Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 255 People Will Die!

Liu Lian sat at the table, in front of him were sheets of paper used for verification, covered with numerous symbols and formulas.

There were many books on his desk.

Among them is a complete set published by the Da Ming Bai Xing Publishing House, which is said to be an arithmetic book that was very likely compiled by His Majesty himself.

Furthermore, due to his family background, he also possessed some more advanced arithmetic techniques that were not yet widely known outside the region.

Besides these, there were also some crooked books covered with scribbles.

It was obtained from foreign merchants and also had some translations done.

It's also about arithmetic.

If one had not read the arithmetic book compiled by His Majesty, and instead read these books by barbarians, one might find them to have some merit.

However, after first encountering His Majesty's arithmetic book, these other books seem particularly superficial.

All the arithmetic knowledge recorded on them is contained in the book compiled by His Majesty.

What they don't have, Your Majesty has here.

It is more detailed, more specific, and more readily understandable than theirs.

The two are not even in the same league; they are worlds apart.

In the past, with these arithmetic books available, Liu Lian could immerse himself in them and do nothing else.

Explore the world of arithmetic.

Using known conditions, we can find and deduce patterns to solve difficult problems.
This kind of thing is especially joyful.

Although it often makes people scratch their heads, rack their brains, and feel very distressed,
But when you work hard and sometimes have a flash of inspiration to calculate the final result, the feeling is indescribably joyful.

But now, that happiness is gone.

Even his most beloved arithmetic, right in front of him, held no appeal for him.

The reason for this is that right now, he has only one thing on his mind—land surveying!
His Majesty is determined to conduct a thorough survey of the land and to get a good feel for the wealth of the Ming Dynasty.

They uncovered all the hidden fields and people.

Although Liu Lian was obsessed with arithmetic, he also learned a great deal of knowledge from his father.

Deep down, he is a person deeply influenced by Confucianism.

Just as rice feeds a hundred different people, the same classic can be interpreted differently by different people. Some see it as a way to survive, while others see it as a matter of family, country, and the world, a matter of sacrificing oneself for righteousness, and a sense of duty that cannot be shirked.

Liu Lian knew how important it was to survey and measure the land.

Although his scholarship was far inferior to that of his father, Liu Bowen, he was well aware of the great significance of the land survey.

It can be said to be a matter of fundamentals and the future.

It was something that urgently needed to be done after a dynasty was established.

Only when this is accomplished can a country be considered to have truly established its rule.

But making this happen is not easy.

Otherwise, many people wouldn't have reacted so strongly.

His Majesty would not have failed to announce the selection of personnel to carry out this task in Jiangxi until now.

Land surveying is extremely important, but it is also particularly difficult.

Unless you have immense perseverance, it's simply impossible to do.

A jumble of thoughts churned in his mind, disturbing his peace of mind.

Normally, arithmetic is of utmost importance to him, but at this moment, it doesn't seem to hold much appeal.

I can't get into it at all.

The problem-solving approach that was usually crystal clear became chaotic at this moment.

After sitting there for a long time, he finally couldn't resist any longer. He ground the ink, laid out the paper, picked up the brush, and wrote the character "静" (quiet) stroke by stroke.

I wrote the character "静" (quiet) seven or eight times in a row, but I still couldn't calm my mind.

After a while, he put down his pen, reached out and crumpled the paper with the word "quiet" written on it in his hand, then threw it aside forcefully.

When faced with such a major national event, can one truly remain calm simply by writing the word "quiet" without contributing any effort?
Faced with this situation, we should be putting in our best efforts, but instead we're just cowering like turtles.

Silence! Silence! Silence!
Quiet my ass!

He laid out the paper again, sat down, dipped his brush in ink, and wrote characters that once again leaped onto the paper.

This time it is no longer about stillness, but about establishing a heart for heaven and earth, establishing a destiny for the people, continuing the lost learning of the past sages, and ushering in an era of peace for all generations!

After writing down these four lines by Hengqu, he looked at them and read them silently in his heart. The more he read, the happier and more determined he became.

The more I read, the calmer I felt.

