Volume 1, Chapter 20: Every Part of the Bamboo Is a Treasure

Lu Yang's second older sister, Lu Juhua, was the only daughter of his second uncle and had been prone to illness since childhood. Now that their second uncle had passed away, the young couple relied on each other, living a life of constant hardship.

Zhao Junming’s dark face flushed slightly. "Your second sister has a cold. I'm useless and can't even afford to take her to see a doctor, so I can only let her rest at home."

Lu Yang asked, "What kind of cold? Is it a heat-based or cold-based one?"

Zhao Junming scratched his head, wondering if the young village chief was actually capable of practicing medicine. Nevertheless, since Lu Yang had asked, he could only reply, "I don't know if it's cold or heat."

"If the phlegm and nasal discharge are thick, it’s usually a heat-based cold. If they are clear, it’s usually a cold-based one."

Zhao Junming’s eyes lit up, filled with surprise. "Young village chief, you... you really know medicine?"

"I know a little, I suppose. Tell me, what’s her condition?"

"Oh, it's thick phlegm and thick discharge, and she’s coughing severely. It breaks my heart just to watch her."

"Then that’s a heat-based cold." Lu Yang looked puzzled. "How do you handle the liquid that drips when you roast bamboo?"

Zhao Junming was equally puzzled. "That stuff is just water; what is there to handle? We just let it drain onto the ground."

A sense of inexplicable sorrow washed over Lu Yang. Bamboo is a treasure from root to tip. Its leaves, shavings, and inner membranes can all be used in medicine. In particular, fresh bamboo juice is often used to make medicine to clear heat, resolve phlegm, stop coughing, and relieve wheezing. These were things passed down by the older generation, known to many in the countryside. Alas, life was simply too hard, and there was no time to learn such knowledge. But then again, in this era, people barely had enough to eat; the struggle for survival was paramount—who had the time for such things?

"That stuff can cure your second sister's illness!"

Zhao Junming’s eyes widened, unable to believe it. "Young village chief, are you sure you mean the water that drips out while roasting bamboo?"

Lu Yang had to explain it on the spot. "Yes, it’s called fresh bamboo juice, and it has powerful heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. Not only that, but the shavings of the wild green-stem bamboo we have in our brigade can also be used as medicine. Furthermore, the leaves of this pale bamboo can be boiled to make a tea that heals mouth sores and prevents heatstroke. Come on, go back and get some fresh bamboo juice for her, and I’ll stop by to see her."

Lu Yang stood up and strode out, but Zhao Junming remained standing there in a daze for a long time. Could the young village chief be a mountain god? How could he know so much?

Their mountain area had three brigades, all rich in various types of bamboo: water bamboo, golden bamboo, green-stem bamboo, moso bamboo, pole-supporting bamboo, green-skin bamboo, hanging-thread bamboo, hemp bamboo, sweet dragon bamboo, green bamboo, thunder bamboo... Most of these had no use other than for firewood or building frames; only water bamboo could be used to weave mats, which was why it was the most abundant.

Bamboo liquid could cure illnesses? Bamboo leaf water could prevent heatstroke? His entire worldview had been turned upside down.

"Brother Zhao, don't just stand there, let's go!"

"Oh, right."

The two left the house, and Lu Yang, after a moment's thought, called out to Lu Yongchun. "Lu Erwa, carry the bamboo pole used for measuring land; I’m going to measure the fields while I’m at it."

Lu Yongchun, who had been busy boasting, hurried over with a bamboo pole. These poles were long and straight, each measuring one 'zhang'—about 3.3 meters. There were no long tape measures or surveying instruments in the village. In this era, even a long nylon rope was a luxury. Bamboo poles were the standard measuring tool.

"Young village chief, should I come along to record the data?" Lu Yongguo also ran over.

Lu Yang looked back at Lu Yongming and the others. "The house is the most important thing. You and Brother Yongming work on this side; I’ll just take Lu Erwa with me."

Lu Yongguo stood there, neither moving nor speaking, looking like a child being shooed away. Lu Yang smiled helplessly. "What? You're a grown man, do I need to give you a fruit candy to make you happy?"

Lu Yongchun and Zhao Junming burst into laughter, and Lu Yongguo’s face turned bright red. "It’s not that, young village chief! It’s just that the First Brigade is too far, and Lu Erwa doesn't know the way very well. I'm afraid he'll take you to the wrong place."

Lu Yang felt a bit conflicted. "But your help is really needed here, too."

Lu Xiugu walked over slowly. "Young village chief, I’m heading back that way now. Would you like me to take you to the First Brigade?"

Lu Xiugu belonged to the First Brigade, and since her father was the brigade leader, she knew the families and the terrain perfectly.

"That works. You come with me then."

In truth, Lu Yang had a favorable impression of Lu Xiugu. Firstly, he was tall, handsome, well-educated, and seemed like a man of responsibility. She, however, was shy by nature and not good at expressing her feelings, so she could only keep such thoughts in her heart. Besides, since Lu Yang had previously been headed to university, she never dared to hope he would stay for anyone. Now that he had stayed, she could no longer suppress her feelings and wanted to get closer to this young village chief. Even if she couldn't necessarily win his heart, at least there was hope.

Upon hearing his request, she blushed slightly and followed behind Lu Yang with her head bowed.

Watching the four of them walk away, Lu Yongguo scratched his head. " 'Follow me'? Hiss, did the young village chief's words make Sister Xiugu misunderstand something?"

People in this era were rather reserved about romance. Married people were fine, often cracking off-color jokes for fun, but unmarried young men and women were always very cautious with their words. For example, asking if someone had a boyfriend was usually phrased as "Are you following anyone?"

"The young village chief doesn't usually talk like that! Why is he so careless today?"

"Hiss, could it be that while deciding to stay, he also decided to find a wife in the village?"

"If that's the case, was this actually a test?"

In Lu Yongguo's view, Lu Yang’s words and actions were always ten steps ahead and meticulously planned. For instance, in the matter with Wang Youfu today, the young village chief must have known beforehand that the driver, Chen Jianguo, would help him, which is why he remained so unhurried.

"Hmm, the young village chief is the most handsome and capable man in our village, and Sister Xiugu is our village’s most beautiful and gentle woman. Hey, you have to admit, they are the best match; no one else would do."

He quickly ran back. "Hey, Brother Yongming, let me tell you something about the young village chief, but you mustn't tell anyone else."

Lu Yongming was also a bit captivated by this young village chief. If nothing else, his designs and drawings were enough to make him a master. "What is it?"

Lu Yongguo didn't really want to say it, but keeping such good news to himself felt like hiding a treasure he could only admire alone. "You have to swear first!"

"I swear, if I tell anyone, may I be struck by lightning!"

Lu Yongguo checked his surroundings and leaned into Lu Yongming’s ear. "The young village chief likes our village belle."

Village belle? Really? Lu Yongming blinked, taking a long time to process this. He didn't even know which question to ask first. "Who is the village belle?"

"Oh, you dummy. A school belle is the prettiest woman in a school, so the village belle is naturally the prettiest in the village."

Lu Yongming straightened up. Lu Xiugu was twenty years old this year; in this era, that was considered an "old maid." There were many suitors from nearby villages, and the matchmakers had worn out their shoes trying to propose for her. Yet, she had rejected them all, and people said she wanted to marry into the city.

"No wonder! So it turns out Xiugu likes the young village chief."

Lu Yongguo corrected him, "No, Brother Yongming, it’s the young village chief who likes the village belle."