After Luo Youdu came to the throne, the first thing he did was to promote Chinese numerals to develop mathematical theory.
The core theory of this science is mathematics.
Logical thinking derived from mathematics is the only way for scientific development.
The shortcoming of Chinese culture is the lack of logical theoretical knowledge, which makes it difficult to pass it on effectively.
The most obvious example is Zu Chongzhi's "Zhu Shu".
Who was Zu Chongzhi?
The iconic figure in the Chinese mathematics community, "Zulu" is a pioneering work in the history of world mathematics.
However, his "Zhu Shu" was criticized by later generations Wang Xiaotong, who was also a mathematician, as completely wrong and unreasonable.
"Zhu Shu" was lost in later generations, but later generations analyzed some fragments and found that Zu Chongzhi's "Zhu Shu" already involved solving the positive roots of cubic equations.
Therefore, Luo Youdu felt that the evaluation of "Zhu Shu" in "Sui Shu" was very pertinent, "Scholar officials cannot study its profoundness, so they discard it and ignore it."
It's not that Zu Chongzhi's "Zhushu" is completely wrong, but that the theory is very profound and the calculations are very precise, and even scholars who are good at it have difficulty understanding its contents.
After all, in China where Arabic numerals were not yet popular, all mathematical measurements were based on written descriptions.
To put it bluntly, Zu Chongzhi's grandfather Zuchang served as the Great Craftsman of the Liu Song Dynasty and was an official in charge of civil engineering projects in the imperial court. His father Zu Shuozhi was invited by the imperial court and was very knowledgeable.
Born into this kind of family background, Zu Chongzhi received a good family education since he was a child. He was deeply influenced by both his ears and his eyes. Coupled with his diligence and love of arithmetic, he was even sent to serve at Zongmingguan by Emperor Xiaowu of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Zongmingguan is similar to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in ancient times. Here Zu Chongzhi had access to a large number of national collections, including books on astronomy, calendars, and arithmetic.
With this prerequisite, Zu Chongzhi himself accumulated a huge reserve of knowledge and experience in magic.
The book "Zhushu" is a collection of knowledge and experience of two generations, Zu Chongzhi and Zu Xunzhi's father and son.
In other words, if the knowledge reserve does not reach a certain level and the experience does not reach a certain level, how can we understand "Zhu Shu"?
How many people have Zu Chongzhi’s learning environment and talent for magic?
This is the inevitable situation derived from the lack of basic theory.
If there are rich basic theories, future generations will get twice the result with half the effort in learning mathematics. Compared with their predecessors who crossed the river by touching stones, they will have to take a much shorter journey.
Then it is not because of insufficient knowledge reserves that we cannot understand the knowledge left by our predecessors.
When Luo Youdu succeeded to the throne, he asked Chu Yan, a doctor of calculation and calculation, to use Chinese numerals to compile "Ten Books of Calculation" and asked him to summarize the theoretical knowledge of arithmetic. In the imperial examination, he also specially added a subject of arithmetic and obtained a certain degree.
Effect.
But in the end, due to the slow start, the results were not significant.
Luo Youdu thought of the Western "Elements of Geometry" for some reason.
This thing will be controversial in later generations, and Luo Youdu does not know whether it is true or not, but if it really exists, it will undoubtedly be the benchmark of the mathematical logic system. Its introduction to the Central Plains will be of great benefit to the foundation of arithmetic logic in the Central Plains.
Luo Youdu doesn't care about the East or the West, as long as he can use it well, what he learns is his own.
It's just that he sent people to ask many Western businessmen who didn't know "Elements of Geometry". Maybe it was a translation problem or some other reason, but there was no progress.
Manichaeism originated from Persia, and Persia and Greece were enemies who had been fighting in the West for hundreds of years. It was impossible to guarantee that this blond and blue-eyed King of Treasure Trees would know the "Elements of Geometry".
Li Congde was very strict with Hulasd and was afraid that he would talk nonsense.
But in Bianjing in the Central Plains, Li Congde had no independent power.
As the Manichean King of Precious Trees, Hurasid abides by the teachings of course: fasting every day.
As a prince of Khotan, Li Congde was indispensable for drinking and socializing.
It was just a banquet from the Ministry of Etiquette, and the two of them had to separate.
"Grandmaster!"
Song Qi bowed slightly.
Hulasd shouted stiffly: "Xiangong Song."
The upper class in Khotan retained the tradition of learning Chinese and using Chinese characters, but this was not the case with Western Manichaeism.
Hulasd's Chinese was very blunt. He learned it after learning that he was going to the Central Plains.
As the Treasure Tree King of Manichaeism, Hulasde was a famous scholar in the West. He had extraordinary talents and was able to communicate normally.
Song Qi did not make any more pleasantries, but said straight to the point: "Your Majesty deeply sympathizes with the situation of Manichaeism. As the Lord of the world, Your Majesty has always been open-minded and does not reject Manichaeism, let alone oppose it.
