Shi Daxuan learned a full set of navigation techniques from Portuguese teachers at the Naval Branch of the Chinese Military Academy. He also has many years of practical experience. The teacher Franji of the Naval Branch came from the Lisbon Navigation School. This was Prince Henry of Portugal who laid the technical foundation for the "Age of Navigation". The famous navigation school founded by Columbus. Columbus received navigation skills training at this school.
Through the conversation with Shi Daxuan, Xu Guangqi discovered that China's navigation technology has lagged behind that of the West. Therefore, the teachers who teach navigation technology in the Chinese military's naval schools are basically from Europe.
Shi Daxuan told him: Western navigators developed the cross celestial instrument and the Davis inverted cross celestial instrument based on the starboard used by Zheng He during his voyages to the West. From the earlier Quadrant of the Francois, the current circle was developed. Astrometer. In terms of navigation compasses: Westerners developed the Chinese water compass into a more convenient and accurate dry compass. In terms of nautical charts: Westerners developed from Portland maps to Mercator's cylindrical projection maps. In timers Aspects: From the original hourglass, glass leakage, and Chinese-style incense burning, which have been used for a long time, to the use of table clocks, it is possible to position the ship in the sea. All of this is based on the principles of mathematical geometry.
"You still need to learn geometry." Xu Guangqi asked with his eyes wide open.
Shi Daxuan nodded: "Many of the mathematical geometry and other content we study come from your "Elements of Geometry". From this point of view, you are still our teacher." After speaking, Shi Daxuan stood up and respectfully said to Xu Guangqi bowed.
Xu Guangqi sighed deeply: After translating the first half of "Elements of Geometry", his biggest wish was to promote mathematical geometry knowledge in China. However, in the minds of the mainstream cultural people in the Ming Dynasty, geometry was just a strange skill passed down from the West. Literati who are keen on imperial examinations spend a lot of time pondering the eight-part prose in order to become an official and make a fortune. Of course, they have no time to delve into the difficult principles of mathematics and geometry.
…
Since it was sailing in June, the wind direction on the sea was mostly from the southeast to the northwest. Therefore, the "Longxiang" was basically in a headwind state when it sailed south from Hangzhou Bay. It needed to make constant zigzag movements. The sails needed to constantly adjust the direction. Angle. The voyage at sea has become very long. For the passengers, it is endlessly lonely and boring. For the sailors, it is busy all day long and almost exhausted.
Shi Daxuan is now busy commanding the fleet to sail, arranging crew manpower, and arranging sailors for duty. He is busy every day. But he can't rest at night, because Bachelor Xu Guangqi will appear at the door of his captain's cabin at this time. .Ask him a bunch of navigational questions. At this time, Xu Guangqi was completely a diligent scholar. He took a pen and paper and a few books and asked Shi Daxuan various questions in an attitude of asking for advice.
He is a true scientific researcher. He has learned both Chinese and Western knowledge. He has a deep understanding of geometry and astronomy. He has also personally done various astronomical observations and agricultural planting research. He has a good set of theoretical and practical experience. On any issue, Xu Guangqi would go back to the source and explore the principles. He could also draw inferences from one instance and quickly develop more problems.
Within a few days, Shi Daxuan’s little knowledge learned in navigation school was drained. Soon he was unable to deal with Xu Guangqi’s various problems, especially complex mathematical problem-solving methods. Shi Daxuan paid homage to him as a teacher last time. See Xu Guangqi. And now Xu Guangqi unceremoniously insists on dragging Shi Daxuan to discuss mathematics and astronomy. However, his identity and status prevent Shi Daxuan from treating him casually. Xu Guangqi's strong thirst for knowledge and extremely serious research spirit soon made Shi Daxuan Qian Donkey is exhausted. But he still has to deal with it.
This kind of mental torture that happened every night made Shi Daxuan extremely distressed. It felt like he had shot himself in the foot.
Later, Shi Daxuan thought of Li Kuiyi, the gunner captain on the ship.
Major gunner Li Kuiyi, who graduated from the artillery department of the Chinese Military Academy with high scores, is from Hui'an County, Quanzhou. He is the younger brother of the artillery brigade commander Li Kuiqi. The two brothers do not look alike. Li Kuiqi looks like a tiger-like head, and is bold and straightforward. Kui Yi is as gentle as a scholar, but both brothers have a natural love for cannons. The difference is that Li Kuiqi can fully utilize the functions of cannons. He relies on his innate sense and good luck; while Li Kui's love for cannons is He was born with a natural talent, but he liked to study the principles of cannon shooting. Therefore, Li Kuiyi entered the Artillery Department to study. After graduating with high marks, he once entered the Ordnance Research Department and worked on cannon research and development under Lin Qing. He went to Europe to recruit cannon casting engineers. Later, he felt that he was still suitable for firing cannons on the battlefield, so he applied to be transferred to the battleship with the most cannons - the Longxiang.
Shi Daxuan thought that this man had excellent mathematical abilities and knew everything about astronomy and geography. He also went to Western Europe with the second batch of European ships and visited cannon casting factories in Italy and France. So Shi Daxuan introduced Li Kuiyi to Xu Guangqi. .Anyway, there is no combat mission now. Li Kuiyi accompanied Xu Guangqi full-time. He was finally able to escape.
