Chapter 138: Thankfully, I Was Thoroughly Prepared—Liu Bowen Is No Match for Me

“What good news?” Zhu Biao asked without suspicion. “Could it be that my younger brother has come up with something remarkable again?”

“Not exactly. Do you remember when we last spoke about dividing the imperial examinations into northern and southern lists? Today I heard from the teacher that His Majesty the Emperor has decided to implement this northern and southern division.”

“What?” Zhu Biao’s expression changed drastically, and he suddenly stood up.

Zhang Yi studied Zhu Biao’s face carefully but remained composed and said, “I’ve learned quite a bit from my teacher, including news about reforms to the National University. If I’m right, the National University might soon be renamed the Imperial Academy!

Once the Imperial Academy is established, His Majesty will surely open more spots for students. Previously, only descendants of meritorious officials and those recommended by regional authorities could enroll. But with the Imperial Academy, I estimate merchants might also gain admission by making donations!

If you’re serious about pursuing a title, it wouldn’t be difficult to have your father arrange an academy student status for you. If that fails, I can speak to my teacher and have him recommend you.”

Zhu Biao was speechless.

Then he brightened up. “Really? If that’s the case, I’ll definitely want one of those spots! Brother Zhang, please help me find out more!

You said His Majesty issued the northern and southern lists. Could it be that you leaked this information?”

“I don’t know; it’s confusing to me too. By the way, if the Huang family brother is interested in officialdom, there’s another path: the imperial examination migration... uh, the civil service migration.

I don’t know your level, but this policy obviously favors merchants!

Since merchants often travel lightly, and since Huang family uncle is moving the business here, if Huang family doesn’t have much influence in Wu territory, you might consider relocating north—not too far, Jining Prefecture would be enough!

That way, your chances of passing the imperial examination as a scholar would increase significantly.”

Zhu Biao was speechless again.

If he really were Huang Mu, he would be deeply touched by Zhang Yi’s concern. But now, every suggestion from Zhang Yi was a potential pitfall!

His Majesty is benevolent! I’ll go back and write to discuss this with my father immediately... He’s just been traveling the northern trade routes lately, so he can prepare to investigate ahead!

Something big is about to change! Brother Zhang, you really are a mastermind working behind the scenes, a man capable of turning the world upside down!”

Zhu Biao’s words carried a hint of meaning, and while shifting the topic, he also gave Zhang Yi a compliment.

But seven tenths of what he said was sincere.

“Brother, what are you talking about? I’m just a good-for-nothing waiting to die!” Zhang Yi laughed.

Zhu Biao’s face turned serious.

“Even if your family patriarch, Elder Zhang Daoling, the immortal, were here, he couldn’t accomplish this...

If the affairs behind you were exposed, not only would your name be recorded in history, but your status in Taoism would rival that of Immortal Ge.”

Zhang Yi didn’t care much about immortals.

Life is for living comfortably. If one could leave something beneficial to China along the way, then the journey through time would not have been in vain.

As for being remembered in history—how important is that really?

Like himself, coming from the future, if it weren’t for a fortunate interest in history, who would know about Xu Cunren or Ge Hong?

Ordinary people care mostly about the dancing ladies on their screens.

Sometimes, so-called honor is just an internal overinflation of self-importance.

In others’ eyes, no one is that important.

This reasoning, however, was not something Zhu Biao could understand, so Zhang Yi chose not to explain.

His easygoing attitude only seemed more mysterious and ethereal to Zhu Biao.

“Brother, why are you laughing?” Zhang Yi noticed Zhu Biao staring at him with a smile and felt puzzled.

“I’ve met many Taoist priests, some quite revered, like your father Zhang Zhengchang, well-known across the land.

Yet, whether it’s Uncle Zhang or other famed monks and masters, I always feel none live as freely as you do.”

“Enough! You’re giving me goosebumps!” Zhang Yi made a disgusted face and retorted, “Who says I’m free? My father would definitely disagree. Besides, I just had a quarrel with Liu Bowen today. Brother, what you say is a bit...”