Build temples in the country and promote the teachings.”
When Hurasd heard this, his face was filled with excitement, as if he had been given blood, and he shouted: "Your Majesty, the great and wise emperor, the great father will protect him."
Seeing this, Song Qi instantly understood Hurasd's attitude and continued: "Just because your Majesty does not reject Manichaeism, it does not mean that you can promote the teachings in our Central Plains. Your Majesty does not care about the details, but I, the ministers, cannot.
I don’t care about His Majesty. It’s not clear what is going on in the West. No one can say for sure what Manichaeism is like and whether it will threaten the imperial court. Why should the imperial court take such a risk?”
Hurasd heard the implication and said: "In fact, Prince Khotan did not tell the truth about the matter in the West. Prince Khotan did not lie about the general situation in the Kara Khanate, but only concealed his motives.
When the new king of the Kara Khanate surrounded our temple, a fierce battle broke out. A leader of Manichaeism, a saint, five mushes, and twelve saposses all died tragically in it. We are waiting for the leader.
With his protection, he fled to Khotan through the secret passage."
"After the new king of Karakhan learned about it, he sent people to ask for us from the king of Khotan, and there was a conflict between words. The envoy of the new king of Karakhan left harsh words and left. In fact, the new king of Karakhan had no time to attack
In Khotan, they have to deal with their own internal problems. It is the King of Khotan who has been instigating all the believers in Karakhan to take the opportunity to send troops."
Sure enough.
Although there are some deviations in the details, in general it does not jump out of their analysis.
Song Qi's expression showed that she was not surprised, but that everything was under control, which made Hulasd feel awe-inspiring and did not dare to have other thoughts.
Just as Song Qi had discerned, Hulasd deliberately kept telling the truth for a year, leaving a little bit of a loophole.
Hulasd and King Li Shengtian of Khotan were not of the same mind.
Li Shengtian's purpose is very clear, which is to use the influence of Manichaeism to subvert the Kara Khanate, so that he can take advantage of it.
The purpose of Hurasid was to continue to promote Manichaeism.
Li Shengtian was a Buddhist believer, and Khotan adopted Buddhism as its state religion.
Manichaeism and Hinduism are only a small part.
The Xizhou Uighurs originally believed in Manichaeism, but since they moved to Gaochang, they have assimilated into Gaochang's strong Buddhist atmosphere, and they are also mainly Buddhist.
Manichaeism was oppressed by the Dharma in the West, and Buddhism in the Western Regions was beaten to a pulp. It was really miserable.
The situation in the Central Plains is different. It is true that Taoism is the main religion in the Central Plains, but compared to the hostility between Western believers, the Eastern sects are much more harmonious.
Especially for believers in the East, when they see Bodhisattva and worship the Bodhisattva, and see Laojun kneeling before Laojun, they don’t feel any dissonance at all.
In addition, the population here is large, and the teachings preached here are far better than those in Khotan and Xizhou.
The interests were the same, and Li Congde didn't feel the slightest sense of guilt when Hulasd betrayed Li Shengtian.
Song Qi pondered for a while and said: "Master, can you tell me in detail about the situation in the West, especially the strength, economy and culture of the Kara Khanate, and the relationship between Western countries and the Kara Khanate."
Hulasd already regarded himself as an Oriental, and he cooperated in telling all the news he knew.
He also specially introduced the structure of Manichaeism.
Manichaeism is headed by the leader, who believes in the great father, that is, Mingzun. Under the leader are the three saints, the twelve mushes, the seventy-two saposais, the three hundred and sixty mexi siddhis, and then the arrows.
Slow down, let the sand spread.
Translated, it means twelve jewel tree kings, seventy-two dharma holders, three hundred and sixty dharma hall masters, and finally monks, nuns, and believers.
The kings of Baoshu were all scholars with great wisdom. Hurasd was also a figure in the West who knew both astronomy and geography. He explained the situation in the West in detail.
There are many places where you can't translate into Chinese and just speak Farsi.
Song Qi brought a translator and was able to understand what was being said.
After an in-depth conversation, Song Qi learned a lot of novel knowledge.
Song Qi spent one night sorting out the information she had found, and reported the situation to Luo Youdu the next day.
Luo Youdu looked at Song Qi with an incredible look on his face and said, "How about it? Do you feel like you have learned a lot?"
Song Qi bowed and said, "This time is an eye-opener for me. The world is so big and full of wonders."
Luo Youdu wanted this effect. He not only wanted to cultivate the national pride of officials, but also wanted his ministers to open up some foresight.
It is true that China is the best in the world, but there are still some civilizations in the corners of the earth that are worth paying attention to and learning from.
Luo Youdu asked Song Qi to take a seat.
Song Qi first explained Li Shengtian's intentions in detail.
Luo Youdu curled his lips disdainfully. He was a clown, but he was unwilling to be left alone. Sooner or later, he would clean up...
