I, the Ming Dynasty, can still save me

Chapter 346 Revising the Calendar
Listening to Wei Zhongxian's nonchalant words, Zhu Youxiao's expression paused slightly.

While thinking about it, he closed the book "The Magic Machine of Western France" in his hand. Why didn't he know about this matter? It can be said that he not only knew about it but also cared about it.

There are currently two calendars in the Ming Dynasty, one is the "Datong Calendar" and the other is the "Hijri Calendar". The latter was introduced as a supplement to the former.

However, the two current calendars have become increasingly inaccurate after more than 200 years. Even solar and lunar eclipses cannot be predicted accurately now. Not to mention Western missionaries, even some people in Qintian Prison are dissatisfied, so there are calls for the revision of the calendar. Always high.

Just how to compile it and what method to use to compile it have always been the focus of debate.

For example, Xu Guangqi and others advocated the introduction of Western methods and updated the calendar based on Western knowledge of astronomy and arithmetic; some officials of the Qintian Supervisor, as well as Shen Guan and others, have always opposed the use of Western methods and felt that using Western methods to compile calendars violated Chinese tradition.

But for Zhu Youxiao, he definitely agrees with Xu Guangqi's view.

Because history has proven that the new calendar compiled by Xu Guangqi, Tang Ruowang and others has always been accurate and easy to use. He also used it in his previous life, but it was called the lunar calendar.

"This calendar is related to the calculation of astronomical phenomena. It is an important matter, so it is normal to have disputes. Although I pay more attention to the Western method, it is not too late to wait for some results from the Tongwen Museum in the capital before discussing it."

Wei Zhongxian was not surprised when he heard the emperor's reaction. Instead, he nodded and agreed:
"What your Majesty said is true. Calendar matters are too important. They are related to the daily routine of the people of the world. Even people's farming depends entirely on calendar calculations. Once the farming time is missed by mistake, it will be troublesome. We still need to be cautious. .”

When Zhu Youxiao heard this, he nodded immediately and felt that what Wei Zhongxian said was indeed reasonable. This calendar is related to people's agricultural farming and cannot be careless.

At the same time, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He suddenly thought that the calendar was so important, so the revision of the calendar must not be postponed.

Thinking of this, he slowly stood up from the throne and paced back and forth in front of Wei Zhongxian to think.

Looking at the pacing emperor, Wei Zhongxian held his hands and said nothing, with an imperceptible smile on his face.

"Wei Zhongxian, you have reminded me. Originally, I wanted to delay it for a year or two, but now it seems that I can't delay it. The calendar matter needs to be finalized this morning."

Listening to the emperor's praise, Wei Zhongxian shook his head quickly.

"Your Majesty is so smart. I didn't say anything just now, but Your Majesty was able to mention three things. It's really a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. But I think it's better to take a long-term view. After all, there are many people in the court who are opposed, especially Shen Shen. Mr. Ge will definitely object when the time comes."

Upon hearing Wei Zhongxian's "advice", Zhu Youxiao shook his head. It didn't matter if he opposed it. There were more people in the court who supported Western France, so it was nothing to worry about.

"It doesn't matter, I have my own opinion on this matter."

When Wei Zhongxian saw the emperor speaking, he didn't say anything else and immediately nodded in agreement.Then Zhu Youxiao told Wei Zhongxian some arrangements for going to Xiyuan and asked him to retreat.

Wei Zhongxian left the Palace of Qianqing and headed west all the way to the Supervisor of Ceremonies. Wang Tiqian and others had been waiting for a long time.

"Eunuch Wei, what does His Majesty say?"

Seeing Wang Tigan asking straight to the point, Wei Zhongxian ignored him and sat down first to take a sip of herbal tea. Seeing that Wei Zhongxian was too hot, the little eunuch in the main hall immediately brought out the prepared ice cubes, and the temperature of the entire ceremonial hall suddenly dropped. A lot.

"Just wait and see the good show these days. I want to see how many days Shen Guan can be happy."

When Wei Zhongxian said this, Wang Tiqian immediately became interested and immediately asked what was going on. Even Wang Boyu looked at Wei Zhongxian with interest, wanting to hear how Wei Zhongxian tripped up Shen Guan.

So Wei Zhongxian told them a rough summary of the scene just now, and Wang Tiqian immediately clapped his hands and cheered.

"Eunuch Wei is very clever. This old dog Shen Guan hates Westerners the most. He had colluded with Fang Congzhe in order to expel Western monks.

Even if His Majesty listened to Xu Guangqi's words and allowed the Western monks to return to the capital, he always opposed it openly and covertly.This time, if I knew that His Majesty wanted to use Western methods to revise the calendar, he would definitely be furious. "

Thinking of this, he had to admire Wei Zhongxian. If Shen Guan objected, His Majesty would be offended, and it would be easier for him to deal with Shen Guan.

"Hmph, these civil servants usually look down on us the most. This time let them know that there will be no good consequences for offending us."
-
In Beijing, the news about the Daming Library has not dissipated. Due to its preliminary opening, there is now an endless stream of people going there to read books every day.

However, so many people actually read less and copy more.After all, these are Ouchi's only copies, which many scholars have been dreaming of. Now they can actually watch the copy for free, which makes many people flock to it.

