Chapter 73 Imperial Commissioner

Chapter 73 Imperial Commissioner

Zhu Jingcheng was the eldest son and grandson of the Zhu family, who had high hopes for him. He began to handle the abacus and study account books before he could even walk steadily. Over the years, managing the family's various businesses, he certainly did not rely solely on accountants and stewards. His own arithmetic skills were far ahead in the Yu Dynasty.

In the first chapter, Qiu Huanian explained the concept of "numbers" in a simple and understandable way, and then clearly taught the most basic four arithmetic operations.

Following this, with practicality in mind, he introduced equations presented in an ancient context, using many specific examples to illustrate the idea of setting up equations. Currently, he had only written about the commonly used linear equations in one and two variables in daily life.

When it came to equations, it was natural to mention the classic ancient mathematical problem of chickens and rabbits in the same cage. Qiu Huanian placed this example at the very beginning.

Zhu Jingcheng had seen the chicken and rabbit problem before and had even calculated it himself, so he understood it much more easily than someone seeing it for the first time. After reading through this method called "equations" a few times, he nodded subconsciously and repeated the overview Qiu Huanian had written before the concept of equations.

"Using equations to solve problems is a forward-thinking method that can clarify the thought process like building a high tower, making the problem clear at a glance, and also making it easier to spot flaws and adjust the layout."

Zhu Jingcheng patted the book in amazement, "The first time I read it, I didn't know what 'forward thinking' meant, and I thought it might be an exaggeration. After reading the rest and coming back to it, I realized it was indeed the most appropriate description."

"Brother Hua, did you think of all this yourself? How did you come up with it!"

Qiu Huanian had already prepared his explanation. He didn't want to, nor dared to, take all the credit, so he had to find some excuses.

"When I was young in the countryside, I once got lost in the mountains and met a man of foreign appearance who could speak Chinese. He told me many principles of mathematics, but I was young at the time and had no need for them, so I gradually forgot. Recently, inspired by Su Xinbai's initiative to open a bookstore, I decided to pick it up again and organize it into a book for more people to see."

"What was the name of that foreigner, and where is he now?"

"His name was Wei Da. He was already over eighty when I met him, and later he disappeared. I think he has probably passed away."

Zhu Jingcheng sighed, "I've heard from southern merchants that there are foreigners overseas who are quite proficient in arithmetic. I suppose this Wei Da was one of them. It's a pity I never got to meet him."

Su Xinbai was not interested in mathematics and had not studied it before, so he didn't understand it as quickly as Zhu Jingcheng. However, he still grasped the principles and ideas behind the equations.

"Although it was taught by a foreigner, you were able to learn it at such a young age, and now you can organize it into a book using the language and examples of our dynasty. Your intelligence and effort are truly impressive."

Zhu Jingcheng agreed with Su Xinbai, "If Brother Hua had been born into a well-off family and not been delayed, he would surely have been a prodigy."

Qiu Huanian smiled and accepted these praises. Although being called a prodigy was a bit exaggerated, given the average mathematical level of people in the Yu Dynasty, he could have been considered one during his early schooling.

Su Xinbai flipped to the practice problems at the back and read the question, "Why would a granary with a capacity of twenty stones of grain be filling and emptying at the same time? It takes in five stones every quarter hour and releases one stone. How long will it take to fill the granary..."

Qiu Huanian, who had slightly modified the classic problem of a pool filling and draining at the same time, asserted confidently, "This is just a model to practice setting up equations. The real situation would be more complex, but similar problems do exist."

Zhu Jingcheng was thoughtful and had already thought of several practical problems, though none could be directly addressed by the simple equations in the current manuscript.

He couldn't help but urge, "Brother Hua, how many chapters do you plan to include in this book, and when will the rest come out?"

"I plan to only cover equations in the first book, with two or three more chapters. My ability is limited, so I will introduce an idea first and await more individuals skilled in mathematics to improve its practical methods."

Ancient Chinese mathematics has seen many brilliant figures, and Qiu Huanian believed that the Yu Dynasty also had such talents, but they lacked the inspiration and opportunities to display their talents.

Su Xinbai nodded, "The bookstore's plan is almost finalized. I will begin accepting manuscripts in a few days."

