Song Tan's Notes

Chapter 1661. Good wine needs no bush.
Around noon, Secretary Wang called the healthcare provider to discuss the matter.
"Director Wang, the leader will arrive around one o'clock. Is that a convenient time for you?"

This was all arranged in advance; there's no issue of convenience. Dr. Wang knew what he wanted to hear, and then glanced at the short moxa stick beside him, now reduced to ashes.

"Please feel free to come, but it would be best to eat half an hour beforehand and not to eat too much."

The weather was hot, and work didn't start until 3 p.m., so Wang Qing checked the schedule and went to the kitchen to ask the head chef:

"Have you made arrangements for lunch?"

The leader wants to eat a few steamed buns for lunch, what's wrong with that? This year's new wheat and fresh flour make the steamed buns especially fragrant.

The fewer the requirements, the harder it is to make. The chef then confirmed again and again, "Is this really all?"

Wang Qing paused for a moment, then said, "I still have some shredded white fungus. I'll add more water and stew it, but less rock sugar."

The chef knew that the boss rarely drank sweet things and didn't like thick drinks either. So, he added more water, and the boss drank it like a beverage, finding it refreshing.

After explaining everything, by noon, everyone in the building had gradually dispersed. Wang Qing looked at the almost empty health pot, added more water, and started brewing tea again, while knocking on the office door:

"Boss, it's time for lunch."

He picked up the paper bag beside him: "All sorts of side dishes are prepared. I specially asked the chef to steam some buns for lunch. Please have something simple to eat first."

The two arrived at the small restaurant, where the staff had already laid out the steamed buns and white fungus soup for lunch.

Worried that the leaders might not be satisfied with their meal, several small dishes of various side dishes were also laid out. In addition, there were several empty plates, which Wang Qing then arranged one by one, and poured some of the various small jars of pickled vegetables from the bag into them.

The cool air from the air conditioner was gentle and soothing, carrying the fresh aroma of steaming hot buns.

And the leader greeted him:
"Stop busying yourself, sit down and join us."

Then, the first bite was taken from the fermented bean curd: "Let me see what kind of quality this tofu, which people drive over to buy every week, is made to be of such high quality."

The fermented bean curd was stored in an ordinary jar, and when poured out, it appeared as sticky little cubes coated with red chili powder.

They exude a unique aroma; with a gentle press of chopsticks, they melt like paste on the steaming hot steamed bun, and then with a bite—

Before the leader could speak, there was a knock on the door, and a staff member brought in a small bowl of crispy rice.

There was also a bowl of rice porridge.

Wang Qing was puzzled: He didn't give that instruction!

The staff member smiled and said, "The chef said this is also suitable for serving with side dishes."

The leader was already chewing on the steamed bun in his mouth when he waved towards the door: "We're just missing this!"

After the food was served and the room became quiet again, the leader couldn't wait to reach out and break off another piece of crispy rice crust.
"Try this crispy rice with fermented bean curd; it's just as good as steamed buns."

He quickly chewed two more bites, then sighed:

"It is said that with the development of the business environment in today's society, it is no longer the era of 'good wine needs no bush'."

"But if you ask me, as long as you have what others don't, or you're better than others, this good wine is suitable no matter where you put it. Try this fermented bean curd; if I had the time, I'd be willing to drive an hour or two just to buy it."

Truly good food is something you'll crave once you've tasted it; it's impossible for it not to have repeat customers.

He scooped up a spoonful of warm rice porridge and drank it. Although this way of eating had nothing to do with the health regimen that the health doctor had advised him to follow, it was still very satisfying.

Wang Qing also tried a bite of the steamed bun with fermented bean curd and agreed.

"really."

"His pricing is also good. This fermented bean curd tastes outstanding, but it's not as far off as the Song Family Farm's. The price is less than half the price of the regular kind, which is just right for the general public."

He thought about the Douyin accounts he had collected: "Unfortunately, they are family-run businesses, so we can't take on large orders for the time being."

"It is said that even with the help of the couple and their relatives, they are still unable to supply online orders, so they cannot ship them out for the time being."

Despite this, he learned from the village secretary that the family had made tens of thousands of yuan in profit in the past month just from this fermented bean curd.

Keep in mind, they've only been in this business for a short time!

The leader broke off another half of a steamed bun and added some fermented bean curd, then pondered for a moment and said:
“Family workshops mean that their craftsmanship is not based on machines. If machines were used, the unique flavor would be lost.”

