Chapter 118: Mathematics is a Maid in the Ming Dynasty

Mathematics was not a foreign import to China but rather a product of Chinese wisdom and creativity.

In the 1st century, the term “算术” (suàn shù), which means arithmetic, first appeared in the book “九章算术” (Jiǔzhāng Suànshù) written by Zhang Cang and Geng Shouchang.

Arithmetic later became known as mathematics or算法 (suàn fǎ).

During the Song and Yuan dynasties, the term “数学” (shù xué), which means mathematics, emerged.

Although mathematics made significant advancements during the Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties, its peak period was during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, Shen Kuo developed the “Xiji method” (Method of Exclusion) and the “Huiyuan method” (Method of Circles), while during the Southern Song Dynasty, Qin Jiushao invented the “Dayan Qiuyi Shu” (Method for the Great Research for “One”) and the “Zhengfu Kaifang method” (Method for Extracting Square Roots with Positives and Negatives). ^[1]Tl’s rant: I am going mad.

During the Yuan Dynasty, Li Ye invented the Tianyuan Method, which involved solving simultaneous equations with unknown variables. Additionally, Zhu Shijie in the Yuan Dynasty introduced the “Four Elements Method,” which allowed for the solution of quartic polynomial equations with four unknowns. These advancements marked significant achievements in the history of Chinese mathematics.

It is regrettable to say that during the Ming Dynasty, under the reign of Zhu Yunwen, the glory of mathematics had dimmed significantly.

Advanced mathematical techniques like the Tianyuan Method and the Four Elements Method had become almost lost arts, and if it weren’t for scholars in the Qing Dynasty rediscovering them, they might have been forgotten by future generations.

Zhu Yunwen is very clear that mathematics is the foundation of all knowledge.

If a country does not have a large number of mathematical talents, then how can it survive?

But directly using ancient mathematics knowledge is also not appropriate.

Ancient Chinese mathematics had certain limitations as it was closely related to agricultural needs, such as calculating granary sizes, lengths of building materials, land area, and some aspects of astronomy and calendars. There was relatively less focus on commerce and craftsmanship.

Moreover, the limitations of calculation methods themselves made it challenging for mathematics to achieve breakthroughs.

The appearance of the abacus during the Yuan Dynasty marked the pinnacle of ancient Chinese mathematics. It was a symbol of mathematics being applied to practical purposes and had a profound and enduring impact.

However, when something reaches its peak, it is inevitable that it will eventually decline.

During the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang’s view of mathematics was akin to that of a “maid” or “servant.” While it was deemed necessary, it didn’t play a significant role and was reluctantly retained.

During the reign of Zhu Yunwen, mathematics remained stagnant and uneventful. Apart from the practical application of the abacus for profit, there was little to no exploration in the purely academic aspects of mathematics.

He had no choice but to take matters into his own hands.

Revolutionizing the curriculum at the Imperial Academy was not a simple task.

When it came to teaching commerce, wealthy merchants could be invited to instruct. When it came to agriculture, farmers could be enlisted to share their knowledge. However, finding suitable individuals to teach mathematics was challenging.

Ancient Chinese mathematics lacked the capacity for critical thinking and deductive logic. If this aspect wasn’t improved upon and they simply copied existing methods, achieving comprehensive education would be impractical.

There was no other way around it. While subjects like physics and chemistry could be temporarily set aside, mathematics had to be reformed. To innovate mathematics, changes to numerical notation were essential.

If we keep writing questions like “Today, there are 8/5, and 25/16. Which is more? How much more?” It would take ages to write the answers with a brush.

We must introduce Arabic numerals.

Although Arabic numerals were not invented by Arabs but rather by ancient Indians, it was the Arabs who made significant contributions to the dissemination of these numbers.

“Your Majesty, Xie Jin requests an audience,” Shuangxi reported.

Zhu Yunwen didn’t even lift his head and said, “Let him in.”

Xie Jin entered the hall, bowed, and then said to Zhu Yunwen, “Your Majesty, the Chancellor of Imperial Academy, Cheng Shizhou, and the Director of studies, Zhang Zhi, have submitted resignation requests.”

Zhu Yunwen’s hand holding the pen paused, and he looked up at Xie Jin.

Xie Jin took out two memorials and handed them to Shuangxi, who then presented them to Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen opened and glanced at them before tossing them aside with a touch of anger, saying, “They can’t even withstand such a small setback after losing a debate. Let them go home!”