Su Xinbai showed Qiu Huanian his plan. The new bookstore would be named "Qimin Bookstore," borrowing the name of the ancient, now lost book "Qimin Yaoshu," to express the bookstore's philosophy of "meeting the needs of all people."

The announcement for manuscript submissions was also ready and would be posted on bulletin boards near the examination hall and on the Zhu family properties.

Manuscripts that pass the initial selection will receive comments and a fee of five taels of silver. They can be revised and resubmitted. If they are ultimately chosen for printing, an additional twenty taels of silver will be given.

Previously, the Zhu family's bookstore paid five taels of silver for common leisure books like novels and storybooks, with famous authors receiving up to eight taels. Other books were paid between ten and fifteen taels depending on quality.

The pricing of Qimin Bookstore was unique among bookstores in Xiangping Prefecture, but the requirements were also the highest. According to the standards Su Xinbai wrote in the submission announcement, without genuine talent, it would be impossible to pass the selection.

Looking at the well-prepared regulations, Su Xinbai felt a warmth in his heart, and his once lifeless spirit came back to life.

Once this bookstore was truly established, his name would be closely associated with books across generations and through the ages, rather than just a footnote in the Zhu family's genealogy.

He stood in front of the desk, lost in thought, his light brows and thin shoulders all captured in Zhu Jingcheng's affectionate gaze.

...

Apart from checking the cotton seedlings at the estate every few days, Qiu Huanian poured all his energy into the mathematics book.

After Su Xinbai's call for manuscripts was posted, it stirred up quite a discussion among the scholars of Xiangping Prefecture.

Those down-and-out scholars who typically earned their keep by writing, though tempted by the generous payment, were unable to write the types of books Qimin Bookstore sought. Others, though, had ideas forming and decided to give it a try.

Scholars who didn’t depend on this for a living also had their own thoughts upon seeing the philosophy of "serving the needs of all people" and the requirements in the call for manuscripts.

"This is how it should be. The books in bookstores nowadays, apart from the words of sages, are all about thieves, prostitutes, fox spirits, and ghosts, which are downright distasteful."

"Engineering, agriculture, geography... though still not as esteemed as the classics, they are at least practical."

"What’s the story behind this Qimin Bookstore? The owner has such grand ambitions and insights, unlike ordinary merchants."

"I heard it was established by the son from the Left Provincial Governor's household who married into the Zhu family."

"I have some impression of this young master; he is also a rare talented scholar. Many lamented his marriage into the Zhu family."

"The Zhu family is a scholarly merchant family that loves reading. Mr. Su's establishment of Qimin Bookstore must have been supported by his husband. Many did not favor this marriage, but as the saying goes, only the person involved knows the truth. Who can judge others' affairs?"

Several scholars, dressed in scholarly attire, discussed the contents of the call for manuscripts as they made their way through the crowded streets.

The blocked carriage ahead moved aside, and pedestrians and vehicles began to flow again. Qiu Huanian listened to the fading voices outside the curtain and smiled faintly.

He had risen early today, after sending Chun Sheng and Jiu Jiu to school, and was preparing to visit the estate outside the city.

The cotton seedlings had been sprouting for over ten days. Under the guidance of the agricultural book, everyone working on the estate had learned the seedling method. Since Xiangping Prefecture was warmer than Zhang County, the cotton seedlings were growing faster than last year, and they were expected to be ready for transplanting soon.

Considering the varying climates in different regions, Qiu Huanian used the growth stage of the cotton seedlings rather than specific days to determine the end of the seedling period in the revised edition of the agricultural book. This required observing a large number of cotton seedlings and summarizing their characteristics.

When Qiu Huanian arrived at the estate, the sun had just risen to mid-sky. The spring breeze was warm, and the tenant farmers were out in the fields, getting them ready for transplanting in a few days.

Although the estate had an ox, a single ox couldn’t handle forty acres. Most of the land was still painstakingly turned by the tenant farmers using farming tools.

Watching the scene of plowing, Qiu Huanian recalled the single-handed plow he’d attempted to invent last year but didn’t succeed. If that device had been successful, it would have saved the farmers a lot of effort, allowing them to plow more fields and indirectly increase grain production.