"Furthermore, business owners who start small businesses generally lack experience in large-scale management. If they rashly expand their operations, they may ruin their original good reputation."

“Our entire Ning Province doesn’t have any particularly well-known pillar industries, and Yuncheng is even less so. Instead of broadening our horizons, we should focus on individual beneficiaries at the family level.”

This family makes fermented tofu, can that family grow more soybeans?
Some people also planted some good chili peppers.

If another family has many able-bodied men, they can even work for these families.

Don't underestimate family workshops. Once they start operating, the number of jobs they can provide and the local economy they can boost are substantial.

The two discussed these trivial matters of the countryside, and then turned their attention to Song Tan's green pepper and beef sauce.

The leader laughed when he saw what was on the plate: "I remember this. On the day of the Laba Festival when we slaughtered pigs, there was a pot of flatbread on the table, served with two sauces, one of which was this green pepper and beef sauce, and the other was a stewed soybean sauce."

Wang Qing thought for a moment and then said:
"They did say that they slaughtered a cow this year, and the beef used was from their own farm, so the taste has improved a lot..."

The leader stopped chewing.

After a moment, he frowned and looked at the rice crust, rice porridge, and steamed buns in the basin.

"What did Dr. Wang say... I shouldn't overeat?"

He felt he could eat a little more, and if he could eat a little more, he probably wouldn't be too full, right?

But Wang Qing had already quickly poured the remaining sauces from the dish into his own bowl!
He didn't mince words. He broke off a large chunk of the crispy rice, stuffed it with all the pickles, and squeezed it into a tight rice ball.

"You're going for moxibustion, the time is already set, your health is the most important thing."

"I digest faster, so I'll eat."

lead:……

He looked at the remaining half-jars of sauces, pickled vegetables, fermented bean curd, and other condiments, and could only grit his teeth and bear it.

……

Despite trying to control myself, I still ate a bit too much for lunch. Fortunately, it was a simple meal and I had plenty of time. By the time I arrived at the health room at 1 p.m., I had digested it all.

Upon seeing the healthcare doctor, Wang Qing smiled and said:
"Director Wang, I wonder how effective those moxa sticks are? They said not to apply them too vigorously, lest it damage the body fluids. And what about the medicine..."

Director Wang was preparing things when he heard the question, so he explained everything in detail: "I took a sample of the medicine and sent it for testing. I can see the basic compatibility of the Chinese herbs, and I also tasted a little myself. However, it's too early to draw any definitive conclusions until tomorrow or the day after."

"As for this moxa stick..."

He frowned, and seeing his superior go to the changing room to change, he led Wang Qing aside and asked in a low voice:
"Director Wang, tell me the truth, is there some special internal supply channel for these moxa sticks?"

"This medicine's properties are illogical!"

The principles and practices of traditional Chinese medicine have always had their reasons.

The reason why three-year-aged mugwort is so effective is because of its special properties.

But now this new mugwort has such an effect. Unless there is a major breakthrough in the cultivation of mugwort, he can't think of any other process that could make the new mugwort from back then have such a strong therapeutic effect.

Secretary Wang was both amused and exasperated.

"These are moxa sticks that I got from a small clinic in a rural area when I went to inspect the countryside with my leader last year."

"These are fresh mugwort harvested on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, according to the clinic doctor. They have good medicinal properties. I only managed to buy a few through connections."

"I don't know anything about traditional Chinese medicine. Just tell me if it's effective and whether it's safe to use."

Dr. Wang sighed, "Great, it really works. And it's like a potent medicine, perfectly suited to our leader's condition."

It's not that mild solutions can't solve a leader's problems; it's just that he doesn't have the time.

With this job and that job every day, going to the countryside today and the county tomorrow, and moxibustion also requires specific time and environment, how much leisure would one need to have to continuously receive various traditional Chinese medicine treatments every day for more than 3 months?
Many of the problems in leadership teams are accumulated in this way. It's not that they are incurable, but that it's impossible to simply abandon one's work.

With such potent medicinal effects, meridians that would normally require a week to gradually open and warm can now achieve results in just one or two days.

The rest can be taken care of slowly. There's no need to use moxibustion. Whether it's pills, traditional Chinese medicine, or home heat therapy, there are other methods, right?
He could only sigh:
"The effect can only be described as swift and decisive, a devastating blow."

Wang Qing was overjoyed!

"really?"

