Chapter 326 Some Changes
One day in August 1909, Zhang Xingjiu and Ma Zongwen arrived at the dock early, found a teahouse, and drank tea while waiting. Even in the 21st century, transoceanic ships were often delayed, and this was even more so now. Fortunately, the distance from Japan to Shanghai was relatively short. Under normal circumstances, it would take four or five days to arrive, so even if there was a delay, it would not be too long.
Moreover, since Zhang Xingjiu invented the wireless telegraph, it was soon applied to navigation. The ship that Ah Zhang was riding on was also equipped with it, and it would communicate with the dock on a regular basis about the arrival time, so if there were no accidents today, we would be able to see Ah Zhang soon.
After refilling the water several times, the driver came over to report that the ship that Ah Zhang was on was about to arrive. Zhang Xingjiu hurriedly took Ma Zongwen to the dock to wait. After a while, a passenger ship slowly emerged from the sea level.
The ship blew the whistle to dock, and as soon as the gangway was lowered, the passengers who had been waiting impatiently hurried down from the ship. Zhang Xingjiu immediately spotted A Zhang in the crowd, with his hair standing straight up like a hedgehog and a mustache.
"Ah Zhang!" He waved and called out.
Ah Zhang came over following the voice and waved excitedly, "A Tu!"
"Haha, we haven't seen each other for four years, right? I missed you so much!" Zhang Xingjiu walked up to him quickly and held A Zhang's hand tightly. He went to Japan to study on public funds with Li Suizhi and Qian Junfu in 1902. It has been seven years now, and he has only come back once or twice during this period.
"Yes, it's been four years! Just a few letters can't ease my longing for you. Now, I'm finally back, and we can see each other often in the future! Guoqiang, Guosheng, and Guowei are all grown up now, right? I also brought them gifts." Ah Zhang's face was full of smiles.
A few years ago, Ma Zongwen gave birth to another child for Zhang Xingjiu. Guoqiang and Guosheng are now in primary school, studying at the primary school affiliated to Aurora University. Perhaps because they inherited their parents' talents, their grades are very good.
"You have been concentrating on studying in the past few years and neglected your personal issues. Now that you are back, ask your sister-in-law to introduce you to some new women with open-minded ideas. You can go and meet them, and maybe you will find someone you like!" Zhang Xingjiu started to act as a matchmaker.
"Speaking of this, I have to thank you. If you hadn't helped to stop it, my mother would have arranged a marriage for me long ago." The two of them talked as they walked towards the dock.
Because of Zhang Xingjiu, A Zhang's mother did not trick him back from Japan and force him to marry Zhu An. A Zhang is still single now. Considering that Xu Guangping is only ten years old now, Zhang Xingjiu thinks A Zhang should find someone else.
He is already 28 years old this year, which is an older age for a young man in this era. If Zhang Xingjiu doesn't introduce him to a woman, his mother might have to find him a wife like Zhu An, which would be a real pain.
When I walked outside, the driver had already driven the car over. In 1901, Hungarian Li Enshi brought two Oldsmobile cars to Shanghai, and cars have existed in Shanghai since then.
Last year, Ford launched the famous Model T. Zhang Xingjiu bought a few cars for Ma Xiangbo and others to use, and kept one for himself. He brought it over to pick up A Zhang today.
Zhang was also very curious when he saw the car. After getting in the car, he asked this and that. He suddenly sighed while asking, "Britain, France, Germany, the United States and other countries all have their own cars. Five years ago, Yoshida Shintaro founded Japan's first car factory, Tokyo Automobile Manufacturing (now Isuzu Motors), and two years ago, he manufactured the first Japanese-made gasoline car, 'Taikoo Li No. 1'. I wonder when China will have its own car!"
"Oh, I'm afraid we'll have to wait!" Upon hearing this, the joy in Zhang Xingjiu's heart faded a lot.
According to the original history, China's first car was the Minsheng brand 75 truck, which was born on May 31, 1931 and produced by the Fengtian Manufacturing Plant in Shenyang (later Shenyang FAW).
This car was manufactured using American Dodge truck technology and was assembled under the leadership of Zhang Shigang. Xiao Liuzi named it "Minsheng Brand". It was more than 20 years ago.
After returning home, Ma Zongwen personally cooked a table of Shaoxing dishes for A Zhang, who had been away from home for a long time, and enjoyed the meal with relish. After the meal, A Zhang, despite being tired from the journey, went to the study and talked to A Zhang about his experiences over the years.
He first learned Japanese in Japan, then went to Sendai Medical College to study medicine, where he met Mr. Fujino. Three years ago, influenced by the Russo-Japanese War, he decided to give up medicine and pursue literature. He learned German and Russian successively, began to translate literary works, and met revolutionaries such as Zhang Taiyan.
He had already mentioned these things in his letter, but he had only said them briefly. They would have a chance to discuss them in detail when they met today. Zhang Xingjiu supported his change. "The works of Dante, Boccaccio, Petrarch and others promoted the development of the Renaissance. Now China is in a state of confusion. We need a group of writers with new ideas to use words as daggers and spears to fight against the ignorant old customs. Only in this way can the people be awakened."
"Haha, if a country wants to be strong and prosperous, it cannot be biased towards both literature and science. You are already a world-renowned scientist, and I am just starting out. I don't dare to hope to have your current achievements, but I only hope to awaken a few more citizens."
The two chatted until late at night and fell asleep only when they were too sleepy to bear it anymore.
A Zhang had been away from home for many years and was eager to go home to see his mother, so Zhang Xingjiu did not try to keep him. It was summer vacation, so he accompanied A Zhang back to Shaoxing.
The mother was indeed happy to see A Zhang, but she became anxious when she talked about his marriage. Zhang Xingjiu quickly expressed his willingness to introduce him to someone, and only then did the mother let him go temporarily.
In the next few days, they first visited Mr. Shou Jingwu, and then met their classmates who studied together at Sanwei Bookstore, as well as many old friends.
Mr. Shou was still in good health, which made Zhang quite relieved. Most of his old classmates had gotten married, and most of them had become mediocre. Some of them even got addicted to eating, drinking, whoring and gambling, which made Zhang sigh again and again.
The most regrettable thing is that Xu Xilin has already sacrificed his life. When Ah Zhang heard about some of the things that happened after his death, he was deeply moved and prepared to write these materials into a novel.
Zhang Xingjiu also had to preside over the entrance examination of Aurora University, so he couldn't stay in Shaoxing for too long. Before leaving, he helped A Zhang solve his job problem and introduced him to Shaoxing Middle School as a teacher and supervisor.
This is different from the original history, and can be regarded as a slight change made by Zhang Xingjiu to history. Although such changes are small, there are many similar changes. When they accumulate to a certain extent, there may be unexpected surprises.
Tomorrow's update will be late
(End of this chapter)
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