[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-327":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Wanli, the Enlightened Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2322149,4542,"Chapter 327: Mastering the Art of Heaven, Awakening All Things","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-327",327,"\u003Cp>Those who often serve as emperor understand that image is not merely personal, especially when abroad, where one is never free to act as one wishes and must constantly perform political postures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun had originally intended to visit the new academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But academic institutions must observe seniority and hierarchy; official training schools must come before technical schools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the emperor had left Donghua Gate, he could not avoid first putting on a genial smile and paying a round of visits to the National Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, he discussed philosophy—the latest developments in rationalist doctrine since the debates of the second year of Wanli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he envisioned with the students a beautiful picture of jointly governing the realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he offered a brief encouragement for the imperial examinations in three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when the surrounding students began to show signs of tearful emotion did Zhu Yijun hastily depart for the academy across the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been some years since the emperor last visited the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two saplings planted at the gate when the academy was founded had, over seven years, grown to match the height of the courtyard walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four lacquered wooden pillars had grown old and worn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because the inscribed screen wall was constantly defaced, like the National Academy, it now had two clerks on rotating duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not enter immediately but stood before the gate, gazing up at the plaque.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Xu Jie’s handwriting: four large characters—Qiu Shi Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor stood silent, his expression filled with emotion; those around him dared not approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Zhu Yijun spoke slowly: “When Xu Shaoshi and Prince Zhu last submitted this name, I glanced at it briefly and approved it without asking its origin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He maintained a careful, nurturing attitude toward the budding sciences and technologies, never over-fertilizing or turning the soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the academy repeatedly petitioned for a name, Zhu Yijun suppressed his own whims—only a name he himself chose could carry spiritual continuity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as the academy was personally established by the emperor, no outsider had the right to name it, and no spirit had yet coalesced within its walls, leaving the name vacant for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, by the end of last year, Xu Jie and Zhu Zaiyu suddenly submitted a memorial, declaring they had settled on a name and wished to inscribe it on a plaque.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Zhu Yijun was occupied with other matters and had not yet inquired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong stepped forward quickly to reply: “Your Majesty, this matter begins with last year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that time, Liu Dun Kai published a powerful article in the New Gazette, ‘On the Critique of Mathematics Since a Thousand Years Ago and Its Future Direction,’ pointing out mathematics’ lack of system and unclear path forward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the end of last year, the Prince of Zheng proposed, together with Cheng Dawei, Liu Dun Kai, and others, to hold a public forum with the theme ‘Transforming Our Mathematics.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do not know the details, but I understand that during the meeting, the entire academy reached a profound consensus and settled on the institution’s name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It took the phrase ‘seeking truth from facts’ from the ‘Biography of Prince Liu De of Hejian’ in the Book of Han—deriving principles through deduction, verifying laws through existence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thus came the name ‘Qiu Shi Academy.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun’s expression was complex; he nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing everyone watching him, he added with a smile: “It’s a good name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Xu Jie appeared at the academy gate, leaning on his cane and shuffling forward to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waved his hand and called to those around him: “Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the National Academy, the Qiu Shi Academy had a very thin political atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noble-born youths were accustomed to the emperor; common-born students feared him like tigers and wolves—so the academy did not stage any welcoming crowds or tearful displays, and the emperor specifically permitted teachers and students to continue their lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Xu Jie accompanied the emperor, flanked by several civil officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear you held a major forum last year on ‘Transforming Our Mathematics’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun asked casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The article ‘On the Critique of Mathematics Since a Thousand Years Ago and Its Future Direction’ was written by Liu Dun Kai at his prompting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, nothing crucial—it merely urged progress in building a mathematical system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How it connected to Confucian rationalist doctrine or how it established its own school was left to the scholars to decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By rank, only Xu Jie could accompany the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, last year the academy held its forum and established its foundation on ‘rationalist doctrine,’ adopting two paths—logical deduction and empirical verification—and following the principle of emulating nature, thus creating ‘Natural Rationalist Doctrine’ or ‘Natural Philosophy.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun listened attentively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With its name and discipline now established, it was only one step away from founding a school—organizing its doctrines and publishing them across the realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Prince of Zheng and Liu Dun Kai took the path of logical deduction and established a separate ‘Theoretical Mathematics’ academy with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheng Dawei took the path of empirical verification and founded the ‘Applied Mathematics’ academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie bent forward, gesturing with his hand to lead the way, occasionally answering the emperor’s questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun slowed his pace so the seventy-eight-year-old man would not gasp for breath, and couldn’t help teasing: “So, Xu Shaoshi, does that mean the Qiu Shi Academy now has its own factions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie, a former chief minister who had governed, smiled knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever people interact, how could there be no factions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Xu Jie smoothly deflected: “Your Majesty jests. In academia, we do not speak of factions—only differing paths in emulating nature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After establishing the Theoretical Mathematics academy, the Prince of Zheng and Liu Dun Kai further divided it into geometry and algebra, each studying separately, yet still studying together through the night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the Applied Mathematics academy has since