Chapter 209 Five Poison Wine, Centipede
It’s true that the environment here looks ordinary, but to Du Ruo, who was born in the countryside, it is completely acceptable and even feels like his childhood life.
"It's not bad here. The surroundings are quite interesting."
The same is true for Xiang Yuanyuan. In fact, she also grew up in a similar environment, with the same ancient buildings, but the architectural styles are slightly different due to regional reasons.
Perhaps the only difference is that her winery is bigger and tidier.
Of course, the environment here is just as Xiang Yuanyuan said, it is not too bad, but if you have never lived in the countryside, it might be unbearable.
"Well, I'm glad you don't mind. Come and sit down. We should be ready to eat soon. My grandma is in there making the food."
As soon as Xiaoliang heard Xiang Yuanyuan say this, a smile immediately appeared on his face. In fact, not everyone who comes here can accept the environment here, and hearing a beautiful woman like Xiang Yuanyuan say this to him made him even happier.
As he spoke, Xiaoliang dragged over two bamboo chairs for Du Ruo and Xiang Yuanyuan to sit on, and he ran to a room at the side.
Neither of them sat down. Xiang Yuanyuan was looking around out of curiosity, while Du Ruo was glancing at the bamboo chair, fearing that he would break it by sitting on it.
"Oh, you're here. You must be hungry. The meal is just ready. Come and eat first."
Not long after, an old man who looked to be in his sixties or seventies came over with two plates of food in his hands.
Seeing the warm smiles on Du Ruo and Xiang Yuanyuan's faces, he put the food on the eight-immortals table and began to invite them to come over to eat, saying that the food was just ready. In fact, the food had been prepared long ago and had been kept there to be heated because he was afraid that the two would be hungry after the long journey.
The old man was wearing Miao clothes, but the clothes must have been worn for a long time and the color was light from washing. His white hair was tied up in a bun and his skin was a little dark. Although he looked old, he was in good spirits. His Mandarin was not standard, but it was still understandable.
You may say this place is poor or remote, but the people here are simple and honest. They just treat those who live here as guests and only want to treat them well.
There were not many dishes on the table, just a plate of boiled fish, stir-fried bacon with green peppers, a plate of water spinach, and a small dish of peanuts on the side.
The green and red peppers, with their oily sheen, look quite tempting.
Fortunately, there was a long bench next to the dining table, so Du Ruo sat down with peace of mind. However, the wooden bench creaked when he sat down.
"These are all home-cooked dishes. This is how life is in the countryside. Don't mind me. Would you like some wine? I brewed my own wine."
The old lady asked the two to sit down, then took out a glass bottle and a cup from the side. The wine in the glass bottle was brown, and it seemed that the old lady would drink some wine herself from time to time.
"Okay."
Xiang Yuanyuan spoke first. There was no other way. As a family that made medicinal liquor, it was difficult for them to refuse other medicinal liquors, especially this kind of liquor brewed by the Miao village. No matter what, she had to at least try it. It was her professional instinct.
"Haha, Liang boy, go get two cups."
The old lady was quite surprised that Yuanyuan was drinking, but she immediately smiled and asked Xiaoliang to get a cup.
The cups were brought over quickly, and the old lady filled them both with wine, but the glasses were a little small, apparently holding less than one or two ounces. Xiaoliang, who was standing by, just watched and apparently didn't drink.
"Grandma, we toast to you and thank you for your hospitality. We are sorry to have caused you any trouble."
Du Ruo raised his glass. If it was a regular homestay it would be fine, but in such an environment it was really a nuisance. Basic courtesy was still required. Xiang Yuanyuan on the side did not say anything either, but also raised his glass to express his gratitude to the old man.
"Okay, you're welcome, you're welcome, just be like at home."
The old lady waved her hands repeatedly on her face, and it was obvious that she was becoming more and more fond of Du Ruo and Xiang Yuanyuan.
"No~"
Xiang Yuanyuan couldn't wait to put the wine to her lips and took a sip, then raised her eyebrows, seeming a little surprised.
