Chapter 63: The Mad Scholar

"I've kept Squad Leader Pang waiting far too long — please, come into the study and let us talk."

Fang Yizhi stood waiting for Pang Yu at the study doorway, a warm smile on his face. At this moment, one could see none of the arrogance typical of a scion from an established family. The last time Pang Yu had come, he had followed the County Vice-Magistrate and had not even entered the study's inner chamber; this time, Fang Yizhi was personally waiting for him at the study door, a mark of very high courtesy indeed.

Pang Yu hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Fang is too kind."

"Our last meeting was terribly rushed. I have been wanting to discuss some matters of physics with Squad Leader Pang ever since. In the interim, I also heard that Squad Leader Pang is highly skilled in rapid calculation methods, and I could not help but wish to get to the bottom of it. Regrettably, both of us were busy with the pacification of the unrest in between, and it is only today that I have found the time to meet with Squad Leader Pang again."

Fang Yizhi invited Pang Yu into the study. This time, Pang Yu sat directly in the seat the County Vice-Magistrate had occupied that day, a clear sign of how highly Fang Yizhi regarded him.

Pang Yu surveyed the study's layout. The last time he had stood in the outer room, he had only seen part of it due to the angle. Looking from inside the room now, he saw many more calligraphy works and paintings on the walls. A river scene painting paired with a poem on the opposite wall directly faced Pang Yu's seat, and he could not help but let his gaze linger on it for a few moments.

"At nine I went down Qutang Gorge, in ten days passed Wuchang. A boatman led me to ascend Wuchang, Parrot to the left, Phoenix to the right. Who says before one's eyes the words cannot come? White clouds for a thousand years — how can one be so wild? Misty waves at dusk, written by chance, did an immortal truly ride a yellow crane away… So Young Master Fang has also been to Wuchang."

"I have traveled all along the Great River." Fang Yizhi wore an expression of reminiscence. "When I was six, my father passed the Presented Scholar examination. At seven, I followed him to his post as Magistrate of Household Retainer (Leshan). I climbed Mount Mount Mount Emei, toured the Three Gorges, and then traveled from Shu to Min, passing through Wuchang. This poem was written at that time. Squad Leader Pang, please do not laugh at it."

Pang Yu offered a flattering remark: "Young Master Fang traveled far and wide from childhood and could write poetry of such lofty conception at the age of nine. Such breadth of experience is truly beyond what humble folk like us can compare to."

"On that same journey, I also accompanied my grandfather to Mount Lu, and then went on to Funing Prefecture in Fujian." Fang Yizhi was not one for false modesty. He gestured to the long sword behind him. "This swordsmanship was learned in Funing Prefecture."

"Young Master Fang is accomplished in both civil and martial arts — my admiration knows no bounds."

Fang Yizhi's enthusiasm for the conversation was strong. "I wonder, what places has Squad Leader Pang visited?"

"I…" As soon as Pang Yu opened his mouth, he remembered that his current identity was that of a country bumpkin who had probably never even left Anqing. All his neighbors knew he had never traveled far, so he decided not to try to save face on this point.

"The furthest I have ever been is Huaining County. I can only envy Young Master Fang and hope that one day I, too, might roam the world so freely and travel across all the splendid rivers and mountains of our Middle Kingdom."

Fang Yizhi let out a hearty laugh. "Then I would recommend Squad Leader Pang first go and see the north. I myself once sojourned in the Capital for two years. The northern scenery is utterly different from our Jiangnan. Though it is somewhat barren, it possesses a vast and desolate grandeur. I once rode at full gallop across the lands of Yanqi, touring the mountains and rivers of the north from the peaks to the sea. There is no greater joy in life than that. If Squad Leader Pang finds the leisure, he should certainly travel to the north. But the scenery and customs of our south have a style all their own, each with its own merits compared to the north. Two years ago, I took a study tour through Jiangnan and also gained a great deal. We people of Nanzhili need not belittle ourselves."

Pang Yu listened with growing astonishment. In his mind, he had always imagined the ancients as people unwilling to leave their hometowns, with someone like Xu Xiake being a definite anomaly. Yet from what Fang Yizhi was saying, he had already traversed more than half of the China of this era, likely leaving only the most remote border regions unvisited.

Given the transportation conditions of this time, Fang Yizhi could well be considered a true traveler. Moreover, the moment Fang Yizhi spoke of his study tours, he became inexplicably excited, showing that he did not fear long journeys in the slightest but was, on the contrary, deeply passionate about them.

It also showed that, past and present, scions of established families like Fang Yizhi simply win at the starting line. He was both a second-generation rich and a second-generation official, and his breadth of vision, talent, and skills far surpassed those of children from commoner families.

Pang Yu asked, "Young Master Fang, your study tours across the land have naturally broadened your knowledge considerably. But traveling so far, a thousand li from home — was Mr. Fang not worried?"

Fang Yizhi stood up and said, "A true man must read ten thousand books, but he must also travel ten thousand li. How can one who stays comfortably at home become a hero? My father not only did not forbid me, but actually permitted my study tours. The last time I went to Jiangnan, it was at my father's encouragement."

