Back to Chengdu 2

Even in the era of the Three Kingdoms, in the 3rd century, stirrups existed. This means the concept of a foot rest attached to the saddle existed. However, it was far from the commonly known form that firmly fixes both feet.

The stirrup known at that time was used on only one side. It was often used to mount the horse comfortably rather than to fix the foot for easier riding.

“Of course, I know about them.”

“That will make our conversation faster. I want to improve the stirrups.”

“Hmm… But aren’t stirrups used only by those who can’t ride horses well?”

That was the general perception. Of course, cavalry also used them for quick mounting and dismounting, but overall, the perception of stirrups was like a tool for beginners.

The simple idea of attaching stirrups on both sides and making them sturdy supports by manufacturing them with iron was an innovation that was only realized later, probably due to such fixed thinking.

This doesn’t mean that ancient people were foolish. Just as in the 21st century, which is said to have built a tower of intellectual achievement, people often don’t question things that are too commonplace, the ancients were the same.

‘This is why the modern person genius theory came about.’

Having knowledge of civilization that has been improved and developed by countless challengers who are engraved in history, or forgotten and not remembered. In that sense, the modern person genius theory had some truth to it.

Of course, knowing future knowledge and being able to apply it appropriately to the past are separate issues. However, stirrups didn’t require an underlying industrial infrastructure or advanced technology.

“From what I’ve heard, those Dongyi people called Goguryeo use iron stirrups.”

“Iron stirrups, you say?”

As the topic of iron, his specialty, came up, Pu Yuan showed a faint but clear interest on his otherwise impassive face.

“Yes. They attach stirrups on both sides and use them like footrests, and they say that even a child can use horse-riding skills comparable to the Xiongnu.”

Mentioning Goguryeo specifically wasn’t intended to elevate my past life ancestors and provide satisfying vindication for future nationalists.

If the stirrup was a kind of idea, it was a pure intention to preserve the intellectual property rights of its original owner.

‘They said proper iron stirrups were first invented by Goguryeo, right?’

In an era where fact-checking is no longer possible, my memory was the only evidence, but still.

Pu Yuan fell into deep thought at my words. He’s the legendary ironsmith Pu Yuan. I wonder what kind of inspiration he got from the topic I brought up.

I watched him silently to allow him to think calmly. Faster than expected, Pu Yuan emerged from his contemplation.

“It sounds quite good.”

I was about to explain the detailed form of the stirrup to Pu Yuan, but his words continued as if that wasn’t the end.

“The current stirrups are too short. To use them as footrests while riding, we need to increase the length. To fix them firmly to the saddle and prevent the foot from slipping out, a triangular shape would be good. It will make it much easier to balance.”

Pu Yuan poured out a long and detailed explanation. Du Zheng was looking at him with a surprised face, perhaps finding it strange that he was speaking so much. I probably had a similar expression to Du Zheng.

As if reading my thoughts, Pu Yuan not only recited what I was about to say on his own but also asked me a question.

“Is it really true that the Dongyi use this, not something you came up with yourself, General? In my opinion, if we change the stirrups like this, it doesn’t seem like a dream to match the Xiongnu as you said.”

“Ah, yes. I heard it’s from one of the Dongyi that has formed a proper state structure and has excellent iron-making technology.”

“Well, the world is indeed wide. I thought the barbarians’ other technologies might be inferior, but not their metallurgy.”

In fact, the production of stirrups doesn’t require extraordinary metallurgical skills. However, Pu Yuan seemed shocked just by the concept itself that he hadn’t thought of.

‘He’s Pu Yuan, a blacksmith who left his mark in history. It’s not strange that he properly recognizes the value of creativity.’

While Pu Yuan was amazed by Goguryeo’s technology and I was admiring Pu Yuan’s forward-thinking, Liu Xun, who had been quietly observing until now, asked:

“Will stirrups really have such a big effect?”

Right. This would be the general perception. It might have been different if it was Ma Dai, who is proficient in horses and horsemanship, but Liu Xun was not much different from a layman when it came to horse riding.

“Yes. I think stirrups are the very measure we can use to counter Cao Cao’s Tiger Cavalry. Master Pu Yuan, may I entrust you with the production of stirrups?”

“In my opinion, making them itself is a simple task. However, the process of finding the most suitable form will be difficult, so I’ll make a sample for you. After that, it should be sufficient to entrust it to other blacksmiths.”

“That was exactly what I was going to request.”

I smiled with joy and bowed politely with both hands to Pu Yuan, as he offered to do what I was about to ask for.

“No, I should be the one thanking you for giving me an enlightenment when I had fallen into arrogance.”

This was the end of the meeting with Pu Yuan. Befitting the best craftsman of Shu Han, Pu Yuan already had a lot of work piled up, and after Zhuge Liang selected him and gave him an official position, he was under special management.

Pu Yuan’s farewell was short and simple, without any grand gestures. And just before parting, he suddenly asked me:

“Ah, I heard that you use both spear and sword, General. Which one do you primarily handle?”

Who wouldn’t understand the meaning behind those words?

I carefully spoke, making sure not to smile too foolishly:

“I use the spear more often.”

§

As we came out after the meeting with Pu Yuan, Du Zheng spoke with an excited voice:

“It’s the first time I’ve known Master Pu Yuan to ask such a question first.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Even when I went with Wenlie to make a request, we barely received it. It seems Master Pu Yuan was greatly impressed by you, General.”

Even Liu Xun chimed in, gilding my face. Feeling a bit awkward, I shifted the subject away from Pu Yuan.

