A Man of Science and Engineering in Troubled Times Wandering in the Late Qing Dynasty

Chapter 86
In the first exam, Li Yu almost beat and beat, racking his brains.

He did not recognize the names of many key questions at the first time. The title originally translated William I into "William First" and Hannibal into "Hanniborough", so he asked who read these four words Won't you be fooled at first glance?

Anyway, Li Yu was very confused at the time: Who is this!Why are there three famous generals!
Later, thinking that it must not be Caesar, I squeezed my brain hard, and realized that it was Uncle Ba's name when it was about to shut down!

If I hadn't passed the Chinese pinyin and English phonetic symbols since I was a child, I would never have figured out who this strange name is.

The translation work at that time was indeed a long way to go, so it is no wonder that the Imperial College of the Imperial College merged the Tongwen Hall and renamed it the Translation Academy.

In short, the history exam is considered a pass, and looking at the eyes of the candidates around, it seems that the exam is not very good, so don't worry!
The second exam was about self-cultivation and righteousness, which made Li Yu stumped again!

Although he has memorized many ancient poems and famous works of past dynasties, it is a bit of a joke to ask him to explain the meaning of the scriptures.

The only thing I can think of is that I have actually prepared for the public entrance examination when I took the postgraduate entrance examination. After all, there is another way!I also studied Shenlun, but I didn't expect this thing to be really useful in the late Qing Dynasty.

There is no way, Li Yu once again resorted to his ability to catch hair. In his cognition, "self-cultivation and righteousness" just need to be explained clearly, and it is reasonable; Jing Yi did not have as many candidates as other private schools, but they were all historical classics.

The difference is that in the 21st century, being able to recite a few lines of ancient poetry is very good, but in the late Qing Dynasty, since everyone knew these famous poems, they seemed too vulgar and not many people used them, otherwise they would not show that they were well-read.

Li Yu can't control so much, so let's be vulgar!Can you tell me there is something wrong? ?
And not surprisingly, this may be the subject with the lowest score for him, so he can only rely on other subjects to make up for it.

The last exam of the day was pedagogy, which was actually much easier for Li Yu.

Because even if you are not a normal student and have not read educational psychology and other works, you don’t have to worry about this subject exam. After all, Li Yu has studied for so many years, and his understanding of education can be said to be far behind that of all people in the late Qing Dynasty. .

——He is a product of modern education.

So Li Yu could write too much, so he just wrote a long and eloquent discourse.What many modern people take for granted in the late Qing Dynasty were new things beyond the era, including how many years the compulsory system should be, at what age to start, what subjects to take first and then what subjects to take, how to progress in difficulty, how to define primary, secondary and university, etc. Wait.

How you go to school, how to write.Writing this out was very advanced at the time.

If it wasn't for the limited time, Li Yu would have given him an explanation on how to establish a graduate school.

The exams for the day were over, and according to the requirements of the school, there was no exam arrangement for the next day, and the exams for the western subjects would not start until the day after tomorrow.

Li Yu walked out of the examination room and tried to stretch himself. At this time, he also had time to look around. He found that there were still quite a few people who signed up, especially in the examination area of ​​the teacher's training hall. At a rough estimate, there were six to seven hundred people.

Although there are more than 4000 new students at each level of Peking University in later generations, the number of students admitted for the first time more than 100 years ago was only less than 1000 including the official school, and the number of admitted students must be much smaller than 1000.

There is no need to compare vertically with 100 years later, or horizontally with Japan in the same period to know how scarce talents were in the late Qing Dynasty.

After the day's exam, Li Yu felt that he was still not suitable for the liberal arts exam.

I am a science and engineering major, but now I realize that liberal arts or humanities are really difficult, and it is definitely not just a matter of bragging.

It's just that I have seen many liars in the founding class before, and I thought that was the case. Now that I have written in depth, I realized that there is a big difference between a real master and a liar in Chinese studies.

Of course, he felt this way because the swindlers of Chinese culture in the 21st century have already disguised themselves very well, pretending to be real masters everywhere, and many people were really fooled into it.

When Li Yu was about to go home, two people stopped him.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Li Yu?"

Li Yu turned around and saw two young people in their early 20s, and replied, "This is Li Yu, may I ask who you are?"

The younger one immediately excitedly said: "It's really Mr. Li Yu! It's great! I said that I will definitely meet you in the examination room today! You are more energetic than the photo, and I didn't dare to recognize you at first sight!"

