Chapter 667: Candlelight and an Opportunity

At sunset, Chen Yan rarely enjoys leisure at home.

He lies in the courtyard, basking in the afterglow of today's setting sun.

Li Tai imitates his posture, brings in a lounge chair, and lies down beside him.

Since Chen Yan married two princesses and later was promoted to Duke, his household has undergone an expansion.

Many areas were demolished, such as the former pigsty and the workshop where they made glass.

Chen Yan's favorite back garden was extensively renovated during this time; a sizable pond was specially dug, completed just two months ago.

Although his dukedom has now been revoked, only the title was removed; his privileges remain entirely unchanged.

Thus the Chen residence is still very large.

Now the two lie by the pond, quietly watching the ripples on the water.

"Zi Anxiong... shall we raise some fish in it?"

Li Tai suggests, "With nothing to do, we could fish here; it wouldn't be a bad thing at all."

"Sure." Chen Yan replies casually, "I also intend to plant some lotus, surround it with peach trees, and when the peach blossoms appear, we can harvest them to brew wine."

"What do you think?"

Li Tai smiles slightly, "I think it's perfect!"

Chen Yan glances at him and jokes, "These days you're finally relaxed; you managed to finish the Divine Might Cannon before the campaign, so you can rest for a long time now."

Mentioning it, Li Tai can't help but show a smug grin, "What do you think?"

"Can't you see who I am?"

"A mere Divine Might Cannon can't stop me."

"But Zi Anxiong..." he says excitedly, "What you said before was absolutely correct; even though I've already built the Divine Might Cannon, I think there are far too many aspects that can be improved, refined, and upgraded."

"The current Divine Might Cannon, according to our design, is still just the crude first version; it works, its power is indeed respectable, but it's only functional."

"Zi Anxiong, where do you think we should develop next?"

"Next?" Chen Yan lifts his gaze, "Next, you should rest for a while; during that time I'll find moments to teach you more, especially mathematics, physics, chemistry and such knowledge."

"You really are suited for this, but the knowledge in your mind is still too little; you need more knowledge to enrich yourself, so you can face future challenges."

Li Tai nods, "I understand; a towering building starts from flat ground— the larger the structure, the more a deep, solid foundation is needed."

"Otherwise it will only be a sky‑high pavilion, a mirage of reflected flowers and water."

"Hmm, it's good you grasp that," Chen Yan says appreciatively, "But for now, let's not develop weapons further."

"Didn't I have someone record all the knowledge I speak about in class?"

"If possible, besides taking my classes, I hope you use this knowledge to teach the members of the Research Institute, and perhaps we can directly ask your Father Emperor and Mother Empress to establish an Institute of Investigation."

"From now on, research on weapons and other matters will be left to them, while our task is to perfect the other aspects."

Hearing this, Li Tai exclaims in surprise, "Zi Anxiong... you intend to pass this knowledge on to others?"

"Why not?" Chen Yan retorts.

This...

Li Tai hesitates instantly.

He doesn't know what to say.

Because knowledge has always been priceless, especially the knowledge Chen Yan shares; the more one understands, the more it overturns his perception.

Physics and chemistry, to them, are almost equivalent to the laws governing heaven and earth, a minute control over the forces of the world.

Li Tai once heard Chen Yan say a line that left a deep impression.

If you know enough and technology reaches a certain level, even lightning can be controlled.

For this, Chen Yan prepared many materials and demonstrated on the spot, spending over a month to create a hand‑cranked friction generator.

In front of the group, Chen Yan melted sulfur into a round rod, then combined amber glass, fine silk, gold leaf, and a makeshift glass jar.

When Chen Yan began cranking the generator, shortly after he extended a finger near it, and at that moment, with a 'Pop' sound, a visible blue electric spark burst forth.

That was back in Zhenguan Year Five, yet Li Tai still remembers it clearly today.

He feels that scene is something he will never forget in his life, the most shocking moment.

And this knowledge, Chen Yan is willing not only to teach them but also to share with unrelated people.

Li Tai truly finds it hard to understand.

Because in his view, shouldn't such knowledge be passed down through a single lineage?

Why teach it to others?

After a long silence, Li Tai, genuinely puzzled, asks, "Zi Anxiong, I really don't understand."

"What is unclear?" Chen Yan looks at the lake, calmly saying, "Knowledge should be spread, not sealed off."

"Otherwise, how would the ages progress? How could the world become better?"

"Qingque, don't think you're the smartest one; you are indeed suited for scientific research, but there are many smarter, more suitable people in the world."

"For example, Xiao Qingyue."

"Even though she's young, the talent she shows and her sense for this field constantly surprise you, don't they?"

Li Tai is speechless.

Because everything Chen Yan says is true.

Not to mention, the speed at which his Divine Might Cannon was built couldn't have happened without Xiao Qingyue's occasional questions and suggestions.

Each time, Xiao Qingyue always brings him a different surprise.

Li Tai must admit that, in this regard, Xiao Qingyue is more gifted than he is.

Moreover, Xiao Qingyue is still very young, highly malleable, and far from reaching the peak of intellect.

He truly cannot compare.

"Qingque," Chen Yan said softly, "Scientific progress cannot be completed by a single generation; it requires generation after generation to step into this field, dedicating their whole lives, in order to drive the advancement of the times and the development of science."

"A single candle's light cannot fully illuminate an entire room, but when countless candles converge together…"

"Even the abyss can shine as bright as day."

"As the saying goes, heroes of the world are like minnows crossing a river."

"Many people… it's not that they lack ability; they simply lack an opportunity."

"Heh… throughout history, there have been far too many such examples, haven't there?"

"Think back to the founding Emperor Liu Bang of Han, from the tiny Pei County—how many figures have emerged to shine through the ages?"

"What we need to do is give everyone a chance!"

"......"