My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 160 New Uses of the System
March 20th.

After a day and night of guarding the hourglass and the water clock, and after verification, the eunuchs finally obtained the results simultaneously.

Chen Hong was shaken awake by his men. Looking at the rising sun, he asked:

"How is the result?"

"Godfather, day and night are of equal length! It's the spring equinox!"

The eunuch in charge of checking the time was actually a little older than Chen Hong, but that was the rule in the palace: seniority followed rank, so Li Fang was addressed as "Grand Ancestor" by many older eunuchs.

"sure?"

"Not a moment's time should be wasted!"

Chen Hong quickly stood up, straightened his robe, and then said:

"Let's go, I need to speak with His Majesty!"

Besides the palace, every department and office that had its own timekeeping system also had people guarding it.

At this moment, shouts rang out from inside the yamen:
"Day and night are of equal length! The vernal equinox is here!"

"Day and night are of equal length! The vernal equinox is here!"

Huang Ji stayed in the Hanlin Academy for a day and a night. Before sunrise on the 20th, he couldn't stay awake any longer and fell asleep. He heard shouts in the distance and was then shaken awake.

"Huang Hanlin! Wake up! The results are in: day and night are of equal length!"

Huang Ji shuddered. Day and night were of equal length! His calculation of the spring equinox was accurate!
"congratulations!"

Many Hanlin scholars cast envious glances at Huang Ji. As expected, the Hanlin Academy was about to produce another rising political star.

Huang Ji was the only one with mixed feelings. The observation tools and calculation methods were all given to him by Su Ze. Huang Ji's jealousy of Su Ze had completely disappeared, and now all he could think about was how to repay Su Ze.
-
Su Mansion.

Su Ze got up from his wife's entangled arms, put on his clothes, went into the study, and picked up the memorial that had already been drafted on the table.

He believed Huang Ji's results, and as long as the vernal equinox was measured today, the results from the 21st were no longer important.

When it comes to mathematics, if you calculate it accurately, you calculate it accurately; there's no room for luck.

A top student gets 100 points on a math test because the test only has 100 points.

Huang Ji was such a top student. His confident demeanor after the calculation convinced Su Ze to accompany him on this journey.

——[Simulation Start]——

Two days later, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory's calculation of the spring equinox was inaccurate. A memorial requesting a recalculation of the celestial sphere was sent to the Cabinet, and the cabinet ministers unanimously voted to approve it.

On that day, your memorial, "Please Survey the Four Seas Again," was presented to the emperor, who partially approved it.

The emperor decreed that Huang Ji and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau should jointly lead the survey of the four seas and compile new calendars.

After four years, both sides had compiled their own calendars, but they attacked each other's calendars, and eventually the calendars were shelved.

——[Simulation End]——

[Should we use 100 prestige points to ensure the memorial is fully executed?]

[Remaining Prestige: 358 points.]

Wow, it has this feature too?
Incomplete execution?
Yes, besides approving, rejecting, and leaving the matter unresolved, the Ming emperor could also partially agree.

This was the first time I had encountered such a situation when submitting a petition.

Su Ze began to think.

The emperor's decision to have the Imperial Observatory and Huang Ji revise the calendar simultaneously was likely due to the prevailing mindset of "dissenting opinions" within the imperial authority.

That's true. Astronomy and the calendar symbolize destiny; otherwise, Zhu Yuanzhang wouldn't have issued the astronomical ban.

The Imperial Astronomical Bureau was the emperor's personal retainer, and the emperor was still not comfortable entrusting the task of compiling the calendar to an "outsider" like Huang Ji.

The results of the system simulation were also a unique phenomenon of the Ming Dynasty.

The project was completed, but it was put on hold due to political issues, and the best opportunity was missed.

Su Ze decisively chose "yes," guaranteeing that his memorial would be completely and thoroughly approved, and that Huang Ji would lead the work of surveying the four seas and compiling the calendar, so that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau would not be allowed to cause trouble!
[Prestige points have been deducted. Remaining prestige points: 258. Please complete the petition in real life as soon as possible.]

Now that she was relieved, Zhao Lingxian got up with a blush on her face, personally served breakfast, and finally helped Su Ze put on his official robes and saw him out of the house.

Zhao Lingxian's cheeks flushed red; she had become increasingly lazy since getting married.

But wasn't my late waking up also because of my husband's antics yesterday?

Thinking of this, Zhao Lingxian blushed even more. She decided to pull herself together and take good care of the family's accounts.
-
This time, Su Ze's memorial was exactly what the emperor and his ministers expected.

Revising the calendar has been a long-standing issue, but it wasn't accomplished before because of technical limitations and the inability to find people capable of revising it.

Now that we have a suitable candidate, things will be much easier from here on out.

Li Yiyuan, the Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, also breathed a sigh of relief. There was no opposition to the Four Seas Survey in the court. The only opposition came from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, but the opinion of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau was not important.

The cabinet shared the same opinion, and even the impatient Gao Gong wrote in the draft petition that the court should send out an observation team as soon as possible to complete the survey of the four seas and revise the calendar.

However, when the memorial was sent to the palace, Emperor Longqing hesitated when he picked it up.

