In the morning, just before dawn, I heard the cries of a breakfast stall outside. Li Yu was sleeping on the second floor. He opened the window and saw that there were already many people on the road.
Li Shutong stopped a vendor carrying a pole and asked, "Bring me two bowls of wontons."
"Okay." The vendor put down his pole and took out two bowls of wontons from the box at the back.
This kind of pole is called a camel pole, with high sides. It comes from Suzhou.
Li Shutong came to Li Yu's room with wontons and said, "Sir, try this. Don't look down upon it. Lao Li Tou's wontons are the best in the area."
Li Yu said with a smile: "I once wrote the book "Fractals and Chaos", but this is the first time I've eaten wontons in a year."
Li Shutong said: "I don't understand your chaos, so I can only eat a wonton."
After breakfast, the two went to Nanyang Public School to find Cai Yuanpei. Cai Yuanpei was reading the introductory lectures on mathematics and physics written by Li Yu. He couldn't help but praise: "It explains things in simple terms and has solid theories. It's really a rare book!" Then he looked at it!
Li Yu, "I can't understand Mr.'s other papers, but this introductory mathematics lecture you wrote is simply brilliant."
This handout was the work of Li Yu for more than a month at the Beiyang Armed Forces Crash Course. As an introductory book, it is indeed good, and there are some pictures and tables in it, which are relatively vivid. The key is that he directly used new mathematical symbols.
Zhenger Ba Jing is in line with international standards.
Li Yu said: "If sir can use it, its value will be even more evident."
Cai Yuanpei said: "Of course I will use it, but I think there is someone who can play its role better."
Li Yu asked: "Who else could be there besides Cai Jiaoxi?"
Cai Yuanpei said: "This person is a Jinshi in the same discipline as me. His name is Zhang Yuanji. He is now the director of compilation and compilation of the Commercial Press."
Of course Li Yu knew about the Commercial Press, and Zhang Yuanji's contribution to the Commercial Press was huge.
Li Yu said: "Could it be that Cai Jiaoxi wanted the Commercial Press to print this book?"
"Exactly!" Cai Yuanpei said, "My classmate is also a person who wants to save the country. Now that new schools have been established in various places, he is suffering from the lack of teaching materials. He is worried about this. If he reads this book, I am afraid he will be overjoyed.
Open your mouth."
The Commercial Press has just been founded six years ago, and is indeed preparing to compile teaching materials. And this is basically the most profitable business of the Commercial Press in the early days, and it almost relies on it to grow rapidly.
Zhang Yuanji is also very discerning. After all, the most lacking book in China at this time is textbooks, and the market demand is boundless.
Li Yu felt that only Zhang Yuanji's Commercial Press could play the role of this book, and he readily agreed: "If it can really help education, that would be great!"
Cai Yuanpei stood up and said, "Let's go together!"
Basically everyone has read the books of the Commercial Press in later generations, and the "Xinhua Dictionary" alone is the childhood memory of many people.
Cai Yuanpei said on the road: "Xiao Zhai (Zhang Yuanji's courtesy name) was summoned by the current emperor during the Reform Movement of 1898. He proposed to establish a new school to cultivate various talents and pay attention to translation."
Li Yu said: "Fortunately, although the reform has not yet been completed, the construction of new schools has finally begun."
Zhang Yuanji was a Jinshi and entered the Hanlin Academy. It was normal for him to be received by Emperor Guangxu.
Cai Yuanpei said: "Xiao Zhai also worked at Nanyang Public School. At that time, he was mainly engaged in translating books, and I admire his views very much. He no longer focused on the military books that he had attached great importance to in the past, but focused on the topic selection of the translated books.
Transferred to social science books.”
"It makes sense. Some pure military books do not have much guiding significance for us. After all, the foundations are different." Li Yu said.
"What the teacher said is absolutely true. At that time, most translations were relatively blind," Cai Yuanpei continued. "In fact, Xiao Zhai had the opportunity to be the general manager of a public school, but he decided to enter the press. But I devoted myself to education, and he
Choosing the path of publishing leads to the same goal through different paths, all with one heart in mind for the country.”
Li Yu said: "Publishing and education are indeed inextricably linked."
Li Yu also admired Zhang Yuanji very much. Firstly, he was good at studying and could be admitted to the Jinshi. Secondly, he had a great career. The key was to do good things that benefit the country and the people.