This is exactly what he wants to do!
At this critical juncture, how can a scholar be content to be a coward, hiding in his room and pretending not to hear the wind and rain outside?

Although he did not study the teachings of Master Hengqu, those four lines from Hengqu were so powerful that they touched the hearts of countless people and resonated with them.

How many people can be inspired to work hard and strive for these four lines?

He lingered there for a while, then put his pen back on the pen holder and stood up to see his father.

He wanted to tell his father about his wish.

And you must express your intention to do this.

He is indispensable for surveying and measuring farmland!

Liu Bowen finished his shift and sat in his study.

Reflecting on the events of the past few days, and the storms that have been stirred up.

There are so many thoughts in my mind.

It takes real courage and skill to rise to power!

It turns out that the matter of surveying and measuring land was originally asked of me by my superior.

I learned it from myself.

At that time, the Ming Dynasty had just been established, and the emperor asked himself how to govern the country after its founding.

I told him a lot, the most important of which was the land survey.

The person in charge listened to this advice at the time, and continued to do so afterward.

According to his thinking, the land survey should be postponed for at least another three to five years.

Only after everything else is done will we proceed.

Who would have thought it would happen so far ahead of schedule.

The capital city has been unusually lively these past few days.

Everyone was deeply concerned about the land survey.

In particular, the article personally abridged by Luo Guanzhong and published in the Daming Daily caused a great stir.

Especially when combined with the abolition of the poll tax, countless people are discussing this issue.

Even ordinary people were talking nonstop.

This matter has touched the hearts and minds of many people.

Just by looking at the momentum created by those in power, it's clear that this land survey is inevitable.

It will certainly be successful.

I just don't know whose general the higher-ups are planning to appoint, or who they'll send to survey the fields.

This is going to be a tough battle!

Liu Bowen had more than a few moments of impulse to go and volunteer to meet his superiors.

However, he ultimately suppressed such thoughts.

He would have done the same five or eight years ago, but not now.

As I get older, I lose my drive and energy to do this kind of thing.

This matter is far too important, and it would be somewhat inappropriate for him to do it now.

Based on his understanding of those in power, he probably wouldn't send his own men to do such a task.

Now Your Majesty has assigned you so many things to do that you are overwhelmed.

As for his own son... that's impossible too.

My son is obsessed with arithmetic, and now he devotes all his attention to it.

They might not even know about the land survey.

They will not get involved in this matter.

More importantly, my own son doesn't have that talent.

This is no ordinary task; only those with great talent and perseverance can accomplish it.

It's fine to let my son do some academic work. But to ask him to do this is absolutely out of the question.

He can't do it.

Liu Bowen was also unwilling to let his son do it.

This is too dangerous; he can't handle it. If he makes a mistake, he could die.

Even if I were his father, I still couldn't protect him!
Going to Jiangxi to work really requires a lot of hard work.

They really have to risk their lives.

But simply working hard isn't enough. Working hard is the easiest thing to do. You have to get things done after working hard. That's what really matters.

Otherwise, it would just be a pointless sacrifice of life.

Fortunately, he knew what kind of person his son was, and he knew he would not get involved in this matter.

Now, he is engrossed in arithmetic and pays no attention to anything else.

Thinking of all this, Liu Bowen couldn't help but feel somewhat fortunate.

Fortunately, his son didn't have much involvement in officialdom; otherwise, this incident could have implicated him.

Now, he doesn't need to worry anymore.

With that thought in mind, Liu Lian arrived here.

"Father."

Liu Lian bowed and greeted Liu Bowen, who smiled and nodded back.

"What's wrong, Lian'er?"

Liu Bowen asked with a smile.

Although his son is far inferior to his father in terms of talent and character, he is still a father.

However, he is quite steady in his work, at least he doesn't get too involved in officialdom, and he can still protect his family.

Especially now that His Majesty is determined to achieve great things and his attitude towards me has changed drastically.

Lian'er's future days won't be too difficult.

"Father, His Majesty wants to conduct a land survey. What do you think of this?"

Liu Bowen nodded: "It is naturally a great thing."