“Your Majesty, who will replace the Chancellor and Director of studies of the Imperial Academy?” Xie Jin asked cautiously.

Zhu Yunwen pondered for a moment and said, “Transfer Hanlin Junior Historiography Compiler, Yang Shiqi, to Imperial Academy as the Dean. Compiler Li Zhigang as director of studies. Also, inquire with the Imperial Academy if anyone else wants to retire. I will not obstruct it.”

Hearing Zhu Yunwen’s tone, Xie Jin realized that the resignations from the Imperial Academy had indeed angered the Emperor. He said cautiously, “Your Majesty, Li Zhigang was a student at the Imperial Academy just a few months ago, and now he’s promoted to Director of Studies. Is it perhaps too hasty?”

Zhu Yunwen lowered his head and continued writing his book on “Elementary Mathematics,” saying, “Utilize talents to their fullest. Handle it.”

“As you command.”

Xie Jin bowed and took his leave but didn’t return to the Grand Secretariat. Instead, he went to the Hanlin Academy.

Xie Jin held Yang Shiqi in high regard, and his promotion to the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy was a significant hint. It indicated that Yang Shiqi might become the Minister of Rites or even a member of the Grand Secretariat in the future.

In a study room, Xie Jin met Yang Shiqi and Li Zhigang.

After they exchanged greetings and sat down, Xie Jin looked at Yang Shiqi and said, “Compiler Yang, Cheng Shizhou has requested to resign as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and the Emperor has approved it. You are now appointed as the new Chancellor, responsible for overseeing the National University.”

Yang Shiqi remained composed, calmly stood up, and replied, “I will not disappoint.”

Xie Jin nodded inwardly, then turned his attention to Li Zhigang and said, “You will replace Zhang Zhi as the Director of Studies of the Imperial Academy.”

“Me?”

He stood up in surprise and disbelief, as if he initially doubted Xie Jin’s words. However, he quickly wore a joyful expression, showing his excitement. He bowed toward the direction of the Wuying Hall and said, “I will not fail the Emperor’s trust.”

Xie Jin inwardly admired the two men.

Although Yang Shiqi and Li Zhigang were of similar age, in terms of composure and stability, Li Zhigang was far behind Yang Shiqi. From this perspective, Yang Shiqi was destined for remarkable achievements.

After Xie Jin left, Li Zhigang joyfully said to Yang Shiqi, “Chancellor, after our work, would you like to share a jar of wine?”

Yang Shiqi shook his head slightly and replied calmly, “Brother Li, until the official appointments from the court arrive, we are still compilers of the Hanlin Academy. As compilers, how can we rest? “The Chronicles of the Founding Emperor” in need of people, and we must prepare ourselves accordingly.”

Li Zhigang suddenly realized his eagerness and deeply bowed to Yang Shiqi, saying, “Brother Yang, your heart is as steady as Mount Tai, while I lack your composure. I should self-penalize by copying ‘The Great Learning.'”

Yang Shiqi smiled faintly, patted Li Zhigang’s shoulder three times, and then walked away in a relaxed manner.

Li Zhigang pondered, “Patting my shoulder three times, could it be that he wants me to copy ‘The Great Learning’ three times? My loss…”

Hanlin Academician Fang Xiaoru had been keeping a low profile lately. Although he held the authority to supervise the Grand Secretariat, he rarely participated in Grand Secretariat affairs. Instead, he was completely focused on editing “The Chronicles of the Founding Emperor.”

This aligns with Zhu Yunwen’s intentions.

Zhu Yunwen was well aware that Fang Xiaoru was a master of knowledge, a true Confucian scholar. However, Fang Xiaoru was an academic type, not a practical one. It was beneficial for him to study and edit books, but if he were used to govern the country, the Ming Dynasty might end up resembling the Zhou Dynasty.

As for Hanlin Academician Expositor in waiting Yao Guangxiao, a peculiar monk, there were few who could engage in conversation with him. Besides Yang Shiqi, Li Zhigang, and occasional visitors like Xie Jin and Xia Yuanji, few people sought him out.

At this moment, Yao Guangxiao was not at the Hanlin Academy but at the headquarters of the Central Army Commandery, witnessing a historic moment—a new military system was being born!”

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