Chapter 151: Comprehending the Subtle

"Young Master Fang, can you actually make one yourself?" Pang Yu stared at Fang Yizhi in astonishment.

Fang Yizhi hesitated a moment before saying, "I fear not. Though I know the internal construction of the telescope, grinding the lenses is exceedingly difficult, and I do not possess that skill. There are craftsmen in Nanjing who make glasses, but most fall short when it comes to the telescope. It will still require a careful search."

"Glasses?"

Fang Yizhi smiled. "Few people use them around Anqing. They are made by grinding rock crystal or glass, set in a wooden frame, and placed over the eyes to help those with impaired vision see."

"So those are spectacles." Pang Yu said in sudden realization. "So they already exist at this time."

"If Pang Squad Leader has the leisure, take a look in the larger shops around the city, and you will see many Shopkeeper and account office clerks using them."

Pang Yu nodded. At this moment, he felt that Fang Yizhi was more like someone who had transmigrated, while he himself was foolishly ignorant of everything.

Looking at the wooden tube, Pang Yu suddenly said, "If Young Master Fang manages to find a craftsman who can make telescope lenses, please keep their address. I would also like to commission some telescopes from them. This object can be used not only for astronomy, but also on the battlefield, especially for scouts."

Fang Yizhi's expression shifted with emotion. "Pang Squad Leader truly possesses frontier talent. This object is what His Excellency Xu Guangqi called an instrument of the army and the state. In past years they were all purchased from Macau, but rarely used for scouting; rather, they were used for sighting Red Barbarian cannons. Only those deemed reliable were permitted to learn their use."

Pang Yu smiled. "Then I barely qualify as a reliable person. Such a sharp instrument must not only be used, but also be made."

Fang Yizhi walked back to his desk. "Then I shall keep an eye out. There are still some points of confusion here. Does Pang Squad Leader understand this section? According to Matteo Ricci's calculations, the earth's circumference is ninety thousand li, and the full diameter of the sun is one hundred sixty-five and three-eighths times that of the earth. Calculated thus, the sun's caliber should be four million seven hundred thirty-five thousand seven hundred fifty-two li and five-tenths of a li, with the earth's distance from the sun being sixteen million li, its diameter just under one-third of that distance. When I calculate using Western methods, every half-degree is the full diameter of the sun, yet then the full solar diameter is merely over one hundred thirty thousand li. How can it be over one hundred sixty times the earth?"

Fang Yizhi finished and looked at Pang Yu expectantly. Pang Yu happened to remember the sun's diameter, but he truly did not know the distance from the earth to the sun. Since arriving in the Ming Dynasty, the lack of standard measurements meant he did not know if a Ming li was the same as in later ages, nor how to convert them, but after several long journeys, he felt the difference could not be very great.

Frowning in thought for a moment, he said, "Young Master Fang's doubts are correct. The earth's circumference should be eighty thousand li, not far from ninety thousand li, but the sun's diameter is absolutely not four million seven hundred thirty thousand li. It should only be around two million eight hundred thousand li, roughly a hundred times the earth, indeed less than one hundred sixty times. As for the distance between earth and sun, I do not remember it."

Fang Yizhi was stunned. He had not expected Pang Yu to give such a definitive answer. "Was this also taught by the transcendent master Pang Squad Leader encountered?"

Pang Yu could only nod. Fang Yizhi quickly asked again, "Did he teach how to calculate it?"

"No, he did not." Pang Yu felt a bit guilty. Though he did not fear calculation, he was utterly ignorant of the methods and calculations of astronomical observation. If truly questioned, he would not know how to answer.

Fang Yizhi muttered to himself, "Then the circumferences and diameters of the Nine Heavens probably must be recalculated."

Afraid he would continue questioning, Pang Yu proactively asked, "Young Master Fang expends so much energy on astronomy and Western learning — will it affect your preparation for the imperial examinations?"

"There will be some delay." Fang Yizhi indeed set down the register, but his expression remained extremely confident. "But the principles of the world fall into no more than three kinds: Governing Principle, Physics, and Supreme Principle. I wish to study them all, not solely emphasize Governing Principle."

"May I ask the difference between these three kinds of principle?"