He was overjoyed.

Having followed the leader for many years, and to be frank, he is now part of that faction. His political career will extend as far as his superior's.

He's even happier than his boss now that the treatment has been so effective.

He then asked, "Are these seven enough? If not, I'll think of something else."

Dr. Wang spoke cautiously: "I'll check the pulse again after I actually try it today. But..."

He asked in a low voice, "Since there's a way to buy it, could we purchase some in bulk? This medicine is truly invaluable."

"If it's not a specially bred variety, you'll probably miss it this year and it won't be available next year."

An experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctor like me would never be so happy to see a good medicinal herb.

He even pressed further, asking, "Do you have freshly harvested mugwort? I can buy it myself. If I store it properly for three years and then process it into aged mugwort, the effects will be several times greater!"

Wang Qing said helplessly, "You know it's a good product, and other doctors know it too! Not only is the price high, but it's also really impossible to buy in bulk—the quantity is limited."

Of course, if he contacts the procurement department through his own workplace, the deal will most likely be successful.

But that's not how things are done.

Therefore, he only promised: "Just let me know how much you need, and I will do my best to make it happen."

Putting aside other things, for example, when township entrepreneurs want to build housing for their employees, the changing real estate market trends have made the living experience of the user group the top priority.

In this situation, could the necessary approval procedures be expedited?
Meanwhile, the leader had changed his clothes and was now kneeling down, listening to Dr. Wang explain in detail:
"We have plenty of time today, so I'll loosen up your lower back as well. After that, we'll start the moxibustion. You can also take a nap in the meantime."

This was indeed a rare occurrence. Wang Qing was about to close the door and leave when he heard this and quickly added:

"I don't have any business trip plans for the next week, Dr. Wang. You can make arrangements accordingly, and I will help urge my supervisor to come over."

Dr. Wang laughed and said, "Don't worry about the time. The medicinal properties of this moxibustion are strong, and the time spent on the acupoints is very short."

"If the leader doesn't have time, they can have moxibustion done in the office break room. It's done on several acupoints at a time, taking about half an hour, so it won't interfere with reviewing documents..."

Wang Qing was overjoyed: "Didn't this method work before? Director Wang, leader, I think this basic moxibustion isn't too difficult, I'll learn it too. That way, when Dr. Wang is busy and can't come, I can help out."

Director Wang nodded: "That's fine too."

He further explained, "The aged moxa we used before had a gentle, slow-acting effect that didn't harm the body, but the moxibustion time was longer and the treatment cycle was also longer."

Then this method is not suitable.

Although it won't interfere with the leader's work, it's not appropriate to stay too long and see things that shouldn't be seen.

Things are different now!

Don't underestimate the fact that the medicine has become more potent; for them, it has far-reaching consequences!
As he spoke, he applied slight pressure, and a sharp, indescribable soreness shot through his lower back, reaching the top of his head. The leader instantly broke out in a cold sweat and then let out a muffled groan.

But the heat flow lingered down her thighs for a while, but couldn't even reach her knees, clearly indicating that she still had a chronic ailment in her legs.

Director Wang sighed: "Your leg is in serious condition, but your back pain is also quite severe. If you don't take care of it, in less than 5 years, the pain will be so bad that you won't be able to work at all."

He added, "Furthermore, the human body changes with the seasons. Every year in January and August, when the wood element is weak and the metal element is strong, your stomach and back problems will flare up."

It's time to start taking care of it as soon as possible!
Wang Qing also sighed silently.

August marks the end of a crucial period for agriculture in Ningcheng, while January usually coincides with the Lunar New Year. In the past, our leader did indeed tend to fall ill around this time, which he attributed to being too busy with work. Now it seems there's more to it than meets the eye.

You can't learn massage techniques in a short time, but you can memorize the acupressure points.

And moxibustion—

"I'll cut the moxa sticks into short moxa cones beforehand. You only need one for each acupoint, so you don't have to keep track of the acupoints and time it at the same time, which would be too much to manage."

"Come on, Director Wang, today we'll use the simplest method: moxibustion."

"Let's start with this acupoint..."

Wang Qing leaned forward and opened the memo app, jotting down notes bit by bit.

At the same time, he was also thinking: if the leader doesn't have time, he should make time to go to Yunqiao Village again.

We absolutely need the good stuff there now!
Ah, what a long-awaited large donation! Thank you everyone! Thank you Midnight Udumbara2000!