Chapter 198:

Chapter 198:

The stores lining the street were occupied, housing intriguing items from different regions. Over the past few years, the ancient Silk Road displayed signs of resurgence as the Western Regions gradually stabilized.

Each day, caravans from the Western Regions entered and exited Changan City in an uninterrupted flow. With their pockets full, the common people were also eager to spend in these shops they had previously hesitated to enter. This continuous exchange fostered a thriving commercial atmosphere.

The prosperity of a nation could be measured by various criteria, sometimes even contradictory ones.

However, there was an undeniable truth, a country’s prosperity was undeniably linked to providing its ordinary citizens with a hopeful life.

Father and son, Su Li and Su Che, strolled side by side, observing as they went. Though holding his father’s hand, young Su Che could hardly stay still. Whenever he spotted a snack he hadn’t tried, he would stop and gaze up at Su Li with eager eyes.

In this regard, Su Li differed from other parents. While other parents refrained from allowing their children to eat street food primarily due to concerns about hygiene and health, Su Che’s body was as robust as a young tiger’s—eating something that could upset his stomach was practically impossible. His digestion was excellent, and his appetite surpassed that of ordinary children his age.

Although the meals at the Princess’s Mansion were considered excellent in the Tang Dynasty, having been accustomed to delicacies from mountains and seas, it was only natural for him to develop an interest in simple fare like plain tea and rice.

However, two full hours had already passed after a complete circuit along Zhuque Avenue. Throughout the afternoon, father and son had practically sampled every food stall along the way.

Su Che possessed a lively personality, and whenever he came across something fascinating, he would pause and observe. Unconsciously, the day transitioned into dusk. Stores and street vendors had already closed for the day.

Su Li walked leisurely with his contented son towards the Princess’s Mansion. Among the hurried pedestrians, the two of them appeared even more relaxed and content.

“Dad, I just realized how waterwheels work!” Su Che held Su Li’s large hand, his face filled with excitement.

He referred to the miniature waterwheel model they had seen earlier in a shop that supplied wooden items to the wealthy.

The Tang Dynasty, known for its romantic reputation among the various dynasties, was not one to simply speak idly. One of its prominent characteristics was the rapid succession of various trends and updates.

Recently, a trend of creating and designing gardens emerged in Changan City for some unknown reason. Wealthy families competed in this field with imaginative and unconventional ideas, striving to outdo each other in uniqueness and charm.

Su Li conceived a daring idea... he wanted young Su Che to interact with a steam engine!

Upon hearing Su Li’s question, Su Che immediately thought deeply.

Thanks to Su Li’s educational approach, Su Che, despite his young age, had a mature way of thinking about problems. He quieted down, a rare occurrence.

Su Li didn’t interrupt him, he held his son’s small hand, and the father and son continued walking leisurely toward their home.

It happened to be mealtime upon their return to the Princess’s Mansion. Instead of taking Su Che to wait for dinner, Su Li led him straight to the kitchen. He did indeed want to guide Su Che, but he didn’t intend to have his son spend too much time on this matter.

Su Li deeply understood that while intellectual brilliance was crucial for scientific progress, the real key was the “Eureka” moment of inspiration. (ED Note: “Eureka” often refers to the Eureka effect, a psychological phenomenon. It’s when a person suddenly understands or solves a problem, often after struggling with it for some time.)

This had been the case for several critical scientific advancements in later times. For instance, an apple falling from a tree. Or, for another example... the lid of a boiling teapot!

Father and son entered the kitchen, and Su Li led Su Che to a copper kettle that was currently boiling water. This type of narrow-spout copper kettle had become quite common in Changan nowadays, so it wasn’t particularly remarkable.

Su Che stood before the stove, which was taller than himself, following his father’s guidance. He gazed at the copper kettle, his eyes unwavering.

“Perhaps what you’re looking for is right here,” Su Li said warmly, patting Su Che’s head.

After a while, the water in the kettle boiled, and the whistle attached to the lid emitted a sharp sound. Simultaneously, the boiling water caused the lid to bounce repeatedly.

Watching this scene, Su Che’s eyes grew brighter and brighter. He waved his small hand, gesturing for the servant who was coming to lift the kettle to stop.

The boiling water in the kettle continued to churn, and finally... with a clatter, the lid shot up high and landed on the countertop.

“Dad, I understand!”