"...Wu Ji?" Zheng Chao looked at him carefully before he recognized him. He asked with surprise, "Why are you here? Didn't you move to Jizhou with your tribe last year?"
"Something happened on the way, so my sister took me away." Yuan Hao did not elaborate, nor did he complain. He looked at Chang Suining with gratitude: "Fortunately, the governor was kind enough to take us in, so my sister and I were able to settle down in Jiangdu."
Zheng Chao understood and sighed in his heart, but he did not delve into it. He just said with emotion: "It is a great blessing that you two siblings can come to Jiangdu smoothly..."
As he spoke, he saw Yuan Hao wearing a simple coarse cloth robe, with his trouser legs slightly rolled up and some mud on his cloth shoes. He couldn't help but ask, "Are you studying in this Agricultural College now?"
"Yes." Yuan Hao said, "Wu Ji longed to study agriculture, so he asked Wang Changshi, who was beside the governor, to allow me to enter the Agricultural Academy."
Seeing that Yuan Hao's eyes and eyebrows were still a little childish, but his expression was firm and calm, Zheng Chao's brief and shallow feeling of regret disappeared, and was replaced by indescribable appreciation and relief.
The young boy still has an air of elegance and refinement. His coarse clothes cannot conceal his bookish temperament, but instead add a sense of reliability to him.
It should be noted that this sense of reliability, which sounds ordinary, is extremely rare in a child who is only eleven years old.
"People learn for two purposes: first, to cultivate their mind and to understand things; second, to benefit the country and the people... If you can achieve one of the two, it is considered a successful study." Zheng Chao praised sincerely, "And you have both at such a young age, which is really rare. If your grandfather and parents knew about this, they would definitely be very pleased."
Yuan Hao was not sure about the second half of the sentence - he was not sure whether his grandfather and parents would be willing to see his current choice.
Since he was born, his grandfather and father had cultivated him as the future head of the Yuan family.
But now they are gone, and the former Yuan family is gone too.
Now and in the future, he just wants to live a good life with his sister. If he has the energy to spare, he also wants more people like him and his sister, or those who are in a worse situation than him, to be able to survive.
If a person wants to live, he must first eat, so he chose the most "direct" path.
After a brief chat with Zheng Chao, Yuan Hao and Chang Suining said, "Sir, please wait for a moment. Wu Ji will be back soon!"
Chang Suining smiled and nodded at him.
Yuan Hao ran away quickly. During this time, several teachers from the Agricultural Academy and seven or eight women who were familiar with farming came forward upon hearing the news. Under the guidance of Manager Mao, they saluted Chang Suining.
It was also the first time that Chang Suining met them, and he asked them about some things in the museum.
As they were talking, Yuan Hao came running back, holding a heavy basket in each hand. The baskets were full of vegetables. Chang Suining took a look and saw cucumbers, eggplants, leeks, and several kinds of green vegetables.
"These were all planted by me. I just picked them today. I wanted to have someone send them back to the governor's mansion..." Yuan Hao said, "Since you are here, I will give them to you in person!"
Seeing that Yuan Hao was having difficulty lifting the basket, Kang Zhi stepped forward and took it. Two leeks fell to the ground, and Yuan Hao hurriedly picked them up and put them in the basket, cherishing them very much.
Chang Suining raised his hand and flipped through the vegetables. They were all common vegetables, but what was unusual was that they looked very bright and presented well. He also said, "These are not seasonal, right? How did you grow them?"
Yuan Hao: "My Lord, this is what I and a few other masters planted in the greenhouse in the twelfth month of last year."
Chang Suining looked at him: "Greenhouse?"
"The shed is well sealed and connected to a fire cellar to provide heat. This is called a warm shed." Yuan Hao said, "This method is recorded in books. People have used it a hundred years ago, but it has not been widely spread because..."
Yuan Hao seemed to be hesitant to speak at this point.
"Because when this law was introduced, the emperor in power at that time and many Confucian officials severely criticized this law." Chang Suining took over what he had not finished saying, and said: "They believe that eating things out of season is against the seasons of heaven and earth, and eating them will harm the body."
Although the emperor and Confucianism were mentioned, Chang Suining's expression was not serious or fearful. Instead, he smiled and asked Yuan Hao: "What about you? What do you think of this statement?"
After hearing her words, Yuan Hao dared to lower his voice and said, "I think that compared with the 'injury' mentioned here, the harm caused by hunger and moldy and rotten things is more direct and serious... Most of the time, when people are hungry and cold, it is more important to have something to fill their stomachs."
He did not directly refute the claim that "untimely things" could hurt people, because he had no way to prove or refute it now.
