Chapter 39

In the era of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, even in the 3rd century, stirrups existed. The concept of a footrest attached to the saddle was present. However, it was far from the commonly known form that firmly secures both feet.

At that time, the known stirrups were used on one side only. They were not used to fix the feet for easier horse riding but rather to comfortably mount the horse.

“Of course, I know.”

“The story will be quick. I want to improve the stirrups.”

“Hmm… but aren’t stirrups something used by those who can’t ride horses well?”

That was the common perception. Of course, the cavalry brigade used them for quick mounting and dismounting, but overall, stirrups were seen as tools for beginners.

The idea of attaching stirrups on both sides and making them sturdy with iron was a simple one, but the innovation came much later due to such rigid thinking.

This doesn’t mean the ancients were foolish. Just as in the 21st century, where we build towers of intellect but rarely question everyday things, the ancients were the same.

‘The modern genius theory comes from this.’

Having knowledge of the civilization improved and developed by countless challengers, whether remembered or forgotten, gives some truth to the modern genius theory.

Of course, knowing future knowledge doesn’t mean it can be properly applied in the past. However, stirrups didn’t require industrial infrastructure or advanced technology.

“I heard that the Goguryeo people make stirrups out of iron.”

“Iron stirrups?”

When the topic of iron, his specialty, came up, Po-won’s usually indifferent face showed a faint interest.

“Yes. They attach stirrups on both sides and use them as footrests. Even children can ride horses as well as the Xiongnu with them.”

Mentioning Goguryeo wasn’t to boast about ancestors or provide a refreshing narrative to future nationalists.

If stirrups were an idea, it was a pure intention to protect the intellectual property rights of their original owners.

‘Proper iron stirrups were first made by Goguryeo.’

Since fact-checking is impossible in this era, my memory is the only basis.

Po-won was deep in thought. As a legendary blacksmith, he must have gained some inspiration from my suggestion.

I watched him silently, allowing him to ponder. Po-won emerged from his thoughts quicker than expected.

“It looks quite good.”

I was about to explain the detailed form of the stirrups, but Po-won continued.

“Current stirrups are too short. To use them as footrests while riding, we need to increase their length. They should be firmly fixed to the saddle, and a triangular shape would prevent the feet from slipping, making balance much easier.”

Po-won poured out a long and detailed explanation. It was surprising to see him talk so much. Even Du Zheng was looking at him with a shocked expression. I probably had a similar look.

As if reading my mind, Po-won not only recited what I was about to say but also asked me a question.

“Are you sure it was the general who came up with this and not the Dongyi people? Changing the stirrups as you said might not be a dream to rival the Xiongnu.”

“Ah, yes. Among the Dongyi, I heard there are those with a proper state system and excellent iron-making skills.”

“Huh, the world is indeed vast. I thought the barbarians had nothing remarkable, but their metallurgy is impressive.”

In truth, making stirrups didn’t require advanced metallurgy. But the concept itself, which he hadn’t thought of, seemed to shock Po-won.

‘As a blacksmith who left his mark in history, Po-won truly understands the value of creativity.’

While Po-won was amazed by Goguryeo’s technology, and I was impressed by Po-won’s forward-thinking, Yu En, who had been silently watching, asked.

“Will stirrups really have such a big effect?”

Yes, that’s the common perception. Ma Dai, who is skilled in horse riding, might think differently, but Yu En is almost a layman in this regard.

“Yes. I believe stirrups are our way to counter Cao Cao’s cavalry. Po-won, can you take charge of making the stirrups?”

“Making them is simple, but finding the right form is difficult. I’ll make a prototype first, then others can handle the rest.”

“Your thoughts are exactly my request.”

I smiled with joy and respectfully bowed to Po-won with both hands.

“No, thank you. You’ve enlightened me, who was lost in arrogance.”

The meeting with Po-won ended here. As the top craftsman of Shu Han, Po-won already had many tasks piled up, and since Zhuge Liang appointed him to an official position, he was under special management.

Po-won’s farewell was short and simple. Just before parting, he suddenly asked me.

“Ah, I heard the general uses both spears and swords. Which do you prefer?”

Who wouldn’t understand the meaning behind his words?

I carefully answered without laughing too foolishly.

“I use the spear more often.”

§

After parting with Po-won, Du Zheng spoke with an excited voice.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Po-won ask something like that.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Even I had to beg with Wen Ran to get his help. Po-won must have been deeply impressed by the general.”

Yu En joined in, adding a golden touch to my face. Feeling awkward, I changed the subject.

“By the way, who is the talent you mentioned?”