The other person who was slightly older laughed with a standard Zhejiang accent: "Look at your fuss, can you stop being so excited!" Then he turned to Li Yu and said, "I'm really sorry, Mr. Li Yu, actually I saw You are also a little excited. Let me introduce to you, my name is Feng Zuxun, his name is He Yujie, and we are also here to take the entrance examination for the University Hall."

Li Yu was shocked, he knew the names of these two people!

Feng Zuxun was the first dean of the Department of Mathematics at Peking University. From the time he stepped into the field of mathematics, he dedicated the last 40 years of his life to the Department of Mathematics of Peking University.

In 37, Peking fell, Peking University, Tsinghua University and other schools moved south to Kunming, and established Southwest Associated University with Nankai University.

However, each school still has some fixed assets that cannot be moved away, so a small number of teaching staff will be left to take care of the school property. The Japanese must not use the ivory tower as a tool for their ideological domination!

Those who stayed at Peking University were Zhou Zuoren, Feng Zuxun and others.At that time, Feng Zuxun had already suffered from severe tuberculosis, and it was really not suitable for him to move south with the school.

Of course, some students were unable to move south and stayed in Peiping.But many of these students dropped out of school, because Peking University in Peking during the enemy occupation period was called "false Peking University", and they would rather give up their studies than bring the word "false".

Feng Zuxun, as a professor of Liuping, still went to class under the name of a "false" professor at Peking University. His reason was simple: "I don't teach, so I ask the Japanese to teach? My class is Chinese students, and I What is taught is science, why is it 'false'?"

The students naturally hated the Japanese occupation, but Feng Zuxun did not want the students to really waste their studies.

If the students were really unwilling to study in the so-called "pseudo Peking University", he helped to contact a Chinese university that was not occupied by the Japanese at that time (this university was later merged into Renmin University and Beijing Normal University) and arranged for the students to go there" Borrowing", and promised to issue Peking University graduation certificates in the future.

Chinese universities were also having a hard time at that time. Although they stayed in Peiping, they were cut off from government funding and unwilling to accept money from the Japanese. All aspects of school affairs were very difficult.From the principal He Qigong to the teaching staff and students, almost everyone was starving.

Fortunately, at that time, due to international public opinion, especially the pressure from Britain and the United States, the Japanese did not dare to touch this university after all. After all, it was full of unarmed students.

As the "only seedling" of universities in enemy-occupied areas, although they know it is very difficult, there are still many students who want to go to school, and Chinese universities have achieved a lot of development.

However, the campus of China University is located in the western suburbs outside the city, and many Peking University students stopped going after studying for a period of time.

Because every time I go out of the city or enter the city, I have to bow to the Japanese standing guard at the city gate, I can't stand it!
He Yujie later became a professor and director of physics at Peking University, and worked tirelessly for the construction of the School of Physics at Peking University. The physics textbooks he edited were the first batch of self-edited university physics textbooks in China.

The first prize established for physics in China's history is also the "Professor He Yujie Physics Memorial Prize".

In short, these two were both able-bodied officers when Cai Yuanpei was in charge of Peking University, and they were figures of the "founding fathers" level of the Department of Physics and Mathematics of Peking University.

If Peking University evaluates the "24 Heroes of Lingyan Pavilion", the two of them will definitely be on the list.

So of course Li Yu knew about them, so he shook hands with the two of them and said cheerfully, "It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Feng Zuxun said: "It should be said that we are the ones who are lucky to meet. It is a great blessing in life to be able to take the college entrance examination together with my husband!"

He Yujie also said: "That's right! It is because of Mr. Li Yu that we came to take the university entrance exam. We can study Western learning with you. Thinking about it makes people look forward to it!"

Li Yu said with a smile: "Then you have to pass the exam first."

Feng Zuxun said to himself: "Sir, there is no problem, I don't think we will fail."

"Okay! Then let's meet at the Beijing Normal University Hall!"

He Yujie obviously couldn't wait now, he said: "Why don't we meet again! Meeting by chance is worse than meeting by chance. Since I met Mr. Li Yu today, why don't we have three drinks together?"

After hearing this, Feng Zuxun agreed very much: "I also have such intentions! I don't know what Mr. Li Yu wants?"

"Then what else is there to say!" Li Yu said with a smile, "I am the same."