He only said what he believed: "Furthermore, if the greenhouse planting method is really a method of 'reversing the seasons', it is also a great progress. If we can study it in depth, it may bring new insights."
Throughout history, the emergence of a new technology usually affects more than just the thing itself, but can also lead to broader, more multifaceted and unexpected impacts through the technological progress it brings.
After Yuan Hao finished speaking, he did not hear Chang Suining's response, so he quickly raised his hand and saluted: "These are all empty talk by Wu Ji, which may not be advisable. You just need to listen to it..."
"No." Chang Suining came back to his senses and said with a smile, "I think it is very desirable."
She was distracted for a moment because she was thinking about herself - strictly speaking, wasn't she the biggest "anti-seasonal" thing?
If someone like her who reversed yin and yang could survive in the world, why couldn't these beautiful and fresh dishes? Perhaps because she herself was too novel, Chang Suining's acceptance of novel things was far greater than that of ordinary people.
And just as Yuan Hao said, this dish is not just a dish, but represents the emergence of a brand new skill.
If, when faced with new things, she simply fears the uncontrollability they bring, and refuses and escapes, then it will be difficult for this world to have the progress she wants to see.
This was also the reason why she was attracted to Shen Sanmao at first - curiosity is the reason why people explore the origin of all things, and new and strange things can bring infinite possibilities.
If Shen Sanmao is "strange", then Yuan Hao is "new".
He is young in age and has a new mind, and she loves this new person very much.
At this moment, when Chang Suining looked at Yuan Hao, there was undisguised admiration and love in his eyes.
Her recognition and praise gave Yuan Hao the courage to continue: "Moreover, the reason why this method has not been promoted is also related to the high cost. For most people, burning fire pits to plant them will cost more than the benefits."
Chang Suining asked, "Do you have a better idea?"
"I can't say there is a definite method for now, but I want to try it a little more..." Yuan Hao said: "Therefore, Wu Ji dares to ask you for one place and one thing."
Chang Suining motioned for him to speak out.
Yuan Hao: "There are many hot springs in Jiangdu. I would like to ask you for a hot spring to test the plants."
The temperature in hot spring areas is higher than other places, making it a natural place for off-season planting.
Zheng Chao was moved by what he heard. They all came from aristocratic families, but some of their children were obsessed with the comfort and elegance of hot springs, while others were only thinking about using the hot springs to grow vegetables.
"That's easy. I'll have someone take you to various hot spring resorts someday, and you can choose two suitable ones." Chang Suining was very generous. He gave two to show his support.
Yuan Hao was very happy, and then he mentioned the other thing he requested: "Wu Ji also wants to borrow the horse manure from the army."
"Horse manure?" This touched upon Chang Suining's blind spot.
A peasant woman behind Yuan Hao said, "Young Master Yuan mixed fermented horse manure with wood ash and covered the vegetable and grain seeds with it. It actually helped to keep out the cold and help keep the seeds warm. The seedlings that emerged were particularly stable..."
Another peasant woman smiled and said, "I thought about trying to plant a few more acres of vacant fields outside the city this winter, but I don't think the horse manure in the governor's mansion is enough."
In other words, this amount of demand could not be pulled by the dozens of horses in the governor's mansion, and it had to be pulled by horses in the army.
Chang Suining also smiled and nodded, then asked Yuan Hao: "Do you have any other needs or ideas?"
She heard Wang Changshi mention Yuan Hao once. What Yuan Hao was really devoted to was crop planting. He spent his day in the academy and read books related to agronomy at night. He often ran to the farmland outside the city.
So these two baskets of vegetables were probably just a way for him to test her attitude.
Sure enough, as soon as Chang Suining finished speaking, Yuan Hao pulled out a notebook tucked into his belt from behind his waist and handed it to her with both hands.
This is full of his strange ideas and thoughts.
Chang Suining took it and flipped through two pages. He saw that the handwriting was very neat and well-organized.
"I'll take a closer look when I have time." Chang Suining said to Yuan Hao, "If you can't find me on weekdays, go find Ms. Ran. If you need anything, just ask her and she will do her best to help you."
After receiving this promise, Yuan Hao's eyes lit up: "Thank you, sir!"
"By the way, your sister will be back tomorrow. If you are free tomorrow night, go back to the governor's mansion."
Yuan Hao bowed again and thanked him: "Yes, thank you, sir."
Before leaving with Chang Suining, Zheng Chao patted Yuan Hao's still somewhat fragile shoulder to show encouragement.
The enterprising spirit of young people is more contagious because they represent the longer-term inheritance and hope for the future.
Zheng Chao was so moved by Yuan Hao that he could not help but ask Chang Suining, "… Governor Chang, since the lecturers in the Literature Hall and the Mathematics Hall are full, can I stay in the Agriculture Hall?"
