Training the Heavens

Chapter 391 Father and Son Awarded the Prize Together

"Sir, why do Brother Fukang and others return to China, but the two of us have to go abroad? Is going to the United States better than staying with you? Mr. Fermi is indeed a world-renowned scientist, but he can't be compared with you, right? Even quantum mechanics, which he is good at, is not as in-depth as your research, right?" In the study, Yang Zhenning looked at Zhang Xingjiu with resentment, and the same was true of Li Zhengdao next to him.

"Because you two are different from them. Their research is more applied, while your talents lie in theoretical research," Zhang Xingjiu explained.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhengdao was still calm, but Yang Zhenning's face turned red immediately. He was indeed talented in theory, but he was at a loss when it came to experiments and often caused accidents.

After a few times, the laboratory at Southwest United University was afraid of him. Even if it was an experiment proposed by him, they would not let him carry out it. It would be best if he was not even allowed to enter the laboratory. We would just do the experiment and give you the results.

"Sir, I can also switch to application." Li Zhengdao expressed his opinion immediately, and Yang Zhenning quickly followed suit. He felt that even if he could not do it himself, he could do theoretical exploration of technological applications.

"That would be a waste of both of your talents. You are both geniuses who will go down in the annals of physics. Your responsibility is to pave the way for the development of physics. Leave the work in the applied fields to others."

Speaking of this, Zhang Xingjiu not only feels sorry for Yu Min, but he also did theoretical research in his early years and showed outstanding talent. Unfortunately, because the country needed his ability in the application field more, he had to give up his talent in the theoretical field. If there was a suitable environment, perhaps he could also become a great scientist like Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao who left his name in the history of physics.

But for the Chinese people, Yu Min's contribution is indelible. A physicist who can win the Nobel Prize is certainly worthy of respect, but a scientist who can protect China's peace is even more worthy of admiration.

Neither Yang Zhenning nor Li Zhengdao are double geniuses like Yu Min. It would be better to send them abroad than to let them stay in China. After all, the theories they studied are still far from being applied, and studying these theories also costs money. It is better to let the foreigners spend the money.

Zhang Xingjiu explained this reason to them and added, "Based on my assessment of the situation, our country may face a blockade from Europe and the United States in the future. This blockade will cover many areas, including the economy, technology, and academia. At this time, we need some people outside to prove to the world the outstanding talents of the Chinese people and to keep abreast of academic developments abroad. This will be of great use when the blockade is gradually lifted in the future."

Hearing this, they both gave up and said, "Okay, Teacher, we understand. We will definitely live up to your expectations. But if we leave like this, I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to receive your guidance in the future."

"My health is fine. I believe I can wait until the day when you return home in glory. China will definitely be very different by then. It will be a special experience to meet you again then." Zhang Xingjiu estimated that with the health of this body, living to a hundred years old would be a piece of cake, and he might even see the dawn of a new century.

Finally, Zhang Xingjiu reminded them, "Fermi participated in the Manhattan Project, the American development of the atomic bomb, and played an important role in it. This information is very sensitive. When you are studying under him, don't discuss these matters. Just focus on theoretical research."

"But sir, our country needs these too."

Zhang Xingjiu pointed to his head and smiled. "Don't worry, I'm still here. So are Fu Kang, San Qiang, Wei Chang, and the others. I've simulated this project many times in my mind. With their help, as long as the country supports it, it won't be difficult to accomplish." The two of them were instantly relieved. Before them was one of the greatest scientists in human history. Wasn't it just repeating the work of some younger generations? What was so difficult about that?
The two of them left with peace of mind on the passenger ship. They would cross the Pacific Ocean, land in San Francisco, and then take a train to Chicago. Zhang Xingjiu and many Nobel Prize winners of this school were old friends, so they were not worried about being left unattended.

Moreover, they had already published some papers and were well-known in the field of theoretical physics. When they arrived in Chicago and showed their talents, Fermi and others would definitely know how to cherish them.

It's a pity that Lang Zhiwan has passed away, otherwise it would be a better choice for them to go to France. However, France's influence is not as great as that of the United States, so it may be more difficult to win the Nobel Prize.

Some young people who were similar to them were also sent abroad by Zhang Xingjiu, and some were sent to the Chinese University of Hong Kong. One reason was to improve the teaching level of the school, and the other was that it might not be appropriate for them to stay in the country, and going out would reduce trouble.

He had just been talking about the Nobel Prize, and right after he sent them back, the Swedish Consul in Shanghai came to visit him. Zhang Xingjiu was a little surprised to see him. "Are they going to give me an award again? What achievement is it for?"

The Swedish consul couldn't help feeling a little ashamed. Generally, scientists only have one or two achievements that qualify them for the Nobel Prize. When they saw him coming, they naturally knew why he won the prize. However, Zhang Xingjiu had too many achievements that could win him awards, covering many fields such as physics, chemistry, physiology and medicine. Up to now, the Nobel Prize Committee owed him countless awards, and they couldn't even tell why he won the award.

Even more frustrating was that it wasn't Zhang Xingjiu who won the award this time. The consul could only apologize to Zhang Xingjiu, "I'm very sorry, respected Professor Zhang. You have achieved so much. The Nobel Prize Committee feels that more opportunities should be given to newcomers. So, it's not you who won the award this time. Instead, it's your son, Professor Zhang Guosheng, who won this year's Nobel Prize in Physics for his research in quantum mechanics."

"You two have become the second father and son pair to both win the Nobel Prize, following William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg. Congratulations. I hope Professor Zhang Guosheng can go to Sweden to receive the award as scheduled. Of course, it would be even better if you could go with him."

"Let me think about it." Zhang Xingjiu naturally wanted to accompany his son to witness this moment, but he also had work to do at Aurora University and could not make a decision for the time being.

Fortunately, he won’t have to worry about it anymore soon.

A few days later, the Norwegian consul came to visit. "Dear Professor Zhang, I am very honored to inform you that you have won your fifth Nobel Prize, following the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901, the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry in 1920, and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1932."

"Ah? Haven't the Physics Prize, Chemistry Prize, and Physiology or Medicine Prize already been awarded?" Zhang Xingjiu was a little puzzled. What was going on?

(End of this chapter)