“Ah, that. Please speak comfortably. It’s embarrassing to be addressed so formally. Call me Wen Ran.”

“Alright, Wen Ran. So, who is this talent you recommend?”

At my question, we paused briefly before continuing our conversation while walking.

“The person I recommend is named Wang Sha.”

“Wang Sha…”

“Do you know him?”

“Is he the same as the one serving as the deputy in the lord’s office?”

“Yes. He’s from Ganwei County, Yi Province.”

“Sorry, I’ve never heard of him.”

I thought I knew most names, but this one was new. The deputy Wang Sha was someone I knew in this life, not a past one.

Despite my answer, Du Zheng’s voice remained calm without disappointment.

“That’s expected. He’s only known in Zhaozhong County. But his abilities are genuine.”

“What are his strengths?”

“He’s skilled in both civil and military affairs, but his greatest strength is his virtue.”

Du Zheng added that Wang Sha’s courtesy name was Shengzong.

Virtue. A very comprehensive term. Virtue encompasses good deeds, charisma to lead people, and exemplary behavior.

As it’s also seen in the local talent selection system, if Du Zheng’s words are true, even if not by me, he would rise to an official position someday.

“I’d like to meet him.”

Though our meeting was short, Du Zheng was trustworthy. If he praises someone like that, they must be extraordinary.

Hearing my mutter, Du Zheng seized the moment to speak.

“Shall I arrange a meeting?”

“In seeking talent, how can I say come or go? Ganwei County, Zhaozhong County, right? I should visit him myself.”

Talent is always welcome. If Wang Sha is as good as Du Zheng says, visiting him is no big deal. Liu Bei didn’t hesitate to visit Zhuge Liang three times. How far is it from Chengdu to Ganwei County?

Du Zheng had work, but I was free for now. It was fine to go with Yu En.

As we planned our next meeting and prepared to depart for Zhaozhong County, I received unexpected news.

“Big brother?”

“Yes. The Great Lady is looking for you.”

The Great Lady Yu En mentioned was my mother. Zhang Po, the eldest son, is my half-brother, but my mother treated him like her own child despite the small age difference.

With Zhang Po’s health worsening again, my mother’s heart must be heavy. Perhaps this might be the last time. That’s why she sought me.

But I remained calm.

‘My nephew hasn’t been born yet?’

My nephew, Zhang Jun, Zhang Po’s son, hasn’t been born yet.

Of course, history has already started flowing in a different direction, but Zhang Po has always been a step apart from that flow.

‘There’s no reason for it to change.’

But expressing that openly is nonsensical, so I decided to postpone the trip to Zhaozhong County.

“I must go immediately. Sorry, but let’s delay the journey.”

“Of course. Go quickly.”

At Zhang Po’s house, all the family members had already gathered. Zhang Zhao, who held an official position, was also by Zhang Fei’s side, and my mother and sister were anxiously watching Zhang Po.

“You’re here.”

As I entered, my father spoke without turning around. His deep voice carried a faint tremor.

“How is big brother?”

“If he eats well and rests, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

Liu Bei, who cared for my father, even sent his personal physician. Medical technology in this era isn’t great, but someone of that caliber is somewhat trustworthy. After all, it’s the era of Hua Tuo, a renowned physician even a thousand years later.

But despite his words, my father’s expression didn’t ease. The reason was clear from his next words.

“But Po can’t eat. Even if he eats porridge, he vomits immediately. It’s worrying.”

Zhang Po’s complexion was poor. His cheeks were sunken, and his lips were dry, showing he hadn’t eaten properly for days.

Honestly, I didn’t feel close to Zhang Po and Zhang Zhao. They felt more like stepbrothers from a remarriage than half-brothers.

But still, the thought of family was there. Seeing Zhang Po’s haggard face, my heart ached.

Perhaps this really is the last time.

If my sister-in-law is pregnant, and Zhang Jun is born after losing his father.

I bit my lip and observed Zhang Po. Beside him was a bowl of porridge he had just eaten, made purely from white rice.

‘Only white rice?’

In the 21st century, where food is abundant, white rice is a staple, but in the past, eating white rice was a privilege. It tastes better and has a softer texture, making it popular.

But health-wise, it’s the opposite. The story of Japanese soldiers suffering from beriberi from eating only white rice is well-known.

‘What’s a healthier and easier-to-eat food than porridge?’

Excluding modern foods, what nutritious foods are easy to digest?

‘Tofu.’

Especially soft tofu. Zhang Po could easily eat that.

‘I need to make soft tofu.’