The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

Tang Youyou stayed up all night, sketching patterns and calculating data on paper by the dim light of an oil lamp. Before her time travel, she had watched a documentary about ancient water conservancy projects, and one clip kept flashing through her mind: a structure called a "stacked beam arch" could span longer distances and be more stable. Although the documentary only briefly mentioned it, Tang Youyou, drawing on her understanding of modern mechanics, began to try to apply the concept to her current predicament. She calculated the required timber sizes, angles, and arrangements, gradually transforming the vague concept in her mind into a concrete plan.

At daybreak, Craftsman Zhao arrived at Tang Youyou's door. He wanted to persuade Tang Youyou not to overwork herself, but he saw her working at her desk through the window. The table was covered with drawings. He gently opened the door and walked in. "Madam, you didn't sleep all night?" Craftsman Zhao asked with concern.

Tang Youyou raised her head, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Master Zhao, I think I've found a way!" She pointed to the blueprint on the table and explained to Master Zhao the principle of the "stacked beam arch" and the specific construction method. Master Zhao was confused at first, but as Tang Youyou explained, the confusion on his face gradually gave way to surprise. He studied the blueprint carefully, exclaiming in admiration. "Brilliant! Brilliant! Madam, you are so clever! Why didn't I think of this method?"

After repeated deliberation and calculation, Craftsman Zhao confirmed that this plan was completely feasible. He excitedly shook Tang Youyou's hand, "Madam, you are truly our savior! With this method, we will definitely be able to overcome this problem!"

The news quickly reached Liu Zhubu's ears. He hurried over, and after listening to Tang Youyou's explanation, he couldn't help but applaud. "Madam, you are truly as capable as any man! Your admiration for you is like a torrent of water, endless and unending!" He immediately stated that he would report the plan to the county magistrate and do his best to gain more support for the project.

Excited beyond words, Craftsman Zhao immediately gathered the craftsmen and prepared to begin the new construction plan. Villagers also rushed over, watching curiously. Liao Daming, who had previously lost confidence in Tang Youyou, couldn't help but stop and watch when he saw this novel structure, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

In the distance, Ma Xiucai was hurrying over, clutching a thick tome. Seeing the crowd gathering from afar, he quickened his pace and excitedly called out, "Madam, I found some ancient books. Perhaps..." He suddenly stopped, staring at the strange structure he was building, his mouth wide open in surprise, "This...this is..."

Ma Xiucai's exclamation attracted everyone's attention. He quickly walked over to Tang Youyou, pointed at the "stacked beam arch" structure being built, and said excitedly, "Madam, this... could this be the legendary 'stacked beam flying' technique? I've seen similar records in ancient books, but they were only fragmentary and vague. I didn't expect to see it with my own eyes today!"

Tang Youyou smiled slightly. Of course, she didn't know what "Stacked Beams and Flying Bridges" was. It was just a makeshift solution she came up with based on modern mechanics and ancient architectural styles. But she didn't point it out. She just said modestly, "I've gained a little bit, a little bit, but it still needs to be tested in practice."

Off to the side, Liu Youcai's face turned pale. He'd been waiting to see Tang Youyou make a fool of herself, planning to buy out the villagers' land at a low price after the project failed. Now, seeing this novel structure and the excitement on everyone's faces, he realized he'd missed out. If he'd known this would happen, he should have supported Tang Youyou. Now, not only had he missed out on a chance to make money, he might have also offended the county government. It was truly a loss! He stamped his foot in frustration and turned away, his back looking particularly desolate.

Liao Daming stood at the edge of the crowd, his brow furrowed. He had previously led the opposition to Tang Youyou, but now that the project seemed to be taking a turn for the better, he began to waver. He walked over to Craftsman Zhao and whispered, "Craftsman Zhao, can this... can this thing really work?"

Craftsman Zhao was directing the construction of a stacked-beam arch when he heard Liao Daming's question. He paused, pointed at the structure taking shape, and said confidently, "Brother Liao, look at this structure. It's so interconnected and so solid. It's definitely a hundred times stronger than the previous plan! Madam is truly an expert!"