branched into physics, statistics…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Xu was the empire’s premier bureaucrat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with no understanding of the actual research, he could still summarize and report with flawless precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun smiled: “Different directions certainly make it easier for you, Xu Qing, to request funding from the Inner Court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he spoke with such confidence, the number of people truly at the level of “research” was negligible; most merely assisted Zhu Zaiyu and others, offering peripheral support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The proliferation of directions, while necessary for organization, was mostly for veteran officials to secure research funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he didn’t mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie chuckled in agreement; the emperor had ruled for years and his perceptiveness was sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he smiled, his clouded eyes blurred the emperor’s figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Daoist robe, detached and elegant, mind like a clear mirror, meticulous in every detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if an old friend had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Very well. You secretly requested gunpowder and other prohibited materials from the Armaments Bureau, and injured my cousin—what punishment do you deserve?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie snapped back to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group had arrived at Li Chengming’s office, where the emperor was poking at a pile of iron junk, muttering incessantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming had not yet finished class, and Xu Jie was happy to keep the young emperor company: “Your servant now receives only his salary—please, Your Majesty, show mercy, do not punish me again, do not punish me again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun smiled; he didn’t believe him, but these high officials certainly had impeccable social grace, speaking in polished phrases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wished he could establish a ancestral law: after retirement, all Grand Secretaries must remain in Beijing to amuse the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this Li Chengming’s prototype ‘train’?” Zhu Yijun asked, pointing at the iron lump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This train was not that train.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming, inspired by waterwheels, had replaced the power source, failed repeatedly with “windwheel” and “magnetic wheel” projects, and finally developed the “train” using gunpowder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In essence, it was merely different methods to make something spin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie, unfamiliar with the principles, briefly explained: “When Your Majesty inspected the pastures, you uncovered the horse corruption case; after taking control of the Capital Garrison, you banned conscripting soldiers for labor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether horse and ox prices rose or labor became scarce, it severely affected Li Captain’s mill business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, for some reason, he got the idea to adapt the waterwheel mechanism to his mill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since both involve repetitive motion, if water could drive it, so could other forces—and so he began experimenting…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not look up, listening to Xu Jie’s explanation while examining Li Chengming’s little train from different angles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For most ordinary men like Li Chengming, interest was the primary driver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard how the imperial uncle monopolized thirty percent of the capital’s mills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to increase output and reduce costs by refining techniques—it was painfully realistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhu Yijun was musing, he heard movement behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant, Li Chengming, Commandant of the Embroidered Uniform Guard with salary, pays homage to Your Majesty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning, he saw Li Chengming rushing in, bowing outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His drenched brow and frantic haste suggested he had run here straight after class—like a man whose precious belongings are being tampered with by a visiting relative’s child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waved him over: “Cousin, you’ve arrived just in time—come here and explain this device of yours: why use gunpowder?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you can’t explain clearly, I’ll have to ban the academy from using gunpowder—for your own health’s sake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at the train.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As imperial kin, Li Chengming naturally felt no restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose and stepped before the emperor: “Your Majesty, forgive my clumsiness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps due to his shoulder injury, Li Chengming wore a loose robe that gave him the air of a naval admiral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Li Jin and Xu Jie, realizing his private tinkering had been fully exposed to the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the threat to ban gunpowder, he grew anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming took a deep breath and pointed at the iron lump with solemnity: “Your Majesty, I named this device the ‘train.’ It consists of valves, cylinders, rods, shafts, and wheels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When in use, first open the valve, load gunpowder into the cylinder, ignite it—the explosion drives the rod, which turns the shaft, and finally rotates the wheels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled the connecting rod to demonstrate how the shaft and wheels were driven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun sucked in a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So primitive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is explosion technology?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked instinctively: “Gunpowder explosions are violent—can they be controlled?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming scratched his head, equally frustrated: “The craftsmen suggested an idea—that as long as the valve and cylinder are sealed tightly, there’s no problem. But after several trials, it didn’t work well at all; I’m now pondering whether to improve it or try another approach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he shoved Xu Jie aside and gestured excitedly at the locomotive before him, beaming at the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, as His Majesty said, the explosions are violent and hard to control. Too little gunpowder, and the cart won’t turn even a few circles, let alone drive a millstone; too much, and it’s extremely dangerous—especially the cylinder, which is already difficult to seal properly, and when paired with the valve and rod, any gap or over-tightening drastically reduces effectiveness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, the power source itself is still inadequate. Water power is endless and requires no constant attention. But my locomotive still needs frequent refueling with gunpowder—it only saves a little labor and cannot replace human effort on a large scale.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, the control is merely passable—it moves like a toad, prodded once, moves once. Even if we solve the above issues and make it drive a millstone, it can only turn in jerks, producing goods with poor quality that will harm the market.