Once accomplished, the benefits will be immeasurable; only then can a nation truly be established.

He gave this matter a very high evaluation.

"Father, I think so too."

Therefore, I wish to go to Jiangxi to contribute to the land survey.

Liu Lian looked at Liu Bowen and spoke, his voice solemn.

One sentence from him immediately changed Liu Bowen's expression.

My heart skipped a beat, as if someone had squeezed it tightly.

Looking at her son, she felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow.

It felt like a lot of things had suddenly blocked up.

After all, just a short while ago, he was thinking about this matter and feeling fortunate.

She knows her son won't mess things up in this matter.

But who would have thought that in such a short time, her son would arrive here and say such things to her.

"Nonsense!"

Liu Bowen, who rarely lost his temper with his son, was angered this time and directly reprimanded him.

"Just stay at home and do your math properly!"
Arithmetic has great potential, and His Majesty attaches great importance to it, saying it is the foundation of many disciplines.

And you happen to have the talent and interest in this area, so you should develop your skills and pursue further studies. You can also contribute to the country.

Don't even think about taking stock of the land; that's not something you should be doing.

Liu Bowen refused without hesitation.
"Father!"

Liu Lian, who had always been respectful and obedient to his father and never clashed with him, did not back down this time.

"I think I need to go this time."

Arithmetic is important, but it is not that important.

Learning only arithmetic won't help the Ming Dynasty.

My child is indeed interested in arithmetic, and now that the fields are being surveyed, isn't that the time to use arithmetic?

Why should the child exert himself and make achievements in this matter?

If we don't go and survey the fields, we can't apply what we've learned.

What use is it if my child learns a lot of arithmetic?
At this critical juncture, in such a momentous matter, I must do my part.

"You're so foolish!"

Liu Bowen was so angry that he couldn't help but point at his son and scold him again.

"You shouldn't do this, and you can forget about doing it!"

I'll stop you!
Do you know how deep the water is in here?

Do you know how difficult this is?
You know nothing!
People will die!

Liu Bowen had lost his usual calm and composure.

"Father!"

Liu Lian knelt down before Liu Bowen and kowtowed to him.

“I am a foolish and unfilial child, and I have saddened my father.”

But... but I still want to do this.

I would feel truly unwilling to fail to contribute to such an important undertaking.

I know that the place is fraught with danger and filled with peril at every turn.

They knew that if they weren't careful, they could very well die as a result.

My child and I just wanted to do it.

Set up the heart for the heaven and the earth, set the destiny for the livelihood and the people, for the sacred and inherited knowledge, and for the peace of the world.

I've known about this for a long time.

I've kept it in mind for a long time.

In the past, we lived in the late Yuan Dynasty, a time of darkness and stagnation, where we could hardly open our eyes.

The Yuan Dynasty court was not worthy of people risking their lives.

But my Great Ming is different; the Great Ming is my Han dynasty!
His Majesty is now a great and powerful ruler.

In this prosperous era, with such an emperor, it is the perfect time for ambitious individuals to dedicate their lives and contribute to this flourishing age!

How could one be willing to sacrifice oneself?

Father, I have no great ambitions. All I have is this life and a little bit of insignificant arithmetic skills.

Father, please grant your wish!

Hearing his son's words, Liu Bowen remained silent for a long time.

Pointing at Liu Lian, he was speechless.

After a long while, Liu Bowen let out a long sigh.

He helped Liu Lian up and said, "You silly boy, why did you have to go and wade into this mess instead of living a good life?"
As he spoke, he let out another long sigh…

……

"Mr. Luo, haha!"

Inside the Wuying Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang looked very happy as he looked at Luo Guanzhong.

They were extremely satisfied with Luo Guanzhong's performance during this period, and his fighting prowess was truly formidable.

So he decided to reward Luo Guanzhong.

"Mr. Luo, your writing of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is good, but there are some shortcomings."

I think it would be best to write a poem for you and place it before your Three Kingdoms story as an opening.

Luo Guanzhong's heart skipped a beat after hearing the emperor's words.

Finished!

The emperor is about to destroy his own Three Kingdoms!

(End of this chapter)