Pang Yu let out an "Oh." On the matter of educating one's children, he rather admired Fang Kongzhao. Fang Kongzhao had built Ze Garden so Fang Yizhi could study in peace, yet he also encouraged his son not to be rigidly confined to books. It was likely this very method of education that had produced a son like Fang Yizhi, so full of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge about the world.

From Pang Yu's guess, Fang Yizhi had not invited him here today simply to discuss knowledge. But having been here for a while now and observing Fang Yizhi's behavior, it seemed he truly did not know the real purpose, leaving Pang Yu wondering how Fang Kongzhao would make his entrance.

Sitting there with nothing else to do, Pang Yu could only continue chatting with Fang Yizhi. His eyes swept over the desk, and he asked, "Last time, I saw a book on Young Master Fang's desk with the words 'Physics' written on the cover. I wonder, where did Young Master Fang learn about the Dead Sea, petroleum, and such that you recorded?"

"When my father was in Funing Prefecture, I followed Mr. Tanshi in studying Western learning. I once received the gentleman's guidance on the 'First Collection of Heavenly Learning' written by Matteo Ricci, and later I also sought instruction in Western learning directly from Francesco Sambiasi. Most of those records came from various priests of the Society of Jesus. However, I myself prefer seeking out the curious and strange, while my father specialized in calendrical methods."

Pang Yu listened, utterly bewildered; he knew none of the names Fang Yizhi mentioned. In fact, the Mr. Tanshi Fang Yizhi spoke of was Xiong Mingyu. This man had served as an official in Fujian at the same time as Fang Kongzhao, and the two shared a deep personal friendship. After being promoted to a Capital Official during the Tianqi era, both were dismissed together due to their closeness to the Donglin faction. It was during his time in Fujian that Fang Yizhi first came into contact with Western learning and later developed a profound interest in it.

After the Chongzhen Emperor ascended the throne, Xiong Mingyu rose steadily through the ranks to become Minister of War. As long as Fang Kongzhao's mourning period ended, he could fully rely on Xiong Mingyu's recommendation to smoothly return to office.

Unfortunately, Ministers of War during the Chongzhen reign never lasted long. Before Fang Kongzhao's mourning period was even over, Xiong Mingyu had already been dismissed over the unauthorized peace negotiations with the Tartars at Xuanfu. Otherwise, why would Fang Kongzhao need to go to such lengths to find a path back to office?

Fang Yizhi continued, "The word 'Physics' that Squad Leader Pang saw is the cover of a book I am still drafting. Much of its content comes from 'Origins of Physics' and 'Investigating the Principles of Things,' which is why I used the word 'Physics' on the cover."

After hearing this, Pang Yu felt some of his preconceptions had been overturned. He had never even heard of the several books Fang Yizhi had just mentioned. He did not know who this Mr. Tanshi was, but he had heard the name Matteo Ricci. He had not expected the Fang family to be learned in both Eastern and Western traditions.

His impression had been that ancient people only read the Four Books and Five Classics, had no interest in nature or technology, and even treated them like monstrous floods and savage beasts. But Fang Yizhi's brief words today revealed a completely different kind of scholarly family, and even Fang Kongzhao's image in his mind had somewhat improved.

How the Fang family treated common folk, Pang Yu did not know, but their attitude toward knowledge and learning appeared tolerant, open-minded, and diligent. Pang Yu suddenly felt less confident. Fang Yizhi had just mentioned the 'First Collection of Heavenly Learning,' which was probably about astronomy, and astronomy was generally linked to calendrical methods. If the questions turned that way, Pang Yu would make a fool of himself.

He decided to strike first. Clearing his throat, he said, "I must state this plainly first: other knowledge is fine, but I am utterly ignorant of astronomy and calendrical methods. If Young Master Fang asks about calendrical matters, I will have no choice but to say I do not know."

Fang Yizhi did not mind in the slightest. He slapped the table and laughed. "Squad Leader Pang's lack of pretension suits me perfectly. This time, however, it is not Western learning I wish to consult you about, but rather the Dead Sea that Squad Leader Pang spoke of last time. I have already constructed one in the garden. Today, I invited Squad Leader Pang here precisely to see it. I have also invited several close friends to witness together the first Dead Sea in our Middle Kingdom."

"Ah? A Dead Sea?"

"Precisely. Though, admittedly, this sea is somewhat small."

Just then, a flurry of footsteps sounded outside the door, and two men strode into the study, followed by a little tag-along, Fang Qiyi.

The two men in front were both coolly indifferent at the sight of Pang Yu. Only Fang Qiyi was the most enthusiastic, pulling Pang Yu aside and peppering him with questions, which spared Pang Yu some awkwardness.

Pang Yu recognized one of the men: it was Sun Lin, who had been to the county yamen before and was also Fang Yizhi's brother-in-law. Today, however, he was dressed in a short martial outfit. The other man was also very young, appearing to be in his early twenties, and equally spirited and dashing.

Fang Yizhi introduced them: "This is my good friend Mace Bingdeng, courtesy name Yinguang. This is the Fast Squad Head of the county yamen who pacified the unrest, Pang Yu."

