The first Taoist priest of the Tang Dynasty

Zhong Wen began to direct his father to come again, Zhong Mugen didn't say anything, and directly used a big wooden spoon to scoop freshly boiled beans from the cauldron into the pottery vat, Xiu carried the porridge he usually used at home The earthenware pot contained the gypsum water prepared by Zhong Wen, which was poured while Zhong Wen stirred.

"Father, mother, it's all right, as long as you let it sit for a short period of time, the tofu flower is ready. You can taste it later. When the soy milk becomes tofu flower, you can put it in the cloth on this shelf. Press it with a wooden board for a while, and the tofu can be shaped."

Zhong Wen was so busy that he was sweating profusely, even the parents next to him were the same. Xiao Hua had nothing to do, she couldn't do much except light the fire.

"Xiaowen, what to do with the leftover beans?"

Zhong Mugen stood by and listened to Zhong Wen's words, but he didn't know what to do with the soaked beans.

"Aniang, after breakfast, steam all these beans, and then leave them for ten days and half a month to let the beans ferment and become moldy, so that they can be made into bean paste or soy sauce."

Zhong Wen looked at the soybeans placed in a basket not far away, and explained casually. Zhong Mugen and his wife had to listen, but they didn't know the operation steps, and they couldn't make any suggestions.

Two quarters of an hour later, the soy milk in the pot had turned into tofu flowers. Zhong Wen took a small wooden spoon that he had made yesterday, dug a small piece, and tasted it.

"Father, mother, little sister, we will eat this tofu flower for breakfast today, with some salt, the taste is not bad."

After Zhong Wen tasted it, he took the other small spoons and handed them to his parents, Xiao Hua, so that they could also taste the taste of this bean curd flower.

Chapter 40 Magical Powers

"Xiaowen, is this tofu flower? It's delicious."

After trying the tofu flower show, she felt that the taste of this tofu was surprisingly good, perhaps because she had never eaten it before, which made her like it a little.

After Zhong Mugen scooped up a spoonful, he didn't eat any more, just tasted it, for fear of eating too much and wasting it, after all, in his heart, these were to be made into tofu, while the little flowers on one side were digging. One spoonful after another, I couldn't stop.

"Xiaohua, don't eat it for now. I'll have some tofu flower for breakfast. You can eat it later."

Zhong Wen went to the stove first, and began to use some salt, and some wild vegetables left over from yesterday, put them into the pot and started to boil them, chopped them up, and put some in each of the four bowls. After adding some salt, , carrying it to the open space, scooping up tofu flowers bowl by bowl.

"Father, mother, little sister, you guys have a taste, how does this bowl of bean curd taste?"

Zhong Wen, who prepared the salted tofu flower, shouted to his family. Then, he picked up a bowl by himself, scooped some with a wooden spoon and tasted it. It felt pretty good.

"Xiaowen, the taste of this tofu flower is even better after making it."

Xiu held a bowl of prepared salted tofu flower and ate it, squinting her eyes, looking at this son with a sense of pride in her heart, but Zhong Mugen didn't speak, but she was very happy in her heart, and Xiaohua, who had already There is no time to talk.

After breakfast, it should be regarded as breakfast. Everyone ate two or three bowls of tofu, and eating too much tofu would easily bloat the stomach. Then Zhong Mugen and his wife began to scoop out the tofu and put them in the cloth on the wooden stand. Finally, a wooden board was placed to hold it down, and a large stone was moved to squeeze out the water.

For the rest of the time, I could only wait for the water to be squeezed dry, and the tofu would be formed. After that, Xiu went to the stove to start steaming the rest of the beans.

"Xiaowen, after these beans are steamed, just let them dry? Isn't it bad if they are moldy? Then how can you eat them?"

Xiu didn't understand the production process of soybean paste, or rather, she didn't understand it. In her perception, as long as it was moldy food, there must be something wrong, and she would only eat it unless it was a last resort. But why should these good beans be steamed and used to mold, she was full of doubts in her heart.

"Aniang, after the beans get moldy, nothing will happen. It's just an ordinary fermentation process. Aniang, I can't explain it. There are still many ways in it. Let's take a look when the time comes."

It's really hard for Zhong Wen to explain this problem to his old mother, and he can't explain it clearly, let's do it first, and only after that day will he know the problem.

The steamed soybeans are packed in a basket and placed in the house to dry in the shade. Unfortunately, there is no wooden shelf in the house, otherwise, it would not need to occupy such a large space in the house.

"Father, Auntie, the water from the tofu has been drained and can be opened. After a while, I will cut some tofu for Daoist Li in the temple to taste. The gypsum at home is from Daoist Li. It needs to be delivered." Some tofu over."

Zhong Wen looked at the tofu that had drained a lot of water, and hurriedly called his parents to come over and remove the stone and so on, so that he could cut some tofu to return the favor in Guandao.

