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After handing over all the evidence, Zheng Nanle was free of any trouble.
She wandered aimlessly through the capital city, occasionally doing good deeds by catching thieves or rescuing teenagers being bullied by street thugs.
Old Master Lu couldn't stand it, so he took her to his side and started teaching her as his apprentice.
In this life, one needs to have something to do. If you're idle all day, you'll become useless.
Zheng Nanle, wearing a white coat, sat next to Old Master Lu. After taking her pulse, Old Master Lu took Zheng Nanle's pulse as well, and then told her what kind of pulse it was, how to identify it, what disease it could diagnose, what prescription to give, and why he prescribed such a prescription.
Grandpa Lu taught him very quickly, and Zheng Nanle learned by rote memorization. Grandpa Lu stroked his beard, feeling a sense of satisfaction and pride that even a piece of rotten wood could be carved, feeling that he had found a clever and talented apprentice who had won his heart.
He boasted to Lu Guangbai, who came home every night, "Guangbai, your wife's talent is even better than yours back then. She can teach you once and never needs to be taught a second time. Her memory is amazing, she can remember everything she sees. I finally understand why those scholars in ancient times who could pass the imperial examinations, cultivate Taoism, and even become great doctors through self-study were all as smart as your wife."
Zheng Nanle and Lu Guangbai have already registered their marriage. Since then, Grandpa Lu has stopped calling Nanle by her name and has been calling her "granddaughter-in-law" every day, as if afraid that others wouldn't know he has a granddaughter-in-law.
Lu Guangbai gazed at Zheng Nanle with deep affection, his longing for their future husband-and-wife business growing even stronger.
He decided to hone his medical skills even further; he couldn't let his wife outdo him, could he? Tomorrow he would go and hone his skills with Master Pang, and see if he could learn his unique Qiankun Needle technique.
Zheng Nanle smiled shyly, feigning embarrassment.
A few days later, Old Master Lu couldn't boast anymore.
Zheng Nanle has a good memory, but he lacks true intelligence.
She only knows how to prescribe medicine according to existing prescriptions. If the patient's illness is slightly more complicated, she doesn't know how to add or subtract from the classic prescriptions.
In other words, she will only treat the exact same diseases he has treated, and will not treat any diseases he has not treated or any variations of diseases he has treated.
Rotten wood, dung walls, and a blockhead.
Grandpa Lu was so angry that he ate half a bowl less of rice.
Zheng Nanle remained silent and made a cup of chrysanthemum tea for Grandpa Lu.
"Guangbai," Old Master Lu looked at Lu Guangbai and sighed again and again. He was really embarrassed to say that his wife was not cut out for medicine.
Just two days ago, I praised him as a peerless genius, and now I've been proven wrong. I'm too ashamed to say anything.
"Grandpa, what's wrong?" Lu Guangbai asked, puzzled.
"It's alright." Grandpa Lu planned to teach her for a few more days, and if that didn't work, he would teach her to recognize herbs.
She has a good memory, recognizes all the medicines, and can always get the prescription filled correctly.
Before Grandpa Lu could implement Plan B, Grandpa Zhang's grandson came to invite them to Grandpa Zhang's funeral.
Grandpa Zhang committed suicide.
He broke Zhang Dezhu's limbs and made him kneel in front of his youngest son's grave, forcing him to kneel until he died. Then he committed suicide in front of his youngest son's and his wife's graves.
As the only known descendant of Old Master Zhang, this young man held the funeral on his behalf.
The authorities covered up Zhang's crimes by not revealing them. The evidence and artifacts he hid at the end played a significant role, but they didn't give him much face. They allowed his family to bury him themselves instead of paying tribute like other heroes and meritorious individuals.
Dressed in black, Old Master Lu gazed at Old Master Zhang's remains, feeling both sorrow and deep emotion.
He had sensed Old Zhang's suicidal intent beforehand, and sure enough, he died.
It's difficult to cure a disease by healing the mind; once the mind is dead, it's difficult to heal the body.
As expected, Old Master Lu remained relatively calm.
After seeing Old Master Zhang off on his final journey, Old Master Lu suddenly remembered something, "Where are Xiao Rong and Xiao Pei? Why didn't they come?"
Even if the bonds formed in the cowshed were shallow, wouldn't they be enough for them to come and see the deceased off on their final journey?
Zheng Nanle thought to himself, "They died even earlier than Old Zhang. If they come, that would be a truly terrifying event."
Old Master Lu was a little angry. "It's one thing that we lost contact with Xiao Rong and Xiao Pei as soon as they returned to the capital, but they haven't shown up at all now."
As he spoke, he himself seemed somewhat disinterested, "Never mind, that's just how fate is between people."
When things are light, they're like smoke, easily dissipated by the wind; there's no need to be too sad.
Old Master Lu was heartbroken for two days, and then Zheng Nanle angered him so much that his heartbreak turned into raging fury. "His heart palpitations and anxiety are caused by insufficient qi and blood due to a lack of temper. Can you prescribe a calming and nourishing soup?"