Liao Daming looked at the exquisite structure, and the doubts in his heart gradually dissipated, but he still refused to give in easily, "Huh, who knows, we have to wait and see the final result..." Although he said this, his tone was obviously much softer, and his eyes revealed a hint of expectation.

Seeing Liao Daming's attitude soften, Ma Xiucai seized the opportunity, approached him, and enthusiastically explained the principles of the "stacked beam arch" and its records in ancient books. He quoted from classics and spoke eloquently, making this novel structure seem magical, as if it were some long-lost secret technique.

After hearing Ma Xiucai's explanation, some villagers who had been on the sidelines began to become interested in Tang Youyou's plan. They gathered around, carefully observing the "stacked beam arch" being built, and discussed it.

"This... this really looks like that!"

"Yeah, this structure is really clever, maybe it will work!"

"If this really works, then Madam Tang is truly amazing!"

Some voices of support gradually rose from the crowd, and a relieved smile appeared on Tang Youyou's face. She knew that it would take time and effort to completely change the attitude of the villagers.

As the sun sets, the sky turns a golden red. The main structure of the stacked-beam arch is complete. From a distance, it resembles an exquisite bridge spanning the stream.

Ma Xiucai stood high up, watching the villagers gradually gather. He took a deep breath and said loudly, "Fellow villagers! Today, we have witnessed a miracle! Madam Tang, with her extraordinary wisdom, has solved a problem that has troubled us for days! This 'stacked beam arch' is the best proof!" He pointed at the towering structure and said passionately, "This is not just a bridge, it is a bridge of hope for our future!"

Ma Xiucai talked endlessly about the wonders of the "stacked beam arch" and how Tang Youyou cleverly applied the principles of mechanics to turn the seemingly impossible into reality. He quoted from classics and other sources, praising Tang Youyou's achievements to the skies.

However, the villagers' reaction was not as enthusiastic as he had expected. Some villagers whispered to each other, with doubtful looks on their faces.

"Is this true? Mr. Liu said before that this woman doesn't understand engineering at all and can only give blind orders." A villager muttered in a low voice.

"That's right. The previous plan was designed by Craftsman Zhao. Now that it has been replaced with this thing, who knows if it will work." Another villager echoed.

The rumors spread by Liu Youcai took root in the hearts of the villagers like a cancer. Even after witnessing the miracle of the "stacked beam arch" with their own eyes, they still had doubts.

Liao Daming stood in the crowd, his brow furrowed. Although he had changed his mind about Tang Youyou's plan, years of experience had taught him that one shouldn't jump to conclusions about anything. He walked over to Ma Xiucai and whispered, "Ma Xiucai, this 'stacked beam arch' looks quite strong, but can it withstand the impact of a flood?"

Ma Xiucai replied confidently, "Brother Liao, don't worry! This stacked-beam arch structure is extremely stable. Even the biggest flood won't be able to damage it!"

Liao Daming was still skeptical. He shook his head and said nothing more.

Tang Youyou saw all of this and knew that in order to successfully carry out the project, she had to completely win the trust of the villagers. She walked to the center of the crowd and said loudly, "Fellow villagers, I know you still have doubts in your hearts, but please believe me, I will do my best to protect our home!"

Her sincere eyes swept over every villager, and her tone was firm and powerful. Some villagers were moved by her sincerity and began to waver.

Just then, a stranger appeared at the village entrance. He was wearing a coarse linen shirt and a bamboo hat, so his features couldn't be seen. He silently watched the movements in the village, his eyes deep and mysterious.

After the stranger arrived in the village, he walked straight to Tang Youyou's home. Tang Youyou was confused. Who was this stranger? What was his purpose in coming here?

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a long shadow on the stranger. He walked up to Tang Youyou and took off his bamboo hat, revealing a weathered face. He smiled slightly and said, "Madam Tang, I've long heard of your name. I'm Mr. Mo, and this is Madam Lin."