"It turns out that Xiaowen you asked Daoist Li for this gypsum? Then you have to send this tofu over quickly."

After listening to Zhong Wen's words, Xiu ran over in a hurry, and followed Zhong Mugen to lift the stone pressed down on the wooden board and come down.

"Is this tofu? It's white and tender, and I want to eat it just looking at it."

Xiu looked at the tofu after Zhong Wen uncovered the cloth, it was so tender that she wanted to eat a piece of it.

"Mother, father, after I finish cutting, I will cover it and press it again. Father, I need to move some stones to hold it down, squeeze out the water as much as possible, and then it can be baked into dry tofu, water tofu is the most It can only be stored for a day or two, and it will go bad after a long time, and it can be stored for a long time when it is made into dry tofu."

With a kitchen knife in his hand, Zhong Wen cut a large piece of tofu and put it into the basket Li Daochang gave him, talking in his mouth.

After Zhong Mugen heard this, he turned around and left, went to the side of the ditch, moved a few stones, and then covered it to press the tofu again. After the heavier weight was pressed on it, the water content of the water tofu would naturally squeeze out. When it comes out, it can be dried and made into dried tofu.

"Aniang, I'm going to Guanli to deliver tofu."

Zhong Wen was carrying the basket, and was about to deliver the first piece of water tofu to Li Daochang in the temple. This was what he had agreed with Li Daochang yesterday, and he must do it.

"Okay, Xiao Wen, go ahead, speak politely and respectfully."

Xiu listened to her son's words and confessed aloud. Zhong Wen nodded in response and walked towards the Taoist temple, but Xiao Hua didn't follow. Going to Guanli with Zhong Wen, looking at these tofu at home is much more interesting than going to Guanli.

"Lady, Xiaowen's idea is really good. In the future, Xiaowen will have a skill in our family, so we can rest assured."

When Zhong Wen went to the temple, Zhong Mugen spoke to Xiu aloud.

"Husband, Xiaowen has this skill, so we don't need to worry about it in the future, but Xiaohua."

Xiu looked at Xiaohua who had been standing beside the wooden frame, and was worried about Xiaohua's future. She really wanted to marry in the future, and her son had this skill, but Xiaohua couldn't learn it, although it was a long time ago Yes, but these are their own sons and daughters after all.

"Miss, Xiaowen and Xiaohua are still young, and Xiaowen said that he knows quite a lot, and he will definitely pass some on to Xiaohua when the time comes."

If my son is in pain, my daughter will also be in pain. Although my son is more important than my daughter, I still hope that Xiaowen and Xiaohua will grow up. After they get married, they will always have some skills. Just ask your own son.

In the eyes of the ancient people in the Tang Dynasty, all skills were basically passed on to men and not to women. They were afraid that this skill would be passed on to outsiders, and the son-in-law did not belong to his own family, so he would not pass it on to his daughter. Of course, If there is only one daughter in the family, then there is no other way. If there is a man in the family, it cannot be passed on to the daughter. Everything is based on the family, and stubborn people may not pass it on to both parties. It also makes some ancient skills why so many are lost, but not more developed.

Zhong Wen, carrying a basket, came to the temple. Although it was already afternoon, the people repairing the side hall were still busy. After Zhong Wen greeted him, he went to the residence of Daoist Li and the others.

"Hi, Daoist Li, this is my homemade tofu today, and I'll send it to you as soon as possible to have a try."

After Zhong Wen passed by, he happened to see Li Daochang limping out of the door.

"Little boy of the Zhong family, do you really know how to make tofu? Well, yes, it's tofu. Where did you learn it from?"

After Li Daochang saw Zhong Wen coming, he looked at the tofu in the basket, squeezed some tofu, put it in his mouth and tasted it.

"Li Daochang, this is what a white-bearded father-in-law I met before, and I just wrote it down, otherwise I wouldn't be able to make this tofu."

Zhong Wen didn't dare to say anything, so he could only pull out those white-bearded grandpas to block him again.

Li Daochang stared at Zhong Wen for a while, trying to see something on his face, but he still didn't see the five characters written on Zhong Wen's face, I lied to you.

"You can hunt wild rabbits and make tofu. How have you been doing at home recently? Although you are tenants in Guanli, you still have to focus on farming. However, making some tofu is fine. , As for what you said, I don't believe the old way. In the future, if you are free, come and chat with me, the old way. Let's talk. Although I don't eat much tofu, it tastes very good .”

After Li Daochang stared at Zhong Wen for a while, he finally spoke. As for whether he believed it or not, that was his business. Zhong Wen would not say much. It is better not to say.

"Thank you, Daoist Li. I will definitely come over to disturb Daoist Li when I'm free. However, can I trouble Daoist Li with something? My kitchen knife is about to run out. Can Daoist Li lend me a knife?"