"Haha, this is home-brewed wine, passed down from generation to generation. The raw materials in it are poisonous, so you drink a little first, and then continue if you can drink it."
The old lady was not in a hurry to drink. She just looked at Xiang Yuanyuan with a smile. She also gave an explanation, but only said that it was poisonous, but she did not say what it was made of.
Even Xiaoliang looked at Xiang Yuanyuan with a smile.
"Well, centipedes, red ladybugs, camphor, scorpions, what else?"
Under the gaze of the old lady and Xiaoliang, Xiang Yuanyuan took another sip, then smacked her lips and began to talk about the raw materials for making wine.
After he finished speaking, he seemed a little uncertain. Then, in the shocked eyes of the two, he took another sip and continued:
"Oh, there are also blister beetles, grandma, this is the Five Poison Wine, it has a strong blood circulation ability and is very effective for rheumatism, but pregnant women can't drink it, drinking it can easily cause miscarriage."
"Ah? Kid, you are amazing. Have you ever drunk this wine before?"
The old lady was a little shocked. It was the first time for her to see a foreigner who could name the ingredients of wine after just taking a few sips. She thought Xiang Yuanyuan had drunk the same medicinal wine.
Even Xiaoliang who was standing by looked at Xiang Yuanyuan in disbelief. He had originally wanted to wait until the two of them finished drinking before talking about the raw materials for making wine, but he didn't expect Xiang Yuanyuan to tell him right away.
Even the medicinal effects and contraindications were explained.
"Hehe, I've never drunk a Five Poison Wine like this. I usually drink a Five Poison Wine with poisonous snakes. Grandma, you're amazing. This kind of medicinal wine is very effective."
Xiang Yuanyuan just smiled faintly, then picked up the wine glass and took a sip.
In fact, the five poisonous liquors are generally toxic, have poor circulation, and are targeted. Many people have even been poisoned after drinking these poisonous liquors.
In Hunan Province, there are many mountains but they are not high, which makes it easy for miasma and various poisons to breed. In addition, the humidity is heavy and people are prone to rheumatism. Therefore, people here like to eat spicy food, which is actually to eliminate moisture from their bodies.
In addition, in accordance with local conditions, various blood-activating medicines are used to make wine to reduce the symptoms of rheumatism, which can also be regarded as a local feature.
Xiang Yuanyuan is located in Fujian, and they don't need these blood-activating medicinal liquors. And because the medicinal properties of the Five Poisons Liquor are too strong and difficult to control, they use plant blood-activating drugs such as safflower to make wine, which is milder and less likely to cause accidents.
"Grandma, her family has been making medicinal wine for generations, so she knows a little bit."
Du Ruo smiled and said nothing, watching Xiang Yuanyuan perform quietly. He only added a sentence after Xiang Yuanyuan finished speaking, and at the same time picked up the wine glass and took a sip.
The taste of this wine is not good, but because the alcohol content of the wine is high enough (poisonous wine must be soaked in high-proof liquor, otherwise it will deteriorate and the toxicity cannot be neutralized), the wine becomes less difficult to drink.
But the fishy smell and an indescribable taste still emanated.
At the same time, Du Ruo recalled some of the knowledge that Grandpa Xiang Yuanzhang had taught him.
In fact, the safest way to use this kind of toxic medicinal wine is external application, that is, smearing it, and the amazing thing is that the diseases targeted by external application and internal administration are usually completely different.
External application of poisonous wine can usually treat some skin diseases or symptoms such as eczema.
However, the effects of internal use are different. For example, the Five Poison Wine we drink now can promote blood circulation. Some snake wines, if combined with different Chinese medicinal materials, although they are also toxic, have completely different effects.
For example, many people pair cobra with herbs such as Cistanche deserticola, Morinda officinalis, and Epimedium, and the medicinal effect becomes an aphrodisiac wine.
(The use of medicinal liquor is not a joke, especially toxic medicinal liquor, it is recommended to be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)
"Oh, it seems like we have met an expert. Come, drink more with grandma."
