After parting with Xiang Shaolong, several months passed and one day Fang Zheng arrived in the capital of the Wei Kingdom — Daliang.
Once he had set his goals, Fang Zheng found himself unusually motivated, starting to gather the orphans and refugees displaced by war, thus giving his sect a foundation. On the other hand, Fang Zheng was also collecting talents from all around.
As a modern person, Fang Zheng knew very well that for a country to become prosperous and powerful, improving productivity was indispensable. However, although this was the era of the Hundred Schools of Thought during the Warring States period, Fang Zheng realized after listening that these so-called Hundred Schools of Thought were almost just different cultural and political directions without any fundamental change.
This left Fang Zheng somewhat regretful, as he believed that for a nation to be strong and prosperous, it must improve productivity, not just rely on political system reform to achieve goals. But in essence, the Hundred Schools of Thought struggles were basically no different from modern political system struggles. You advocate republic while I advocate democracy, you like dictatorship while I like freedom... In short, they are essentially the same thing. It’s not that these aren’t important, but focusing only on them is clearly not enough.
Of course, the contemplation and reform of political systems are essential, yet the improvement of productivity and advancements in technology are also crucial. Thought must progress, and material progress is also indispensable. So now, as Fang Zheng traveled across the various states, in addition to gathering those civilians displaced by war, he was recruiting scholars from the Hundred Schools of Thought. After all, Fang Zheng had money and didn’t mind the trivial issues, right?
Those emphasizing agricultural production, the farming families, as well as the skilled medical family practitioners, were recruited by Fang Zheng. After all, this era was in chaos, and these practical schools of thought needed a stable environment to conduct research. For instance, the farming families needed to experiment with increasing crop yields, which itself was a time-consuming process. It would be frustrating if after almost reaching the harvest season, two countries fought near your farmland... that would make one want to hang themselves in frustration...
Or if you grafted fruits and were waiting for the harvest to assess the yield. Then a passerby sees the fruit on the branches and suddenly recalls that Runtu said picking a fruit to quench thirst while walking is not considered stealing...
Then you’d want to exhume Runtu from the grave and crush his bones to ashes.
Indeed many people prefer to rise in times of chaos, but some do not and just wish for a quiet place to do scholarly work. These individuals, upon Fang Zheng’s invitation, readily agreed, nodding in approval. Of course, ancient literati were typically aloof and reserved, with a demeanor of ’I’m amazing, convince me.’ Fang Zheng wasn’t afraid of dealing with such people. He possessed knowledge and ideas surpassing thousands of years. Even just by discussing their field a bit, pointing out a future direction would be enough for them to bow in reverence.
Fang Zheng’s plan for this sect he was building wasn’t just a sect but more like an ancient comprehensive university, akin to Tsinghua and Peking University. It would encompass everything from astronomy and geography to political philosophy. After all, dynasties change, but no matter what political system or what dynasty, the thirst for talent is eternal.
Fang Zheng’s objective was to build his sect into such a university cultivating a wide range of talents. Not just focusing on assisting the Imperial Court and the Emperor, but requiring talents from various disciplines to enhance society comprehensively.
Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day. With Fang Zheng’s current concept, it would take at least a few decades to yield results. But Fang Zheng wouldn’t care by then. As long as Qin Shi Huang unifies the Six Kingdoms, the rest isn’t his concern.
Since Xiang Shaolong has already appeared, the unification of the Six Kingdoms by the Qin is counting down.
This time, Fang Zheng came to Daliang mainly because he heard of a great mathematician here and he hoped to invite him to his sect. Initially, this mathematician named Bacho dismissed Fang Zheng’s invitation, believing common folk didn’t understand the beauty of mathematics — hm, not much different from modern mathematicians.
Then he was convinced by Fang Zheng.
Although using the multiplication table and Arabic numerals to impress the other was indeed a bit lowbrow, for Fang Zheng... as long as it works.