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun watched Li Chengming speak at length, feeling an odd sensation in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the proliferation of Wang Yangming’s later disciples, although social morality severely declined, the benefits were not absent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, no destruction, no establishment; once the moral burden of “a gentleman considers it shameful to speak of profit” was discarded, everyone became an expert at making money—embezzlement, bribery, oppressing the innocent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the new doctrines, new morals, and new political environment that emerged sharply curbed these crude and simple ways of making money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only acceptable new path now is eight words: Imperial Grant, Open for Business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Li Chengming’s current demeanor—talking endlessly about replacing labor, affecting the market—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is nothing less than the complete transformation of a noble into a capitalist!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for improvements, the craftsmen have proposed several methods. First, changing the gunpowder formula: firearms need power, so their ratio is set that way; but for the locomotive, we should do the opposite…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming was still prattling on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun suddenly interrupted him: “Why must we use gunpowder at all? It’s far too dangerous. Your Majesty Mother and I fear you might suffer some mishap.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming’s words stopped abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor had just dismissed his “core technology.” If Empress Li had said this, it would be pure concern—but the Emperor likely meant something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trusting in the Emperor’s usual “sudden inspirations,” Li Chengming immediately asked: “I haven’t thought of a better method yet—does His Majesty have another idea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cousins were clearly in perfect sync.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded immediately: “It’s just like blowing a fish bladder—blow air in one end, the bladder swells; release air from the other, and it pushes the connecting rod.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming thought for a moment, then slowly nodded: “Something like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie glanced at Li Chengming from the side—this Li Captain still hadn’t been fully steeped in politics; when he got lost in thought, he spoke casually without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun naturally didn’t care about such a minor slip—he continued: “If so, why choose gunpowder at all? Isn’t the point just to push the connecting rod? Why not use air?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming sighed: “Your Majesty, I won’t hide it—this was my original idea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But wind’s force is too weak; collecting it efficiently is difficult—it simply cannot drive the connecting rod.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The craftsmen all said that unless you went to the mountains and used enormous blades, wind could never drive it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such limitations held no commercial value for Li Chengming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun shook his head: “Blowing air doesn’t have to mean wind—what about steam?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steam?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brow furrowed involuntarily; he was about to object:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Steam’s force is too weak…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun cut him off bluntly: “I only mean gentle steam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the Inner Court, when water boils, the steam barely lifts the lid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you and I both know—when our late grandfather was refining elixirs, a single misstep sent steam lifting the furnace top several feet into the air!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The force differs greatly—why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming immediately recalled his earlier remarks about cylinder sealing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without thinking, he blurted out: “The old Taoist’s furnace must have had excellent sealing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slapped his thigh and paced back and forth in the room: “Yes! Yes! This method is good! Seal the cylinder, pump in boiling steam forcefully—it will naturally push the connecting rod!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And we wouldn’t even need frequent refueling—just keep water boiling below.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the steam must be vented out after entering—this should be easy: add a downward cold pipe, and the steam condenses back to water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then the valves would need separate inlets and outlets—specific design details still need to be consulted with the craftsmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming turned to the Emperor and saw the Emperor and all the eunuchs with dark faces, while Xu Jie and the other officials were trying hard to suppress their laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn! I spoke carelessly and said the wrong thing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did Li Chengming realize his mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to kneel in panic and beg forgiveness, when Zhu Yijun snorted and brushed it off: “Still, the problem of parts and mechanisms being unreliable will likely remain unavoidable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A steam engine isn’t something easily built—industrialization requires many prerequisite technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bearings, seals, high-pressure metals—all require years of development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the key theoretical foundations—systematic study of gas expansion doing work—are completely unknown; we can only fumble with crude empiricism and offer slight guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then again, in a capitalist market, what’s most lacking is demand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once demand exists, even a barely functional first-generation product is enough—technology can be refined gradually—first, we must take that initial step on the path of iteration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming was still regretting having used the late Emperor’s nickname when he heard this; he quickly seized the Emperor’s opening: “This is precisely what I wished to report to Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun turned his head: “Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming paused: “Your Majesty, I believe that currently, craftsmen across various parts and mechanisms don’t just use different standards—they treat them as secrets, passed orally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When two parts come from different blacksmiths, they’re like oil and water—minor failures, or worse, injuries.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, voice tinged with anger: “This is exactly how I was injured this time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun glanced at Li Chengming and immediately understood what his cousin intended to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only realized the problem after consulting Professor Cheng of the Applied Mathematics Institute, who built mathematical models to calculate mutual compatibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I propose that, following the ancient wisdom of the Mohists, the Ministry of Works be ordered to establish standardized specifications for basic parts, mechanisms, and devices—classify them, register them, and make them universally applicable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This would not only facilitate mutual compatibility, but if any part is missing, we could verify it mathematically—and future optimization and improvement would have data to rely on and principles to follow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only by unifying and refining these standards together can we rival the work of Heaven and unlock the potential of all things.”\u003C\u002Fp>",2944,"2026-06-20T16:31:35.124Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5d75d59329dfb007598d38161a8a3adb805c0b749e09026f184e419ca22a3eb0","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-328","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-326",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]