He said to Li Fang:

"Summon Huang Ji."

Knowing that the emperor was concerned about the calendar, Li Fang hurriedly went to the Imperial Household Department, and soon Huang Ji was brought before the emperor.

The Longqing Emperor looked at Huang Ji, whose body was covered in bandages, and said in a gentle tone:
"Minister Huang, I didn't know you were an expert in astronomy and mathematics before."

Huang Ji had already received a message from Su Ze in advance, and all he needed to do when facing the emperor was to answer all the questions truthfully.

So Huang Ji honestly replied:

"I learned half of my astronomical and numerological skills from Hanlin Su."

"Suze?"

The Longqing Emperor laughed and said:

"When I asked him yesterday, he said he was ignorant of astronomy and calendar. Was he deceiving the emperor yesterday?"

Huang Ji was an honest man, and he quickly said:
“Your Majesty, Hanlin Su is not knowledgeable in astronomy; he taught me the art of calculation.”

Then Huang Ji explained Su Ze's "trigonometric method" to the emperor, who was completely confused, only knowing that it was a mathematical method to find other sides and angles based on the sides and angles.

Huang Ji also said:
"Successful Su also asked the Ministry of Works to make an equatorial theodolite for me. This thing is similar to the armillary sphere, but it has an additional sighting tube."

"A spy tube?"

Huang Ji said:

"It's a telescope, just one that can see farther than a military one. The measurements taken with the telescope are much more accurate than those taken with the naked eye."

Huang Ji thought for a moment and then said:
"Su Hanlin also said that if the research continues, a reflecting telescope could be developed, which would allow us to see even further and even make the moon appear before our eyes."

Emperor Longqing was naturally familiar with telescopes, but he never imagined that military telescopes could be used for stargazing.

Yes, it can be used to observe enemies, and it can also be used to observe stars.

However, among all the officials and civil servants, many knew about telescopes, but only Su Ze could think of using them for stargazing.

Is this the practical learning that Gao Gong was talking about?
The Longqing Emperor once again developed an interest in practical learning.

First it was architectural methods, and now it's calendar systems. Su Zeming clearly doesn't know much about architecture or astronomy, yet he can inspire others to take the most crucial step.

Is the path of practical learning truly that miraculous?
This was the first time the Longqing Emperor had placed such importance on practical learning.

Initially, Gao Gong advocated practical learning. The emperor allowed practical learning to develop partly out of respect for Gao Gong and partly because he wanted to use practical learning to counterbalance the school of mind. However, it now seems that practical learning is more useful than he imagined.

Moreover, compared to the "extension of innate knowledge" philosophy, practical learning could address the court's pain points.

It's important to understand that the philosophy of "extending one's innate knowledge and becoming a sage" held little appeal for emperors. After all, emperors were already the Sons of Heaven; they didn't need to become sages.

On the contrary, practical knowledge that could solve real problems and advocated that scholars should work diligently and practically was more favored by the emperor.

Emperor Longqing questioned Huang Ji for a while, and Huang Ji explained his method of calculating the spring equinox. Although the emperor did not understand it, he was certain that Huang Ji had derived it himself.

The emperor was very satisfied with Huang Ji's honest words.

Neither Su Ze nor Huang Ji coveted the other's credit; instead, they honestly praised each other.

Moreover, the emperor also knew that Huang Ji and Su Ze did not have a good relationship.

Therefore, Emperor Longqing imagined a grand drama: Su Ze and Huang Ji, for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, disregarded past grievances and joined forces to calculate the calendar.

Both of them were loyal ministers of the Ming Dynasty!

The emperor looked at Huang Ji with even greater admiration.

The Longqing Emperor then remembered another question and asked:
"The Imperial Astronomical Bureau's prediction was inaccurate this time. What do you think should be done about it, my esteemed minister?"

Huang Ji was an honest man. He remembered Su Ze's instructions to answer "from the heart" in all his answers, so he said:

"Your Majesty, the error in the calculation by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau is a problem with the Datong Calendar itself, not an intentional act by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau."

"Furthermore, Your Majesty needs the Imperial Observatory to observe celestial phenomena in order to compile a new calendar, so I humbly request Your Majesty to forgive their sins."

"it is good!"

The Longqing Emperor was very satisfied and bestowed upon Huang Ji a jade belt before letting him leave.

After Huang Ji withdrew, the emperor then said to Li Fang:
"Summon the people from the Imperial Observatory."

Before long, Zhou Xiang, the head of the Imperial Observatory, knelt before the emperor.

Zhou Xiang was actually trembling all over.

Making a mistake in calculating the solar terms is a sin, but miscalculating the Spring Equinox by two days this year is an even greater sin.

During the reign of Emperor Shizong, a junior official was executed by Emperor Jiajing because of a large error in calculating the solar terms.

Although the current emperor is not like Emperor Shizong, the emperor's favor is reserved for officials of the outer court. The emperor does not need any reason to punish an official of the Imperial Observatory.

Seeing Zhou Xiang's appearance, the Longqing Emperor became even angrier.

he asked:
"What is the reason for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau's error in calculating the spring equinox this time?"