Mace Bingdeng gave Pang Yu a slight cupped-hand salute, his hands not even rising to chest level. It seemed this squad head was not held in much regard by them; even Fang Yizhi valued Pang Yu's attainments in Western learning more. In all this time in the study, Fang Yizhi had not asked a single question about how Pang Yu had razed Yunji Temple that day.

Fang Yizhi then pointed to Sun Lin. "Squad Leader Pang should recognize this one — my brother-in-law Sun Lin, courtesy name Kexian…"

Sun Lin smiled and said, "My courtesy name has been changed. It is now Wugong."

Fang Yizhi and Mace Bingdeng both looked surprised. Sun Lin declared proudly, "The realm is descending into chaos. We must rise up with resolve. We can no longer dwell peacefully in our studies as mere scholars, but should take up the lance and sword and become a martial lord."

Sun Lin had a robust build, and dressed in his short martial outfit, he did indeed exude a certain courageous and martial air. Pang Yu guessed he had probably been spurred by the peasant uprising and had thus changed his courtesy name to one that honored martial valor.

Both Mace Bingdeng and Fang Yizhi clicked their tongues in wonder, and Pang Yu also offered a couple of flattering remarks.

Sun Lin was not entirely clear on the details of the Yunji Temple affair. He had heard a rough account from Fang Zhongjia during their discussions that day, and so he harbored some hostility toward Pang Yu. But today, Pang Yu was Fang Yizhi's guest. Though Sun Lin was young and full of vigor, he did not make things difficult for Pang Yu on the spot, merely remaining somewhat cool in his demeanor.

The group made their way to the garden, with Fang Qiyi leading at the front. He brought them to a small pond. Fang Yizhi's artificial Dead Sea was right here. Because salt was still somewhat expensive, Fang Yizhi had hired an artisan to build a small pool, roughly four meters long, two meters wide, and just over a meter deep. As if afraid no one would know, Fang Yizhi had also erected a stone beside it, inscribed with the two large characters: "Dead Sea."

Sun Lin crouched by the pool's edge, scooped up a handful of water with one hand, and brought it to his lips for a taste. He immediately spat and said, "Mizhi, where did you find so much salt? If your wife finds out, she'll scold you again for neglecting your proper duties."

Fang Yizhi defended himself, "As long as the water doesn't drain away, the salt will always remain in the pool. It can still be used later; there's only a slight loss, that's all."

Mace Bingdeng crouched down and peered into the pool. "It does indeed taste salty and breeds no aquatic life. But have you tested whether objects do not sink? If a person goes in, will they sink or not?"

Fang Yizhi shook his head. "That remains unknown. What Squad Leader Pang said that day was that even someone who cannot swim can float freely on its surface. But the weather has turned somewhat chilly with autumn lately; I fear catching a cold. Better to wait until next year…"

Before his words had even faded, a loud splash sounded, and water sprayed everywhere in the Dead Sea.

Pang Yu had been pondering how to negotiate with Fang Kongzhao and was somewhat distracted. Caught completely off guard, he was splashed all over with water. Startled and angry, he looked up to see that it was actually Sun Lin who had jumped into the pool.

Sun Lin lay on his back on the water's surface, bobbing with the waves, laughing heartily. "It really doesn't sink!"

Mace Bingdeng said urgently, "Get out quickly! If Mr. Fang comes and sees this, it'll be trouble again, and none of us will escape a scolding… Oh no."

A figure flashed past him and also jumped into the Dead Sea — it was none other than Fang Qiyi.

"Fang Qiyi, what are you doing!" Fang Yizhi wiped water from his head and said angrily, "Who gave you permission to go in?"

Fang Qiyi floated in the water, too excited to reply.

It was Sun Lin who spoke to Fang Yizhi instead: "If you want to jump, just jump. Whose permission do you need? Mizhi, you show not a trace of wild abandon these days — how can you still be called the Dragon-Sleeping Mad Scholar?"

Fang Yizhi stood stunned for a moment, then flung his square cap from his head to the ground. He chanted loudly, "My soaring spirit long stirs the rivers and lakes' air, my sword at times forms the sound of wind and rain. In this age, the realm knows only desolation, yet at the foot of Dragon-Sleeping Mountain, there is a Mad Scholar! The Mad Scholar is coming!"

Having chanted, he sprang up and leaped, plunging into that miniature Dead Sea.

Pang Yu stood stunned in place, staring at the three in the pool and muttering, "This family… Ming dynasty punks!"

Fang Qiyi called out loudly to Pang Yu, "Pang Squad Leader has killed dozens of heads, a wild blade himself — come down quickly and taste this Dead Sea with us."

Pang Yu answered with a sound, still considering whether he should jump in too, when a voice suddenly came from behind him: "I hear this salt pool was taught by Pang Xiaoyou."

Pang Yu heard the voice, steadied his mind with Calm Demeanor, slowly turned around, and facing the refined Fang Kongzhao, said neither servile nor overbearing, "Greetings, Mr. Fang."