Chapter 530: Ultimate Skill of a Bad Woman
Part One
Emperor Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao:
“Why do so many officials of my Great Tang die young?”
“Your Majesty, this is not a matter of officials, but of medicine.
If people take the wrong medicine, they will become madmen.”
That day, Sun Simiao and Li Shimin were in the back garden. Li Shimin had a palace maid bring over a potted plant.
“This is a peony. The red ones are beautiful. I’ll give this one to you, Master.”
Li Shimin then had a palace maid bring over a pot of osmanthus.
“This osmanthus is fragrant. I like it very much. I’ll give it to you as well.”
Sun Simiao received the potted plants with both hands and bowed to Li Shimin.
“Your Majesty, I also want to give this pot of flowers to you, Master. I really like the scent of this flower.”
Li Shimin pointed to a small yellow flower.
“This flower is called Datura. Do you like it, Master?”
Sun Simiao replied, “This minister likes it.”
Li Shimin asked again, “Does Your Majesty know what this flower is used for?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, this flower is poisonous. Eating too much of it can turn people into madmen.”
Li Shimin didn’t believe it. “Master, how can this flower turn people into madmen?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, this Datura flower has hallucinogenic effects and can cause mental disorder.”
Li Shimin was shocked. “Master, I’ve never heard of this flower. How do you know about it?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, this medicine was developed by me. I also accidentally ingested it once. Fortunately, the dosage was small. After taking it, I slept for three days. When I woke up, I realized this medicine had hallucinogenic effects.”
Li Shimin sighed deeply. “No wonder most of my officials die at forty. It turns out they took the wrong medicine.
Master, can this medicine help people live long lives?”
“Your Majesty, the medicine is potent, but it can lead to longevity.
I have developed a medicine called Wu Shi San, which can increase the body’s resistance and prolong life with long-term consumption.”
Li Shimin’s eyes lit up. “Master, is this true?”
Sun Simiao replied, “I never lie to Your Majesty. I have already developed this medicine. Long-term use can make the elderly sharp of hearing and sight, and vigorous.
However, this medicine also has side effects. If the dosage is too large, it can cause people to lose their reason and even go mad.”
Li Shimin was overjoyed. “Master, quickly give me some.”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, although this medicine is good, not everyone can take it. If one’s body is weak, they cannot take it.”
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Then who is this medicine useful for?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, this medicine is beneficial for strong young people. It can give them ample energy and prolong their lives.”
Li Shimin sighed. This medicine was of no use to him anymore.
“Long-lived individuals cannot take it.”
Sun Simiao added another sentence.
Part Two
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I still have a question that I don’t understand.”
“Your Majesty, please speak.”
“Master, among all the medical arts in the world, who is the highest?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, there is no highest medical art. The highest is longevity.”
Li Shimin exclaimed, “Master, what you say is very true.
I see that those with high medical skills often die at forty.”
Sun Simiao nodded. “Your Majesty, no matter how high one’s medical skills are, if they cannot live long, what is the point?”
Li Shimin asked, “Master, how can one achieve longevity?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, to achieve longevity, one must maintain a cheerful mood, not get angry, not worry, not be depressed, and not be troubled.”
Li Shimin smiled. “Master, that is easy to say, but difficult to do.
I have to handle state affairs every day, and there are too many matters. How can I not get angry?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Emperor, the ruler of the world. If you get angry, then everyone in the world will get angry with you.
If you maintain a cheerful mood, then everyone in the world will also be cheerful.”
Li Shimin nodded. “Master, what you say is very true.
I will pay more attention to maintaining a cheerful mood from now on.”
Sun Simiao added another sentence: “Your Majesty, to achieve longevity, one must also have a balanced diet, not overeat, and not indulge in delicacies.”
Li Shimin asked, “Master, what should I eat to benefit my health?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you should eat more fruits and vegetables, less oily food, and less meat.”
Li Shimin: “I understand. I will pay more attention to this from now on.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, you should drink less alcohol and smoke less.”
Li Shimin gave a wry smile. “I know, but there are too many official matters. I have to socialize every day. If I don’t drink, how can that be?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you can drink less, but do not get drunk.
You are the Son of Heaven. If you get drunk, then everyone in the world will laugh at you.”
Li Shimin felt ashamed. “I will pay more attention to this from now on.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, you should also smoke less. Smoking is bad for your health.
If you smoke too much, your lungs will be damaged.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I will pay more attention to this from now on.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, you must also exercise more. You must persist in exercising every day.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I have to deal with state affairs every day. Where will I find time to exercise?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you can wake up every morning and take a walk in the imperial garden to breathe fresh air.”