And naturally, the deeply impressed Bacho then invited Fang Zheng to attend a banquet together, and as for the banquet’s location...
"Cottage by the Elegant Lake?"
"Correct."
Sitting in the carriage, Bacho was excited beyond words. Although he was a prominent figure in mathematics, he was also a young man in his prime, and there wasn’t much entertainment during this era. Previously, Bacho wasn’t interested in attending these banquets, but after Fang Zheng helped him resolve some long-standing questions, Bacho was now relaxed and felt like attending a banquet.
"Young Master Fang might not know this place, which is the most famous place in Daliang. Not only is the scenery enchanting, but most importantly, its hostess, Miss Ji Yanran, possesses beauty that could topple a nation and talents that outshine all others. She is regarded alongside Widow Qing of the Qin State as one of the Two Great Belles of this era. Miss Yanran loves discussing literature and martial arts with gentlemen and scholars who come from afar. With Young Master Fang’s talents, character, and looks, which are one in ten thousand, Miss Yanran will surely view him differently."
"Oh..."
Compared to Bacho’s excitement, Fang Zheng appeared very calm, though he was indeed a bit curious. After all, Ji Yanran is considered one of the main female protagonists in the Record of Seeking Qin and has been referred to as the most beautiful woman in the world. Fang Zheng also wanted to see just how beautiful this belle actually was...
As they spoke, the carriage arrived in front of the small building located on the Elegant Lake. The place was exquisite and graceful, small and serene, complemented by bamboo groves and long bridges, it indeed possessed a unique charm.
Bacho led Fang Zheng into the living room, and soon a maid greeted them, curtsying to the guests.
"The young lady is taking a midday nap, please wait for a moment in the living room."
Bacho and Fang Zheng didn’t mind, and under the maid’s lead, they went to the living room, where their clothes were dusted and their faces were washed at the door.
At this moment, there were already several groups of people sitting in the living room, most of whom were literati and scholars, while some looked extraordinarily robust, resembling more like samurai. Bacho, considered an academic leader, was quickly had someone come up to greet him, and they all sat together chatting and laughing.
Sitting cross-legged, Fang Zheng curiously glanced around, and Bacho leaned over to introduce the others to him.
"Over there is Lord Xinling, rumored to be favored by the King, but he is ruthless and overbearing. I don’t like him. And over there is... "
While he spoke, Bacho introduced everyone around, some of whom Fang Zheng had heard of, some he hadn’t, but in terms of status, they were either famous nobility or renowned martial artists and scholars, not too far off from each other.
"And who is that woman?"
Fang Zheng curiously looked at a woman sitting at the front. Her skin was delicate and fair, dressed in finery, gentle and graceful, looking like a frail lady. However, there were mostly men here, and she was the only woman, which puzzled Fang Zheng. Naturally, most people who came here were vying for Ji Yanran’s favor, so why would a woman join in the fun?
Could it be that the Lily Faction of this era is so blatant?
Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Bacho glanced over there and then his expression changed dramatically, lowering his voice to whisper in Fang Zheng’s ear.
"Young Master, please be cautious, that person is actually Lord Longyang..."
Holy crap?!
Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng was taken aback.
Is this the rumored first crossdresser of the Warring States, Lord Longyang?!
He truly lives up to his name!
Fang Zheng remembered that in the Record of Seeking Qin, although Lord Longyang initially had an antagonistic relationship with Xiang Shaolong, he became utterly devoted to him, almost turning him gay. However, words are just words; no matter how much one describes Lord Longyang’s delicate appearance, most would imagine a big man caked in makeup or, at most, a pervert.
Seeing it for himself now, he realized, this guy is totally a crossdresser, and a high-quality one at that! If Bacho hadn’t mentioned it, who would have known he was actually a man!
No wonder even the womanizer Xiang Shaolong almost bent for him.
At this moment, Lord Longyang also sensed Fang Zheng and Bacho’s gaze, turning his head with a smile towards them. Fang Zheng nodded slightly in greeting. And just then, accompanied by the sound of jewelry clinking, a beautiful young woman gracefully walked into the living room.
