Chapter 90

Lin Bei let Bian Fuzi draw three patterns in sequence: a potato, a sweet potato, and corn.

In Lin Bei’s memory, these three plants were all introduced from outside of Asia to China, and coincidentally, both corn and potatoes were discovered in Peru, Latin America. Additionally, sweet potatoes were cultivated by the Native Americans, and the people of Peru can also be called Native Americans.

Isn’t that a coincidence? However, just by looking at a map of Peru, one can imagine why these plants grew there, as there is a large mountain range called the Andes, which is also the source of the Amazon River. The tropical climate there has led to the diversity of species in Peru.

Did ancient China have these three plants? Lin Bei was not sure, but China does have a tropical climate, such as in the southern region where he is now, and Southeast Asia also has a subtropical climate. In terms of forests, Lin Bei believed they were not inferior to the Andes. So why should those plants be there and not in China?

Therefore, Lin Bei believed that China should have these three plants, but because they are deep in the mountains, they have not been discovered, or they have been discovered but not valued. If it’s the latter case, then Lin Bei would naturally be the one to value them.

Furthermore, if China really did not have these three plants, then in the future, when Lin Bei grows larger and has the ability and strength to cross the ocean, he would definitely cross the ocean first to bring these three species back. However, Lin Bei did not know if he would still be alive at that time.

The importance of these three plants to the ancients is self-evident. Many predecessors who have traveled through time have already proven what would happen if these three species were planted in ancient China. China would have fewer people dying from hunger because most of the ancients' low immunity was due to insufficient nutrition, and these three plants are all nutritional delicacies. If so, China might not have to wait until the 20th century to reach a population of 1.4 billion; it could have reached that number a thousand years ago.

Bian Fuzi and the other two carefully examined the patterns drawn on the ground. Because of Lin Bei’s seriousness, these three patterns were even colored. Bian Fuzi’s drawing skills were quite good, and the things he drew were 90% similar to what Lin Bei recognized. All three could see them very clearly, and even the guard accompanying Zhen Ding was looking closely. Lin Bei did not mind; perhaps more people would mean more information.

Perhaps sensing the importance of these three things to Lin Bei, the three of them looked for a long time. Then Cui Lan shook his head first: "Sir, I have not seen these three things."

"Similar ones are also fine," Lin Bei added.

"Similar?" Cui Lan thought for a moment and pointed to the taro field nearby: "Is that taro included?"

Well, the size is quite similar to potatoes and sweet potatoes, but they are worlds apart, right?

"Sir, what are these three things?" Bian Ji asked, tugging at his beard.

"This is a potato, this is a sweet potato, but they must have different names at this time. They have a common point: their fruits grow underground, like taro, and need to be dug up to be seen. As for this one, it’s called corn, and the fruit is here, with one to two fruits per plant."

"Where do these three plants grow?" Bian Ji asked again.

"I don’t know, which is why I’m asking you."

"Then how did you know about these three things, Sir?"

"You don’t need to ask about that."

Bian Ji nodded, thinking it must be due to that magic called 'science,' and did not ask further, only examining the patterns closely.

Seeing Bian Ji’s expression, Lin Bei felt that relying on him was unlikely. He then looked at Zhen Ding, who was the manager of the Zhen family business and should be the most knowledgeable.

Zhen Ding frowned and slowly said: "Sir, I have not heard of these three names, but I do know of some similar things, though I’m not sure if they are the same as what you mentioned."

"Tell me about the similar things," Lin Bei said, feeling more hopeful. If there were similar things, it would be much easier to find them within China than to cross the ocean. Although Lin Bei was now a giant python, there were many creatures in the ocean larger than him, such as great white sharks, orcas, and giant squids, all of which could threaten him. Unless he was very confident, he would not cross the ocean.

Zhen Ding nodded and pondered for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts, then slowly said: "Sir, have you heard of Zhu Lu?"

Lin Bei nodded; Cui Lan had mentioned it a few days ago. He then asked: "Is Zhu Lu the same as Zhu Ya?"

Bian Ji smiled: "Sir, Zhu Ya was the name during the Han Dynasty, and it is now called Zhu Lu."

Lin Bei understood; it was the island of Hainan in the future. At this time, the island had few people, mostly minorities, and it was already quite an achievement to have a county there. It seemed that the Hepu Prefecture was indeed vast, managing such a wide area.

"Zhen Ding, continue."

Zhen Ding nodded: "Zhu Lu is the farthest east of our Hepu Prefecture, and it can only be reached by boat. It has always been inconvenient to travel there, so our Zhen family business has never ventured there. About two years ago, a merchant surnamed Guan brought a box of goods to our Zhen family business, intending to sell some mountain goods to us. Our manager received him, and I happened to pass by and asked about it."

"Then?"

"The goods he brought were quite rare, with many shark fins and some mountain goods from the barbarians, one of which was somewhat similar to the sweet potato you mentioned."

"What happened next?" Lin Bei asked quickly.

"However, that thing emitted a foul odor, probably because it was already rotten, so I did not ask further. After the transaction, the merchant left in a hurry."

"Have you seen this person again?"

Zhen Ding shook his head: "No, Sir. The transactions were handled by our manager, and I did not get involved."

"Did he say what it was?"

"He mentioned that the barbarians called it 'zhu bu shi,' which they said was dug up from the ground by wild boars. It has some similarities to what you described, so I have some memory of it."

Cui Lan asked curiously: "If this merchant surnamed Guan sold 'zhu bu shi' to your business, it must be somewhat special. Did he say anything about it?"

Lin Bei nodded; that made sense. If the merchant brought goods from Zhu Lu to Hepu, he must have thought the goods were good, and he would likely have promoted their benefits.

Zhen Ding smiled bitterly: "Sir, I really don’t know. However, Zhen Ping, our manager, should know. He usually handles transactions with these traveling merchants. Sir, would you like me to call Zhen Ping here for you to ask? Additionally, Zhen Ping has dealt with many merchants, so he might have seen the three things you mentioned."

Lin Bei naturally agreed. Zhen Ding did not waste words, called over two guards, and had them rush back to Hepu to escort Zhen Ping. The two guards agreed and left, armed with knives and swords. Both were skilled in martial arts, and there were almost no wild animals in the forest between Longtan and Xishan Township, so there was no need to worry about safety.

Although he was not sure if this information was true or if it was indeed a sweet potato, it was at least some progress. Lin Bei felt much better.

---

(AD begins)

(AD ends)