Chapter 297: Harnessing Heaven

As soon as Xiong Mingyu said this, the atmosphere in the hall grew subtly charged.

The Emperor's antipathy toward Catholicism was now barely concealed.

The matter went back to half a month ago.

Xiong Mingyu had already selected an exceptionally brilliant candidate to head the physics discipline.

Yet this candidate failed to pass the Emperor's final interview.

The man was Wang Zheng, a native of Jingyang County in Shaanxi, a jinshi of the second year of Tianqi, now fifty-six years old.

He had collaborated with the Western missionary Johann Schreck to translate the "Illustrated Explanations of Marvelous Machines from the Far West" and was thoroughly versed in mechanics, devices, and such arts.

He had even, without a teacher, built a very crude bicycle.

Only, the one demonstrated today was a bicycle driven by leg power.

Whereas the one Wang Zheng built was a bicycle driven by gravitational potential energy.

Simply by placing a heavy weight upon it, through gear transmission, the gravitational potential energy was converted to the wheels, and it could travel three zhang on its own.

But after those three zhang, how to keep it moving further — he had no idea.

One could hardly keep lifting and setting down the weight; that would probably be worse than just obediently pushing a cart along.

(Illustration note: although the protagonist rejects this man for political reasons, that does not mean I do not admire this Old Ancestor — the two are separate. At that time, at that age, just encountering mechanics, to have this creative idea was already remarkable.)

But though this cart was mediocre,

when it came to mastery of the physical sciences, Wang Zheng could almost be counted among the very top tier of talent.

Yet after the Emperor summoned him, he asked three questions.

"Science, or the Lord of Heaven — choose one, which do you take?"

"The New Policies, or the Lord of Heaven — choose one, which do you take?"

"The Great Ming, or the Lord of Heaven — choose one, which do you take?"

Wang Zheng could not answer.

Zhu Youjian did not grow angry; he simply told him to think it through before answering, to see clearly the development of science, the New Policies, and the Great Ming before answering.

And so, less than two months after Wang Zheng had been recalled to office, he once again removed his cap and retired to idle residence.

After this incident, the Yongchang Emperor's antipathy toward Catholicism was laid out in the open, without the slightest concealment.

The common folk in the capital had yet to detect this shift in the wind; before the Catholic church beside Xuanwu Gate, the queue to receive eggs still stretched in an unbroken line. But the scholar-officials everywhere, scenting the wind, those quick to act had already begun severing ties and following the trend.

Some made a great show of taking concubines; some directly issued written denunciations.

Some hidebound Confucians who had opposed the Lord of Heaven from the start even spread the flames of war to the various Western sciences.

They cited classics and marshaled evidence, proving by every means that many of those theories had existed in China since antiquity and need not be treated with such importance.

And the geocentric theory was the height of absurdity: man dwells above heaven and earth — if this theory were followed, would we not all be hanging upside down?!

The Lord of Heaven ought to be abolished, and the Western sciences were nothing but pages of nonsense.

Zhu Youjian was utterly speechless at this.

He wanted to sever religious influence and preserve the purity of China's scientific system from its very inception.

After all, for this entirely new discipline, he did not draw upon Confucianism, did not trace back to antiquity, did not even attach it to Zhu Xi's "investigation of things and extension of knowledge."

He wanted it to run, clean and unsullied, purely and distinctly, out of the Great Ming's own scientific system.

Naturally, he was unwilling to let this thing become tainted by any Catholicism.

But that did not mean he intended to pursue a policy of seclusion and shutting his eyes to the world.

The progress of culture often comes precisely from cultural exchange — this principle he naturally understood.

But this matter — to debate it with fools was impossible to resolve clearly; it could only be gradually suppressed through the propagation of various concepts.

Xiong Mingyu clearly also knew the Emperor's attitude toward Catholicism, and his speech quickened a few degrees:

"What we must draw upon is, in fact, mainly the conceptual framework of the book 'Elements of Geometry.'"

"This book differs vastly from the Chinese method."

"Our Chinese mathematics proceeds from the concrete, seeking principles through concrete reality; but this method proceeds downward from principle!"

"It first constructs points, lines, planes — things that have no physical reality but certainly exist as concepts — and then sets down five postulates and five common notions."

"Then it uses one principle to prove another, layer upon layer of deduction, tight and seamless, until arriving at the final principle."

"Thus, building a cart behind closed doors, deducing from thin air — yet once the cart goes out the door, it fits the ruts perfectly. This is truly an excellent method."