"That which specifically addresses governance and moral cultivation is Governing Principle." Fang Yizhi sat up straight and spoke seriously. "That which specifically addresses phenomena and numbers, musical pitches and calendars, phonology, statecraft, medicine, authority and power, military methods, skills and crafts — all things in the world that are comprehended through substance — this is Physics. That by which things are things, and by which governance is governance, is Supreme Principle. I wonder if Pang Squad Leader can understand."

Pang Yu was completely baffled by the phrase "comprehended through substance," but he grasped the general meaning. "I agree with Young Master Fang's classification, only the names differ somewhat. I generally call Governing Principle 'sociology'; Physics is the same as Young Master's; Supreme Principle is 'philosophy.'"

Fang Yizhi listened with an open mind, and Pang Yu spent some effort explaining his understanding of the classifications to Fang Yizhi.

Fang Yizhi stood up and laughed heartily. "Today's conversation with Pang Squad Leader — though only a few words, every one resonated perfectly. Truly one of life's great pleasures."

He paced excitedly around the room. "I studied the Yi Jing under my father, and for learning, there are two further divisions: Substantive Measurement and Comprehending the Subtle. Physics is the study of Substantive Measurement; Supreme Principle is the study of Comprehending the Subtle. When I studied Western learning, I discovered that Western learning excels at Substantive Measurement but is clumsy in discussing Comprehending the Subtle, while the imperial examinations are clumsy at Substantive Measurement — therefore, both must be studied. Most Chinese Confucian scholars do not comprehend Substantive Measurement, guarding only Governing Principle. The Confucians of this age often suffer from two maladies: exhausting principle without broad learning, and hearing the Path without practicing goodness. Even worse are those who rigidly cling to hardship to honor ritual law, and those fond of performing eccentricities to surpass ritual law — all are fame-seekers, shackling their supreme nature to do so. One must know that Substantive Measurement conceals Comprehending the Subtle, and Comprehending the Subtle in turn protects the limits of Substantive Measurement. We of this generation should study Governing Principle without being bound by Governing Principle, study Physics without making Physics the sole pursuit."

Pang Yu watched the spirited Fang Yizhi in the room and murmured to himself, "An ancient philosopher."

……

When leaving the Fang Family, Fang Yizhi not only saw him out past the residence gate, but also accompanied him all the way out through the neighborhood gate of Longpan Lane. He repeatedly urged Pang Yu to meet again in Nanjing on his return journey, and Pang Yu readily agreed.

He had interacted with Fang Yizhi several times before, but always as casual acquaintances who had a few things to talk about, knowing the other was not a pedantic Confucian scholar of classical platitudes. Pang Yu had only used miscellaneous learning as a tool for social connection, psychologically believing he was imparting knowledge to Fang Yizhi. But after today's deep conversation with Fang Yizhi, he felt genuine admiration for this man. Fang Yizhi was not the arrogant youth he appeared on the surface, but a young talent of very high intellectual caliber.

Recalling that group of Ze Society scholars in Tongcheng, he had never spoken deeply with them, but each had their own strengths. They were not men of empty boasts, nor did they only understand the imperial examinations; nearly all were active thinkers. If they were all on a similar level to Fang Yizhi, then he had indeed underestimated the ancients.

Once Fang Yizhi had returned inside, Pang Yu led his three attendants to go find that servant of the Ruan Family.

Along the way, Pang Yu was still pondering Fang Yizhi's words. He could not help touching his chin. "A Ming Dynasty like this, conquered by queue-wearing soldiers?"

"Second Brother, when will Fang Yizhi take you to pay respects to He Laoxiansheng?"

Pang Yu turned to look at He Xianya, who was following him, and shook his head. "I did not mention this matter to him."

He Xianya was taken aback. Pang Yu continued walking as he spoke. "After thinking it over carefully, the path Ruan Xiansheng pointed out is far too complicated. I would need to first find Fang Yizhi, then have Fang Yizhi take me to find He Ruchong, then He Ruchong recommends me to Mace Qianyi, and Mace Qianyi in turn recommends me to Zhang Guowei."

He Xianya frowned. "Is it that too many people are involved?"

"This chain of personal connections is too long. Ruan Xiansheng does not know of my entanglements with the Fang Family. If the Fang Family were to learn at this time that I seek a military appointment, whether they would support it is hard to say, and the possibility of covert sabotage also exists — this risk must be avoided. Even if the Fang Family supports it, after going around this whole circle I would owe a pile of favors, and how effective it would be in the end is hard to say."

