Bringing the Railway to Daming

Chapter 126: The Tang and Song Debates, Celebrating the Old Year! [Subscription Request]

The court of the early Ming Dynasty was not full of sieves like that of the late Ming Dynasty. The court officials were intimidated by Zhu Yuanzhang's majesty and did not dare to easily reveal the state affairs that had not yet been announced. After the establishment of the Jinyiwei, the court officials became even more tight-lipped.

In addition, the court is now quite efficient.

Therefore, the scholars in the capital city had never expected that the court would announce such a major event as "reopening the imperial examinations" three days before the government offices were completely closed.

For a moment, the students of the Imperial College and other scholars in the capital were excited.

In restaurants, teahouses, bookstores and even on the roadside, there are scholars everywhere talking and discussing. The atmosphere is so lively that it is even more lively than during the Chinese New Year.

Qingyun Teahouse.

Most of the tea drinkers upstairs and downstairs were talking about this.

"It has been eleven years since the imperial examination in the third year of Hongwu. We have finally waited for the day when the Ming Dynasty will reopen the imperial examination. May Confucius open his eyes!"

"That's right. I thought I'd have to wait another ten or eight years, until... cough cough."

Although the man stopped talking halfway, his companions and the tea drinkers around him understood what he meant, which was that the imperial examinations would only be reopened after Zhu Yuanzhang passed away and the crown prince ascended the throne.

In order to divert the attention of those around them, the group started talking about another thing related to the imperial examination.

"Reopening the imperial examinations is indeed a good thing, but according to the imperial proclamation, mathematics accounts for a third of the required exam questions. Where does this put Confucianism?"

One person said, "Yes, as far as I know, the imperial examinations in the Tang Dynasty consisted of six categories: scholar, mingjing, jinshi, mingfa, mingshu, and mingsuan. Mathematics was ranked last."

"During the Zhao and Song dynasties, only Confucian classics were tested. A brief knowledge of history and legalism was sufficient, and mathematics was completely excluded from the imperial examinations."

Another person sneered, "Mathematics is just a minor skill, only used by clerks. The imperial examination is to select talents to assist the emperor in governing the country, it shouldn't be about mathematics."

In a compartment not far from this group of people, Shen Lin, Ma Mengyang and Xu Zhen were drinking tea and chatting.

Hearing this, the three of them frowned.

They had worked as clerks in the Department of Science and Technology for several months, and had often been taught by Liu Kuan through words and deeds. They had long since changed their mindsets and understood the importance of mathematics, so they naturally could not tolerate such remarks that belittled mathematics.

Shen Lin and Ma Mengyang just frowned, but Xu Zhen had an idea and walked out.

Seeing that the people they were talking about were a few middle-aged scholars in ordinary clothes, Xu Zhen also sneered - these people were so old that they couldn't even get into the Imperial College, which showed that they had neither background nor talent.

So he shouted, "You guys are so ignorant and short-sighted, yet you're talking so loudly in public, criticizing the government. It's really ridiculous."

These words were definitely offensive, and immediately caused these scholars to glare at him angrily.

One of them probably had a bad temper and was in a bad mood, so he slammed the table and was about to start a fight.

Xu Zhen was startled.

Fortunately, this person was stopped in time by his deskmate.

The man who was pulling him up immediately stood up, bowed to him, and said coldly, "My name is Chen Jizhi. Since you are making such accusations, I would like to know what you think."

Xu Zhen had heard Liu Kuan talk about this matter in the Science and Technology Department and was not afraid of debate.

He said, "You all just said that there was a Ming Dynasty arithmetic exam in the Tang Dynasty, but it disappeared during the Zhao and Song dynasties. So let me ask you, which was stronger, the Tang or the Song?"

Chen Jizhi said without hesitation: "The Tang Dynasty controlled the Western Regions to the west, the grasslands to the north, and Goryeo to the east. In terms of military prowess, the Li Tang Dynasty was naturally stronger."

As for the military achievements of the Zhao Song Dynasty, this person did not mention it - because talking about it would humiliate the Han people.

Xu Zhen smiled and said, "The most obvious difference between the imperial examinations of the Tang and Song dynasties is the lack of clarity. The Song dynasty inherited the Tang dynasty, but was bullied by foreign tribes such as the Liao, Jin, Xia, and Mongols. They were defeated repeatedly and retreated again and again."