“By the way, who is this talented person you mentioned, Du Zheng?”

“Ah, that. First, please speak comfortably. I feel guilty hearing you use honorifics for me still. Please call me Wenlie.”

“Alright, I’ll do that. So, can you tell me about the person you’re recommending, Wenlie?”

At my question, we who had briefly stopped started walking again and began our conversation.

“The person I want to recommend is named Wang Si.”

“Wang Si…”

“Do you know of him?”

“He must be a namesake of the one serving as the lord’s private secretary?”

“Yes. He’s from the Jianwei Army of Yi Province.”

“I’m sorry. It’s a name I’m hearing for the first time.”

I thought I knew pretty much all the names of notable people, but to think there would be a name I didn’t know. Even the private secretary Wang Si was a name I learned in this life, not my past one.

Despite my answer, Du Zheng’s voice remained calm without any particular disappointment.

“That’s to be expected. He’s only slightly known in Zizhong County. But his abilities are real.”

“In what aspects is he outstanding?”

“He’s well-versed in both literary and martial arts, but Shengzong’s greatest strength would definitely be his virtue.”

Du Zheng added that Shengzong was Wang Si’s courtesy name.

Virtue. It’s an extremely comprehensive expression. Virtue encompasses everything from good deeds to the charm that leads people, and exemplary wholesome conduct.

Since it’s also what they look for in the local talent selection system of the time, Xiaolian, if Du Zheng’s words are true, he would eventually attain an official position even without me.

“I’d like to meet him.”

Although it was a brief encounter, Du Zheng seemed trustworthy. If he praises someone like that, they must be at least above average.

Hearing my muttering, Du Zheng seized the opportunity and spoke:

“Shall I send word?”

“How can I tell someone to come and go when seeking talent? You said Zizhong County in the Jianwei Army, right? I should go and see for myself.”

The more talent, the better. If Wang Si is really the talent Du Zheng says he is, what’s the big deal about going to see him in person? Even Liu Bei didn’t hesitate to visit Zhuge Liang three times to recruit him. How far could it be from Chengdu to Jianwei Army?

While Du Zheng has work to do, I’m free for the time being. It was fine to go around with Liu Xun.

So, promising to meet Du Zheng next time, I was preparing to depart for Zizhong County when I received unexpected news.

“My eldest brother?”

“Yes. The Lady is looking for you, General.”

The Lady Liu Xun was referring to was my mother. Although Zhang Bao, the eldest son, was my half-sibling, my mother treated the eldest son, who wasn’t much older than me, like her own child.

It was obvious that my mother would be very distressed to hear that Zhang Bao’s health had deteriorated again. Maybe this could be the last time. She must have called for me out of such anxiety.

But I remained calm.

‘My nephew hasn’t been born yet, has he?’

My nephew and Zhang Bao’s son, Zhang Shun, hasn’t been born yet.

Of course, the original history has already started flowing in a different direction, but Zhang Bao was a person who was one step away from that flow from the beginning.

‘There’s no particular reason for it to change, is there?’

However, expressing that outright was out of the question, so I decided to postpone going to Zizhong County for now.

“I should go right away. Huxian, I’m sorry but let’s put our journey on hold.”

“Of course. Please go quickly.”

At Zhang Bao’s house, all the other family members were already gathered. Zhang Suo, who holds an official position, was also standing by Zhang Fei’s side, and my mother and younger sister were staring at Zhang Bao with anxious eyes, unable to look away.

“You’ve come.”

As I entered, my father spoke without even turning around. A faint tremor was evident in his deep voice.

“How is my brother?”

“They say there won’t be any major problems if he eats well and rests thoroughly.”

Liu Bei, who cherished my father, even sent the physician who treated him. Although the medical technology of this era isn’t very good, someone of that level should be somewhat reliable. Isn’t this the era when Hua Tuo, who is still called the epitome of great physicians even after a thousand years, lived?

However, even as he said this, my father’s expression didn’t relax. The reason could be understood from his following words.

“But Bao can’t eat. Even when he eats porridge, he vomits it right away, so I’m worried.”

Zhang Bao’s complexion was not good. His cheeks were sunken, and his lips were dry, showing signs that he hadn’t eaten properly for days.

To be honest, I didn’t feel much closeness to Zhang Bao and Zhang Suo. It felt closer to the feeling of non-blood-related step-siblings brought by remarried parents rather than half-siblings.

But it seems I did have the thought that they were family after all. Seeing Zhang Bao’s haggard face, I felt a twinge in my heart.

Maybe this really is the last time.

If there’s a baby in my sister-in-law’s womb. If he was a posthumous child who lost his father before Zhang Shun was born.

I bit my lip as I examined Zhang Bao. Next to him was a bowl of porridge, probably what he had just been eating, and it looked like it was made only with white rice.

‘Did they make it with just white rice?’

In the 21st century where food is abundant, it might be different, but in the past, being able to eat white rice alone was quite a privilege. It’s bound to be popular as it tastes better and has a softer texture.

However, from a health perspective, it’s the opposite. The story of Japanese soldiers suffering from beriberi after eating only white rice is quite a well-known case.

‘What food is healthier than porridge and easier to eat?’

Excluding foods that were introduced only after modern times, among the well-known nutritious foods in modern times that are good for digestion, is there anything else but that?

‘Tofu.’

Among them, if it’s soft tofu, wouldn’t Zhang Bao be able to eat it easily?

‘I should make soft tofu.’