“Hm?”

When they were discussing the northern and southern lists, Zhang Yi hadn’t mentioned his dealings with Liu Bowen.

Zhu Biao was momentarily stunned. Zhang Yi was already entangled with Master Liu?

“This is how it happened...” Zhang Yi recounted his feud with Liu Bowen.

Zhu Biao was speechless again.

No matter where this fellow went, he was always outspoken.

Zhang Yi’s vivid description made Zhu Biao imagine that the proud and ambitious Liu Bowen must have been driven to illness by his provocations.

No wonder the master acted so immaturely—competing with Zhang Yi over who authored better mathematics textbooks.

“This... is interesting. But you’re too impulsive. Liu Ji, Master Liu Bowen, is a renowned scholar and a powerful figure in court.

Aren’t you afraid he’ll retaliate?”

Zhang Yi grinned, “I only dared to confront him because he’s Liu Bowen. He’s proud, but still a man of integrity; he wouldn’t stoop to petty revenge. If it were Li Shanchang, I’d play humble, since that guy is small-minded and wouldn’t hesitate to use his power against others!

Also, although I usually don’t favor Mt. Longhu, it’s still my family’s place. His high-and-mighty attitude, acting as if knowing a few books makes him better than everyone else, I just can’t indulge it...

We’ve been stepped on; we have to fight back, right?”

Zhu Biao was speechless again.

He worried Zhang Yi might suffer losses, but who knew this crafty fellow was so adept at the Taoist ways of advance and retreat?

And he seemed quite knowledgeable about the court’s heavyweights.

“Li is petty and narrow-minded. I’ve heard Father say that!”

Zhu Biao recalled what Zhu Yuanzhang had said but spoke aloud, “So why did you make a bet with Master Liu? I imagine this time that Liu will pull out all the stops to defeat you.

If not, he’d lose all face!”

Zhang Yi replied, “That’s exactly why I want him to give it his all—the more effort he puts in, the likelier he is to lose!

Besides, Brother, I’m not bragging, but in other skills I might not match Master Liu, but in writing mathematics textbooks, he’s no match for me!

Anyway, you wouldn’t believe me if I said more. I’ll tell you later!”

“All right, then I’ll take these medicines away first!”

“Take care, Brother!”

After leaving the temple, Zhu Biao broke into a cold sweat.

He sighed and muttered to himself, “Our father’s foresight in establishing businesses in the capital was truly remarkable!

Otherwise, today I’d probably be exposed in front of Brother Zhang!”

He quickly placed all the medicines into a box filled with ice handed over by his guards.

Then, without pause, he set off toward the imperial palace.

“Father, these are the medicines Brother Zhang currently has, and I have also made terms with him...” Zhu Biao presented a dozen porcelain bottles filled with medication before Zhu Yuanzhang.

The emperor toyed with a porcelain bottle, deep in thought.

“Send part of these to Consort Sun, keep some in the palace as reserves, and prepare boxes with ice at the surrounding relay stations for urgent delivery to the front... I heard your Uncle Xu has just had a case of scrofula. Let him try it!”

“Yes, Father!”

After arranging these matters, the old Zhu had eunuchs take care of the medicines.

“The conquest of Dadu is nearly complete. Once we take Dadu, the Ming dynasty will be firmly established!” Zhu Biao felt elated thinking of the northern front through Xu Da.

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head.

“Dadu is the key to the Ming’s legitimacy, but the war is far from over, at least until Wang Baobao is defeated...

Just two more years, endure two more years!”

“Father, after Dadu falls, will Kong Kejian be allowed to return to Qufu? I heard he’s in poor condition,” Zhu Biao reminded, recalling reports from the inspectorate.

Kong Kejian was showing signs of slipping from feigned madness into true insanity. The emperor’s cage of control weighed heavily on Kong’s spirit.

Pondering, the emperor asked, “Are you afraid he won’t hold on until you show mercy to Kong Ne?”