Mistake?

Zhou Xiang noticed the emperor's wording; if it was merely described as a mistake, then the emperor did not intend to investigate the matter further.

Zhou Xiang felt like he had escaped death, and then he had a new idea.

Zhou Xiang steeled his heart and said with a sob in his voice:

"Your Majesty! Huang Ji has been privately studying astronomy, which violates the Emperor Taizu's prohibition. Please punish him severely!"

Zhou Xiang did this naturally for the benefit of the Imperial Observatory.

The Imperial Observatory was a father-to-son system; even if Zhou Xiang died, his son would still enter the Imperial Observatory.

The families within the Imperial Observatory have intermarried, and now they are a unified entity with shared interests.

Although this position is not high, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau is required to attend to national ceremonies and important events.

And if you encounter a few superstitious emperors, you can even become one of their close advisors.

Therefore, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, having formed a united front and monopolized the right to interpret astronomical phenomena, was even less tolerant of others interfering.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Xiang's words only made the emperor angrier!
The Longqing Emperor slammed his hand on the imperial desk and said:

"It's one thing that you can't calculate the calendar accurately, but to be so jealous and envious of talent is another!"

"Huang Ji is the Crown Prince's lecturer! He's a member of the Hanlin Academy! His calculations of celestial phenomena were reported to me by Yin Shidan, the Junior Chamberlain! It was for the purpose of explaining the calendar to the Crown Prince!"

Zhou Xiang's face turned completely pale.

If Zhou Xiang hadn't attacked Huang Ji and had honestly admitted that the Imperial Observatory's calculations were flawed, Emperor Longqing would probably have continued to use the Imperial Observatory, since it was a royal institution and more trustworthy than officials from outside the court.

However, seeing how stubborn Zhou Xiang was, and even attacked Huang Ji, the last bit of goodwill the Longqing Emperor had vanished.

However, Longqing was still not as ruthless as his father, the emperor, who said wearily:
"I have decided that Huang Ji will preside over the astronomical survey. All of you in the Imperial Observatory must cooperate fully. If anyone disobeys or tries to cause trouble, I will not let them off lightly."

"Just back off."

Zhou Xiang's face turned ashen. He knew he had messed up, so he had no choice but to obediently step back.

The contrast between the two sides' attitudes made the behavior of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau truly despicable, and the Longqing Emperor no longer had any intention of finding a balance.

But how to hand over the Imperial Observatory to Huang Ji?

Huang Ji was a Hanlin scholar. To appoint a Hanlin scholar as an official of the Imperial Observatory would be tantamount to demoting Huang Ji, so he certainly wouldn't want to do it.

However, the Imperial Observatory was a household office of the emperor, and it would be against the established rules to hand it over to an outside official.

"Go and invite Master Gao over."

After thinking for a long time, the Longqing Emperor decided to seek help from Gao Gong.

A short while later, Gao Gong arrived at the imperial study. After listening to the emperor's difficult question, Gao Gong said:
"Your Majesty, Huang Ji may be appointed as Junior Secretary."

Li Fang looked at Gao Gong in confusion. When did the Ming Dynasty have this position?
Gao Gong said:

"The Imperial Academy of Astronomy will be established within the Hanlin Academy, but the position of Imperial Historian will remain temporarily vacant

"The Imperial Observatory concurrently oversees the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, and is responsible for all matters related to the compilation and revision of the new calendar."

Now the emperor and Li Fang both understood!

The Grand Historian was a position that existed in the Zhou Dynasty's rites. He was responsible for recording and compiling historical books and also overseeing classical texts, astronomy, and the calendar.

In ancient times, astronomy and history were inseparable.

Therefore, Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, was the creator of the Taichu Calendar of the Western Han Dynasty. Sima Qian was both a historian and an astronomer.

In later generations, the two positions gradually separated, and in the Yuan Dynasty, the Bureau of Astronomy and the Imperial Observatory were established simultaneously.

However, when Guo Shoujing compiled the Shoushi Calendar, Emperor Yuan also appointed Guo Shoujing, the Grand Astrologer, to concurrently manage the Imperial Observatory.

Hanlin officials themselves had the duties of historians. For example, Su Ze's current historians all held the title of "compiler of national history".

Gao Gong suggested that the emperor reinstate the system established in the Zhou Rites, merging astronomy and history, and setting up the Bureau of Astronomy under the Hanlin Academy.

In this way, the Imperial Observatory officially became a subordinate department of the Bureau of Astronomy.

If there were any further discussions in the outer court, a simple phrase like "in accordance with the rites of Zhou" would silence everyone.

Emperor Longqing nodded in satisfaction. Master Gao really knows how to do things!
Just as the emperor and his ministers were enjoying themselves, a group of knights galloped toward the imperial city.

Riding a horse along the central axis of the capital was a major taboo. The police were about to intercept them when they saw the leading knight holding up a banner.

The police chief quickly stopped his subordinate, who asked in confusion:

"Sir, why didn't you stop them?"

The patrol battalion commander angrily rebuked:
"Lu Bu reports victory, and you've got the guts to stop him?"

(End of this chapter)