Cai Yuanpei said: "Actually, Xiao Zhai founded Nanyang Public School's special subjects, and his understanding of education is not inferior to mine."
Li Yu smiled and said, "Professor Cai is too modest."
Cai Yuanpei said: "No, Xiao Zhai has done a lot of things. You should have heard of Mr. Yan Fu's "Tianyan Lun", right?"
Li Yu said: "I know."
Cai Yuanpei said: "Xiao Zhai compiled this book early, and its influence is really not small."
"On the Evolution of Heaven" is actually a wonderful political treatise, not as academic as Darwin's "On the Origin of Species", so this book will cause a very sensational impact in China after it is translated.
Even people like Wu Rulun, who is now the chief Chinese teacher of the Capital University, were fascinated by the classics. He even copied the book verbatim and put it under his pillow.
Wu Rulun abridged this book and gave it to many academies. Many schools like to use this as a topic. When Hu Shi was studying in Chengzhong Academy, the title of his essay was "Natural selection, survival of the fittest, trial and error"
"Apply its meaning".
But this is obviously not something that teenagers can do.
Kang and Liang naturally also highly praised this book.
The young Lu Xun couldn't put it down after seeing it. In the face of his parents' objections, he even said: "I still don't think there is anything wrong. Whenever I have free time, I eat persimmons, peanuts, peppers, and read "The Theory of Heavenly Evolution" as usual."
Li Yu has not read this book, but later generations' understanding of the theory of evolution is obviously much more advanced.
As soon as he arrived at the Commercial Press, Cai Yuanpei stopped someone: "Xiao Zhai, you're welcome!"
Zhang Yuanji said: "He Qing, why are you here?"
Cai Yuanpei smiled and said: "You haven't read today's newspaper. The 'scientific giant' is coming to Shanghai. Don't you know such big news?"
Zhang Yuanji was surprised: "Science giant? Is it the legendary Li Yu?"
Li Yu laughed and said: "It's not a legend, I'm just standing here."
Zhang Yuanji said: "Oh! I didn't expect it to be you! Your name really resonates with me!"
Cai Yuanpei smiled and said: "How about it, the people I brought today are extraordinary!"
"Come in and sit down!" Zhang Yuanji extended his hand toward the room, "It's a small place, I'm afraid the reception will not be good."
The Commercial Press has not yet built a new branch in Zhabei, and it does look like a larger workshop.
Li Yu said: "Sir, you're welcome."
Cai Yuanpei put the introductory mathematics and physics textbook on the table and said, "Look, I didn't come empty-handed, I brought you something good!"
"Good stuff?" Zhang Yuanji picked up the handout and exclaimed after turning a few pages, "Which expert wrote this?"
"Far away in the horizon, close in front of you." Cai Yuanpei said.
"Could it be you, He Qing?"
Cai Yuanpei laughed and said: "How can I know so much? Of course it was Li Yu who wrote it."
Zhang Yuanji slapped his forehead: "Look at me, why did I say the wrong thing!"
Cai Yuanpei said: "Didn't I hear that you are compiling elementary school textbooks? I just happened to see Mr. Li Yu's introductory mathematics textbook. I thought it was really exciting, and I immediately thought of showing it to you."
Zhang Yuanji said gratefully: "It can't be described as providing help in a timely manner. You don't know how much effort we have put into the textbooks! But only the Chinese textbooks have a little bit of an outline, and as for science, there is no way to start."
Then he said to Li Yu: "Sir, can this book be published and printed? We will promote it nationwide."
Li Yu said: "Don't you need to review it first?"
Zhang Yuanji said: "Of course I will review it, but we believe in your ability. I have read reports about you in the newspaper. You are at the pinnacle of science. Don't worry about professionalism. You just need to grasp the difficulty. After all, our school
The foundation is indeed a bit poor.”
Li Yu said: "Just review it. Your influence is too wide. If it's just a small school, it's okay. But I can control the difficulty of the lecture notes. They are all for the introductory level."
"That's the best!" Zhang Yuanji said, "To be honest, we don't have much ability to review scientific textbooks. If we are to say that the most authoritative person in the field of science in China is you, sir."
Think about it, just talking about the "Latest Chinese Textbook for Elementary Schools" first issued by the Commercial Press has already consumed a lot of their energy.