Zhu Biao nodded, also feeling a touch of pity.

“Kong Ne is a good boy, and Father has seen it. He has now truly pledged loyalty to the Ming.

Since he knelt once in the imperial study, ministers have also recognized him.

He’s responsible and filial...

Father’s expectations, he has fulfilled.

If you could help him now, he would be utterly devoted to the Ming!

And a Kong Kejian is no longer a threat.

The Ming has the momentum to rule all under heaven. Father no longer needs anyone as a hostage.

Even if Kong Kejian leaves, it won’t affect the big picture!”

Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his head, seriously considering Zhu Biao’s suggestion, then shook it, rejecting the idea of rebelling against Kong Kejian.

“Issue an edict to send gifts to the Kong household, and when Kong Ne is free, have him take his grandfather out for walks...”

Zhu Biao was momentarily stunned but a hint of joy crossed his face.

Though not the result he desired, the emperor had finally softened.

His anger toward Kong Kejian had largely subsided.

Kong Kejian’s torment stemmed from the pervasive surveillance within the Kong mansion in the capital.

Pretending madness, he knew Zhu Yuanzhang was watching him, and the emperor knew Kong knew.

Yet both maintained a perfect tacit agreement, never tearing away the thin veil.

Because of this, Kong Kejian was always cautious, never daring to show the slightest flaw—even in sleep, he was restless.

Living under such conditions, madness was hardly surprising.

In truth, Kong Kejian’s feeble cunning had resulted in many slips inside the mansion.

But the emperor chose to ignore them.

Kong Ne had once wanted to take Kong Kejian out for some fresh air but never managed, partly because Zhu Yuanzhang never gave approval.

Now that the emperor had opened that door, Kong Ne could finally “release the wind” with his grandfather.

For the former Duke of Yansheng, this was a huge blessing.

“By the way, Father, I heard something amusing today!” Zhu Biao told the emperor about Zhang Yi’s wager with Liu Bowen.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily—a rare sight.

This Zhang Yi, always provoking Liu Bowen, seemed to voice the emperor’s own thoughts.

“Liu Bowen is a man of impeccable character but overly proud. No one but me can truly command him...

He even defies Li Shanchang, which causes friction.

I placed him as the Censor-in-Chief because of his ability and virtue.

But on the northern and southern lists issue, he disappointed me. I understand you fight for the interests of your group, but public and private interests must first be distinguished by a Censor-in-Chief!

Zhang Yi has said what I dare not.

This boy deserves a reward!

With him pressing Liu Bowen, I won’t have to play the bad guy later!

As for...”

The emperor smiled at the mention of their wager.

Forcing old Liu to this extent was no small achievement.

“Although Zhang Yi can see many strange things in the celestial texts, I trust Liu Ji’s abilities.

If they compete, I shall be the judge and won’t favor either side!”

The emperor seemed genuinely interested in this affair.

Zhu Biao then shared Zhang Yi’s suggestion about the Imperial Academy pathway.

“Damn, that boy is uncanny...” Zhu Yuanzhang shuddered upon hearing this.

The Imperial Academy! Zhang Yi had even thought of that.

Before mathematics was included in the examinations, Zhu Yuanzhang had never considered expanding the National University; it was only because of the need for math teachers and reform that the National University required change.

Even as he prepared to relocate the National University, the idea of renaming it the Imperial Academy was something he had only conceived last night.

Zhu Yuanzhang had no detailed plan for reforming the Imperial Academy yet.

But that brat Zhang Yi had already mapped it out, even considering outsiders obtaining academy status through donations.

There was only one explanation: Zhang Yi had seen the future where these reforms took place.

Father and son were speechless.

Though they were accustomed to Zhang Yi’s celestial affinity, he still occasionally astonished them.

“Then don’t let him become a donation student yet. If he attends classes at the Imperial Academy, wouldn’t that cause chaos?”

“Father, it seems because of the northern and southern lists, Brother Zhang has begun to suspect our identity. That’s why he was testing me today!

