Chapter Twenty-Six: Strategy Is Still Necessary

The moment the old man declared his surname was Wei, Li Zisheng was instantly silenced. It had never crossed his mind that this man might very well be the Medicine King Wei, the very person he had longed to meet. Realizing this, even one as composed as Li Zisheng could not quell the excitement that rose within him. However, he also knew well not to act impulsively, so he continued to listen earnestly to the old man’s patient teachings, waiting for the right moment to inquire about what he truly wished to know.

The old man named Wei spoke in a calm, measured tone, and Li Zisheng listened attentively, the two—a senior and a youth—sharing a rare harmony.

Li Zisheng observed the old man before him, noting that though he spoke at length and with fervor, he now began to show signs of thirst, his voice growing a bit hoarse. Glancing at the sun, Li Zisheng realized that more than an hour had passed unnoticed; he felt a twinge of guilt for making the Medicine King Wei speak for so long without rest, especially as he himself had not anticipated this meeting and had brought neither food nor drink.

Seizing a lull as the old man paused to rest, Li Zisheng cast his gaze about the surrounding area, pondering what kind of plants or herbs might be nearby—ideally, something to quench thirst and refresh the spirit.

Of course, while this was in part to repay the old man’s kindness in sharing his wisdom, Li Zisheng was also subtly testing him: by offering a medicinal herb, he hoped to discern whether this elder was truly the Medicine King Wei or if he had misjudged entirely.

The terrain around them was not flat, so moisture gathered in the lake, lending the place a dampness and fostering abundant plant life. There were many wild fruits and edible plants growing along the lakeshore. Li Zisheng excused himself and began to search the nearby area.

Thanks to the proximity to the Yellow River, the water supply was plentiful, and the lakeside was lush with vegetation, making his search easy. After making a round, Li Zisheng found several edible options.

The old man truly seemed a bit tired. After Li Zisheng apologized, he too took a moment to rest, taking several deep breaths of the fresh air. Despite his fatigue, the old man showed no sign of impatience or weariness, and the troubled look on his face eased somewhat.

Li Zisheng chose a small, common wild fruit found near the Yellow River—the fruit of the paper mulberry tree. Though small and known by the rustic name “chushi zi,” it was quite palatable. Locals living by rivers and lakes would pluck a few whenever they felt parched, as the fruit not only relieved fatigue but also quenched thirst, making it a favored treat.

The paper mulberry itself is a remarkable plant. Even in previous dynasties, it was widely valued: its bark could be made into mulberry paper, its fruit and roots used in medicine, and its leaves fed to pigs—every part of the tree was useful.

If the old man recognized the fruit, it would not be surprising, for even common farmers knew it well. Yet doctors have a habit, formed over years, that is hard to break: when given a wild fruit, rather than eat it straightaway as a farmer might, they would examine it carefully and speak about its properties.

Li Zisheng’s guess was correct. When he offered the fruit to the old man, the latter showed no surprise at Li Zisheng’s resourcefulness, but launched directly into a discussion of its medicinal qualities.

What he described was what Li Zisheng already knew, but in even greater detail.

The old man explained the qualities of the paper mulberry from surface to root, speaking with relish about the fruit’s virtues, recalling that it had once saved many lives. Yet, because the plant was so common, the imperial court had never paid it much mind, dismissing it as a lowly weed unworthy of royal notice, let alone imperial favor. At this, the old man looked a touch embarrassed, coughed lightly, and said no more, turning instead to eat the fruit in his hand.

After listening, Li Zisheng was now certain of the old man’s identity. Without a doubt, this was the Medicine King Wei.

At this point, Li Zisheng was in no rush to speak his mind. He knew some things could not be forced, so he continued to present himself as before—a youth eager for knowledge.

The old man ate a few of the fruits, glanced at the sun, and remarked that it was nearly noon. He still had a handful of paper mulberry fruit left, which he pushed toward Li Zisheng, indicating that he should take the remainder.

Li Zisheng smiled slightly at the old man, knowing that what he was about to say would be crucial. Anyone with true talent cannot help but feel a fondness for others of talent and a desire to help them, just as this old man had freely shared the principles of calligraphy.

“Thank you, sir. I have already tasted the paper mulberry fruit. It is cool in nature and sweet to the taste—edible, but not to be consumed in excess, or it will be counterproductive and have adverse effects on the body.”

“Oh? Young man, you know the medicinal properties of the paper mulberry fruit?” At this, the old man’s face showed real curiosity, and for the first time, genuine doubt. He had merely come to the lakeside for a bit of air and, seeing a young boy practicing calligraphy, had offered some guidance—having seen hundreds of young scholars over the years, his intention was only to distract himself. Now, hearing the boy’s words, he was truly surprised. It was true that the fruit should not be eaten in large quantities, but knowing where that line was required experience. A few were fine, but more would not do.

That this boy knew even this was impressive enough, but to know the fruit was cool in nature—such knowledge could only come from one versed in medicinal theory.

“Sir, the fruit is indeed edible, but if processed together with the root of the mulberry tree, its therapeutic effects are greatly enhanced.”

“Oh? Young man, tell me more.”

Hearing that Li Zisheng did not answer his question directly, but instead spoke of the fruit’s uses, the old man was even more intrigued. He himself was well aware of the methods Li Zisheng described, but unless one had a solid foundation in medicine, he would never believe such words could come from the mouth of an eight-year-old.

“Sir, the properties of this fruit were long ago recorded in the Compendium of Noted Physicians. It treats impotence and dropsy, replenishes vital energy, nourishes the skin, and brightens the eyes. All fruits of shade-loving plants are cool in nature, and such foods must be eaten sparingly. I noticed, sir, that you too ate only one or two and then stopped, which is proof enough that you are well aware of this principle.”