As if fearing the Emperor might misunderstand, he hastily added: "What this subject speaks of is not that Western learning is superior to Chinese learning. The various principles within 'Elements of Geometry,' such as the principle of the right triangle, have existed in China since antiquity. What this subject means by 'drawing upon' is to borrow the 'spirit' of its method, and thereby shape the 'foundation' of Chinese mathematics!"

"It is to take methods such as axioms, theorems, and conceptual abstraction, and use them as the framework to reshape mathematics."

Having finished, he looked toward Zhu Youjian with some apprehension.

Zhu Youjian smiled helplessly.

It seemed his earlier suppression of Catholicism had made these ministers somewhat jittery, seeing bows in every cup and snakes in every shadow.

Whatever the opportunists or the hidebound Confucians outside might say,

within the Academy of Sciences, he really ought to give these doctors a reassuring pill.

"Minister Xiong, there is no need for alarm."

Zhu Youjian's expression was open and forthright as he declared in a clear voice:

"The Book of Odes says: 'Stones from other hills may serve to polish jade.'"

"The land of China, embracing a hundred streams, has thereby become great. In Han times we connected with the Western Regions; in Tang times we connected with ten thousand states — when did we ever, for personal like or dislike, reject truth? We may clarify this once: the Western sciences are the Western sciences, and Catholicism is Catholicism."

"Take their arts, discard their religion. Simply separate the two, and that will suffice."

These words, in the end, set the definitive tone for Western learning.

Xiong Mingyu let out a long breath and finally set his heart at ease.

If this framework could not be fixed, the reorganization of mathematics would, in the end, lose much of its luster.

But a sage sovereign is indeed a sage sovereign — his breadth of mind was far greater than my own petty conjectures.

With this matter settled, the rest will be much easier to handle.

"As for the third matter in mathematics — it is precisely what Your Majesty spoke of regarding symbols."

"The ancient texts of the Song and Yuan largely used counting rods."

"But now, bead arithmetic prevails, and the method of counting rods is nearly lost."

"Many exquisite mathematical principles, such as the Four Elements Method, are incomprehensible to later generations precisely because they do not understand the manipulation of counting rods."

"Therefore, if mathematics is to flourish, if it is to unify the ancient and the Western, the very first task is the unification of this symbolic language!"

"Only when the symbols are unified can the many theories, ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign, be merged under a single standard!"

Zhu Youjian listened, nodded slightly, and a look of approval showed in his eyes.

To perceive how tools and media constrain the transmission of learning — such insight was already extraordinary.

And his administrative ability made him an exceedingly suitable candidate for the director of the Academy of Sciences.

This talent might not quite be worth five divisions, but three or four divisions — that was likely no problem at all.

"Minister Xiong, your words are clear in root and vein — plainly a broad and open road. We have no objections. Proceed in this manner."

Hearing this affirmation, Xiong Mingyu finally let out a thorough sigh of relief.

The earlier subjects of agriculture, military science, and medicine, though important, each had their own specialists in charge. His role in those was more a contribution of overall coordination, personnel selection, and mediation.

Only this matter of the mathematics section truly displayed the depth of his scholarly foundations.

Unlike the others, Xiong Mingyu had a vague sense that, for this emperor, in the present Academy of Sciences, practical ability perhaps outweighed the pursuit of the Dao itself.

So long as one could accomplish things and produce results, one was a fine scholar.

But after some more time, it would be different again.

These past days, he had personally sorted through the projects on physics, chemistry, and astronomy, and personally arranged those experiments that seemed utterly absurd — all of this had unveiled an entirely new world before him.

Pneumatics, optics, mechanics, acoustics... and even that unheard-of study of electricity!

The breath a man inhales is actually different from the breath he exhales! And the poisonous gas from burning charcoal is, in turn, slightly connected to this.

Sound, it turns out, has speed! And this speed, it turns out, can truly be measured!

The lightning in the sky, that world-shattering divine might, is actually, in essence, perhaps the same thing as the faint sparks produced by rubbing cloth together! And this thing can actually be generated from a lodestone?!

And that theory of elements...

The essence of alchemy is actually the exchange and recombination of the most minute elements themselves?

No wonder it is called chemistry — the study of creation's transformations! This is a study that seizes the very transformative workings of Heaven and Earth!

All of this, all of it, no longer seemed like seeking the Dao, but rather more like...

Someone had already seen the Dao and was merely recounting it to him!

For this reason, Xiong Mingyu, as one who surveyed the entire landscape, held an attitude wholly different from the others.

The others might still be watching and waiting, still weighing the pros and cons, still wondering whether this Academy of Sciences could become a shortcut to rank and riches. But he, having glimpsed the great Dao, had resolved to devote this life to it, and never again spare a single thought for an official career! He was now only forty-six; if he immersed his remaining years in this, to become a second "Master Xiong" — was that really an impossibility? To hear the Dao in the morning and die in the evening — that would be enough.