But this also made the pen, ink, paper and inkstone business popular in the capital. In particular, the demand for pens and paper increased greatly, and it also gave birth to a special profession, that is, professional scribes.

As long as they are given some money, they can be allowed to copy books in the library. They can copy books quickly and clearly, which can be regarded as unintentional and promote employment.

And all the scholars and businessmen who have benefited from this know that all this is due to the emperor and the cabinet minister Shen Ge.If he hadn't presided over the new library, how could scholars have been able to read and copy books for free?

Compared with the busy situation of the library, the Jingshi Tongwen Library in the west of the city seems relatively shabby.Not to mention the narrow place, it only covers an area of ​​eight or nine acres. Compared with the Daming Library, both the size of the area and the building specifications pale in comparison. One is underground and the other is in the sky.

More importantly, because many of the Tongwen Hall in the capital were Western missionaries, many people in the surrounding areas did not like them very much.

There are even rumors that all the monks inside are man-eating ghosts, and they especially like to eat children.

The people around them were afraid to avoid these missionaries if they saw them, for fear that these foreign devils would take away their children.

In the Jingshi Tongwen Hall, Tang Ruowang, who had just finished praying, opened the door and walked to a door on the west side of the inner courtyard of the Jingshi Tongwen Hall. He knocked lightly on the door. Soon the door opened in response. A man over fifty years old , the bald missionary with white beard came into Tang Ruowang's eyes.

"Good day, Priest Yangmano."

"Good day, Pastor Tang Ruowang."

After Tang Ruowang said hello, he walked skillfully into Yang Mano's room. As soon as he entered, he saw a desk full of manuscripts. If you look carefully at the handwriting, you will find that it is a mixture of Latin and Chinese.

"Where are you now?"

"I have just finished Chapter 1. The task now is too heavy. I have to teach Latin to enlightened people and translate works. I am really busy. I will not be able to finish this book until the next year."

As soon as Yang Mano heard Tang Ruowang's inquiry, he couldn't help but complain. As he spoke, he organized the manuscripts on the desk and handed them to Tang Ruowang for him to take a look at.

Tang Ruowang took over the manuscript in his hand, which was all about astronomy. He has just written Chapter 1, which mainly uses a question-and-answer format to explain the principles of moon phases and eclipses, solar terms, day and night, and solar movements.

"Your astronomical attainments are rare among the entire Jesuits, and this knowledge is exactly what the people of the Ming Dynasty need. That's why their emperor established this institution for us to translate works. This is the opportunity for us to be allowed to preach again, You must take advantage of it.”

Seeing Tang Ruowang flipping through the manuscript and giving him instructions, Yang Mano also nodded solemnly.Although he is much older than Tang Ruowang, he still attaches great importance to Tang Ruowang's words.

After all, when the Ming Dynasty completely banned missionaries, Tang Ruowang was able to open up the situation, accept an audience with the emperor, and suggest that the emperor translate Western books. This was undoubtedly a major victory in the eyes of the Jesuit missionaries in China.

"Don't worry, I will definitely pay attention to this book and will definitely include the latest research on astronomy, such as the four satellites of Jupiter discovered by Galileo in Florence using the telescope, the surface of the moon, etc.

I remember that you had previously given a forty-power astronomical telescope to the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, I could suggest to the emperor of the Ming Dynasty to verify its authenticity, and he would definitely be convinced. "

After hearing Yang Manuo's plan, Tang Ruowang nodded and agreed:

"This is a good idea. I also heard Xu Guangqi say that the Emperor of Ming Dynasty liked that astronomical telescope very much. He often used it to look at the moon. He must be very interested in astronomical knowledge. Your book will be of great use. But I came here today to think I want to discuss something with you and ask for your opinion."

Yang Manuo immediately became confused after hearing this, not knowing what Tang Ruowang was talking about.

"I don't know what it is, but if there is anything I can do to help, I will do my best."

Tang Ruowang then put the draft paper on the table and was about to speak to him seriously, but at this moment an urgent voice came in from outside the door.

"Priest Tang Ruowang, you can make it easier for me to find him."

The two responded to the call and saw Li Zhizao walking in from the door, with two of his students, Li Tao, behind him.

Seeing Li Zhizao's happy face, the two of them couldn't help but wonder.

"what happened?"

"His Majesty just issued an edict, saying that our imperial calendar is inaccurate, and ordered the Qintian Supervisor to revise the calendar. He also specifically asked me, Xu Guangqi, and you to participate."

As soon as these words came out, Tang Ruowang suddenly showed joy, and Yang Manuo on the side was even more surprised.Yang Manuo had stayed in Macau for many years and naturally knew that the Ming calendar was inaccurate, so Xu Guangqi and others had been writing to the Ming court to invite missionaries like them to compile the calendar.

But since the Nanjing Mission Case, this matter has completely stalled.Even if there are no missionaries returning to Beijing now, Xu Guangqi still feels that he needs to wait for the opportunity, so he never mentions it.

But they didn't expect that they didn't mention it, but the emperor took the initiative to order them to participate, which they never expected.

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(End of this chapter)