When Zhong Wen's face came up, even a spear couldn't resist it. The plaster that he came to borrow yesterday, started to think about the knife again today.

"Here, take it. This is a good knife that I have been following for many years. Although I don't use it often, it is also sharp."

Li Daochang didn't have any other ideas, so he directly handed the knife to Zhong Wen from not far away, which made Zhong Wen very moved. Who said that Li Daochang wanted to collect money?No, it seems that I want it myself.

"Thank you, Daoist Li. However, Daoist Li is old. I would like to ask, what kind of words do these Daowen scriptures usually start with? And what do they end with? The Dao, the heaven, the earth, nature, and Wuwei in the Daowen scriptures, What do you mean?"

Zhong Wen finally asked what he wanted to ask the most. I don't know if Daoist Li will accept the Taoist essay he studied?If you don't accept it, it's not worth it. It took me so much energy and time to complete the combination.

"Oh? Little boy of the Zhong family, do you want to learn Taoism? Or do you listen to others? Between the Tao and the heaven and the earth, each has its own thing, and there is nothing to do..."

After Li Daochang heard Zhong Wen's question, he directly explained to Zhong Wen.

Li Daochang spoke slowly and rarely, but every word was heard in Zhong Wen's ears, as if suddenly enlightened, but he still didn't understand the difference between this Tao and heaven and earth, or what is the same.

After Li Daochang talked about his excitement, he pointed to a stool not far away and asked Zhong Wen to sit down and listen. Zhong Wen followed his words and listened quietly to Li Daochang's explanation.

Zhong Wen, who was originally here to deliver tofu, now acted like a student, listening to the teacher's explanation to resolve the doubts in his heart.

It wasn't until the sun was hanging above the mountain that Daoist Li gradually stopped. Looking at Zhong Wen with a puzzled expression and slightly closed eyes, he was suddenly curious. Could it be that when I was preaching, I could make a ten-year-old child sink into the world? in?

At this time, Zhong Wen, the Taoist text in his mind, started to arrange again to form another Taoist text. , but it is a difficult and difficult, obscure Taoist text.

Zhong Wen didn't hear Li Daochang's voice, but when he opened his eyes, he found Li Daochang's rosy face, which was about to come close to him.

"Thank you, Daoist Li, for clarifying the confusion. It's very useful for the kid. It's getting late now, and I have to go home for dinner. Daoist Li, I'm going back now. Thank you, Daoist Li."

Zhong Wen stood up from the stool and bowed to Daoist Li. It is necessary to show respect. Besides, without Daoist Li's big conversation just now, the Daoist text in his head would not have formed another sermon.

Afterwards, Zhong Wen raised his leg and left with the knife on the side, leaving Li Daochang with a confused expression on his face, but in Li Daochang's heart, it was strange that the little baby of the Zhong family looked like he had entered the Tao just now. , but he was not sure, after all, it was impossible for a ten-year-old kid, so he watched Zhong Wen leave without saying a word.

When Zhong Wen returned home, Hao Sheng explained to his parents that he was chatting with Li Daochang, and by the way learned that he borrowed a knife to bring back. Of course, there is no need for food replacement.

For dinner, of course it is tofu, stewed rabbit with tofu.

"The tofu made by Xiaowen is really good. My mother is full today."

This is the first time that Xiu can eat so full. In the past, other than gruel, there are wild vegetables. It is rare to have such an experience of eating a full stomach, and the taste is even comparable to that of Beggar Rabbit.

"Aniang, the tofu made by brother is delicious."

Xiao Hua, who was also full of food, did not dare to sit on the rock, so she could only stand aside and rub her belly.

Afterwards, the wooden frame placed on the open space was carried into the stove, and it would take until tomorrow to officially open it to make dried tofu. As for the cauldron, it had already been returned.

As night fell, the family of four returned to the house, lying on the thatched mat, muttering something in their mouths, talking about how about tofu, how about dried tofu, whether the bean paste is equally delicious, it was Zhong Wen. , as if asleep at this time.

In fact, Zhong Wen didn't fall asleep, he just closed his eyes and didn't speak, but in his mind, he was churning, a recombined Taoist essay, compared with the previous Taoist essay, each had its own meaning and had its own interpretation .

The Taoist texts that I have assembled before can only be regarded as ordinary scriptures, but after listening to Li Daochang's explanation today, the new Taoist texts rearranged and combined surprised Zhong Wen.

Although this Taoist text is unknown, Zhong Wen was caught in it at the very beginning, unable to extricate himself. Just reading the first paragraph would sink his mind into it, which made Zhong Wen seriously doubt the The origin of the text.