When Feng Zuxun heard this, he said, "Could it be that Mr. Li Yu's ancestral home is Shandong?"

Li Yu once again used Shandong dialect: "Yes, I am from Shandong."

Feng Zuxun was amused by his dialect, "Since that's the case, a new Shandong restaurant, Dongxinglou, just opened outside Donghua Gate. I heard that it was the first of the eight best Shandong cuisine restaurants in Beijing when it opened. , let’s go to his house to see if it’s authentic or not.”

Li Yu became interested: "Okay, let's go and cheer together."

"Buy cloth Badaxiang, eat eight buildings", the restaurant in Beijing at the end of Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China was the most praised by the people, which was "Eight Buildings".

Seven of these eight famous restaurants serve Shandong cuisine, and almost all the shopkeepers are from Shandong.And the head of the eight buildings is the Dongxing Building in front of you.

Dongxing Building just opened this year, located outside the Donghua Gate of the Imperial Palace.Under the root of the imperial city, the location is excellent. When it first opened at the beginning of the year, it created a great momentum. At that time, Donghuamen Street was full of gongs and drums, firecrackers, red flags, and crowds of people.

It is said that one of the two owners of Dongxing Building is from the palace, and the other is a rich man who lends usury (that is, usury). The two jointly invested 3 taels to build Dongxing Building.

But the leader (i.e. the general manager) of the operation is An Shutang, and it is this person who makes Dongxing Building bigger and stronger.

Officials rushing for the exams have always liked to gather in restaurants to talk and talk, maybe they can make friends with the future dignitaries.

As soon as the three of them arrived at the gate of Dongxing Building, Feng Zuxun yelled at the crowd again: "Old Wu, come here, let's go together!"

The person who came over was a middle-aged man of about 30 years old. People who are admitted to university are generally older. He Yujie is only 20 years old, which is already a relatively young age.

Everyone is not surprised by the phenomenon that he is still taking college entrance examinations at the age of 40 or 50. After all, it is not surprising that Fan Jin only passed the exam when he was in his [-]s.

Feng Zuxun said to Li Yu: "His name is Wu Jinglian, and his ancestors are very famous. Guess who it is?"

Li Yu thought for a while: "Surname Wu? Wu Jingzi?"

Feng Zuxun shook his head.

Li Yu thought of a name in his mind: "Could it be?"

Feng Zuxun said with a smile: "Yes, it is Wu Sangui!"

After the defeat of San Francisco, Wu's family was moved back to their original place, and they voted in the Lower Five Banners, serving as stand members.It took more than 200 years to slowly manage to become a local wealthy household again.

Wu Jinglian came over and said, "Brother Feng, Brother He!"

Feng Zuxun also introduced Li Yu to him: "Quickly get to know him, he is Li Yu, a frequent visitor to the front page of newspapers during this time."

Wu Jinglian was surprised: "Li Yu? Looking at it this way, it really looks a bit like the photo in the newspaper. I really didn't expect to meet a famous person here."

Wu Jinglian was a pivotal figure in the political arena of the Republic of China in the future, and he served as the speaker of the National Assembly four times.

However, due to the "disgraceful" past of the Wu family, Wu Jinglian did not dare to apply for the official school of the Beijing Normal University, but applied for the teacher's school.

Wu Jinglian's iconic two mustaches are quite similar to the photo.

Li Yu said, "I didn't expect Mr. Wu to come to the university."

Wu Jinglian won the Juren prize at the age of 21, and entered the Imperial College a few years ago as a tribute student.

Wu Jinglian said: "My juren is useless. I can't be an official."

Feng Zuxun invited: "Anyway, everyone is an examinee, let's have dinner together."

"Thanks for the invitation." Wu Jinglian clasped his fists and said.

A few people sat down at an empty table, and the shop waiter immediately ran over with tea, "What do you guys like to eat?"

Feng Zuxun said: "Mr. Li, you are from Shandong. You are familiar with Shandong cuisine. Let's order some."

Li Yu looked at a few signs hanging on the cabinet, "I really order casually, what are your taboos?"

"Mr. Li, order casually! There is no taboo, we didn't stay in the capital for a day or two." He Yujie said.

"Okay, Xiao Er," Li Yu said, pointing to the sign, "I want braised prawns in oil, Jiuzhuan fat intestines, carp in sauce, fried chicken in sauce, fried mandarin fish and scallops with hibiscus."