Back in Du Village, he had to work alone on his inventions. Now in Xiangping Prefecture, there were many skilled craftsmen in the city. He could easily find a reliable one to further develop the design based on his descriptions.

While Qiu Huanian was lost in thought, Old Deng, the estate manager, had already arrived upon hearing the news.

"Master Qiu, you're here? Shall we check the cotton seedlings first, or would you like to tour the fields?"

"Take Old Man Zhou to park the carriage and feed the horses some fodder. I'll take a walk by myself."

Qiu Huanian walked along the path towards the center of the fields. The tenant farmers, knowing that this young and exceptionally handsome master was now the estate manager, greeted him with smiles and respect.

Qiu Huanian occasionally stopped to inspect the soil, asking them gentle questions about the estate, which thrilled the tenant farmers.

For tenant farmers without their own land, the greatest fear was being driven off the estate and becoming homeless vagrants. Thus, in their eyes, Qiu Huanian, the manager, was even more revered than a high-ranking official.

As he reached the edge of the plum grove, where green leaves had begun to sprout, Qiu Huanian saw several children with double buns, the oldest no more than five or six years old, running along the ridge with a kite, their laughter ringing out across the open fields.

Qiu Huanian paused and observed for a moment. When the children saw him, they quickly straightened up, and the kite dropped to the ground.

Qiu Huanian picked up the kite that had landed near his feet and smiled at them, "Keep playing; don’t let me interrupt your fun."

The children looked at each other, and the oldest one mustered up the courage to say, "Sir, we flew the kite after delivering water to our families. We still have to deliver meals later; we're not slacking off."

Tenant farmers are overseen by the estate manager and must work tirelessly to ensure the owner’s profits. Though young, the children vaguely understood the stakes and feared Qiu Huanian might punish their families if angered.

Qiu Huanian shook his head, walked over, and handed the kite back to the children, "Here’s an idea: pretend I wanted to see the kite. Fly it for me, and it’ll count as work."

The children, being young, immediately became excited again. Qiu Huanian watched as the kite soared back into the sky and asked the child beside him, "Did you make this kite yourselves or buy it?"

A girl with winter jasmine flowers tucked into her hair replied, "Brother Yue made it for us. He’s really talented—he can even embroider and make nets!"

"Brother Yue?" Qiu Huanian hadn't yet familiarized himself with all the tenant farmers.

"Brother Yue arrived at the estate with Granny Wei. He’s not in great health, so he rarely works in the fields. He stays indoors, collecting money and helping people mend clothes and cook."

Qiu Huanian recalled that Old Deng’s tenant list included a new family: an elderly aunt and her young nephew who had wandered here. The young lad was named Wei Yue, which sounded similar to "Wei Li," a person Qiu Huanian had helped in Zhang County. The first time Qiu Huanian saw the name, he thought of Wei Li.

He wondered how Wei Li, a young and handsome lad who’d never traveled far alone, was faring now. Had he found a stable place to live? Escaping his cruel father, Wei Dexing, but becoming homeless—was it a blessing or a curse?

In any case, Qiu Huanian's ability at the time only allowed him to offer one choice. Wei Li chose to flee, and all Qiu Huanian could do was wish him peace and prosperity.

Qiu Huanian spent over an hour inspecting the plowed fields on the estate, ensuring that the depth of the soil and the spacing of the furrows were exactly as described in the agricultural book.

At lunch, Old Deng had the estate’s best cook prepare a feast and invited Qiu Huanian to join.

As they walked toward the main house, Old Deng’s eldest son came rushing over.

Old Deng scolded him, "What’s the hurry? Haven’t I taught you better? Rushing like this, you’ll bump into Sir Qiu!"

The eldest Deng gasped for breath, his face still full of anxiety, "Sir Qiu, Dad—outside, the imperial envoy is here."

"What? What did you say?" Old Deng also became anxious.

"The imperial envoy! The one with the imperial sword, like in the plays!"

Qiu Huanian frowned and comforted the eldest Deng, "What happened? Don’t be scared. Tell me exactly what they said."

