Red Mansion Huacai

Chapter 9 Li Weijian is looking for trouble and Aunt Xue sends the invitation
Li Weijian walked quickly along with Yan Fengzhen, turned around the screen wall, passed the screen door, and then turned around the rite gate to enter the second courtyard.He looked around and saw that the mansion was a typical official residence with three entrances and a courtyard.

According to Dashun regulations, official positions such as minister can be allocated a fifteen-room house.After passing the Yimen, Yan Fengzhen turned him around again. Only then did Li Weijian see that the moon door was open on the side of the west wing of the second courtyard.

After passing the Moon Gate is a small garden, followed by a pavilion.Li Weijian followed him into the pavilion. Yan Fengzhen let go and walked quickly to the desk in the study. He picked up a piece of paper and said, "Brother Jian, come and take a look. This question is quite difficult."

Li Weijian took it and saw that there was a saddle curved surface drawn with a pencil, and a section was cut off in the middle. The data was listed on the drawing to calculate the surface area.Looking at the bottom, there are calculation formulas using the heavenly stems and earthly branches.

Li Weijian looked at it for a long time before realizing that the calculation formula for the stems and earthly branches that day was actually calculus.After a while of conversion in his mind, Li Weijian changed the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches into familiar symbols. Li Weijian went to the desk and took a pencil to rearrange the equations.

"Second Young Master is wrong here. In fact, we can draw the conclusion just by doing this calculation."

He wrote very slowly at first, but then he got a little faster. When he finished the calculation, Yan Fengzhen snatched it away, muttered, pushed up his tortoiseshell glasses, and suddenly slapped his thigh: "That's it! Haha, now I have an explanation."

Yan Fengzhen dropped the paper and greeted quickly: "Come here, serve tea quickly." Then he looked at Li Weijian: "Brother Jian, sit down quickly. Brother Jian looks young, how can he have a nickname? I don't want to be so young but Master this calculus."

"The following is the word for resurrection. Second Young Master, I can't be said to be proficient. I just can't read the Four Books and Five Classics, and I only prefer to study some strange and obscene skills."

Yan Fengzhen's expression changed, and he said disdainfully: "There are many forgeries in the Four Books and Five Classics, and it is difficult to tell the truth from the false. As long as you know the teachings of the saints, what will happen if you read them over and over again? In the end, you are just a corrupt scholar! This practical learning is the real thing. Zhen'er's way of managing the world and benefiting the people."

At this time, the waiter came in with a tea tray, but Yan Fengzhen came up and grabbed Li Weijian: "Come with me when you are alive."

"Ah? Second Young Master..."

"Don't be heretics, just call me Jingwen."

As he spoke, De Dehuo Xia turned around and saw something standing on a wide field.On the right side is a chimney nearly ten feet high; in the middle is an earthen stove with a pot attached to it, with pipes connected to the cylinder; on the left is a swing arm mounted on an iron pillar, with iron ropes hanging from both ends of the arm. , one side is connected to the cylinder, and the other side hangs straight into the well.

Li Weijian took a breath: "Newcomen steam engine?"

"Fusheng knows this thing?" Yan Fengzhen became more and more excited and called out: "Come here, light a fire!" He rubbed his hands and looked at Li Weijian and said: "Yes, the greeting card stated that Fusheng came from Jinling, and Governor Chen ten years ago Xian (Note [-]) once ruled Jiangnan, and he built a machine like this at that time."

Ten years ago, Li Weijian was still in the capital, and his soul had never penetrated this body. Where could he have seen him?However, Chen Hongmou took charge of Jiangnan ten years ago, and the Chen Duxian mentioned by Yan Fengzhen should be this person.The newly promoted chief minister actually built a Newcomen steam engine. This news was extremely useful to Li Weijian.

While thinking about it, Yan Fengzhen couldn't wait for the boy to work on it. He didn't care about getting his hands full of soot and added coal himself. Then two more boys came over and started a fire after working for a while.