"Okay, guest officer, you are really an expert," Xiaoer poured tea for a few people, "wait a moment..."

Li Yu was about to take a sip of tea when he heard another voice from behind:

"Oh! What kind of experts, just a few poor scholars! Er, you give us swallowtail shark's fin, cloud sliced ​​bear's paw, sea cucumber with green onion, and Guotao abalone box on this table."

Li Yu glanced sideways and saw several gorgeously dressed people sitting at the table next to him, who seemed to be candidates for the official examination.

Wu Jinglian has a temper, and frowned: "From now on, we will all be classmates, so there is no need to talk like that."

Lin Binghua, the examinee who spoke just now, was called Lin Binghua. He said disdainfully, "Teacher's Hall, huh, I just want to be a teacher in the future, and I am also worthy of being a classmate of my Lin. I really don't know why there is such a major in the university hall." , is a waste of resources.”

Feng Zuxun also couldn't listen to it: "You can't say that, education is the country's major plan, how can you say it is a waste of resources."

Lin Binghua took a sip of his tea: "I want to be a teacher in a primary school, it's ridiculous! To be a private school teacher, you still need to study in a university? Even a poor scholar can be a scholar! Isn't this a waste of resources?"

Feng Zuxun said: "Your Excellency, do you also have an opinion on the regulations of the University Hall? Enrollment or admission is determined by Mr. Zhang himself and submitted to the imperial court."

"Stop bluffing me with these! Of course I have read the regulations, but a university hall should look like a university hall. If it is done like this, it will be boring and useless." Lin Binghua sneered.

People like Lin Binghua are very common. Li Yu was not surprised, and asked casually, "Since that's the case, why did you take the test?"

"Me?" Lin Binghua laughed, "I'm just here to try! I'm already a sixth-rank officer of the imperial court. If it's beneficial to my career, I'll go to a university. If it's useless, there's no need to go."

Seeing that he took such a casual view of the Imperial University, Feng Zuxun immediately retorted: "Then you should stop going."

Lin Binghua raised his eyebrows, "What do you mean by that?"

"Mean? Of course it doesn't mean anything! What can it mean?"

Seeing that the smell of gunpowder was about to come up, Li Yu hurriedly stopped and said, "Forget it, there is nothing to argue with them."

Many of the people who participated in the examination of the official school hall were famous and had official titles below the fifth rank. They were indeed not too optimistic about the new thing of the university hall, and the better ones were only on the sidelines.

In fact, they shouldn't be allowed to refer to it. It's nothing more than the Qing government's inability to completely get rid of the old habits.

While speaking, another group of people came in, the first one was Fan Xiren, and naturally he applied for the official school.However, Fan Xiren and Li Yu are old acquaintances. After seeing Li Yu, he immediately came over and said, "Brother Li, how did you do in the exam today?"

"It's okay." Li Yu said.

"You sure can."

"Where are you?"

Fan Xiren patted Li Yu on the shoulder and smiled, "Just wait and become an alumni in the future!"

Li Yu became concerned about Fan Xiren's situation, and asked, "How's the recent review of mathematics and other subjects?"

Fan Xiren scratched his head and said, "It's just so-so. Anyway, our Shixue Academy doesn't have a deep test on the science subjects, but the few days after tomorrow are your strengths."

Lin Binghua saw that Fan Xiren and Li Yu were chatting happily, and mocked: "Science? Hehe, what can I do if I learn it well? To support the sky is to be a fifth-rank Qintian supervisor."

Fan Xiren was also displeased when he heard this, and just about to get angry, Li Yu pulled him to sit down, "Forget it."

Li Yu really didn't bother to argue with this kind of unreasonable person, otherwise he wouldn't have to do anything every day, and there would be unreasonable people everywhere, just arguing.

"But Brother Li..."

Li Yu explained: "Have you ever heard a saying that the truth is always on the side of the few?"

Fan Xiren said: "I read it, it seems to be said by a great sage in the West named Plato."

Li Yudao: "Yes, so there is no need to talk to other people."

Fan Xiren said: "Thank you for your advice, it's because I'm out of shape."

Li Yu invited Fan Xiren to have a table with them, and Fan Xiren readily agreed, besides Zhu Xianwen whom he had met before, he also introduced another person named Ouyang Mouyuan to Li Yu.

Although this Ouyang Mouyuan's name is not often known by later generations, his wife has a super famous girlfriend: Qiu Jin.

(End of this chapter)