Chapter 293: Exhaust Principle to Extend Knowledge; Turn Inward Upon Oneself to Put It into Practice

The Song brothers ultimately made starkly different choices.

Song Yingsheng wanted to try the civil examination path once more, to gamble on the chance of a carp leaping through the Dragon Gate.

If that failed, he would take part in the Ministry of Personnel's selection process, striving to be assigned to Northern Zhili or the four northern provinces as a deputy county magistrate or a county instructor, so he could board the train of the New Policies.

Song Yingxing, however, chose the path of science, passed the written test and interview, and arrived at the Academy of Sciences.

He hoped to take part in this surpassing victory achieved by blazing a new trail.

Yet in their eyes, this so-called Academy of Sciences, which seemed so vigorously built and rigorously structured,

was merely a team that Zhu Youjian had barely scraped together based on the current situation, resources, and available talent.

On the square, Xiong Mingyu began his report:

"The guiding principle of the Academy of Sciences was set by His Majesty at its founding."

"It is taken directly from the 'Record of Master Zhu's Conduct': 'Exhaust principle to extend knowledge; turn inward upon oneself to put it into practice' — twelve characters in all."

This is what is now called science.

Zhu Youjian had used this name to casually ride on the coattails of the "civil examinations," and deliberately invoked Zhu Xi's words to define its guiding principle — all to minimize potential opposition as much as possible.

Xiong Mingyu's speech did not pause.

"In 'exhausting principle,' it is like optics and pneumatics — reasoning and seeking to grasp the fundamental principles of heaven and earth."

"In 'putting into practice,' it is like the telescope and the pressure well — reliably transforming the principles so obtained into practical creations useful to the state."

Xiong Mingyu paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"These two are the outer and inner faces of a single whole; neither may be neglected."

"For some things, if the principle is not grasped, the artifact cannot be made — just like the telescope and the pressure well. If one cannot attain the principle, one ultimately cannot find the door to enter. For other things, the artifact has long existed, yet its principle remains obscure and unclear — just like agronomy and medicine."

"In view of this, the various disciplines now established under the Academy of Sciences each have their own distinct emphasis."

At this point, following the working model established since the New Policies were implemented, he stepped back and yielded the stage.

"Dr. Wang, please speak on the affairs of the agronomy discipline."

Everyone turned to look and saw, among the ranks, an old man in his sixties step forward from the crowd.

This man's hair and beard were completely white, yet his spirit was hale and vigorous — he was none other than the Minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs, Wang Xiangqian's...

third younger brother, Wang Xiangjin.

This man, at sixty-six years of age, was already considered to have reached a venerable old age in these times.

He had passed the jinshi examination at forty-four, but his official career had been tepid.

Perhaps it was his family's wisdom in avoiding calamity, or perhaps he had seen through the ups and downs of officialdom, or perhaps his ambitions simply did not lie there.

After attaining the jinshi degree, the days he spent holding office could be counted on one's fingers; instead, he had farmed the land in his hometown of Xincheng, Shandong, for nearly twenty years.

Twenty years!

Zhu Youjian, who had only grown spinach for a little over three months, was a complete greenhorn before him.

A single work, the "Compendium of Blossoms from the Eryi Pavilion," was vast and comprehensive, covering the cultivation methods of twelve categories of crops.

Although titled "Blossoms," it was not merely concerned with flowering plants, but had thoroughly grasped traditional agricultural affairs.

Even for the sweet potato, which had only recently been introduced to the Great Ming, the book recorded in detail the method of propagation by layering. Zhu Youjian was entirely at ease having such an elder — with background, seniority, and even more so, experience — in charge of the agronomy discipline.

Wang Xiangjin showed not the slightest sign of decrepitude despite his age.

Perhaps from too many years of farming, his skin was dark, and his voice boomed like a bell:

"In directing the affairs of the agronomy discipline, this old subject's most pressing task rests on just four words — raising the yield per mu."