Much of Li Kui's knowledge of astronomy and geography came from his experiences traveling in Europe. Moreover, like Zheng Zhilong, he was a not very devout Catholic. Now Xu Guangqi became even more enthusiastic. He kept asking Li Kui questions all day and night. He asked around about astronomy, geography, mathematics, firearms, European knowledge, Catholic teachings, etc. Especially about ballistics, Xu Guangqi studied more carefully and conscientiously. He soon drained Li Kuiyi of his knowledge.
The fleet arrived in the Taiwan Strait. Due to headwinds, it was estimated that it would take two days to reach Taiwan Port. That night, Li Kui came to the captain's cabin to find Shi Daxuan. With dark circles under his eyes, he yawned and said, "Captain Shi." .How long does it take to get there?”
Shi Daxuan chuckled: "Brother Li, this Xu University scholar is causing trouble for you. Don't you like arithmetic? This is a master of arithmetic. I'll give you a good opportunity to ask for advice. How can you thank me?"
Li Kui smiled bitterly: "I knew you had bad intentions. Is this old man so easy to deal with? In terms of his extensive understanding and proficiency in arithmetic, I can't compare to this old man Xu. I just I have some experience in the specific application of mathematical principles. And he is able to draw inferences about everything and draw analogies. After chatting with Mr. Xu these days, I have indeed gained a lot."
Li Kui picked up the cup Shi Daxuan put on the table and drank the tea in one gulp. He continued: "However, this old man is too studious. All the things I learned in the military school were almost taken away by him. Some things belong to me. It is impossible to tell him the secrets of the army. But I believe that as long as he has time, Mr. Xu can study and understand these issues by himself. I can't talk to him anymore. If we talk to him again, I have to use what I learned in the artillery department. I taught him everything.”
He turned his head and glanced at the door. He whispered: "Those guys from the Military Intelligence Department have warned me several times in private these days. Moreover, the gunner drills these days have been wasted... No way. You can find someone else to accompany this old man. I won't do it anymore."
Shi Daxuan also smiled bitterly: "I don't know how this old man can get such good energy at such an old age. Brother Li, if you want to say who has the best arithmetic homework on the Longxiang, it's only you. I went to the military school to study. Your name has always been at the top of the honor list. You tell me, who else can I find to accompany Mr. Xu? If I don't care about him, he will report to my cabin every night. I will come to my cabin every night. I'm so busy that I don't have the energy to deal with him."
No matter how Li Kuiyi complained, Shi Daxuan would not allow him to back down and promised to treat him to a drink after arriving in Taiwan.
…
Counting from the time when Jinshanwei boarded the ship, today is the twentieth day that Xu Guangqi and others spent at sea. They finally saw the dense dark green woods ahead, as well as countless fishing boats and sailing boats on the coast. For the Ming Dynasty's ambassadors. The long sea voyage finally ended. When Shi Daxuan saw the horizon in the distance, he had already released the dove to report the news. He also fired a firework rocket to report the message.
"What kind of voyage is this? When we went to trade in the West, a voyage would take half a year. We often couldn't see land for dozens of days in a row. There was sea water in all directions. The sea and sky were the same color. We don't know where we are..."
Li Kuiyi was talking to Xu Guangqi. A sailor came to report: "Major Li. There is a ship ahead to greet us."
Li Kui raised his head and looked around. He said in surprise: "Hey, isn't this the Xinxing? The renovated Xinxing has come out. Could it be that the ship owner has come to greet it in person?"
His eyesight was excellent. He could distinguish the Xinxing five or six miles away without a telescope. The rest of the people had to rely on telescopes to identify it. A lookout climbed onto the bow of the ship and held up the telescope and said: "Really. I saw the red hanging The Chinese characters are handsome flags.”
"It's really the king who is here in person." Li Kui jumped up. He no longer cared about chatting with Xu Guangqi. He quickly ran to the lower deck of the gun room. He shouted: "Your Majesty, the owner of the ship, the president is here. Quickly load the explosives. Get ready to release." Gun salute. Fire a gun salute with the highest military salute."
Yuan Chonghuan came to Xu Guangqi with an expectant look on his face: "Master Xu, we have finally arrived. Has the ship owner come to greet you in person?"
Xu Guangqi nodded and looked at the dark green horizon in the east. He said lightly: "I have to negotiate with him again. I don't know what the result will be. Element, what benefits have you gained along the way."
Yuan Chonghuan was active as soon as he boarded the ship. Xu Guangqi did not stop his activities, nor did he support his actions. Yuan Chonghuan frowned: "These people are doing things flawlessly. Their precautions against us are loose on the outside and tight on the inside. In fact, they are supervising everywhere. We have nothing useful these days except for some information about warship personnel and weapons."
What Xu Guangqi wanted to say in his heart was: "I have expected this result a long time ago." On the surface, he comforted Yuan Chonghuan.
Yin Feng did come in person, but not for the Ming Dynasty imperial envoy. He came only for Xu Guangqi.
No matter what Yin Feng thought, he personally brought people to greet the imperial envoys. Those imperial envoys of the Ming Dynasty indeed felt that they were very proud. At the same time, they regained a little bit of the arrogance of the imperial envoys.
Amidst the continuous salute, a tall man in his thirties to less than forty wearing a Confucian robe boarded the Longxiang. Xu Guangqi, Sheng Yihong and others were a little surprised to see Yin Feng's appearance.