Chapter 28: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Proofreading)

Chapter 28: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Proofreading)

"Done!"

Hearing the chorus of replies, Liu Huaizhi nodded. "Then please hand in your books."

The first round of the county examination: Transcription and Translation.

The second round of the county examination: Legal Essays.

The third round of the county examination: Policy Essays.

The fourth round of the county examination: Eight-part Essays.

The fifth round of the county examination: Mathematics, Poetry Composition, or Arithmetic (choose one).

Before Emperor Sheng'an ascended the throne, arithmetic was never part of the county examination. However, after his ascension, he discovered that many practical matters related to water conservancy in the Ministry of Works required extensive arithmetic data. For this reason, he added an arithmetic section to the examination to select practical elites.

Precise data can reduce costs and enrich the national treasury. A well-funded treasury means more money for purchasing advanced weapons for soldiers.

Of course, the county examination is presided over by the county magistrate, who selects the topics. It is uncertain which subject will be tested in the fifth round. Nevertheless, Liu Huaizhi, being meticulous, ensures that every topic is thoroughly taught.

After collecting the books from the students, he said, "Currently, we need to study the first chapter and the second point of the 'Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.' Has anyone understood it?"

Regardless of their family background, most students here believe that a scholar's fingers are precious. Therefore, few have ever worked in the fields or planted rice. How could they understand the concept of square fields?

All they know so far are clichés like "At birth, human nature is good."

Seeing the puzzled looks on their faces, Liu Huaizhi did not lose patience, as he had once been in their shoes.

Just as he was about to give up hope, Gao Yan raised his hand. "Sir, I had the opportunity to work in the fields with my father. Is the question about the size of the square field asking for the size of the rice field?"

Liu Huaizhi stroked his beard and nodded approvingly. "Very good, continue."

Gao Yan scratched his head shyly. "That's all I understand, sir. I don't know much else."

"Good, does anyone else have any insights?"

Xu Zeping raised his hand and stood up. "Sir, I have a question."

Seeing Xu Zeping stand up, Liu Huaizhi was shocked. Although the child had memorized the basic texts, he was still very young and had not yet mastered the writing brush. How could he possibly understand square fields?

He had placed this child in Class B to let him experience the learning atmosphere early, laying the foundation for the future.

"Please proceed."

"Sir, when it comes to finding the size of a square field, can I understand it as finding its area?" Xu Zeping paused, organizing his thoughts. "A square field has four equal sides, each side being opposite and adjacent. The longer side is called the length, and the shorter side is called the width. The area of the square field is equal to the length multiplied by the width?"

"Very good!" Liu Huaizhi had taught for years, but even his most talented disciples had never made his heart race like this. He wanted to praise him more but feared it might lead to complacency. "Is there anything else you want to say?"

Xu Zeping felt a bit embarrassed because these concepts were common knowledge on Earth. He blushed, thinking that he was only benefiting from the knowledge of the future. "I am currently confused about whether steps and square steps are units of measurement. Why does 15 * 16 equal 240? How are they calculated? Also, why does 240 square steps equal one mu?"

Xu Zeping asked about 15 * 16 equalling 240 to hide his knowledge, as he could not reveal the multiplication table.

Since no one had mentioned the existence of the multiplication table in this world, he feared being seen as an oddity.

"The 'Sunzi Suanjing' mentions that one zhang equals ten chi, one chi equals ten cun, and one step equals six chi..." As Liu Huaizhi explained, Xu Zeping understood the ancient units of measurement.

Seeing Xu Zeping's eyes brighten, Liu Huaizhi continued, "The rule that 240 square steps equal one mu was established seven hundred years ago during the reforms of Lord Shang Yang."

"As for how 15 * 16 is calculated, it is equivalent to adding sixteen fifteen times." Although Liu Huaizhi was a top scholar, arithmetic was not his forte, so he could only explain it roughly. "Do you understand now?"

Xu Zeping bowed. "Thank you, sir, for your guidance."

Liu Huaizhi looked at Xu Zeping and asked, "Have you learned addition and subtraction within a hundred?"

Xu Zeping replied honestly, "My brother hasn't taught me yet."

"If you have any questions, feel free to ask me after school." Liu Huaizhi was always willing to help diligent students.

"Thank you, sir."

Liu Huaizhi turned to the other students. "Did everyone understand?"

Xu Zeping and Liu Huaizhi's conversation was loud enough for most students to grasp the concept, though some remained clueless. However, seeing that Xu Zeping, who was younger than them, had understood, their pride prevented them from admitting confusion, and they all claimed to understand.

Liu Huaizhi, being experienced, did not press further. "Li Er has a square field with a width of ten steps and a length of forty-eight steps. What is the area of this field?"

"This is your homework for today. Write it down, and I'll check it tomorrow."

After assigning the homework, Liu Huaizhi left Class B.

According to the schedule, Class B should have dismissed after Liu Huaizhi's lesson, but due to the need to submit additional homework, almost no one left.

Xu Zeping did not rush to leave either. Instead, he carefully transcribed the homework assigned by Liu Huaizhi, fearing he would forget it later.

Gao Yan initially wanted to ask Xu Zeping about square fields but was stunned by the messy official script on the paper. How could it be worse than his own?

Noticing Gao Yan's gaze, Xu Zeping scratched his head, embarrassed. "Brother Gao, please don't laugh. My brother said that when I grow two more years and practice my arm and wrist, my handwriting will improve."

Xu Zeping was also frustrated inside. Why was calligraphy so difficult?

His current handwriting was at least somewhat controlled in size, whereas before, it was barely legible.

Gao Yan, being shy, blushed when Xu Zeping pointed out his thoughts. "Zeping, I didn't mean that."

Xu Zeping smiled. "It's okay. No one is perfect."

Under Xu Zeping's comforting words, Gao Yan gradually calmed down and asked Zeping about Fang Tian...

Zeping was not one to keep things to himself; he answered all questions thoroughly, even drawing diagrams to illustrate his points.

With Gao Yan seeking guidance, the other students, who had been too proud to approach, now came forward one by one to request his advice.

After listening to Zeping's explanations, they all wore broad smiles.

At the same time, a thought arose in each of their minds—Zeping truly lives up to being Zeli's brother; both brothers are indeed gentlemen of the highest caliber!