After a few incoherent sentences, the eldest Deng finally regained his ability to organize his words.

"Just now, some men on horseback in official uniforms arrived. They said the imperial envoy’s carriage was stuck in a ditch and needed a nearby estate to eat and rest. They chose us. They rode ahead to have us prepare; the main group will be here in a quarter of an hour."

Imperial Envoy Zhao Tianyu was indeed recently in Xiangping Prefecture. In broad daylight, impersonating an imperial envoy is a crime punishable by extermination of one's clan. Qiu Huanian did not doubt the truth of the eldest Deng's words and immediately ordered, "Open the main gate. Bring out the best food from the estate. Call a few more helpers to quickly add a few more dishes. Prepare to receive the imperial envoy."

He went to his carriage, retrieved a long white veil that reached his knees, and draped it over his head.

Qiu Huanian usually avoided veils or hats that blocked his vision when going out, but just in case, he kept one in the carriage, which now came in handy.

Imperial Envoy Zhao Tianyu was a protégé of the Second Prince’s maternal grandfather. Only six years after passing the imperial exams, he had risen to a high position and was quite capable in handling administrative affairs.

Last year, when border troops discovered the Tatars’ unusual equipment and supplies and reported it to the court, it caused an uproar. After much negotiation among various factions, Zhao Tianyu was chosen to investigate the matter in detail in Liaozhou.

Upon his arrival, Zhao Tianyu dealt with a large number of people with swift and decisive actions, temporarily cutting off the Tatars' supply channels. However, the mastermind behind the scheme was never caught, so the Emperor had not yet allowed him to leave.

Qiu Huanian had never met this Imperial Envoy Zhao Tianyu, only hearing about him indirectly from Yuchuan's father, Bai Yanwen. At that time, Bai Yanwen, following Zhao Tianyu's instructions, hosted a banquet in Zhang County to entertain local scholars and welcome him. Bai Yanwen also accepted Wei Li, sent by Wei Dexing, intending to present him as a gift to Zhao Tianyu.

Due to Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse's intervention, the banquet at The Garden of Harvested Blooms ended in discord, and Bai Yanwen's reputation was ruined. Zhao Tianyu never showed up and later directly sent Bai Yanwen back to the capital, which ironically enhanced his own reputation. According to Magistrate Wang, who’d met Zhao Tianyu, the Imperial Envoy seemed inscrutable.

Qiu Huanian wanted nothing to do with someone so deeply entangled in power struggles and so cunning. He covered himself entirely with a veil, intending to pay his respects and then immediately take his leave.

If Old Deng hadn't already told the scouts that the estate manager was present, Qiu Huanian would have preferred to stay hidden throughout.

Soon, another messenger arrived on horseback, announcing that the imperial envoy was about to arrive. Everyone on the estate was gathered together to welcome this esteemed official. The children's kites were hidden away, and the tenant farmers stood with their heads bowed, silent as mice, fearing that any misstep might offend the envoy and cost them their heads.

Qiu Huanian stood at the forefront, sighing inwardly. This was the privilege of the ancient ruling class; at his command, everyone had to stop their work and wait to greet him as he wished.

To this imperial envoy, the farmers and fields of the estate were as insignificant as a feather, utterly worthless.

Zhao Tianyu arrived on horseback, flanked by minor officials, and did not dismount. He summoned the estate manager to step forward and speak.

He was in his early thirties, with a lean face, a small mustache, and extremely sharp eyes. His gaze alone could make the faint-hearted tremble.

Qiu Huanian spoke softly, answering a few questions, stating only that he had been invited by the eldest young mistress of the Zhu family to manage the estate. He didn't go into details about their relationship, and since the estate's fields had not yet been planted, Zhao Tianyu could not discern any differences.

Zhao Tianyu's steward tossed a few pieces of silver to Qiu Huanian, instructing him to arrange for food and lodging. Old Deng, quick on the uptake, reached out to take the silver and eagerly led them to the main house to rest. Qiu Huanian excused himself, using his marital status as a reason to step aside.

Zhao Tianyu rode past the tenant farmers, their heads bowed, his gaze sweeping over them until it suddenly halted at one spot.