"Throughout the realm, the north suffers a grain shortage more severe than the south."

"Therefore, we must first systematize the system of three harvests in two years for North China, and then plan for the system of two harvests in one year for Jiangnan."

According to preliminary investigations in the capital, the system of two harvests per year was likewise not yet widely practiced in the Southern Zhili region at present.

Only in a few areas did a small number of farmers practice the two-harvest cycle of spring-flowering crops and rice. (Note: "Spring-flowering crops" generally refers to crops that bloom in spring, such as wheat or rapeseed.)

Wang Xiangjin turned sideways and pointed to one person among them.

"For the three-harvest-in-two-years system in North China, we will first promote the currently practiced rotation of winter wheat, soybeans, and millet."

"At the same time, we will select sites and conduct batch trials to explore the rotational possibilities of winter wheat, corn, and sorghum."

"This matter will be specifically overseen by Dr. Geng."

As Wang Xiangjin's words fell, a middle-aged official in his forties stepped forward in response.

It was none other than the jinshi of the fifth year of Tianqi, Geng Yinlou, who had bitterly sought but failed to obtain a post as County Magistrate in Northern Zhili.

At this moment, his face was alight with fervor, his heart filled with ecstasy at finally having stepped into the New Policies.

"In reply to Your Majesty, this subject has already begun work on this matter."

Geng Yinlou's voice trembled slightly, but could not conceal its excitement.

"This subject has sought out some veteran farmers from the capital region, and also, through Commissioner-in-Chief Tian of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, found some farming foremen with experience in this area along the telegraph line to consult. After the start of spring, the farming guidance for the wheat-bean-millet rotation can be issued first and distributed to the various counties."

"As for the wheat, corn, and sorghum rotation, large-scale promotion will likely have to wait until next year."

Zhu Youjian acknowledged him warmly:

"Dr. Geng's curriculum vitae, as well as the draft of the 'Intimate Field Method' submitted during the selection examination, I have personally reviewed."

"When spring comes next year, after I have harvested the spinach from the palace, I will certainly model my own attempt at this method. When the time comes, I will need Dr. Geng to provide thorough guidance."

Upon hearing this, Geng Yinlou was so stirred that his face flushed bright red, and he repeatedly cupped his hands in salute:

"This subject dares not... Your Majesty is endowed with a heavenly, sage-like nature; this subject dares not speak of guidance, but only dares to speak of discussion... a little discussion."

The so-called "Intimate Field Method" was something Geng Yinlou had created during his tenure in Linzi County, Shandong.

This method required dividing the fields into five portions, each year selecting one portion to be deeply tilled and intensively managed in rotation, using fertilizer to remove alkalinity and manage water, cycling through in this way to gradually achieve an improvement in the soil fertility of all the fields.

According to his practical results, it could raise the yield per mu from six dou to one shi and five dou — an astonishing effect.

This method carried somewhat the flavor of crop rotation, yet was not complete fallowing; it was more akin to a refined form of field management and project management. Moreover, with his hands-on experience as a County Magistrate, he was indeed the most suitable candidate to organize and promote this intercropping method. Wang Xiangjin waited quietly for the two to finish speaking before he continued.

"As for the three crops Your Majesty mentioned — potatoes, sweet potatoes, and maize — there are some immediate problems."

"Among them, sweet potatoes: this subject has seen them with his own eyes and planted them himself. But this crop is only suitable for famine relief and scattered, small-scale planting. It absolutely cannot be spread over large areas as a staple grain."

"This is because eating too much of it causes flatulence, and it is difficult to store."

"Although it can be dried in the sun, the yield after drying is still inferior to rice."

"As for maize: this subject has seen it before but has not yet planted it personally. It would be more appropriate to recruit skilled hands next year, try planting it myself, and then devote efforts to promoting it." "Potatoes are similar to maize — this subject has not planted them either. In the past I only knew they were quite precious, but I never imagined they could yield so highly. They too must be tested first."

