Originally, there was an age limit, but after explanations from Xu Guangqi and Sun Yuanhua, Zhu Youxiao also revised it. If one really wants to study hard, it is not too late to study in one's thirties, forties, or even fifties.
"Your Majesty, we have already recruited seventy-five miscellaneous students, tentatively divided into four categories: finance and economics, agricultural irrigation, mathematics and astronomy, and the study of physics." Xu Guangqi bowed and replied, "However, few students have chosen the study of physics, and I think it would be inappropriate to force them."
These four subjects were divided according to Zhu Youxiao's ideas. He had originally wanted to add chemistry, but felt that it was too advanced. Moreover, Zhu Youxiao had not yet compiled the chemistry textbook.
If 1661, forty years later, is taken as the beginning of modern chemistry, it is because Boyle first gave a clear definition of elements and advocated that chemistry should be regarded as a science.
At that time, chemistry was still in the era of alchemy, and there was no mention of scientific chemistry at all.
Of course, Zhu Youxiao also wanted to keep it secret as much as possible so that the Ming Dynasty could dominate the field of chemistry, which was also the reason why the department was not established publicly.
No one is learning Gewu? Is it because I misunderstood it, thinking it's a skill for hardworking craftsmen to make a living?
Zhu Youxiao thought about it and didn't ask anyone else, so he didn't jump to conclusions. But Xu Guangqi made sense: if someone isn't interested, don't force them to learn.
"I'm not in a hurry." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said, "The new school has just been established, so it's inevitable that many people have misunderstandings. Changing old ideas will not happen overnight. Besides, in five or six years at most, the students of Shaoying Academy will be able to catch up."
Five years or even three years refers to those who have a foundation like Xiaoye; for ordinary children, after more than six years of cultural studies and mathematics, they can almost start learning physics and chemistry.
"Your Majesty, I think we can emulate the famous Lycée du Three Kings in Cologne," Johann Adam Schall von Bell said, bowing. "We should attach great importance to the quality education of our students and make the cultivation of their pious and kind character a primary goal."
Being kind is good, but being pious is not!
Zhu Youxiao did not refuse outright, but nodded slightly and said, "This needs to be discussed before we can decide. After all, the two countries have different traditions and the people's thinking is also different. It would not be appropriate to copy it directly."
Tang Ruowang didn't take it too seriously. The emperor's words made sense, after all! But he had always been curious about the emperor's knowledge of Western learning, but it was not convenient for him to ask.
"How's the progress at the Translation Bureau lately?" Zhu Youxiao took a sip from his teacup and asked casually, "Is it difficult to find staff?"
Xu Guangqi quickly replied, "The translation is being led by Ginni, who has also invited Ai Rulie, Yang Tingyun, Li Zhizao, Wang Zheng, Li Tianjing, and others to assist. I happen to have a copy here, which Ginni used his free time to translate with others."
As he said this, he stood up and found a handwritten book with "Kuang Yi" written on the cover and presented it to Zhu Youxiao.
Zhu Youxiao was a little confused by the title of the book. He took it and flipped through a few pages, and couldn't help laughing.
Isn’t this "Aesop's Fables"? Judging from the signature, it was translated by Ginni and Zhang Geng.
Isn't that a bit off topic? I'm in urgent need of scientific books, and you're dealing with children's books? Never mind. Xu Guangqi also said it was his free time, so there's no need to be too harsh.
Zhu Youxiao shook the book in his hand and said with a smile: "I'll take it back and read it, and by the way, let the Royal Printing Bureau print and distribute it!"
There was no reason for Xu Guangqi to refuse, so he quickly bowed in response.
At this moment, family members came in to report that several scholars from Jiangnan had come to the gate of the mansion. They came to pay a visit to Xu Guangqi and ask for his advice because of his admiration for him.
Xu Guangqi was quite famous at that time. He was well-known in the court and the public for "taking charge of the world, being well-versed in many books, and using his divine wisdom to govern calendars, laws, military affairs, and agriculture, without anyone to guide him."
Especially in Chongming, Songjiang and other places around Shanghai in later generations, many students and scholars admired and worshipped Lao Xu.
Under normal circumstances, Xu Guangqi would be willing to meet these young people and give them guidance on the knowledge of "economic development".
But today, with the emperor in the audience, he would never dare to do so. As soon as Xu Guangqi told his family to let the student come back another day, Zhu Youxiao had already ordered his family to bring the visiting card.
Zhu Youxiao was very sensitive to the actions of the Jiangnan students. However, reading the visiting card was just a casual act, and he didn't really expect to meet them by chance.
But surprisingly, when Zhu Youxiao saw Xia Yunyi's name, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
Zhu Youxiao had traveled to many places in his previous life. He was either a traveler or someone who loved traveling and eating delicious food.
He also visited Xu Guangqi's tomb in Shanghai's Guangqi Park and even remembered the couplet engraved on the stone archway.
In Songjiang, he also visited the tombs of Xia Wanchun and his father Xia Yunyi, two national heroes.
Xia Wanchun, even more famous than his father, Xia Yunyi, was a prime example of a young hero. He joined the army to fight against the Qing at the age of fourteen and died a heroic death for his country at sixteen. He also gained fame for his outrageous rebuke of Hong Chengchou.
Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment, then smiled at Xu Guangqi and said, "Xu Qing, you might as well ask them to come in. I just said they are students from the capital, and it's a good opportunity for us to see the talented people from Jiangnan."
As he spoke, he turned to Wang Tigan and Lu Jianxing who were standing by and instructed, "You two go to the side hall and wait. Chengcheng stay."
Wang Tigan and Lu Jianxing exchanged a look of hesitation, but the emperor had already turned away, so they had no choice but to withdraw.
But they didn't go far. They were just standing outside the door, ready to rush over at the slightest movement.
Zhu Youxiao changed seats with tea in his hand. You are sitting at the upper seat, and Lord Xu is sitting with Prime Minister Xu below. Is this an insult to other people's intelligence?
Even if they couldn't guess that you were the emperor, they knew you were of noble status. How could they speak freely and treat you sincerely?
Xu Guangqi was also helpless. Looking at the emperor's expression, he seemed to think this was quite amusing.
Soon, three young students entered the hall and bowed to Xu Guangqi.
"No need to be so polite." Xu Guangqi was very friendly and introduced Johann Adam Schall von Bell to the three of them. When he looked at Zhu Youxiao, he showed hesitation.
"My surname is Chen Lang, and I am from the capital." Zhu Youxiao stood up and bowed, introducing himself. "I admire Lord Xu's reputation and have come to visit you to seek your advice on current affairs."
Xu Guangqi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Shen Lang, this name sounds pretty good, and has nothing to do with the royal family.
"My name is Chen Zilong, a student from Songjiang Huating."
"My name is Xia Yunyi, a student from Huating."
"My name is Xu Fuyuan, and I'm from the same hometown as Brother Chen and Brother Xia."
Looking at Zhu Youxiao's attire, the three knew he came from a rich or noble family. But they didn't think much of it. What was wrong with being rich? He was polite and had no arrogance.
After the pleasantries, the host and the guest took their seats, the servants brought them tea, and they began to chat.
Xu Guangqi first asked about the three people's situation. All three of them were talented since childhood and were good at poetry and prose, that is, traditional literary students.
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