Li Shimin: “I will pay more attention to this from now on.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, you should also spend more time with your family, chat more with friends, and communicate more with the people.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I will pay more attention to this from now on.”
Part Three
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. After a person dies, do they have a soul?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, after a person dies, their soul leaves their body.”
Li Shimin: “Where does this soul go?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, the soul goes to another world.”
Li Shimin: “Master, what is that other world like?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, the other world is heaven. There is no pain, no worries, only happiness.”
Li Shimin was overjoyed. “Master, then can I go to heaven after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. You will definitely go to heaven after you die.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Part Four
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. Can a person be reincarnated after death?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, after a person dies, their soul will be reincarnated.”
Li Shimin: “Then what is this reincarnation?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, reincarnation is when the soul leaves the body and is reborn into a new body.”
Li Shimin: “Then are there any rules for reincarnation?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, the rules of reincarnation are determined by a person’s merits, virtues, and good deeds in their past life.
If a person’s merits were complete, their virtues were noble, and their good deeds accumulated in their past life, then they will be reincarnated into a good family and enjoy wealth and honor.”
Li Shimin: “Then if a person’s merits were not complete, their virtues not noble, and their good deeds not accumulated in their past life, into what kind of family will they be reincarnated?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, if a person’s merits were not complete, their virtues not noble, and their good deeds not accumulated in their past life, then they will be reincarnated into a poor family and suffer hardship.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I be reincarnated after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. You will definitely be reincarnated after you die and go to the best family.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Part Five
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. Is there any meaning to life?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, of course, there is meaning to life.”
Li Shimin: “Then what is that meaning?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, the meaning of life is to serve the people and contribute to the country.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then what is the meaning of my life?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, the meaning of your life is to seek happiness for all the people in the world.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then how should I seek happiness for the people of the world?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you should lead by example, govern diligently and love your people, listen to their opinions, and understand their needs.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then how can I lead by example?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you should be frugal and simple, not extravagant, not indulge in enjoyment, and not abuse your power for personal gain.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then how can I govern diligently and love my people?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you should attend court every day, handle state affairs, not be slack, not be lazy, and not be perfunctory.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then how can I listen to the opinions of my subjects?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you should listen to the opinions of your subjects, not listen to only one side, not act unilaterally, and not be stubborn.”
Part Six
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. After a person dies, is it possible for them to come back to life?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, after a person dies, their soul leaves their body and cannot come back to life.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then will I be able to come back to life after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. You will go to heaven after you die and cannot come back to life.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Part Seven
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. Is it possible for a person to achieve immortality?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, it is impossible for a person to achieve immortality.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then is it possible for me to achieve immortality?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. It is impossible for you to achieve immortality.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Part Eight
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. Is there an elixir of immortality in the world?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, there is no elixir of immortality in the world.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then is it possible for me to find an elixir of immortality?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. It is impossible for you to find an elixir of immortality.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Part Nine
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. Will a person turn into a ghoul after death?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, after a person dies, their soul leaves their body and will not turn into a ghoul.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then will I still turn into a ghoul after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. You will go to heaven after you die and will not turn into a ghoul.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Part Ten
Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, “Master, I have another question. Is it possible for there to be no death in the world?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, it is impossible for there to be no death in the world.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then is it possible for me not to die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world. It is impossible for you not to die.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my Empress after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see the Empress after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my sons and daughters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your sons and daughters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my subjects after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your subjects after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my ancestors after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your ancestors after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, then can I see my brothers and sisters after I die?”
Sun Simiao replied, “Your Majesty, you will definitely see your brothers and sisters after you die.
You will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I understand.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, what do you understand?”
Li Shimin: “I understand that even though a person cannot come back to life after death, they can go to heaven and reunite with their family and friends.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, what you say is very true.
After death, the soul goes to another world, where there is no pain, no worries, only happiness.
You and your family and friends will live in heaven forever, never to be separated.”
Li Shimin: “Master, is heaven really that beautiful?”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, heaven is more beautiful than you can imagine.
There are flowers, trees, bridges over flowing water, birds singing, fragrant flowers, beautiful palaces, and kind people.”
Li Shimin: “Master, is heaven really that far away?”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, heaven is in your heart.
As long as you are kind-hearted and do many good deeds, you will definitely go to heaven after you die.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I understand.
I will do more good deeds from now on and strive for happiness for all the people in the world.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the ruler of the world, and you will definitely go to heaven.”
Li Shimin: “Master, thank you for your teachings.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, you are too polite.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I will visit you often from now on.”
Sun Simiao: “Your Majesty, I will always be waiting.”
Li Shimin: “Master, I bid you farewell.”
Sun Simiao: “May Your Majesty have a safe journey.”
