Chapter 366 Return to Peking

Mei Yiqi, courtesy name Yuehan, was born in Tianjin County, Tianjin Prefecture, Zhili Province. He was born in a poor family and was a student of the first class of Nankai Middle School. In 1908, he entered Baoding Higher School. The following year, he applied for the first batch of Boxer Indemnity students to study in the United States. He was admitted with the sixth place among 630 candidates and became one of the first 47 students to study in the United States. He entered the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the United States to study electrical engineering.

He graduated four years later with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. The following year, he returned to China and taught at Tsinghua University, serving as a physics teacher at Tsinghua School. Later, he served as the Dean of Academic Affairs, acting as the principal, and the supervisor of Tsinghua University's Office of Students Studying in the United States.

Not long ago, Luo Jialun, the former president of Tsinghua University, was forced to resign because of his autocratic style and lack of respect for the opinions of teachers and students, which triggered a "drive out Luo" movement among teachers and students. Mei Yiqi took over the position.

After taking office, he was determined to build Tsinghua into a first-class university. However, Tsinghua was now very short of teachers, especially teachers of science and engineering. In order to solve this problem, he thought of Zhang Xingjiu first.

Under the guidance of Zhang Xingjiu, the science and engineering of Aurora University has now become first-class in Asia and enjoys a good reputation internationally. He has previously helped Peking University, Xiamen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Wuhan University, Shandong University, Sichuan University and other schools to establish high-level science and engineering colleges. Now that Tsinghua University wants to improve the teaching level of science and engineering, is there any more suitable candidate in the country than him?

So when he heard that Zhang Xingjiu had returned to Shanghai, Mei Yiqi personally went south to Shanghai to invite him. As soon as he saw Zhang Xingjiu, Mei Yiqi mentioned Ma Xiangbo's words, "Ma Xiangbo once said, 'A university is not a place with big buildings, but a place with great masters.' I quite agree with him. Now that I have just taken charge of Tsinghua, I also believe that 'teachers are the most important element of a university.' So I came to your house to invite Mr. Zhang to come north to give lectures."

Zhang Xingjiu admired this man. He only did one thing in his life, which was to serve Tsinghua. At the beginning, he conscientiously completed his teaching work. When he became the president, he tried his best to protect Tsinghua in the chaotic world. During his 17 years as president, he finally made Tsinghua one of the best universities in the country and laid a solid foundation for the future development of Tsinghua.

Zhang Xingjiu did want to help Tsinghua University improve, so he agreed without much hesitation. "The current situation of Chinese universities can be roughly summarized as the south is strong and the north is weak. It is much more difficult for many students in the north to get good educational opportunities than in the south! Especially for science and engineering. It is not enough to have only one Peking University in Peking. Brother Yuehan is determined to boost Tsinghua's science and engineering, and I will do my best to help you!"

Mei Yiqi was delighted when he heard this. He had originally thought that it would take some effort to convince Zhang Xingjiu, but he did not expect that he would agree so readily. He quickly stood up and thanked him, "Mr. Zhang is so generous, I cannot be stingy. When you come to Tsinghua, just like when you were in Peking University, you will be in charge of the teaching of science, engineering and even medicine in the school. You will have the final say on which departments and subjects to set up and which teachers to hire."

He looked ashamed as he said this, "It's just that Tsinghua's current funding is limited, and I'm afraid we can't spend too much money on building a laboratory."

"We can do as much as we can with the money we have. We can build the framework first and then fill it in later." Zhang Xingjiu didn't care much about it, and he also prepared a gift for Tsinghua University. "It just so happens that Aurora University is planning to replace a batch of equipment recently. These equipment are naturally inferior to those of world-class universities, but compared with the level of domestic universities, they are still very good. If you don't mind, I will donate them to Tsinghua University."

Mei Yiqi's face flushed immediately. He had only explained the difficulties and had no intention of soliciting donations. However, these equipment were indeed important to Tsinghua University, so he had no choice but to agree. "Mr. Zhang has really been working hard for the development of higher education in China. On behalf of all the teachers and students of Tsinghua University, I would like to thank you and Aurora University for your kindness. We will definitely not let these equipment down and hope to use them to train more talents and achieve more results."

If you want to give something, be generous, so Zhang Xingjiu presented another gift, "The Aurora University Library can also donate a batch of books and materials to Tsinghua University. Also, I traveled in Europe and the United States last year and earned some money. This time I can donate 50,000 US dollars to Tsinghua University to purchase equipment and support poor students. Brother Yuehan, don't refuse. No matter which school I go to, I will bring gifts, and Tsinghua is no exception."

"Then I will accept this on behalf of Tsinghua University." Mei Yiqi didn't know what to say. No wonder they all said that Mr. Zhang was a timely rain in the education field. Which university would not be touched by his kindness?

"You will come with me to the school tomorrow. I will call a meeting with the teachers of science and engineering and the students who are about to graduate to see who is willing to go north with me. If you have a favorite teacher, I can also try my best to help persuade him." Just like before, Zhang Xingjiu was ready to bring a whole team to the north to support Tsinghua University. Otherwise, how much could he do by himself?

"As long as Mr. Zhang gives the order, I have no objection." Mei Yiqi finally put down his mind at ease. The gains from this trip to Shanghai were so rich.

Mei Yiqi slept very peacefully that night. When he woke up in the morning, he hurried to Aurora University. Looking at the high-spirited students and the science and engineering buildings in the school, he felt extremely envious. He wished that Tsinghua University could have these.

Zhang Xingjiu made the announcement via the radio, and many teachers from science, engineering, and medicine departments, as well as students who were about to graduate, crowded into the auditorium. They had long been accustomed to Zhang Xingjiu's approach, and similar support would come every once in a while.

The teachers and students who originally followed Zhang Xingjiu to assist other schools have now become backbone members of their respective schools. Except for a few particularly outstanding teachers and students, most people are still very interested in this choice.

Especially those students whose families are in the north, they also want to be closer to home. Although Shanghai is good, they are still not quite used to the food and customs. Now that they have the opportunity to go back to the north, they must go and take a look. If it is suitable, they will go. If not, they will wait for the next opportunity.

Mei Yiqi stayed in Shanghai for a few days and then went back with Zhang Xingjiu's donation and the first batch of supplies. Zhang Xingjiu spent some time making preparations before taking a large group of people on a train northward.

The railway department has made some progress in recent years, so it only took more than two days to reach Peking, which was much faster than last time.

When Zhang Xingjiu got off the train, he saw the platform was crowded with people coming to greet him.

(End of this chapter)

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