But as long as you really understand it, mathematical and physical science textbooks will be easier to write. After all, the content is relatively fixed.
However, selecting texts for Chinese textbooks is a vexing problem, and those who have difficulty choosing can be worried to death.
As the old saying goes, no matter who you choose, there will be someone who is more suitable.
Li Yu said: "Now I don't know what needs to be paid attention to. If you have any questions during the review process, I will make changes in time."
Zhang Yuanji said: "I am still very confident in this set of teaching materials. If possible, I hope that my husband can provide help in the subsequent compilation of teaching materials."
Li Yu immediately agreed: "No problem! After all, it is a universal education. Since there are no scientific textbooks, I should do my best."
Zhang Yuanji sighed: "Yes, although China has a population of 40 million, there are probably only 400,000 people who have read and been educated. And the educated people have basically only learned a few sentences of eight-part essay, and have almost no knowledge that they should really know.
Learn. In today’s developing world, our country will perish if this continues.”
Li Yu couldn't help but be in awe after hearing Zhang Yuanji's words. There are really not many people who can realize this now.
There is no point in saying that the land is vast and the resources are abundant. Talent is the most important thing, otherwise you will be swallowed up by others sooner or later.
At present, there seems to be a population of 40 million, but most of them cannot produce their due value because they are uneducated.
Japan's current educated population has long exceeded 400,000. The reason why Japan lost in the Sino-Japanese War is really obvious.
After listening to Zhang Yuanji's words, the passion in Li Yu's heart was ignited. Although compiling textbooks was not his strong point, but nowadays, when he is poor and has nothing, having a decent textbook is extremely valuable.
Li Yu said: "Sir, don't worry, in addition to the current introductory lectures on mathematics and physics, I will write several introductory textbooks on biology, chemistry and other Western sciences as soon as possible."
Zhang Yuanji didn't expect that Li Yu knew so much, and asked in surprise: "You can do all of this?"
Li Yu smiled and said: "If it's just introductory material, of course."
I didn’t go to school for so many years in vain!
Although the test-taking component is very important, I didn’t expect it to be of great use now. After all, there are so many things to learn in our compulsory education.
Zhang Yuanji was so excited that he almost cried: "Brother Heqing, you really brought me the most meaningful day today! I know very well that to open up people's wisdom, we must publish good books, and excellent textbooks bear the brunt! This problem bothers me too much.
It's been a long time, but today I actually solved the textbooks of mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry at the same time. So much good news almost makes me not believe it is true."
"Of course it's true! But," Cai Yuanpei looked at Li Yu, "do you really understand so much Western science?"
"It's just the entry level, no problem."
Li Yu knew he needed to give them a shot in the arm and build up their confidence.
Cai Yuanpei actually stood up and bowed solemnly: "I have unspeakable admiration for your contribution to education."
"This is what I should do," Li Yu said hurriedly, "You should do more in education."
Zhang Yuanji added: "One more thing. I know that your husband has published many incredible scientific articles in the West. I wonder if there are Chinese manuscripts that our printing press can also publish."
Li Yu said: "It is indeed possible, but I'm afraid there won't be much of an audience."
Zhang Yuanji disagreed: "When we publish, we don't just look at whether we can sell it. Of course, we need to publish such meaningful books. Maybe one day, someone will really understand it and benefit from it."
Li Yu thought about it, so he said: "Okay, I will give you the Chinese manuscript later. In addition, I also wrote a science fiction novel, maybe the publishing effect will be better."
In fact, Li Yu doesn't have much confidence in the market for science fiction novels. After all, the domestic scientific foundation is really weak.
But printing is better than not printing.
Zhang Yuanji said: "We will pay the subsequent fees to Mr. based on the publication situation."
Li Yu asked: "Is it in proportion?"
"Yes," Zhang Yuanji said, "According to Western terms, it is 3 to 10 percentage points."
Li Yu said: "Then take the lowest one."
Zhang Yuanji said in surprise: "I originally wanted to give you a higher rate, sir."
Li Yu smiled and said: "The early publicity expenses will probably cost a lot of money, even if I make some contribution to education."
Zhang Yuanji praised: "Sir, he really serves the country and the people, but our Commercial Press is by no means an ordinary small workshop. If the circulation of textbooks increases, we will renegotiate the royalties with him."