"You need to strengthen your spleen, really strengthen your spleen! Try the modified Gui Pi Tang formula. Even a chicken pecking its pulse is better at it than you are..."
Grandpa Lu couldn't contain his temper and started scolding Zheng Nanle as if she were his grandson. He only realized halfway through his tirade that she wasn't his grandson, but his granddaughter-in-law.
He wiped his face, waved at Zheng Nanle, and said, "Go out, I need to calm down."
Zheng Nanle slunk out of the ward.
The patient complains of palpitations, heart palpitations, and insomnia. Aren't these all related to the heart? How can it be a problem with the spleen?
Also, the old man has a really bad temper, let's make him another cup of chrysanthemum tea.
After pondering for a long time in his room, Grandpa Lu decided to send his granddaughter-in-law to the pharmacy the next day.
He's been experiencing liver fire lately, so he needs to stay away from sources of heat.
However, his plan fell through. A soldier in grass green came to find her, and that night she said she had to go back to Anping County on a business trip and asked Lu Guangbai and Grandpa Lu if they wanted to go with her.
The purpose of going to Anping County was not for anything else, but to break the enemy's formation.
The Luotian Grand Ritual needs meritorious officials and meritorious citizens.
Old Master Lu did good deeds and accumulated virtue throughout his life. During times of national turmoil, he donated his family property, medicines, and prescriptions to support organizations. He must have accumulated a lot of merit. Lu Guangbai studied medicine from a young age and also benefited from the legacy of Old Master Lu and his martyr parents. He must have accumulated a lot of merit and can be considered a person of merit.
As for Zheng Nanle, he was undoubtedly a meritorious official.
She was not only promoted, but also transferred to the capital. Once the Dragon-Slaying Formation is broken, she will take office.
"Go." Old Master Lu made the decision decisively.
Returning to this place, I have to say, I actually miss it a bit.
Grandpa Lu promptly took leave.
Zheng Nanle reported the names of Old Master Lu and Lu Guangbai, and the higher-ups arranged for the tickets to be issued.
Zheng Nanle and Old Master Lu both had sleeper tickets, while Lu Guangbai had a seat ticket. Sleeper tickets required a certain status and rank to purchase, which Lu Guangbai did not qualify for, so he could only get a seat ticket.
However, the trains here are specially arranged, so there's no need to worry about unauthorized personnel coming and going; safety is relatively guaranteed.
The old leader didn't come. His work is so demanding, and safety is so important. He can't spare 49 days. He could spare one day, but with the six days for travel, it's impossible.
Finally, the fountain pen that the founding father used the longest was used as a replacement.
This pen has been used to approve countless official documents and issue countless orders, and in some respects, it is comparable to the Imperial Seal of the State in the past.
This is an alternative solution that Taoists developed after keeping up with the times.
The meritorious individuals who came were either semi-retired leaders or outstanding young talents favored by their superiors. The pillars of society did not come, for the same reason: they were too busy with work and could not spare the time.
There are many meritorious individuals from all walks of life, including model workers and industry leaders, as well as ordinary people who love to do good deeds and accumulate virtue.
Aside from those coming from the capital, only people from Anping County and its subordinate prefecture-level cities and provincial capitals came. The bigger the commotion, the easier it is to cause trouble, and the higher-ups don't intend to alarm the whole country.
Upon arrival, the troops drove trucks up the mountain. The troops had already built a road, allowing vehicles to drive directly to a location more than a mile away from the needle-shaped boulder.
The place was densely packed with tents for them to rest and stay overnight, while the Taoist priests had separate accommodations.
The supervisor guided them through the repairs according to the list, and the whole process was busy but orderly.
Zheng Nanle's family of three were assigned to one tent, as were other families who came together. Those who came alone were assigned according to gender.
Afterwards, other soldiers came and told them the locations of the mess hall, bathhouse, toilets, and office.
After they were all settled and familiar with their surroundings, the soldiers organized them to attend classes and taught them what to do at the Luotian Grand Ritual.
In fact, the main presiding persons of the Luotian Grand Ritual are the High Priest and the presiding person. The meritorious officials and meritorious people only need to follow behind them, listen to the conductor of the sutra and music troupe, kowtow or bow, and offer incense.
Taoist priests also came forward to teach them the kowtow and worship rituals, as well as the incense offering etiquette.
The people below learned with trepidation, afraid that they would fail and jeopardize the country's affairs. They would ask me how to cross their hands, whether to place their left hand on top of their right or right hand on top of their left when bowing. This made the Taoist priests who were instructing them on etiquette smile with delight.
He explained the key points one by one, and finally said: "It doesn't matter if the etiquette is not in accordance with the rules, the gods don't care about that. The only thing is that you must be devout."
The crowd below shouted, "Devoted! Devoted!" Some of the grandparents were so excited that they even spoke in their local accents, "We are the most devout!" This made everyone burst into laughter.