"These three matters will all be personally led by this old minister. I shall compile planting manuals and promote them across every province."

At this point, Wang Xiangjin hesitated briefly, then added with a solemn expression:

"But in all the world, yin and yang must balance. From this subject's lifetime of experience, there is truly no such thing as a high yield that comes from nothing."

"This subject dares not speak recklessly of maize and potatoes, but the high yield of sweet potatoes exhausts the soil's fertility enormously."

"If we are to undertake such projects, fertilizer must be developed in tandem. Otherwise, it is draining the pond to catch the fish."

"Even if you gain a high yield for one year, the price is several years of poor harvests from that land."

Zhu Youjian nodded approvingly.

Perhaps it was his age — Wang Xiangjin had no great ambitions for his career, so his words were remarkably down-to-earth.

This temperament was precisely the type that put Zhu Youjian most at ease.

"Minister Wang, this attitude of yours — believing only what you see with your own eyes — We approve of it greatly."

"Agricultural affairs concern the foundation of the state. There must be no rash action, still less reckless imposition by decree."

"If a policy from the central government fails, it merely ruins the careers of a few unlucky officials. But if the common people in the provinces suffer for it, what is lost is a year's livelihood, or even their very lives."

"These crops — Minister Wang, take your time, test them slowly. Promote sweet potatoes first, then potatoes and maize. This rhythm is very appropriate. We fully concur." "As for the principle of fertilizers, We understand it as well. We will harbor no exaggerated fantasies, nor will We use them to make harsh demands of you."

"How much yield can be increased, how much additional labor, fertilizer, and seed will be required — everything must be carefully calculated and reported truthfully."

"Though most farmers cannot read, if we help them reckon these matters clearly, it will ultimately reduce some of the resistance to promotion."

Having said this, he turned his head toward Gao Shiming beside him:

"Companion Gao, after the imperial estates are cleared and sorted out in the spring, set aside some of the best fields near the capital specifically for the agricultural division's experiments." "Whatever location Minister Wang requests, or whatever type of field he requires — so long as Minister Wang asks, nothing shall be denied."

Gao Shiming hastily cupped his hands and accepted the order: "This slave obeys the decree. I shall go over the details carefully with Dr. Wang later."

With the agricultural matters settled, the taut string in Zhu Youjian's heart loosened slightly.

In truth, he himself kept a private little notebook.

In it, jotted down in a mix of English, Martian script, and pinyin, were many fragments of knowledge he still remembered.

Among them, naturally, was Mendel's pea experiment.

But he had disliked biology back then, ended up scoring only 23 points, and so went on to study the humanities.

So now, all he remembered were things like "dominant gene," "recessive gene," and pages full of "Aa," "Bb," and such. — Oh, and he also remembered that muscular female bodybuilder from the textbook.

These extremely scattered, unsystematic scraps of knowledge could probably only serve as the vaguest directional guidance in this era.

More importantly, distant water cannot quench present thirst.

Judging from the local investigation reports gradually being compiled from all over, the data from Northern Zhili, though somewhat inflated, was broadly credible. On this basis, merely relying on the promotion of the two-harvests-in-three-years rotation system, supplemented by sweet potatoes, maize, and potatoes, they could sharply boost per-mu yields within a few years and alleviate the coming famine.

As for Mendel's theory of crossbreeding — that would be more appropriate to pursue later.

Right now, survival was the hard truth.

Thus, in agricultural matters, Zhu Youjian in fact prioritized the "practical" and cared far less about advancing the "theoretical."

After all, the direction of science must ultimately serve the direction of politics.

— At least for the next several years, that would be the case. With the agricultural division's affairs concluded, Xiong Mingyu continued calling the roll.

"Your Majesty, the second matter is that of the metallurgy division."

"The director is Dr. Mao."

From the ranks, a young official drew a deep breath and stepped forward.

It was Mao Yuanyi.