Luckily, Father, you really created a merchant identity for me at Yingtian Prefecture, with property and shops. Otherwise, I would have been exposed in front of him!”

“The inspectorate operates among the commoners to oversee officials and manages some businesses. This was my idea after witnessing the strength of the ‘navy.’

Let him suspect as he will. I have my own fabric shops, taverns, and soon a pencil workshop in Yingtian. If Zhang Yi wants to see any of it, take him there.”

“We have taverns?” Zhu Biao’s eyes widened. He had no idea!

His father was truly building a commercial empire in Yingtian?

Even if it was to fool Zhang Yi, this was going too far!

“The Yangzhou incident gave me some insights. Taverns are perfect for spreading rumors; I must control one...

Actually, I’m experimenting with building another naval force.

Zhang Yi’s so-called ‘communication studies’ is a legitimate art of rulership!

I want to see how to use communication studies to control public opinion throughout the realm.

Later, you can meet with Gao Jianxian. He’ll show you the rest of our ‘assets.’

It’s too early for you to participate in governance, but you can practice with those!”

Zhu Biao was stunned.

So communication studies still occupied Zhu Yuanzhang’s mind, and he was quietly developing many things?

No wonder the emperor was so focused on this.

Old Zhu took the battle for the “voice” against the literati seriously.

Scholars monopolized knowledge and thus controlled public discourse.

In this, the monarch was at an inherent disadvantage.

If royal power waned, an emperor’s reputation and legacy could be controlled by others.

This was always the case historically, but Zhu Yuanzhang was unwilling to accept it.

But this was good; the emperor focused on founding the dynasty while building a perfect industrial chain for the Huang family.

Even if Zhang Yi had some suspicion, his inquiries wouldn’t expose the father and son.

Only, Zhu Biao felt that from the moment Zhang Yi grew suspicious, their cover wouldn’t hold much longer.

In the future, when all cards were on the table, maintaining affection and trust would be paramount.

After arranging all these matters, Zhu Biao took his leave and returned to his studies.

“Allicin reacts with stomach acid, which greatly reduces the medicine’s efficacy, so it must bypass the stomach and be absorbed rectally...

Stomach acid, I think I saw it somewhere before?”

While studying, Zhu Biao thought of the allicin tied to his life and recalled the strange administration method.

He finally remembered a book: Zhang Yi’s *One Hundred Thousand Whys*.

Zhu Biao began searching for the book but couldn’t find it anywhere.

“Could it be that the few books Miss Xu took last time included *One Hundred Thousand Whys*?”

Zhu Biao was speechless.

He hadn’t realized Xu Miaoyun had taken that book!

Meanwhile, at the Xu residence, a little girl closed *One Hundred Thousand Whys* with lingering delight.

“When will I see the remaining ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine whys?

I wonder if the Crown Prince still has the other volumes—I really want to read more!”

“Sister, sister...”

Just then, Xu Yungong ran in. Xu Miaoyun sighed and picked up her brother.

“Mother is talking nonsense again. Sigh, Father told her not to make a fuss...”

The little girl was exasperated, fully aware of her mother’s quirks despite being only five or six years old. Facing her mother, she always felt like the responsible parent.

“I’ll go tell Mother off!” Xu Miaoyun said, holding her brother, ready to confront the Lady of the State.

...

In Yingtian, at the Liu residence,

After court, Liu Bowen busied himself writing furiously in his study.

Books lay scattered everywhere.

The old master hadn’t been so focused on compiling a work in a long time.

Naturally, this work was the Ming dynasty’s future *Mathematics*.

Just then, a servant came in to report,

“Master, Lord Yang Xian has arrived...”

“He’s here?”

Liu Bowen put down his brush and went to the reception room.

The servant served tea, and Liu dismissed everyone.

“Lord Yang has already made progress?”

“Luck was on our side. I obtained some information about His Majesty’s mysterious adviser. I think I’m beginning to understand!”

“Who is it?”

“Zhang Sanfeng!”

(End of chapter)