Chapter 20: Do You Know the Hundred Schools of Thought, Young Master?

Sitting on a small table, Li Nian pondered his next steps. Having gained the initial trust of Ying Zheng, his survival was temporarily secured, but what should he do now?

First, he had to ensure the successful cultivation of the potatoes, which Boss Zheng valued most. However, was the current climate of the Great Qin suitable for potatoes? And was the soil near Xianyang appropriate for their growth?

There was a gap of over two thousand years between the Great Qin and the modern era; the climate and environment were not the same. Therefore, crops that could be grown in a specific season and region in modern times might not necessarily thrive in the Qin Dynasty. Just as the Little Ice Age during the Ming Dynasty brought cold weather, could crops grown in the same season be the same as today?

He had to clearly understand the climate and soil conditions of the Great Qin. If Li Nian had an abundance of potatoes, he could plant them with confidence, but he only had two, so he had to be cautious and consider every factor.

This problem was not difficult to solve; he could consult the farmers of Xianyang. They farmed year-round and would surely understand the land and weather patterns of the Great Qin.

"The chili peppers should be treated the same way as the potatoes. First, understand which season and soil type in the Great Qin are suitable for their cultivation."

Li Nian subconsciously looked for paper and pen to record his thoughts, but immediately realized that he would have to be the one to invent paper in the Great Qin.

"Right, papermaking. Papermaking requires a space and a set of tools. Where would the Great Qin have papermaking tools?"

Li Nian had browsed many videos on ancient papermaking techniques through search engines. The process was not difficult—or at least it did not look difficult—but it required tools.

"I will have to trouble the craftsmen of the Shaofu for the tools!"

The handicraft industry of the Qin Dynasty was managed by the Shaofu, which was responsible for coordinating and managing various production activities, including but not limited to mining and metallurgy, coin casting, and the production of vehicles, weapons, and utensils.

The Qin Dynasty also implemented a system where the producer's name was inscribed on the object, including the maker's name, the date of production, the manufacturing agency, and the official's name, to ensure quality and accountability. This management method ensured the standardization and regulation of the Qin handicraft industry, improving product quality and efficiency, especially in providing strong support for the Qin army during wartime.

"Almost forgot, there is also the plow. I can draw it and have the Shaofu craftsmen make it. For now, I will start with these, and then I should think about how to improve my quality of life."

"I have contributed so much to the Great Qin, what is wrong with me enjoying myself?"

A line from the Emperor Zhaolie of Shu Han popped into Li Nian’s mind. "The iron smelting technology of the Great Qin seems decent; can I get an iron pot?"

For the past half-month in the Great Qin, he had eaten nothing but boiled or roasted food. Although the ingredients were pure, natural, and green, he grew tired of them, and the seasonings of this era were far inferior to those of later generations.

He also needed a set of tables and chairs. Who could endure kneeling all day? In truth, if one mastered the correct method, kneeling was not that uncomfortable, but as a modern person, why kneel if one could sit comfortably?

"I will hold off on the flush toilet for now; I will make it only after the paper is produced and the First Emperor has used it."

After some deliberation, Li Nian ordered bamboo slips, ink, and a brush, wrote a request, and sent it to Ying Zheng for approval. If Boss Zheng did not approve, all his ideas would be useless.

Soon, Ying Zheng received the bamboo slips. After reading them, he said, "This Li Nian is quite methodical; he does not act on a whim. I approve of all the matters listed above. Send word to the Minister of the Shaofu to assist Li Nian; he must not disobey!"

The next day, before the people from the Shaofu arrived, Su Xu showed up. Even though he was already in the Liuying Palace and sitting right in front of the man, Su Xu was still somewhat surprised. It had only been a day, hadn't it? The person he was assigned to teach had suddenly transformed into a "Gongzi"!

What exactly happened yesterday? What was the relationship between this man and the King? Initially, he had thought this man was a barbarian; it was fortunate he had not shown it. Thinking of this, Su Xu thought to himself, "That was close!" This was followed by joy and excitement—he was now teaching a Gongzi. Although the King had only ordered that he be treated with the courtesy of a Gongzi, it showed the high regard the King held for this man. This person would surely become a pillar of the Great Qin in the future!

As he now had the honor of teaching him, could he do something? Su Xu thought of Chunyu Yue, who was also from the Confucian school and was teaching Gongzi Fusu. If he could influence this man with Confucian scholarship as well...

A Qin ruler deeply influenced by their Confucian school, followed by a high-ranking official also influenced by them—would the Great Qin not become their Confucian world?

It was only a pity that this man was a bit old; if he had met him when he was younger, it would have been easier to teach, but it was not too late.

After careful consideration, Su Xu felt his plan was feasible and asked, "Does the Gongzi know of the Hundred Schools of Thought?"

In Su Xu's mind, this man had barely been able to speak clearly at first, as if he had jumped out of some remote rural backwater; how could he possibly know of the Hundred Schools of Thought?

Upon hearing Su Xu's question, Li Nian pondered for a moment and understood. This person was likely eyeing his status as a Gongzi and wanted to influence him with Confucian doctrine. Su Xu was waiting for Li Nian to say "I do not know," but Li Nian replied, "I know. What you ask, Teacher Su, refers to the 'Hundred Schools of Thought.' The 'Masters' refer to Laozi, Mozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Confucius, Guiguzi, Han Feizi..."

"The 'Hundred Schools' refer to the Taoist school, the Mohist school, the Legalist school, the Agricultural school, the Medical school, the Yin-Yang school, the School of Names, the Miscellaneous school, the Storytellers, the School of Diplomacy, the Military school, and the Confucian school..."

"The Masters are the most famous and representative figures among the schools, and some are the founders of their respective schools, hence the term 'Hundred Schools of Thought'."

Hearing Li Nian reel them off like he was reciting family treasures, Su Xu was stunned. How did this man know all this so clearly? He had intended to exploit this man's ignorance to elevate the status of the Confucian school and spark his interest. Su Xu believed that as long as this man became interested in Confucianism, he would surely be influenced; there was no better way to govern a country than through Confucian doctrine.

He had not expected the man to know this, so he had to change his plan. Su Xu asked again, "Since the Gongzi knows the Hundred Schools, do you know which of the Masters had the deepest knowledge and the highest virtue?"

*He is not even pretending anymore, just coming straight out with it? That fits the temperament of people in this era—those with talent promote themselves; that is how the idiom was born!*

Su Xu was waiting for Li Nian to say "I don't know" or name someone other than Confucius. But to his surprise, Li Nian did not answer the question, instead smiling and asking back, "Teacher Su, are you trying to say that among the Masters, Confucius had the deepest knowledge and highest virtue?"

This caught Su Xu off guard. Although that was indeed what he was thinking, having it pointed out so directly made him feel a small sense of shame at having his intentions seen through.