There was no quota for teachers in the Agricultural College. They should be more likely to be hired based on their abilities. There was no reason to reject talented people, right? So Zheng Chao recommended himself again: "Although I am not good at planting, I know a little about water conservancy..."
Water conservancy is related to farming and is now often classified as agronomy.
"I know you are good at controlling floods. Last year, when the Heluo River was hit by floods, you rushed to the bank of the Yellow River and prevented a disaster in time."
How could Chang Suining not remember? Her talent for love was rare in the world and had already reached its peak. Whenever she met someone with talent, she would think about him day and night.
Just when Zheng Chao felt that there was hope, he heard Chang Suining say, "But sir, don't be anxious yet. Let's wait and see."
I have already read all five libraries, why do I need to read more? Zheng Chao sighed in his heart. While showing him, he didn't give him a definite answer... What kind of torturous military strategy is this? Chang Suining finally brought Zheng Chao to a library.
As they approached, Chang Suining said, "There are three such book collection pavilions in Wueryuan, and this one is the most open to the public."
What this means is that the remaining two have stricter restrictions and not everyone can enter and browse.
This is equivalent to grading the collection of books. In the past, the extremely idealistic Zheng Chao might not agree with it, but his experience over the past year has greatly changed his mind.
There may be no distinction between high and low among all living beings, but people’s knowledge and moral character are divided into different levels in the secular sense.
Some books, which are related to the essence of the country, cannot be easily opened. Otherwise, it would be like handing a sharp knife into the hands of the thugs.
All beings are equal, there should be no limits, and everyone should be treated equally... Such words sound loud and nice, and can incite people with just a wave of the hand. However, these so-called ideal remarks in pursuit of absolute justice, in the current situation, are just like the politically correct decisions made by those high and mighty superiors. They sound legitimate, but are very harmful when actually implemented.
The opening of some books cannot be rushed, and must be done slowly so as not to cause greater shocks.
Before entering the library, you need to be checked to see if you have any sharp objects or flammable materials on you, and then wash your hands and dry them before you can enter.
Although it was late, there were still many people reading in the pavilion. It was very quiet, and the only sound was the turning of pages. There was not enough space, so some people simply sat cross-legged in the corner, reading intently.
On the way here, Zheng Chao had heard from Manager Mao that most of the people who could come here to borrow books were officials in Jiangdu City. They could get different borrowing times according to their official rank and monthly government assessment.
Those who hold high positions or perform exceptionally well in assessments have the opportunity to take the books home every month.
In short, there is a very detailed borrowing system.
Judging from the small, Zheng Chao felt that in such a Jiangdu, even ants could bear more and crawl faster than ants from other places.
But at the same time, it also means that as long as you have talent or are willing to work hard, you can get timely and practical feedback. Here, all your efforts will not be in vain.
When it gets dark, it's time to close the library. To prevent fire and candles, it is not open at night.
Although the readers were reluctant to leave, they consciously put the books back in their places. Many of them came in the morning and stayed here for the whole day.
A scholar in patched clothes came out of the library, looked at the darkening sky, and said as he walked: "May summer come soon..."
When the days are longer, you can watch it for one more hour each time.
Classes in all schools have been dismissed and the noise of students can be heard from afar, but the setting sun has cast a layer of tranquility over the surrounding scenery.
Amid the coexistence of noise and tranquility, Chang Suining stopped under a pine tree, raised his hand and bowed deeply to Zheng Chao, with fairy feathers shining between his wide sleeves.
Zheng Chao was in a state of panic as he was thinking about many things. He only heard the sincere invitation from the person in front of him: "I would like to hire you as the dean of Wuer Academy on behalf of Jiangdu. We would like to work together on academic affairs in the world. I hope you will be willing to help me."
Zheng Chao was stunned for a moment.
After a moment, he raised his hands with a slight tremor and held the girl's arms as she bowed.
The setting sun shone through the pine needles, casting fine golden light, falling between the two people under the tree, exuding a sacred atmosphere that was unique to this academy.
On the other side, a teacher came to the tea room after class. He picked up a cup of tea to moisten his throat and pointed at the "beautiful and conspicuous bag" who disturbed the order of his class break with dissatisfaction: "If this continues, there is no need to go to class... There is no order at all!"
At this time, Manager Mao walked in.
"Manager Mao, you came just in time..." Before Mao Ze could say anything, the gentleman started to attack him: "Let me ask you, who are you leading today? And who did you rely on to get in?"
"Sir, are you talking about me?" A clear voice came from behind Mao Ze.
(4200 words, calling for new monthly tickets at the end of the month!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com