When the old lady heard that Xiang Yuanyuan's family had been brewing medicinal wine for generations and heard the other party's praise, she became even happier. After filling Xiang Yuanyuan's cup again, she kept inviting him to drink.
Xiang Yuanyuan was also very happy, but she was not proud. Instead, she asked her grandmother how to make medicinal wine. This kind of medicinal wine with strong regional characteristics only had relevant records in Xiang Yuanyuan's family, but no corresponding cooperation. Xiang Yuanyuan was inevitably excited to see it, after all, it was related to her profession.
Grandma also spoke to Xiang Yuanyuan without reservation and seriously, especially about the methods of brewing those poisons.
In fact, making medicinal wine is not as simple as everyone imagines: just soaking the medicine and wine together. The preparation of the medicinal materials is also a very critical step.
Only well-prepared medicinal materials can bring out the desired medicinal properties, and the combination is also very particular. Some require living things, some only require some parts, and some even extract their own venom. No link can be wrong, otherwise it will only have a counterproductive effect, or even cause poisoning.
"I happen to be free tomorrow, so I'll show you around. What time is your bus tomorrow? I'll check and help you contact a vehicle to take you to town."
Everyone was having a good time at the dinner table. After the old lady and Xiang Yuanyuan had shared their experiences in preparing medicinal wine, Xiaoliang spoke up.
His liking for the two of them has reached a very high level. The people in the village are so pure and kind. Once they feel your kindness, they will return the same enthusiasm.
Xiaoliang still thought that the two were just ordinary tourists who were deceived by the publicity. There was nothing fun in the village and they would probably be able to tour it all in half a day tomorrow, so he was already arranging a vehicle for the two to leave.
Seeing this, Du Ruo and Xiang Yuanyuan looked at each other.
Finally, it was Du Ruo who spoke:
"Actually, we came here for the snakes in the mountain. I practice martial arts and want to observe the snakes in the mountain carefully, so I may have to stay for a few more days."
Du Ruo directly stated his purpose. He didn't want to deceive the old man about this kind of thing. Moreover, he had to go up the mountain frequently and needed the guidance of the locals. If he lied and cheated, he would be foolish to be treated as such by the people in the village.
Maybe they will think that the two are bad guys and report them with just one phone call, which may cause more trouble.
After hearing what Du Ruo said, Xiaoliang did not respond, but just looked at his grandmother.
"Oh? I can't tell, but are you sure? This mountain is not fun. There are many poisonous insects and snakes, and there are also many wild animals. If you are not careful, your life will be in danger."
After listening to Du Ruo's words, grandma looked Du Ruo up and down carefully, then shook her head, frowned and told Du Ruo about the dangers of the mountain, as if she wanted Du Ruo to give up the idea.
"Grandma, there are a lot of little creatures in your house."
Du Ruo knew that his grandmother would not let them go up the mountain without any evidence, so he decided to prove it with actual actions. After moving his ears, Du Ruo looked towards a corner of the room where there were some sundries, among which a wooden block was particularly conspicuous.
"Ah? What do you mean? Oh, it's a tree stump, occasionally used as a stool, always left there..."
Grandma didn't quite understand what Du Ruo said. She looked in the direction Du Ruo was looking and started to explain after seeing the tree stump. However, before she could finish her words, she saw Du Ruo flip his hand and a shiny steel needle appeared in his hand.
“Swoosh~clang~boom!!!”
Under the gaze of Xiaoliang and the old lady, Du Ruo bent his finger and a steel needle flew out from his fingertips. The steel needle hit the bluestone, and then hit the wooden stake horizontally, knocking the stake down.
The wooden stake fell to the ground, and a long, living creature underneath was frightened and crawled out from it.
"It's a centipede. It's quite common here."
Surprisingly, the old lady was not too surprised. In fact, in the village, especially in old houses like this, it was not surprising that centipedes or snakes occasionally entered the house.
"No!! Grandma, is this a centipede problem?? This is a hidden weapon, didn't you hear the whoosh??? And brother, how did you know there was a centipede there???"