This man hailed from Jiangnan and came from an immensely wealthy family, yet he had no love for gold and silver — only for military affairs.

He had not passed the juren examination, but on the strength of a self-financed and published work, the Wubei Zhi, he was recommended to Sun Chengzong's staff. Later, he gradually accumulated merit and was promoted to Advisor and then Hanlin Academy Attendant.

During the secretariat selection examination, he first wrote on Liaodong strategy — failed. Then wrote on troop training methods — failed again. Finally wrote on military equipment reform, and only then received a five-circle evaluation.

That Wubei Zhi was divided into five volumes — Critique of Military Principles, Strategic Examinations, Formations and Training, Military Logistics, and Divination and Geography — a sweeping two million characters, worthy of being called a contemporary military encyclopedia.

But Zhu Youjian still had not finished reading this book.

Or rather, he could no longer be bothered to read it.

Military books of this era all shared a common failing — a fondness for chasing after antiquity and a delight in the miscellaneous and eclectic.

Open one up, and every page is filled with "the ancients said this" and "the ancients said that," yet they lack much truly solid data.

Compared to reading such books, Zhu Youjian far preferred reading the data the military group had gradually collected to refine their war games.

For example: the marching speed of cavalry under different conditions; the length of time infantry spent marching each day, and the impact on the next day's combat effectiveness if they failed to set camp on schedule; the speed of a forced march for horses and the subsequent death rate; the reaction time left to a commander when enemy cavalry broke through the skirmisher screen. And so on and so forth...

"Warfare is the Dao of deception" — true enough.

But too many literati, because this "Dao of deception" is so easy to discuss and so easy to get started with, have forcibly turned military science into one of the humanities.

This, Zhu Youjian could not stomach.

The reason Zhu Youjian had selected Mao Yuanyi was not because of that Wubei Zhi, but because he valued his front-line experience.

Compared to Bi Maokang — famed in later ages for inventing the flintlock — this man had at least actually set foot in Liaodong.

Having spent several months in the secretariat, Mao Yuanyi replied with crisp concision:

"The metallurgy division oversees iron smelting and tool-making."

"The technologies involved can be applied to agriculture, commerce, and other fields, but the most urgent task revolves around the Liaodong campaign."

"At present, it is divided into four sections: armor, firearms, cannon, and transport."

"For armor, firearms, and cannon, we will coordinate with the military group of the Secretariat and the Supreme Commander of Jiliao's headquarters. We will streamline equipment and innovate weaponry." "For transport, we will coordinate with the Ministry of Works. We are now planning to trial a horse-drawn rail line between Fangshan and the capital for moving coal, to see how much improvement it can yield."

"If this proves as efficient as the model the carpenters built earlier suggests, then the next step will be to lay a line directly from Tianjin to Yushan Pass." Zhu Youjian nodded, his expression calm, but inwardly he was not entirely at ease.

His unease did not stem from Mao Yuanyi's report, but from the insight into the Later Jin's military affairs that had gradually emerged as intelligence from all quarters was pieced together. To people of this era, the Later Jin were perhaps just a pack of savage Tartar barbarians, uncivilized, unintelligent, prevailing through sheer brutality.

But when the collated and summarized information was laid out, it struck Zhu Youjian and his ministers with sudden alarm.

In the beginning, the Jianzhou Jurchen were merely fishing and hunting tribes, and they raised very few horses.

In the frontier trade markets with the Great Ming, they traded ginseng and furs for plow oxen, cloth, and iron tools.

At that time, the Later Jin relied primarily on infantry, with cavalry serving only as a small, decisive force.

Even when the Later Jin attacked the Yehe tribe, the reply Yehe gave to Wang Xiangqian was: "The barbarians fear our cavalry, we fear the barbarians' infantry."

Even after the Later Jin unified the Jurchen tribes, their weakness in cavalry remained an inherent deficiency.

However, the Later Jin's evolution soon began.