Training the Heavens

Chapter 340 Arrangements for Children

"Mr. Zhang, I have always had a question. Nowadays, young people always talk about studying abroad, whether it is to the East or the West. It seems that only by studying abroad can we find the way to enrich the people and strengthen the country! Is studying abroad necessary?" He asked in a voice with a heavy accent.

"That's a good question!" Zhang Xingjiu thought of his own experience. He had sent so many people abroad, but in the end he chose to stay. He must have noticed some problems, but he didn't expect that this question would arise now.

Zhang Xingjiu gathered his thoughts briefly and answered seriously, "I don't think it's necessary to go to a specific place to study. For some people, going abroad is just an obsession. From the late Qing Dynasty to the present, tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Chinese have gone abroad. Yet, even now, those of us who have returned from studying abroad still haven't found the right path. This is concrete evidence."

"I think we need people to go abroad, see new things, learn new principles, and research useful knowledge, and bring it back to transform our country. This will definitely be beneficial! The growth of civilization depends on communication. Why did the Qing Dynasty fall behind? A big reason is that it closed its doors to the outside world and refused to communicate with foreign countries."

"During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, China wasn't too far behind the West. If we had maintained exchanges and mutually learned from each other, China might not have been left behind by the Industrial Revolution, and its development wouldn't be what it is today!"

"Nowadays, we have the opportunity to study abroad and learn about advanced technologies and concepts. We should cherish this opportunity. Bringing back these advanced experiences can also promote national development. So studying abroad is definitely a good thing. However, at the same time, some people should stay in their own country to study their own problems. If many young people spend their time in their own country, it will also benefit national development."

"Especially in the social field, social sciences are different from natural sciences. Natural sciences have standard answers. Whether in France or China, the laws of physics will not change, and one plus one will not equal two. Therefore, scientific knowledge from developed countries can be directly applied when brought back."

"The social field is different. Although I haven't studied much politics or law, I can see that there are significant differences between the systems and laws of countries like the UK, France, Germany, and the US. These differences are usually changes made by each country based on its specific circumstances. So the question is, if we bring back knowledge from the social sciences as is, will it really be effective? I'm afraid not!"

"Under such circumstances, it becomes even more important to study our own problems. Only by identifying the real reasons hindering China's development and making changes can we find the correct path to enriching our people and strengthening our country."

Zhang Xingjiu just nodded slightly and finished answering. He continued to select students to ask questions and answer their questions, but these words left a deep impression on many people.

After this incident, Zhang Xingjiu's relationship with the group of students studying in France became closer. Whenever he had time, he would go to various preparatory classes in France to teach them, explaining the specific situation in France. He also called several teachers who had returned from studying in France from Aurora University to teach them French and the customs and culture of France.

Not long after, a group of Chinese students studying in France set off to study in France, but the young man had to leave the capital temporarily due to some other matters. He first went to Shanghai to see off the students studying in France, and then returned to his hometown.

Shortly after he left, Zhang Xingjiu also took the train with A Zhang to go home for the New Year. This year, he published "A Madman's Diary", the first vernacular short story written in a modern style in the history of modern Chinese literature, which was published in the fifth issue of the fourth volume of "New Youth", officially starting his literary career.

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Xingjiu bought several copies and carefully collected them, believing that they would become valuable historical documents in the years to come. When he returned home to reunite with his family, his eldest son, Zhang Guoqiang, shared his plans: inspired by the current wave of studying in France, he also wanted to go study there.

Zhang Xingjiu was very supportive of this. "Which university are you planning to apply to? I'll write a letter of recommendation for you. No matter which university it is, they probably won't refuse you admission."

Zhang Guoqiang, however, didn't want to rely on his father's reputation. "I want to be like them, go to France to work and study, and then apply to a suitable university on my own. I've been learning French with you and mother since I was a child, and I often hear you talk about France. After I started school, I often went to the factory for internships and training, and I also learned kung fu from Master Huo with my brothers. Even if I don't rely on my father, I can still find a school in France."

The Master Huo he was talking about was Tianjin's number one Huo Yuanjia. More than ten years ago, Huo Yuanjia came to Shanghai to establish the Jingwu Athletic Association. Zhang Xingjiu invited him over and appointed him as a physical education teacher at Aurora University, specializing in teaching martial arts, which saved him from the fate of an untimely death.

Huo Yuanjia also respected Zhang Xingjiu very much. When he heard that Zhang Xingjiu wanted to find famous teachers for his children to teach them how to keep fit, he volunteered to teach at Zhang's house and passed on all his skills to the children. Even Zhang Xingjiu learned a lot from him.

Zhang Xingjiu thought about it and agreed to his request. "Given your personality, I'm afraid you won't be able to study as patiently as I do. In that case, it's fine to work and study. Just don't be stubborn when encountering problems. Ask for help when you need it, and don't make your mother and I sad because of your anger."

With Zhang Guoqiang's ability, as long as he doesn't encounter extreme situations, he will have no problem protecting himself. He can handle small things by himself, and big things can be solved by reporting his name and asking Lang Zhiwan and others for help.

"Father, I also want to study abroad in a few years." Hearing this, the second son Guosheng and the third son Guowei also quickly stood up and said.

"You are patient enough to study. When you graduate from high school, go study in the United States." Zhang Xingjiu said, touching Guosheng's head. This is a good seed for studying. He has already shown some talent. As long as he is given a suitable environment, he may be able to compete for the Nobel Prize without any encouragement. If he is reminded a little more, his potential will be even more limitless.

As for the third son Guo Wei, Zhang Xingjiu had a headache. This kid didn't like studying very much. Instead, he loved to pester Huo Yuanjia to tell him about things in the martial arts world. He was also somewhat interested in business management. So what should he let him do?

Zhang Xingjiu thought about it and finally found a suitable direction for him. "When you grow up, go to England. Cambridge, Oxford, or the London College of Political Science will all be fine."

Go to the UK first to build some connections, and then go to Hong Kong in the future so that you can provide help to the country from abroad.

(End of this chapter)