But before dying, one must seize every opportunity to seek the Dao.

And it was precisely because of this that Xiong Mingyu felt some trepidation in his heart.

Faced with so many novel branches of learning, as if imparted by immortal insight —

he feared his own learning was insufficient, feared his own ability was lacking, feared he would fail the Emperor's test and thereby lose this chance to glimpse the truth. Now that the mathematics lecture was done and he had won the Emperor's approval, Xiong Mingyu felt his whole body lighten.

He straightened his back, his eyes brighter than before, his voice more resonant:

"With mathematics now established, for the remaining subjects, your subject has also drawn up preliminary plans."

"First, pneumatics."

"The two major projects of the hot-air balloon and the steam engine are currently underway."

"In addition, your subjects are firing slender glass tubes, intending, as Your Majesty suggested, to probe precisely how great this 'atmospheric pressure' is!"

"Next, optics."

"The telescope and the microscope are nearing maturity. The current bottleneck lies entirely in the two areas of glass quality and molding. To this end, there is a dedicated glass-improvement team focused solely on this."

"Furthermore, glass mirrors are also under development, though at present we are somewhat at a loss, still stuck on how to make the glass into a perfectly flat plate."

"The craftsmen have tried many materials, but none have yet found the method."

Xiong Mingyu spoke more and more smoothly, his pace quickening.

"In mechanics."

"The bicycle has taken preliminary shape, and the subsequent tricycle and four-wheeled carriage are also under research."

"It is just that the four-wheeled carriage is also stuck on one point — the difficulty of turning. The craftsmen are now researching what kind of mechanism might solve this problem." At this point, he paused, and a trace of barely suppressed excitement showed on his face:

"As for acoustics."

"We have arranged for the measurement of the speed of sound."

"The first measurement yielded roughly 0.6 li per second. But we still need to conduct multiple further tests, eliminating the interference of wind speed and temperature, and only after confirming without error can we publicly announce it."

"And the most subversive of all is none other than the study of electricity!"

At the mention of this, Xiong Mingyu's hand waved involuntarily.

"Your subject gathered a pile of lodestones, and spent over ten days with the craftsmen drawing out a heap of fine copper wire."

"When assembled, after cranking for a long while, that copper wire actually heated up by itself!"

"And the magnetic needle beside it truly deflected in response!"

"Had I not seen it with my own eyes, your subject would never dare believe it!"

"And then there is the chemistry side."

"We have arranged a 'cement' project."

"Every day, different minerals are taken and added to lime for firing, constantly verifying the proportions to see if we can produce it. As for the theory of elements, for now we do not yet know where to begin; we can only first catalogue and sort the various existing transformative phenomena one by one, and later see how to design experiments to verify them."

"Astronomy."

Xiong Mingyu paused at this point.

"The Directorate of Astronomy's current calendar is clearly inaccurate and requires revision. The options are either to adopt Wei Wenkui's method or the Western method. The two factions have been disputing this for a long time, but at present the Western side is gradually losing ground… This subject dares not decide privately; it requires Your Majesty's judgment."

Zhu Youjian's brow furrowed. He clearly realized why "the Western side was gradually losing ground"—it was obviously influenced by his own attitude. On astronomical matters he was only half-knowledgeable, so he naturally would not issue a sweeping decree.

"Let the Directorate of Astronomy take charge and test the original calendar, then designate Wei Wenkui as the Eastern Bureau and the Western method as the Western Bureau. Let the three compete on the same stage and see who prevails." Zhu Youjian shook his head and offered a solution that could be resolved by spending money.

Xiong Mingyu nodded, accepted the order, and continued his report.

"As for geography, the plan is to begin with translating that Western work *Kunyu Gezhi* and first compile an encyclopedia of mineral properties."

"Lastly, painting."

"We have found some painters and intend to begin studying and improving the techniques of sketch drawing and engineering drafting. We must train a group of draftsmen capable of producing three-view drawings and sketches."

"When the time comes, whether used for scientific records or military maps, they will be of great utility."

Xiong Mingyu spoke in a torrent, fully displaying the top-tier caliber of a Ming *jinshi*.

These seven or eight subjects spanned multiple fields, and to a Ming man of this era they were utterly novel.

The underlying projects numbered over a dozen, involving several hundred craftsmen—a thousand threads and ten thousand strands, each at a different stage of progress, incomparably complex. Yet he analyzed every one with clarity and precision, without the slightest sign of disorder.

This was the capability of a top-tier scholarly bureaucrat.