"Then we are not going to seek out He Grand Chancellor?"

"We are not. The principal target is Zhang Guowei. We will seek out that man directly."

He Xianya hesitated a moment, then caught up and asked in a low voice, "Then should we give Ruan Xiansheng some sort of explanation?"

"Just say things are proceeding smoothly." Pang Yu lifted his chin. "Ruan Xiansheng's method has another shortcoming."

He Xianya said humbly, "Second Brother, please instruct me."

"He places too much weight on personal favors and has not identified the key interests. Zhang Guowei's fundamental interest does not lie in these favors, but in the stability of Anqing, so that his official position is not affected. I need only make him believe I can secure Anqing, and he will give me what I want. Compared to personal favors, I trust interests more."

He Xianya thought for a moment and said, "I will remember that."

At that moment, the servant approached from across the street. Seeing the four of them, he said, "Does Pang Squad Leader still wish to go elsewhere?"

Pang Yu nodded. "I do not. Are we to return to the residence?"

"When I left, the Master instructed that once Squad Leader had finished his business, he should be invited to Chu Garden at Mochou Lake. There is a gathering there this evening, and it is just the right occasion for Pang Squad Leader to attend."

Pang Yu agreed. He felt that after the Tongcheng Great Victory, his status seemed to have risen considerably again — he could sense it from the attitudes of Fang Kongzhao, Fang Yizhi, and Ruan Dacheng.

Mochou Lake was just a short distance outside Qingliang Gate. The group exited the city through Qingliang Gate, followed the Qinhuai River outside the city wall southward, and after crossing Stone City Bridge, arrived at the shore of Mochou Lake.

By the lake, green willows touched the water and fragrant grass spread like a carpet. The March spring breeze brushed the face, and Pang Yu felt utterly refreshed along the way.

Many grand mansions had been built along the lake. Pang Yu had just asked and learned that this Chu Garden was built by Ruan Dacheng for his own father, Ruan Yixun — which, when calculated, meant Ruan Dacheng had actually paid for it. Two garden estates in a first-tier city. Pang Yu mentally added another entry to Ruan Dacheng's asset sheet, feeling that the gap between himself and the tycoon Ruan had widened further.

They soon arrived at Chu Garden. The garden was right on the lake. Although it was an outstanding Jiangnan garden, Pang Yu had now seen so many of Ruan Dacheng's grand mansions that he had become somewhat immune.

Entering the courtyard, there was still a flower garden. On the side facing the lake stood a small two-story building. Pang Yu followed the servant upstairs, and by the window, he could see the full panorama of Mochou Lake. He could not help sighing that Ruan Dacheng truly knew how to enjoy life.

There were people inside talking. After Pang Yu circled around the screen, he immediately saw Ruan Dacheng's large beard. Three other people were also seated around the round table.

The moment Ruan Dacheng saw Pang Yu, he burst into hearty laughter. "We were just speaking of Pang Xiaoyou, and now the guest of honor has arrived."

The other three all looked over. They were all in their forties or fifties, their bearing all very steady and composed. None of the three stood up; they merely smiled in greeting. At a glance, Pang Yu sensed they were officials, or at least had been, and their official positions were likely not minor.

"These are all old friends of mine, all currently in Nanjing. Pang Xiaoyou, come quickly and be introduced." Ruan Dacheng walked over and extended a hand toward the first person on the left. "This is my old friend from the same examination cohort, Yang Weiyuan, who once served as Court of Imperial Sacrifices Minister."

As expected, a former high official. Pang Yu hurriedly bowed respectfully. "This humble one, Pang Yu, pays respects to Yang Xiansheng."

Yang Weiyuan merely nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Heroes emerge from the young. Tongcheng is a place of outstanding people and blessed land."

Pang Yu repeatedly protested that he dared not accept such praise. Ruan Dacheng then turned to the second person, a man in his early forties, dressed in a black Green Robe, with a thin face. The eyes he turned toward Pang Yu were very keen, and his bearing seemed quite capable and efficient.

When introducing this person, Ruan Dacheng's tone grew even gentler. "This gentleman is also an old friend of mine..."

That person directly stood up and said, "My name is Ma Shiying. No need to call me Mister — I am a few years older, so just call me Brother Ma."