"In my opinion, it was precisely because the Zhao Song imperial examinations only tested Confucianism, ignoring mathematics, history, law and other schools of thought, that they became so powerless that they suffered the Jingkang Incident and then the fall of the Han Dynasty at Yashan."

"The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty drove out the barbarians, rebuilt China, and restored the Han dynasty and its customs. This is exactly what we should learn from the weak Song Dynasty."

"Since the imperial examinations have been reinstated, it's only natural to include mathematics, natural sciences, and crafts in addition to Confucianism. You, ignorant of state affairs, are presumptuously criticizing them. Isn't that ridiculous?"

At this time, many people upstairs were listening.

Originally, most people did not understand why the imperial examinations involved mathematics, natural sciences, and various crafts, and there were countless people who criticized it privately.

After hearing what Xu Zhen said, some people nodded involuntarily, and they seemed to understand a little.

Most of the scholars whom Xu Zhen scolded were indeed not very talented. Therefore, even though they still found it difficult to accept Xu Zhen's remarks, others could not think of any rebuttal for a while.

Only Chen Jizhi, after a few moments of contemplation, said, "Your Excellency is somewhat biased in judging the Tang and Song dynasties solely based on their military prowess. While the Li and Tang dynasties were indeed renowned for their military prowess, their overemphasis on military prowess neglected rites and civil governance, leading to the calamity of the feudal lords and the subsequent chaotic Five Dynasties."

"The Song Dynasty took this as a lesson, adopting Confucianism and emphasizing rituals and ethics. Only then was it able to hold on to the Han Dynasty for nearly 400 years despite the threats and attacks of the Liao, Jin, Xia, and Mongolian tribes."

"If the Song Dynasty had remained like the Tang Dynasty, I'm afraid that after the Jingkang Incident, the Han Dynasty would have been torn apart and would have been gone more than a hundred years ago!"

Xu Zhen was young after all, and he didn't expect that the shameful defeat of the Zhao Song Dynasty by foreign regimes could be "explained" in this way. He was stunned for a moment.

He was stunned for a moment before retorting, "You're talking nonsense! Let me ask you, if you could choose, would you rather our Han dynasty be destroyed by feudal lords like the Tang Dynasty, or be destroyed by foreign invaders like the Song Dynasty?"

Chen Jizhi frowned, as if he was thinking about this problem seriously.

At this time, after the two men went upstairs, they saw Xu Zhen, their expressions lit up and they walked over quickly.

"Maoji (Xu Zhen's courtesy name), we're so glad to meet you. Do you know where Huayu lives now?"

These two people were Shen Lin’s good friends at the Imperial College, Fan Yang and Zhou Wenli.

Xu Zhen and Shen Lin were recruited as officials by the Science and Technology Department together, so it was normal for these two people to ask him about Shen Lin.

Xu Zhen was worried that the scholar across from him would come up with some more "heresy" that he would not be able to resist, so he took the opportunity to say, "Shen Lin is inside, let's go in."

Then he led the two into the compartment. That was the end of the argument.

However, many people who listened to the whole process were thinking - if they had to choose one, should they choose the Tang Dynasty's demise at the hands of the feudal lords, or the Song Dynasty's demise at the hands of foreign invaders?

Almost all of these people had lived under the rule of the Hu Yuan Dynasty, so they didn't think about it for long and quickly came up with the answer in their minds.

Of course I choose Datang!

Inside the compartment, the five people greeted each other and sat down.

Fan Yang and Zhou Wenli began to talk about all sorts of things.

After listening to a few words, Shen Lin pointed out the two people's intentions, "Are you here for the imperial examination?"

Fan Yang chuckled, "I knew I couldn't hide it from you—don't the imperial examinations test mathematics, natural sciences, and various crafts? Mathematics aside, we'd like to ask you about natural sciences."

As he spoke, the man took out a book, which was the journal "Natural Science".

"This book is said to have been written by that Vice-President Liu from the Science and Technology Department. Since you followed him, you must have been well versed in this field, right?"

"It's the New Year holiday right now, so Shouli (Zhou Wenli's pen name) and I thought we'd take a couple of days to thoroughly study the contents of 'Natural Science'."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lin, Ma Mengyang and Xu Zhen all frowned.

Because although this person was asking for help, his words revealed his disdain for natural science.