If it’s just an ordinary Taoist text, at most it’s just a book, but now, Zhong Wen finds that he only needs to read a short paragraph, and he can sink himself into it. Articles can make people sink in, and even make people feel happy physically and mentally after reading.

Zhong Wen only found the problem after reading a paragraph. Although his family members were still talking, he felt that his soul appeared in this room as if he could come out of his body. Zhong Wen with his eyes closed, like Being able to perceive everything around him the same way, so clear, so real, like a dream, yet illusory, this is what surprised Zhong Wen.

Chapter 41 Study

The recitation of Dao Wen surprised Zhong Wen, and it can be said that he was speechless. Although Zhong Wen did not speak at this time, the soft voices of his family members were so clear in his ears.

Zhong Wen was a little scared and nervous, so he hurriedly stopped studying this Taoist text, fearing that this Taoist text had some magical power, and he would trap himself in it and eventually make himself unable to wake up.

If there was a master to teach him, maybe at this time he would definitely give Zhong Wen a big mouth, and he lost such a great opportunity.

Zhong Wen, who opened his eyes, felt the reality. Everything that happened just now seemed so illusory.

Stretching out his hand, he touched the little flower beside him, feeling the heat radiating from his body, which made Zhong Wen's heart settle down.

The family didn't know that just now Zhong Wen had a wonderful experience, perhaps an indescribable experience, and was still talking there in a low voice, only Xiao Hua felt her brother touched her little hand, and then In short, Xiao Hua also moved towards Zhong Wen's side.

It was getting late, and the family of four fell asleep. When the sky outside lit up, Zhong Mugen and his wife got up and went to work in the field. This has not appeared in their farmland for several days, nor Know if weeds are denser in the field.

For Zhong Mugen and his wife, food is fundamental, and everything else is not so important.

After waking up, Zhong Wen, with Xiao Hua, was doing the gymnastics that he must do every day. By the way, he added some strength exercises, and today he added endurance running exercises.

Taking small steps around the open space, Xiaohua followed with her short legs, listening to Zhong Wen's explanation as he trotted ahead.

"Little sister, if you practice with brother for half a year or something, you will definitely increase your strength a lot, and you will be able to run faster and farther. When we go to the mountains and forests, we won't have to be afraid of any wild beasts."

Zhong Wen's explanation may be too pale, after all, the brothers and sisters are still too young, no matter how fast they are, can they be faster than the beast?It is impossible to think about it.

However, this matter is also a small temptation for Xiaohua. In the little person's heart, he hopes that he will be stronger, run faster, and help the family with some work, but it is not the same as it is now. , Every day, I appear to be weak.

"Brother, I will practice with you the next day. When I get stronger, I will carry a basket full of hares."

In Xiaohua's heart, it is actually very simple, that is, to eat. For her, this is simple and practical. Of course, everyone is like this.

"Okay, when you gain strength later, I will carry all the baskets for you."

Zhong Wen trotted ahead, echoing Xiao Hua, but this exercise is not so simple, it takes a long time of training to achieve the goal.

As for what kind of goal to achieve, Zhong Wen has no idea. The current training method may be too simple, but this is only the early stage, and the adaptive training will gradually increase and change in the future.

With food, meat, and salt at home, all of this will become easier. Before the stomach is full, everything is empty talk. Only when the stomach is full can there be changes.

Fortunately, my parents don't know what to say, and they will agree. Although they don't know what exercise is, for their children, they are willing to exercise their bodies. In their eyes, they must agree. Of course, this Zhong Wen also explained it to him, otherwise, it would not be like this.

After finishing the early morning exercise, Zhong Wen went to the kitchen and looked at the tofu made yesterday. There was still a lot of moisture. It seemed that he needed to suppress it for a while. It was estimated that it would be ready in the afternoon.

"Brother, what are you having for breakfast today? Do you still eat tofu?"

Xiaohua also likes tofu very much, and it can fill her stomach more. Tofu has the effect of filling the stomach.

"Little sister, I won't eat tofu today. These tofu are used to make dried tofu. Let's dig some wild vegetables and cook rabbit porridge later."

Zhong Wen doesn't want to eat tofu every day. People still need all kinds of food to supplement the nutrients needed by the body. They always eat in a single way, and there will always be something wrong with eating.

For breakfast, although it was porridge with wild vegetables and rabbit meat, Zhong Wen's cooking skills were praised by his family. Even Xiao Hua felt that the rabbit porridge made by his brother was more delicious than A Niang's.

"The food cooked by Xiaowen is still delicious. I'm afraid that Auntie will be compared by Xiaowen."

Xiu drank the porridge in the bowl, and every time she ate the meals made by Zhong Wen, she always had a big appetite. If there was more, she would definitely eat several big bowls.

"Yeah, Xiaowen's food is indeed better. You motherfucker, you won't be able to use it in the future, haha."

Zhong Mugen said this, teasing his wife.