She wore a long gown with a white base and blue pattern, her figure tall and gracefully delicate, looking like a fairy descending from the heavens. So much so that the moment the crowd saw the young woman, everyone’s breath caught, even Bacho, who was staring at her, dumbfounded, looking like a fool.
As for Fang Zheng...
Hmm, indeed very beautiful.
Fang Zheng carefully examined her and nodded quietly to himself, but he was not the same as these fools. After all, Fang Zheng had seen many beauties, and although this girl added a bit of transcendent elegance, to Fang Zheng, even a real fairy would not be novel, so he just gave her a once-over and then looked away.
At this moment, Ji Yanran also took a seat on the central chaise lounge under everyone’s gaze, smiling at the crowd before speaking.
"Yanran was lazy, causing everyone to wait."
When a beauty apologizes, it always has an extra charm, so everyone quickly assured her it was fine, and Ji Yanran’s gaze swiftly swept over everyone, pausing on Fang Zheng for a moment, then looking at Bacho beside Fang Zheng.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Young Master Ba. I never expected you would come to the Cottage by the Elegant Lake. It seems you encountered some difficulty before. From your appearance now, have you resolved it?"
"Ahahaha, Master Ji is truly perceptive."
Upon being named by Ji Yanran, Bacho hurriedly stood up with a laugh, scratching his head sheepishly.
"To be honest, I was pondering the essence of the Pythagorean Technique without progress for a long time, but recently I’ve made some headway, discovering that in the Pythagorean Technique..."
As he spoke, Bacho enthusiastically began explaining his thoughts to Ji Yanran, and at this point, Fang Zheng was dumbstruck.
Damn, buddy, are you out of your mind? Why are you so happily explaining the Pythagorean theorem to a liberal arts girl? Are all science students in this world the same, with their emotional intelligence eaten away by numbers?
You deserve to be alone forever!
Can’t you see Ji Yanran is bewildered?
In fact, not just Ji Yanran, everyone else was puzzled too. If you were discussing worldly affairs, the Seven Powers of the Warring States, or future trends, people could join in. But straightaway going into Pythagorean theorems and triangles—it leaves us at a loss!
Should we comment that the triangles are not beautifully drawn or not symmetrical?
Actually, Ji Yanran wasn’t completely clueless. Being a talented woman, she could understand most of the earlier parts. Still, Bacho included some modern mathematical terms he had discussed with Fang Zheng, leaving Ji Yanran completely confused. She’s not a transmigrator; the earlier parts were understandable, but the rest was like a heavenly book—she had no idea what he was talking about...
However, Bacho hardly cared. In this era, there were no academic conferences or journals for publishing papers. With no one he could share his impressive discovery with, he seized the opportunity to speak freely.
"...What does Master Ji think?"
After satisfying his urge to speak, Bacho looked to Ji Yanran, awaiting her response. Ji Yanran showed a troubled face, but soon smiled slightly.
"Young Master Ba’s eagerness to learn is evident to Yanran and truly remarkable."
See, that’s how you talk; even if you don’t understand, you can still commend someone’s attitude.
However, after hearing Ji Yanran’s response, Bacho felt somewhat disappointed. His intention was for this talented woman to understand his research, and hearing Ji Yanran hadn’t grasped it made him a bit dejected. Looking at Ji Yanran again, she seemed not as dazzling anymore.
Nonetheless, Bacho still had a bit of social tact, laughing afterward.
"Actually, what I’m saying is minor. Young Master Fang is the one with great wisdom. Truly, a single conversation with him is worth ten years of study."
With this remark, everyone turned their attention to Fang Zheng beside Bacho.
Fang Zheng was taken aback, looking at the chuckling Bacho, feeling speechless.
MMP, I’m just here to watch. Why are you selling me out?
I’m an ally!

Comments

Loading...