons and bones have not fully returned to their original positions. It aches and hurts with the slightest exertion."

He picked up paper and pen, and while writing the prescription, he said, "I'll prescribe two doses of medicine for you, one for external application to promote blood circulation, and one for internal use to replenish qi and blood. The most important thing is that you must never push yourself too hard again—your body can't take any more strain."

He handed over the prescription, his eyes filled with pity: "General, you fought for the Tang Dynasty back then, now it's time for your body to rest. Rest for a while and take some medicine, although it can't completely cure the old wounds, it will at least reduce your suffering."

Qin Qiong took the prescription, his fingertips trembling slightly, and said in a low voice, "Thank you, sir."

Having fought for half his life, I've heard countless praises of his bravery, but few have offered such understanding and words of advice that touched my heart more deeply than any medicine.

The three chatted idly in the courtyard, and Zhang Erya brewed three cups of tea for them.

People of all ages enjoy drinking tea, and Xiao Ran's tea is quite unique, which is why many people like it.

It wasn't much; only some was given to Li Lizhi, and no one else received any.

If they come to my house, I can entertain them.

It wasn't until lunchtime that she remembered her two sons were still helping with road repairs, so she called them back for dinner.

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao are honest people who work very hard.

He was born into a military family, so he was strong and healthy and wouldn't dare to slack off.

As the eldest princess, it wouldn't be difficult for Li Lizhi to have someone investigate.

Li Lizhi received the investigation results within a day.

To make the data more convincing, one hundred couples were investigated from both close relatives and non-close relatives.

Upon seeing the results, Li Lizhi was also shocked, muttering to herself, "Shocking, shocking!"

These concrete data points are incredibly impactful.

Li Lizhi took a deep breath, her voice strained: "Of the 100 close relatives, 31 children were born with disabilities—some were missing fingers, some had deformed legs, and five were mentally challenged; only slightly more than half lived past their first birthday, the rest either died at birth or died suddenly when they were halfway through life..."

He paused, his fingertip tracing another line of text, his tone growing heavier: "And their mothers, thirty-seven of them suffered difficult childbirths, six of them didn't make it..."

Looking at the page about non-close relatives, Li Lizhi's throat tightened: "Of the same hundred couples, only four had deformed children, eighty-seven survived past their first birthday, and only eleven mothers suffered complications during childbirth. Not a single one lost their life..."

"How can this be considered 'marrying two families together'?"

She clenched the paper tightly, her knuckles turning white. "This is clearly a knife, hidden in the red silk dowry, cutting women's lives while gouging out children's bones!"

Li Lizhi knew that this matter could not be delayed and that Li Shimin needed to be informed as soon as possible.

Those who were previously married by close relatives cannot be separated from each other, and they cannot marry again in the future.

This was also a huge loss for the Tang Dynasty.

As evening approached, Li Shimin returned.

The two playful little princesses saw Li Lizhi and called out, "It's big sister!"

"Sister!"

"Mmm!" Li Lizhi nodded and walked towards Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun with the survey data in her arms.

Noticing that Li Lizhi's complexion was not quite right, Empress Zhangsun asked, "Girl, what's wrong?"

Li Lizhi sat down next to Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun. "Father, Mother suddenly learned in Kaolao Village that Old Master Sun and the young man were talking about how close relatives cannot marry..."

Li Lizhi also explained what close relatives are.

"At first, my daughter didn't believe it, so she didn't tell her parents right away..."

(End of this chapter)