Training the Heavens

Chapter 290 Yixian
The Chinese man, who was in his early thirties, had short hair and a mustache, and was wearing a suit. After hearing a few words from the people around him, he quickly walked over and extended his right hand. "Mr. Zhang, I'm so glad to meet you."

"I was originally in Japan, and when I heard from Chinese Americans that you were in the US, I wanted to meet you. I rushed to Honolulu, but you were already planning to go back. So I had no choice but to send a telegram to ask a friend to invite you on my behalf. I didn't expect you to actually come!"

"I have heard of Mr. Yixian's name for a long time. When I first arrived in France, I heard that Mr. Yixian was in danger in London. Fortunately, good things happen to him, and Mr. Yixian was finally out of danger. I was relieved! I was honored to receive Mr. Yixian's invitation a few days ago, and I came here immediately." Zhang Xingjiu said, holding his hand tightly.

After obtaining his consent, Ma Zongwen was asked to take out his camera and take a few photos to commemorate the meeting. These photos will become valuable historical materials after several years.

Mr. Yixian laughed heartily upon hearing this. "Haha, I've heard of Mr. Zhang's name many times in Japan. Japanese scholars believe that Mr. Zhang has surpassed many European scholars in the West and achieved world-leading achievements. He has proven the intelligence of the yellow race to the whole world. He is truly the pride of the yellow race!"

"Come on, come on. The pier is not a place to talk. The elders of Honolulu have known that Mr. Zhang is coming and have been ready to welcome you. Let's go there together!" He took Zhang Xingjiu's hand and got into a carriage. Although Ford had invented the world's first gasoline-powered car five years ago, these conservative Chinese still prefer traditional means of transportation.

In order to welcome Zhang Xingjiu, the local Chinese took out their best carriage. Although it looked inconspicuous on the outside, the decoration inside was quite luxurious. It was not only spacious but also comfortable to sit in.

Since this was their first meeting, Mr. Yixian didn't want to speak too directly to Zhang Xingjiu. He told Zhang Xingjiu some of the comments he had heard about Zhang Xingjiu when he was in Japan.

Zhang Xingjiu listened most of the time, occasionally responding with a sentence or two, briefly mentioning his impression of Mr. Yixian, and occasionally revealing a little disgust towards the Qing court.

"While technological advancements in Europe and America are advancing at an exceptionally rapid pace, the imperial court has remained conservative, viewing these advancements as mere gimmicks. If this attitude doesn't change, China will be in danger."

"Who says it isn't?" Mr. Yixian's eyes lit up when he heard this. He had studied in a Western-style school in his early years and later attended a Western-style medical school. Naturally, he knew the impact of scientific and technological development on the country.

He also discussed his understanding of science: "Science inspires and guides various material and technological means, which in turn create various material products through production activities. For example, advances in electrical knowledge have promoted the invention of the motor, which in turn has promoted the development of industry. The use of machines can greatly improve production capacity. The development of industry requires 'increasingly sophisticated machines,' while agriculture requires 'refined agricultural tools.'"

"But science isn't always beneficial. While science and technology can be used to improve people's material lives, they can also be used to wage war and cause great damage to human society."

"The European powers prospered through technology, but their moral standards failed to keep pace. That's why they colonized and plundered the world. Their culture is one of hegemony, far inferior to our Chinese culture of kingly virtue, which emphasizes benevolence, righteousness, and morality."

His understanding of science and technology is still relatively superficial, but in today's China, it is already remarkable to have such understanding. Zhang Xingjiu agreed with most of his words, except for the last paragraph.

"Your words make a lot of sense. European and American civilizations do have significant flaws. However, when I read Yan Fu's translation of 'Evolution and Ethics,' there was a line that really stuck with me: 'Survival of the fittest.'" "If China doesn't quickly catch up in science and technology, I'm afraid we'll lose in this brutal competition and become like India."

He felt a pang of sympathy when he heard this. "Yes, the great powers have always coveted China, relying on their powerful ships and cannons to bully China at every turn. And now the imperial court is a group of greedy and corrupt people. If we don't make a great change, China will be in danger!"

At this point, the carriage had already arrived at the destination. This was a Chinese association, and they had specially vacated the best courtyard today to entertain Zhang Xingjiu. They also knew that their descendants had the opportunity to go to college, and they were naturally very grateful to Zhang Xingjiu.

After a short rest, Zhang Xingjiu and Ma Zongwen attended the dinner together. There were many Chinese people here, so there was naturally no shortage of good chefs. Each of them showed off their unique skills, allowing Zhang Xingjiu to enjoy a good meal.

After dinner, they went to the tea room to drink tea and chat. What they were most concerned about was the issue of reading, and Zhang Xingjiu patiently explained them one by one.

The next day, these people did not come to disturb Zhang Xingjiu, allowing Mr. Yixian to talk to him at his leisure.

Yesterday, on the road, Mr. Yixian had already sensed that Zhang Xingjiu had a lot of dissatisfaction with the court. Today, he specifically wanted to talk about this. Just as he started, he was stopped by Zhang Xingjiu. "I have been concentrating on studying science for many years and don't know much about political affairs. Sir, don't waste your time talking to me about this."

Mr. Yixian's mood suddenly plummeted. Was it possible that all his long journey to Honolulu was in vain?
Who knew Zhang Xingjiu would immediately make a U-turn, "However, I can understand your dedication to China's rise. Although I cannot personally participate in your career, I also want to do something for you."

"No matter what you do, the most important thing is money. I recently made a small profit from selling the patent for wireless telegraphy. Today, I will give Mr. Yixian $10,000. If you need it in the future, please let me know by telegram. I will do my best to help you."

"Transatlantic telegrams are expensive these days. To avoid wasting precious revolutionary funds, I'd like to make an agreement with you. If you need money, just send the letters A, B, C, D, and E by telegram, and you'll receive 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, or 50,000 silver dollars. How's that?"

This was originally the method adopted by Zhang Jingjiang, a wealthy businessman from Nanxun, when he funded Mr. Yixian. Now Zhang Xingjiu has taken it out in advance.

Although the person in front of me has many shortcomings, he is also a pioneer who ended the feudal monarchy. Now that I have met him today, I must lend a hand.

Of course, if Zhang Xingjiu met someone else, it would not just be a matter of paying some money.

(End of this chapter)