Having learned the basic procedures and etiquette, everyone gradually left the makeshift stage and returned to their respective tents.
Inside the tent, Zheng Nanle and the old man slept on either side, while Lu Guangbai slept in the middle. Lu Guangbai lowered his voice and asked Zheng Nanle, "Nanle, is this Luotian Grand Ceremony really effective?"
Lu Guangbai didn't really understand. In fact, apart from some senior leaders who knew the inside story, many meritorious officials and people who participated in this Luotian Grand Ceremony didn't know what the real purpose of this Luotian Grand Ceremony was.
The officials who invited them to the ceremony only told them that the country was preparing to hold a grand ritual to protect the country and its people, ensure peace and prosperity, ward off disasters and misfortunes, and pray for blessings and gratitude, and asked them if they were willing to contribute to the country.
Ordinary people have the most basic patriotism. When the country needs their help, they come without asking any questions, just packing their bags.
Some young people questioned why the authorities were holding such a grand Luotian ritual when they were supposed to be cracking down on feudal superstition. Weren't they afraid that feudal superstition would make a comeback and all their previous efforts would be wasted?
The leader who knew about it said that the matter was only circulating in a small circle, and that all participants would fill out a confidentiality agreement. He also said that metaphysics had been circulating in this land for thousands of years, while science had only been developing for a few decades. Some things could not be said or explained. Now, the higher authorities were promoting a far-reaching national policy, a major policy that could affect the country for decades to come. In order to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy and help the motherland take off, this grand Taoist ritual was held to pray for the country's well-being.
Whether we have faith or not, we can all work together.
If the Luo Tian Grand Ritual is effective, it will reach the ears of Heaven, and the gods will bestow their protection. If it is ineffective, performing this ritual will still strengthen the faith of those above and provide them with psychological comfort. Regardless of whether it is effective or not, it is still useful to those above.
In fact, the higher-ups also held a skeptical attitude towards the so-called Dragon-Slaying Formation.
The efforts and successes of generations of Chinese people have never had anything to do with gods, but rather with the hands and wisdom of the working people. If the dragon vein really has such a huge influence, then how come there are so many dynasties that have fallen, and why did Qin Shi Huang only last two generations?
However, the island party and the small group were very hopeful about this matter and sent so many people to guard the dragon-slaying formation, just to ensure that no one would discover it before it completely killed the dragon.
They believed that this year was the last year, and that even if someone discovered it after this year, it would be too late. They would stop at nothing to achieve this goal.
Previously, after Zheng Nanle and his group dug up the gold and silver treasures in the valley, a tomb keeper secretly buried another pile of gold and silver treasures in that place. After Zhang Lao, Pei Yirong Shu and others were exonerated and left, this place was still guarded. After the troops dug up the remaining gold and silver treasures, the tomb keeper tried to break through the troops' blockade and replenish the gold and silver treasures in the original place.
Even more outrageous and absurd was the story of how dozens of tomb keepers sacrificed themselves just to bring one person to the needle-shaped boulder to bury the body of an infant who had just been cut open from an eight-month pregnant belly. They then poured out corpse oil and yin corpse water to enhance the power of the dragon-slaying formation and completely sever the possibility of the dragon vein's revival.
The sheer madness, cruelty, and obsession of this group sent chills down the spines of those in power.
Between the battles of guns, business, and public opinion, the "Little Life" and "Island Party" have chosen the battle of superstition. Even if you don't believe in superstition, you still have to be wary of it.
The higher-ups decided to break the formation.
They may not believe it, but they cannot fail to disprove it.
The main point is: believe it or not, it will work; even if you don't believe, it's still for psychological comfort.
Zheng Nanle thought for a moment and said, "In the past, when emperors went to war, they would consult divination, or when they ascended the throne, they would offer sacrifices to their ancestors and the heavens and earth, mainly for a good omen and auspicious meaning, right?"
"And then there's getting married. You choose an auspicious day, go out to sea or river, and don't talk about 'turning over' or 'buttoning'. You can't hit your child or make them cry during the New Year. It's the same principle."
Lu Guangbai was easily persuaded.
Old Master Lu lowered his ears and muttered under his breath, "Wouldn't it be better to be at the Temple of Heaven? Emperors used to worship Heaven there. Why come to this godforsaken place?"
Zheng Nanle pretended not to hear.
Lu Guangbai heard this and thought it made a lot of sense, so he asked Zheng Nanle, "Nanle, why?"
Zheng Nanle thought for a moment and then made up a story: "Maybe there's a fairy cave here. If you offer sacrifices to the heavens at the place where the immortals ascended, you can get the immortal to say a few good words for you in front of the other gods and pull some strings."
Lu Guangbai and Old Master Lu: "..."
"Nonsense." Old Master Lu didn't want to listen to Zheng Nanle's nonsense, so he closed his eyes and said, "Stop talking, let's go to sleep."
The following day, the Luotian Grand Ritual officially began.
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