All eyes turned to where he was looking. There, a thin, frail figure in rough clothes was shaking uncontrollably, as if on the verge of breaking.

Zhao Tianyu stroked his horsewhip, his face unreadable, and said, "A tenant farmer of this estate, who should be a good citizen of the Yu Dynasty, why is he so terrified at the sight of this envoy? Could there be some hidden reason?"

Old Deng's heart raced, but he managed a smile and said, "He's just a young lad with little experience. Hearing of your esteemed reputation, it's natural for him to be afraid. Please forgive his rudeness."

Zhao Tianyu remained silent, but his steward scolded, "The master wants to know who he is. Quickly report it, and spare us the nonsense!"

Standing nearby, Qiu Huanian frowned heavily. Zhao Tianyu's sudden hostility seemed like he was picking a fight.

Qiu Huanian remembered hearing from Su Xinbai that Zhao Tianyu was quite harsh with merchants, having troubled Zhu Jingcheng, who represented the Zhu family, several times. Could it be that upon hearing this estate belonged to the eldest young mistress of the Zhu family, he intended to use it as a pretext?

Old Deng wiped the sweat off his forehead and replied honestly, "This young man is named Wei Yue. He came to the estate with his elderly aunt. Their identity documents are in order, and they are honest farmers, without any discrepancies."

"Wei... Yue?" Zhao Tianyu mulled over the name, finding it somewhat familiar. "Which 'Yue' character is it?"

Old Deng hadn't paid much attention. "I think it's the character for 'moon.'"

Zhao Tianyu grunted, then suddenly cracked his horsewhip in the air with a loud crack. The frail figure, shaking even more violently, finally fell to his knees, clutching his arms, his head still bowed deeply.

The steward glanced at Zhao Tianyu's expression and ordered the minor officials, "Make him raise his head!"

Two minor officials dismounted and moved to grab the lad. Qiu Huanian took a deep breath, torn between choices. He could guess that Zhao Tianyu intended to stir up trouble on the estate to force Su Xinbai, or even Zhu Jingcheng, to intervene. The best course of action would be to feign ignorance and do nothing. But seeing the scene before him, how could he possibly stand by?

The minor officials approached the fallen young man, grabbed his arms, and roughly lifted him up, forcing his chin upward. A few strands of dark hair fell across his face, revealing a countenance filled with terror and tear stains.

Zhao Tianyu chuckled ambiguously. "Quite a beauty. This estate really is a haven for talented and beautiful people."

Qiu Huanian's foot, poised to step forward, froze. He saw a face he had only seen a few times but would never forget.

This "Wei Yue," who had come to the estate with his aunt and was skilled at making kites for the children, was actually Wei Li, the young lad from the Wei family's spice shop whom Qiu Huanian had rescued after he was given away by his cruel father!

Wei Li's face was filled with despair, and Qiu Huanian could understand that despair.

He had been given as a gift to the imperial envoy by his father, barely escaped, and started a new life. Now, that same envoy had reappeared before him, capturing him when he was utterly defenseless. How could one not despair?

Qiu Huanian took a deep breath and moved to Wei Li's side, reaching out to take him. The minor officials, knowing he was the estate's manager and closely connected to the eldest young mistress of the Zhu family, who had married into the family from the Su household, treated him with some respect but did not release their grip.

Qiu Huanian adjusted his veil and said to Zhao Tianyu, "Your presence brings great honor to this humble estate. It is my mismanagement that has allowed the timid Yue to spoil your mood."

"Although you are diligent in governance and beloved by the people, deeply favored by the Emperor, and surely would not vent your anger on a country lad, I am still deeply troubled. Please entrust Yue to me, so I may properly discipline and guide him. The meal is ready; please proceed to the main house to rest. If we delay your meal any further, we would be even more deserving of death."

Zhao Tianyu shifted his gaze to Qiu Huanian. The veil concealed him entirely, making it impossible for Zhao Tianyu to discern much, only that the person before him, with his flawless speech and hidden barbs, was not very old.

The estate had its share of clever people, and the small plan he had suddenly thought of earlier now seemed meaningless.

Zhao Tianyu smiled faintly. "Then you may discipline him properly. I will send someone later to check on the results of your discipline."