Xiaoliang, who was standing by, did not have the calmness of his grandmother at all. He pointed at Du Ruo and the fallen tree stump with an incredible look on his face.
"Chi~~"
When Du Ruo saw the centipede crawling out, he pulled the dragon silk in his hand out with force.
Du Ruo didn't intentionally miss the target with the steel needle just now and hit the bluestone. He just didn't want to destroy the things in the house, so in order to let people see clearly, Du Ruo deliberately made a little noise when pulling the Panlong silk.
This immediately attracted the attention of the two men, and Yuanyuan was still holding the wine glass, looking at Du Ruo with a smile.
Du Ruo looked at the centipede with countless claws crawling quickly on the ground and swung out the dragon tail.
The dragon's tail flew towards the centipede with the steel wire, and then seemed to pause for a moment, and the steel wire and the dragon's tail were retracted, along with the long centipede.
The dragon's tail and the steel wire returned to the bracelet, turning it into an ordinary bracelet. Du Ruo stretched out his hand and grabbed a centipede.
Du Ruo grabbed the centipede and couldn't help but frowning. The cold touch, coupled with the countless claws of the centipede scratching Du Ruo's hands, didn't feel very good to be honest.
This centipede is quite big, about the thickness of a pair of chopsticks, but only slightly shorter.
Xiaoliang was stunned at this time, staring at Du Ruo's bracelet. He couldn't help but stretch his neck a little, with a look of curiosity on his face.
"Throw it away quickly. Centipedes are poisonous. If you get bit, you'll be swollen and painful for days."
The old lady was a little surprised at this time and quickly reminded.
"It's okay, grandma. I have thick skin and snakes and insects can't bite me."
Du Ruo smiled and spread out his hands. Everyone saw that the centipede was so big that it must have been frightened because it could be clearly seen biting Du Ruo's hands. Unfortunately, Du Ruo's skin was smooth and the centipede couldn't bite her at all despite trying several times. Not even a red mark was left on Du Ruo's hands.
The centipede only bit twice and then stopped, trying to escape.
It's just that Du Ruo's fingers seemed to tremble a little, and the centipede became stiff as if it had been electrocuted, with only its claws moving occasionally.
Du Ruo's shaking just now seemed inconspicuous, but it took some strength to shake the centipede's joints loose in an instant. Although the centipede was not dead at this time, it was no different from being dead because its joints could no longer move.
"Let's keep this centipede as a medicinal ingredient. It's quite a large piece, so it's good not to use it to make wine."
Du Ruo took a look, found a mineral water bottle, put the centipede in, and then handed the bottle to the old lady.
"No wonder you dare to go up the mountain. Let Xiaoliang show you the way tomorrow. The room on the second floor has been cleaned up. I will take you up later."
The old lady didn't look at the centipede, nor did she look at the bracelet in Du Ruo's hand. Instead, she looked at Du Ruo. At this time, she no longer had any intention of continuing to persuade her.
It is obvious that Du Ruo is capable. Grandma knows that such a person is very conceited and ordinary people cannot persuade him.
"Thank you, grandma. I'll take care of you tomorrow."
When Du Ruo saw that his goal was achieved, a smile appeared on his face.
In fact, he intentionally revealed some of his tricks.
In a remote mountain village, Xiang Yuanyuan is so beautiful, showing some force is definitely the right choice. Du Ruo believes that these people are kind, but there is no need to gamble.
The key point is that Du Ruo believes that after he shows his methods, these people will become more kind. Even if there are some malicious intentions among the people in the village, they will surely hide themselves honestly.
This is the only chapter for today. Sorry, I just got out of the police station after reporting a case. The boss of my child’s training class was caught and ran away. The money was wasted and I probably won’t get it back.
When I go home, I have to comfort my wife and explain to my children why they don’t have to go to cram school anymore.
If you have any training courses, housekeeping memberships, etc., it is really not recommended to pay too much money at one time. There have been too many such things recently. I hope everyone can take it as a warning and always be on guard against others.
(End of this chapter)