He possessed both a truth-seeking heart that gazed at the stars and an administrative hand firmly planted on the ground.

He was a true dual talent in both research and administration! He reported all the way through, and only at the final section did he reach the administrative affairs of the Academy.

"Finally, there is the Administrative Department of the Academy."

"This department does not manage research, but handles talent selection and examination, textbook compilation, project management, material allocation, experimental demonstrations, patent auctions, and other miscellaneous affairs. Those who, among the various disciplines, currently lack refined understanding but have a heart for science may first come here to familiarize themselves, and then see whether they have the aptitude to transfer to a discipline."

Among the crowd, Song Yingxing—one who "lacked refined understanding but had a heart for science"—could not help but smile awkwardly upon hearing these words.

He was indeed drawn to this path of science, and he truly planned that if he failed the examinations again, he would devote himself to compiling books.

But… had he not yet even begun?

A month ago, his greatest energy was still devoted to composing examination essays and memorizing the classics. Being described as "lacking refined understanding" was truly irrefutable.

Zhu Youjian, however, did not notice Song Yingxing's awkward expression.

With the personnel and organizational adjustments having reached this stage, his confidence was already immensely full.

The gain or loss of one talent or two could no longer stir his mind.

Of course, if a Newton or a Qian Xuesen were to emerge, His Majesty the Eternal Prosperity Emperor would show an entirely different face.

"Excellent!"

Zhu Youjian looked at Xiong Mingyu before him, his expression solemn.

"With Minister Xiong here, the foundation of Ming science can be considered established."

The praise was exceedingly high. Xiong Mingyu's beard quivered slightly as he bowed deeply once more.

"We have no further questions."

"Go and act boldly. Whether you lack funds, lack men, or encounter any obstruction, send a note into the palace at any time. We will back you." With that, he turned, his gaze passing beyond Xiong Mingyu to the crowd of officials and craftsmen behind him, their expressions all different.

At this moment—a moment destined to be recorded in bold, heavy strokes in the history of Ming science and technology, in the history of Chinese science and technology—there was no cosmic phenomenon to mark it.

The wind still blew; the sun was warm and pleasant, exceptionally comforting in the winter day.

Everyone waited for this new monarch's customary closing address.

As if awaiting the performance of a fated script.

Zhu Youjian spoke.

"My ministers."

"Yet when We read the *Spring and Autumn Annals*, We see the saying: 'The way of Heaven is distant; the way of man is near.'"

"This means that human affairs ought to weigh more heavily than the way of Heaven, and the survival of the people ought to weigh more heavily than sacrifices to Heaven and Earth."

"These words are indeed supreme truth, yet We still find them insufficient."

He paced slowly.

"The ancients also said: 'Heaven's course proceeds with constancy; it does not persist for Yao nor perish for Jie.'"

"This way of Heaven hangs high above; sun, moon, and stars proceed of their own accord; thunder, lightning, rain, and dew are all Heaven's majesty. The world reveres them, fears them, submits to them, believing that Heaven's mandate cannot be defied." At this point, Zhu Youjian halted abruptly, turned to face the assembly, his sleeves billowing in the wind.

"But We hold that since Heaven's course has constancy, it can be traced!"

"Since it can be traced, it can be harnessed!"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a heart-stirring penetration.

"This wind, thunder, rain, and lightning—this metal, stone, plant, and wood—since they exist between Heaven and Earth, they ought to be used by man!"

"What is meant by the investigation of things is not sitting in empty meditation, seeking some illusory principle of mind and nature."

"It is to dismantle this way of Heaven!"

"To seize the thunderbolt from the sky and see why it shines! To split open the stubborn stone beneath the earth and see how it took form! To calculate the comings and goings of wind and rain and know when they will descend!"

Zhu Youjian pointed one hand to Heaven and one hand to the earth, his tone resolute.

"Xunzi said: 'Rather than magnify Heaven and contemplate it, why not domesticate and control it! Rather than follow Heaven and sing its praises, why not master its mandate and use it!'"

"This—this is what We want you to do!"

"Be no more those pedantic scholars who submit to Heaven and obey fate—become madmen who master Heaven's mandate and use it!"

"Go and dismantle this way of Heaven until it is understood with perfect clarity, and use it thoroughly and completely!"

"Let the sun and moon renew the Great Ming, let the wind and thunder labor for the myriad people!"

"Go and push open the gate of truth that no one has ever seen!"

"Go and walk the path of surpassing victory that no one has ever walked!"

Zhu Youjian's tone abruptly drew back as he faced the assembly.

At last, word by deliberate word, he threw out the ultimate answer to the question he had posed four months ago:

"Only by achieving this can one be called..."

"... a sage of this age!"