Chapter 290 Yixian
This Chinese man, who was about thirty years old, had short hair and a mustache, and was wearing a suit, heard a few words from the people around him, then he quickly came forward and took the initiative to extend his right hand, "Mr. Zhang, I'm so happy to see you."
"I was originally in Japan, and when I heard from Chinese Americans that you were in the United States, I wanted to meet you, so I rushed to Honolulu, but you were ready to go back home, so I had no choice but to send a telegram to ask a friend to invite you on my behalf. I didn't expect you to actually come!"
"I have heard of Mr. Yixian's name for a long time. When I first arrived in France, I heard that Mr. Yixian was in danger in London. Fortunately, good things happen to him, and Mr. Yixian finally escaped danger. I was relieved! I was honored to receive Mr. Yixian's invitation a few days ago, and I came here immediately." Zhang Xingjiu said, holding his hand tightly.
After obtaining his consent, he asked Ma Zongwen to take out his camera and take a few photos to commemorate the meeting. These photos will become valuable historical materials after several years.
Mr. Yixian laughed heartily upon hearing this. "Haha, I have heard of Mr. Zhang's name many times in Japan. Japanese scholars believe that Mr. Zhang can surpass many European scholars in the West and make world-leading achievements. He has proved the intelligence of the yellow race in front of the whole world. He can be called the pride of the yellow race!"
"Come on, come on. The dock is not a place to talk. The elders of Honolulu have known that Mr. Zhang is coming and have been ready to welcome you. Let's go there together!" He took Zhang Xingjiu's hand and got into a carriage. Although Ford had invented the world's first gasoline-powered car five years ago, these conservative Chinese still prefer traditional means of transportation.
In order to welcome Zhang Xingjiu, the local Chinese took out their best carriage. Although it looked inconspicuous from the outside, the decoration inside was quite luxurious. It was not only spacious but also comfortable to sit in.
Since this was their first meeting, Mr. Yixian didn't want to speak too directly to Zhang Xingjiu. He told Zhang Xingjiu some of the comments about Zhang Xingjiu that he had heard when he was in Japan.
Zhang Xingjiu just listened most of the time, occasionally responding with a word or two, and briefly mentioned his impression of Mr. Yixian, and occasionally revealed a little disgust towards the Qing court.
"Nowadays, the science and technology of European and American countries are developing extremely rapidly, but the imperial court has always been clinging to the old ways and regards these as gimmicks and tricks. If this attitude is not changed, China may be in danger."
“Who said it wasn’t!” Mr. Yixian’s eyes lit up when he heard this. He had studied in a Western-style school in his early years and later attended a Western-style medical school. Naturally, he knew the impact of scientific and technological development on the country.
He also talked about his understanding of science. "Science inspires and guides various material and technical means, which in turn create various material products through production activities. For example, the advancement of electrical knowledge has promoted the invention of motors, which in turn has promoted the development of industry. The use of machines can greatly improve production capacity. The development of industry requires 'more sophisticated machines', while agriculture requires 'more sophisticated agricultural tools'."
"But science is not all good. Science and technology can be used to improve people's material life, but they can also be used to wage war and cause great damage to human society."
"European powers prospered because of science and technology, but their moral standards did not keep up, so they colonized and plundered all over the world. Their culture is a hegemonic culture, far inferior to our Chinese culture of kingly way that emphasizes benevolence, righteousness and morality."
His understanding of science and technology is still relatively superficial, but in today's China, it is already remarkable to have such understanding. Zhang Xingjiu agreed with most of his words, except for the last paragraph.
"Your words make sense. European and American civilizations do have some flaws. But when I read Mr. Yan Fu's translation of Evolution and Ethics, there was a sentence that really stuck in my mind: 'Survival of the fittest'."
"If China does not catch up quickly in the field of science and technology, I am afraid it will lose in this cruel competition and become like India."
He felt sympathetic when he heard this. "Yes, the great powers have always coveted China, relying on their powerful ships and cannons to bully China at every turn. Now the court is full of greedy and corrupt people. If we don't make a change, China will be in danger!"
At this point, the carriage had already arrived at the place, which was a Chinese association. Today, they had specially vacated the best courtyard to entertain Zhang Xingjiu. They also knew that their children and grandchildren had the opportunity to go to college, so they were naturally very grateful to Zhang Xingjiu.
After a short rest, Zhang Xingjiu and Ma Zongwen attended the dinner together. There were many Chinese people here, so there was no shortage of good chefs. They all showed off their specialties, allowing Zhang Xingjiu to enjoy a good meal.
After dinner, they went to the tea room to drink tea and chat. What they were most concerned about was the issue of reading, and Zhang Xingjiu patiently explained them one by one.
The next day, these people did not come to disturb Zhang Xingjiu, allowing Mr. Yixian to talk to him to his heart's content.
Yesterday on the road, Mr. Yixian had already sensed that Zhang Xingjiu had many complaints about the imperial court, so he decided to talk about this. But just as he started, he was stopped by Zhang Xingjiu, "I have been concentrating on studying science over the years, and I don't know much about politics. Sir, don't waste your time talking to me about this."
Mr. Yixian's mood suddenly fell to the bottom. Did he come all the way to Honolulu for nothing? Who knew that Zhang Xingjiu would make a U-turn immediately, "But I can understand your dedication to the rise of China. Although I can't personally participate in your career, I also want to do something for you."
"No matter what you do, the most important thing is money. I have made a small profit from selling the patent for wireless telegraph recently. Today I will give Mr. Yixian $10,000. If you need it in the future, please let me know at any time. I will do my best to help you."
"Nowadays, telegrams across the ocean are very expensive. In order not to waste precious revolutionary funds, I will make an agreement with you here. If you need money, you only need to send the five English letters A, B, C, D, and E by telegram, and you can get 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, or 50,000 silver dollars. How about that?"
This was originally the method adopted by Zhang Jingjiang, a wealthy businessman from Nanxun, when he sponsored Mr. Yixian. Now Zhang Xingjiu has taken it out in advance.
Although the person in front of me has many shortcomings, he is also a pioneer who ended the feudal monarchy. Now that I have met him today, I must lend a hand.
Of course, if Zhang Xingjiu met someone else, it would not just be a matter of paying some money.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