Song Qi continued: "Your Majesty, the situation in Khotan is under our control. Yesterday, I specially learned about the strength of the Kara Khanate. The Kara Khanate is mainly composed of Turks, Uighurs and Geluolu people.
In the Western Region, its strength was not inferior to that of Khotan, and even exceeded it. However, the Kara Khanate had an enmity with a country called Saman in the west, which restricted some of its troops. In addition, due to the liquidation of heretics, Buddhism and Morocco in the territory
The followers of the Ni sect rebelled and started civil strife. Because of this situation, Li Shengtian became interested."
Luo Youdu asked: "What religion does the Samanid Kingdom believe in?"
Song Qi bowed in admiration and said: "Your Majesty is wise and saw the key point at a glance. Like the Kara Khanate, the Saman Kingdom also believes in the Great Food Law. I think Li Shengtian is restless, so let him do it. I don't think so.
Khotan has the power to annex the Kara Khanate, and the Kara Khanate does not have the strength to destroy Khotan. As long as the Xizhou Uighurs do not participate in the war, the trade routes are not cut off, and there is no harm to us. As for the rebel Cao family,
, just in time to take a look at their choices.”
This was exactly what Luo Youdu meant. He wanted to resolve the issue of the Guiyi Army peacefully, but the Cao family couldn't tell who was the master, so there was no need to be polite. He nodded and said, "I also want to take this opportunity to see where the Cao family is heading.
Place."
As he spoke, he asked about "Elements of Geometry" again.
Song Qi said: "Hurasd has never heard of "Elements of Geometry". He said that many ancient Greek books have incorrect translations and different names. He is willing to collect Western books for Your Majesty and present them to Your Majesty."
Luo Youdu was slightly disappointed, but he still said neatly: "Okay, tell him that as long as there are books about knowledge and culture, he can bring them to the Central Plains. The more the better, I will count him a contribution."
In this era, China is the center of the world, there is no doubt about it.
However, individual Western cultures still have merit.
Luo Youdu didn't mind absorbing the essence. Even if there was nothing to learn from, he could still learn something about the situation in the West, which would also be of certain benefit for the future Western Expedition or when their ships sailed to the Mediterranean.
**********
Bianjing Imperial Street.
The flow of people is surging, and pedestrians are all over the long street.
Li Congde and Hurasd were walking on the street.
Li Congde's face was a little gloomy. He always felt that Hulasd was gradually getting out of his control, but he could not refuse the invitation of the Ministry of Rites. He could only say again: "Mu She, please don't look at the saints of your sect and other Mu She."
They are all in my father’s hands.”
Hulasd said respectfully: "Your Highness, don't worry, Hurasd will always remember the great kindness of the king."
As he was talking, he suddenly saw a bookstall on the street. Thinking that he was about to stay in the Central Plains permanently, he needed to get a better understanding of the culture and customs here. He came to the bookstall and asked, "Excuse me, which kind of books are the best-selling?"
The waiter who was buying books saw that the person asking the question was a Persian with blond hair and blue eyes. His speech was still stiff. He pointed at the books on the right and said, "These are very profound things about the imperial examination. You may not be able to understand them."
.It’s better to buy these simple ones…”
Hulasd was not angry either. He picked up a book and read it. It was a "Three Character Classic".
The earliest "Three Character Classic" was compiled by Wang Yinglin, an outstanding scholar in the Southern Song Dynasty. Luo Youdu attached great importance to enlightenment teaching and ordered Guozijian to compile a book for the enlightenment of children.
This book is not difficult for a true Confucian scholar. It was successfully compiled in a few months and has been widely promoted in the world.
Hulasd knew a lot of words. The words in the Three-Character Classic were simple, but compared with the elegant things of the ancients, people who didn't understand the inside story would be blinded by what they read.
Hurasd put the book away, and then picked up another book called "Shu Shu". Looking at the Chinese numbers in it, his eyes lit up. He recognized 1, 2, and 3 among them. He was in Tianzhu's book.
Seen.
Only 123, I can't help but wonder, could it be passed down from China?
He took the book and asked the waiter who bought the book: "How do you pronounce this?" He pointed to the "+, =" symbols and asked: "What is this?"
The waiter who bought the book saw that there was not much business, and the barbarians like Hulasd were the most generous, so he patiently explained: "1 plus 1 equals 2, this is a plus sign, this is an equal sign."
Hulasd looked shocked, excited and frightened. He pointed at numbers one to nine on the book, and then zero said, "Where are these?"
When the waiter who bought the book saw his magic, he felt a sense of pride in his heart. He cursed him as "an old hater" in his heart, but with a smile on his face, he read "one, two, three, four"...
Then he pointed at 0 and said: "This is called zero. Zero means there is nothing. These 1 and 0 put together are nothing."
The waiter who bought the book said the simplest common sense, but it was like a bolt from the blue in Hurasid's heart. He was so excited that he even cried: "Great Mingzun, this is not paradise."