If not, how could we think that they could have a deep understanding of natural sciences after following Liu Kuan for a few months?
Otherwise, how could they think that just two days would be enough for them to fully understand the contents of "Natural Science"?
Xu Zhen knew that Shen Lin and Ma Mengyang were not fond of arguments, so he spoke first, "What you said is true. We came to the Science and Technology Department to do things, not just to study."

"Besides, the principles of natural science are vast and profound. Even if we study for decades, let alone a few months, we may not be able to fully understand them. Please don't say this again, or you will be laughed at."

Upon hearing this, Fan Yang's face froze for a moment and then returned to normal.

Zhou Wenli's face turned pale. "Xu Maoji, we're asking about Hua Yu. What's your business? You've been in Chengxin Hall for years and haven't even been promoted. What qualifications do you have to lecture us?"

"you!"

Xu Zhen was angry again and was about to start a quarrel when he saw Shen Lin stretch out his hand.

"Brother Fan, Brother Zhou, what Xu Zhen said is true. The path of natural science is indeed profound and extensive."

"Although Vice-President Liu's volume 'Natural Science' merely tentatively explains the principles of fire, thunder, and light, I still haven't fully grasped it. How can I, with my own confusion, enlighten you?"

"If you are really interested in the imperial examinations, you only need to study mathematics in addition to Confucianism. If you are interested, you can learn about nature and various crafts. If you are not interested, there is no need to force yourself."

After Shen Lin finished speaking, he picked up the teacup in front of him, but held it in mid-air without drinking.

This is serving tea to see off the guests.

Although Shen Lin's words were much more polite than Xu Zhen's, the meaning behind his words made Fan and Zhou's faces even uglier.

Because Shen Lin's words clearly meant that he supported Xu Zhen. When he said "I am confused and I want you to be clear-headed", he was scolding them for underestimating the book "Natural Science".

Zhou Wenli was thin-skinned and had a bad temper. He ignored their old friendship and stood up, saying, "Shen Huayu, you're just a minor official in the Ministry of Works. Why are you pretending here? When we pass the imperial examination and enter the government, we'll start as seventh-rank county magistrates. In ten years, we'll be able to move straight into the central government. Then we'll see what you can use to pretend!"

After saying that, he pulled Fan Yang away.

Shen Lin frowned, showing disgust, but did not say anything back.

Xu Zhen uttered a "Hey!" and said, "Who told you Shen Lin was a minor official? He's now an official appointed by the Ministry of Works, deputy director of the Beijing Gun Factory. Although this important position is of the ninth rank, it's far superior to any seventh-rank county magistrate!"

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has visited the gun factory several times and has always had long discussions with Shen Lin. Even if you really were to enter the Central Government within ten years, his position would definitely be higher than yours!"

Xu Zhen's words were of course exaggerated. For example, the so-called long conversation between the prince and Shen Lin was actually only a moment.

But Fan Yang and Zhou Wenli didn't know.

Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but show surprise and envy.

Because Zhu Biao was not only the future "Emperor Wen" of the Ming Dynasty that the civil officials in the court expected, but also the white moonlight in the hearts of scholars all over the world.

They were naturally envious of Shen Lin for being favored by the prince.

When they came to their senses, they felt completely humiliated and fled away.

···
···
Let us celebrate the new year and bid farewell to the old in one night. (Li Shimin, Tang Dynasty)

New Year's Eve, also known as the Chinese New Year.

In the early Ming Dynasty, except for the soldiers patrolling the border, almost every family was celebrating their reunion.

Liu Kuan and Zhu Huilan spent the morning at home.

Firstly, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma had their own things to do in the morning, such as worshiping their ancestors, etc.

Secondly, Liu Kuan had to follow the local customs and pay homage to his unknown ancestors who lived six hundred years ago - it was impossible for every family to pay homage to their ancestors while he did not.

Coupled with some other customs at this time, the morning and noon were over quickly due to the busy schedule.

By the afternoon, the sound of firecrackers could be heard from time to time in the streets and alleys, and some children from wealthy families had put on new clothes and were playing in the streets and alleys.

Liu Kuan also brought Zhu Huilan, stepped on the firecracker debris outside the palace gate, and came to the Dashan Hall where the Zhu family had a "dinner" on New Year's Eve.

　First update.

　　Cry to death! !
　　Yesterday, I was only a few dozen subscriptions away from breaking 10,000 in daily sales! If I had known that the third update would be irregular, I would have updated it earlier, missing the opportunity to achieve a new achievement!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)