It would be unnatural for Li Yu to refuse politely anymore, so he said: "That's it for now. In short, the most important thing is to prepare the teaching materials first."
The Commercial Press later almost monopolized the primary school textbook market in the late Qing Dynasty, with a market share of at least 80% and a circulation in hundreds of millions.
The circulation of that primary school Chinese textbook alone exceeds 100 million.
Simply terrible.
Moreover, Commercial Press has introduced Western technology, and the quality of printing and binding is excellent, which can be said to be the industry benchmark.
Even if the issuance price is only a few dozen copies, if there are hundreds of millions of copies, the royalties based on the minimum 3% will be tens of thousands of taels of silver.
Of course, after the 21st century, textbooks are already controlled and will no longer be divided according to this royalties.
It's just that in the late Qing Dynasty, the court was just a decoration. As a private enterprise, the Commercial Press, if it didn't produce teaching materials, the court might not be able to produce them in a few more years.
The first pot of gold laid by the Commercial Press was such a good foundation that by the eve of the fall of the Qing Dynasty, it was one of the only 15 large enterprises in the late Qing Dynasty with assets exceeding one million yuan.
Although Zhang Yuanji's political life came to an abrupt end when Cixi ordered him to be "removed from his post and never to be used again" during the Reform Movement of 1898, he still wanted to do something real.
It was Li Hongzhang who came forward to protect him at the beginning, and then arranged for his subordinate Sheng Xuanhuai to invite Zhang Yuanji to Nanyang Public School in Shanghai.
He could actually be the principal of Nanyang Public School, but it did take a lot of courage to finally decide to go overseas and enter the "low industry" of publishing in the late Qing Dynasty.
Li Yu remembered that Zhang Yuanji was also a book collector, so he asked again: "I will leave for Huzhou and be entrusted by others to help the Song Dynasty Tower. Are you interested, sir?"
"Kansong Tower?" Zhang Yuanji said in surprise, "I didn't expect you to know about it."
Li Yu said: "I also heard from others that I am in trouble now and it seems that I have been targeted by the Japanese."
Zhang Yuanji sighed, "I wanted to go to the Song Tower twice, but was rejected by the Lu family. I didn't expect the Japanese to come now."
Li Yu asked in confusion: "Why did the Lu family refuse to let Mr. go upstairs?"
Zhang Yuanji said: "Actually, I used to have a close personal relationship with Mr. Lu Xinyuan, the previous head of the Lu family. However, Lu Xinyuan has passed away nearly ten years ago, and now I want to visit him again. The Lu family thought I wanted to buy books, and they had a grudge in their hearts."
Li Yu said: "Isn't the Japanese's current intention also to plot the Lu family's collection of books?"
Zhang Yuanji said helplessly: "Maybe they know how to cover up and understand people's hearts."
Li Yu almost wanted to swear, but tried hard to hold back and said: "How can the Japanese have good intentions!"
Zhang Yuanji said: "Of course the Japanese have no good intentions, but their wallets are very fat. The price offered by the Lu family is not low, and it is not something ordinary people can afford."
Li Yu said: "So I think we can join forces."
Zhang Yuanji said: "I'm afraid that the Lu family doesn't want to sell them piecemeal and just wants to sell them all together."
This is really difficult to handle.
In fact, historically, before Lu Shufan of the Lu family sold the collection of books in the Song Dynasty in 1907, Zhang Yuanji did offer a price.
Lu Shufan initially asked for 500,000 taels, then reduced it to 250,000 yuan, and finally to 100,000 yuan, but still no one was able to take over.
Zhang Yuanji could only come up with 50,000 yuan at that time, so he postponed the discussion for the time being. Moreover, out of his enthusiasm for protecting the national cultural heritage, he asked someone to advise Lu Shufan not to sell it to the Japanese until the Commercial Press could raise 100,000 yuan.
But he didn't expect that Lu Shufan couldn't wait and sold it to the Iwasaki family of the Mitsubishi Group for 120,000 yuan.
Li Yu knew in his heart how valuable these books were, and Jingjiatang Library, which bought these books, became a major center of Japanese Sinology.
"Just give it a try." Li Yu said.
Zhang Yuanji said: "Since Sir said so, I should go to Huzhou again no matter what."