After burning for a long time, Yan Fengzhen saw the heat steaming and excitedly rushed forward to twist the valve: "Let's see if he comes back to life!"

The cylinder was filled with air, but the swing arm did not move. The two boys went over to pull the iron rope again, and it took a long time for the swing arm to swing back and forth as if it was kowtow.

Then I saw the iron rope being lifted up and down, and the water in the well gurgled out.

"how?"

"It's indeed mysterious. Could this steam engine be built by Brother Jing Wen?"

However, these words scratched Yan Fengzhen's itch. He rubbed his hands and said reservedly: "It's nothing. I just picked up Chen Shoufu's wisdom."

Li Weijian beat the snake and put it on the stick, and said hurriedly: "Brother Jing Wen's words are wrong. If it weren't for Brother Jing Wen's practical knowledge, how could he have restored this thing? If he was an ordinary corrupt scholar, he would just put the parts in front of him. I’m afraid I’m scratching my head and don’t know how to start.”

Yan Fengzhen smiled reservedly, and then said worriedly: "This thing was made by British craftsmen 40 years ago. Times have changed, and I'm afraid that their generation has already built a machine that is better than this thing. His Majesty Taizong must have foresight. All the barbarians in the West, what kind of big and small Buddhas are there?" Langji and the Netherlands are not to be feared, but the English are the formidable enemy!"

Li Guo also said this?Li Weijian thought, he would look for it anyway to see if there was anything like Taizong's quotations that he could look through.

Li Weijian echoed: "Practical learning, especially technology, is like sailing against the current. If you don't advance, you will retreat."

When Yan Fengzhen heard this, he felt a great sense of confidant.He said: "It doesn't matter, the British are just a small island country. Today we are inspiring and new. Just wait for Dashun to catch up. In less than ten years, we will definitely be able to overwhelm the British."

After a pause, he turned to say: "With Fusheng's knowledge, I will definitely be on the list when I enter the capital this time." After saying this, Yan Fenzhen looked around and lowered his voice and said: "The day before yesterday, my father was summoned by your Majesty to say that the saint I intend to start the practical academy examination in three years. Don’t slack off after the resurrection of autumn, there will always be a future for you."

Li Weijian quickly raised his hands and said, "Thank you, Brother Jingwen, for the tip."

Yan Fengzhen shook his head with a smile, looked at the steam engine again, and said: "This thing is good, but the cost of throwing it is too high. Turn off the fire, if it continues to burn, I won't have money to buy coal this month."

Li Weijian secretly calculated in his mind that the boiler and cylinder were all made of cast iron and riveted, and the connecting pipelines were all gray cast iron pipes.It can be seen that Dashun mastered the riveting technology at this time and also mastered the seamless iron pipe technology.

It is a pity that Dashun's cannon casting technology at this time cannot be seen, otherwise it can be speculated whether Dashun has mastered the boring machine technology.

If boring machine technology really existed, then Li Weijian would be sure to develop a high-efficiency steam engine that works at four standard pressures.

In his previous life, he first studied mechanics and then metallurgical machinery, but after working, he sat in an office.When he had more free time, he started playing with these retro machines and even built a three-cylinder steam engine by himself.

Yan Fengzhen turned around and led Li Weijian back to the study. Just as the two of them sat down, a servant came over and reported: "Second Young Master, my wife asked the Second Young Master to find a well house to change. I don't know why the water in this house has been affected. I have been suffering from it lately." .”

Yan Fengzhen said with a straight face: "You just went and took care of such a small thing, didn't you see me entertaining guests?"

The servants only retreated, and Yan Fenzhen scolded: "I don't know what to say."

Li Weijian was puzzled and asked, "Brother Jingwen, do you still need to buy water for this capital city?"

Yan Fengzhen said: "Of course I want to buy it. Yes, I am new to the world. I don't know how difficult it is for the capital to draw water. From the Ming Dynasty to the present, thousands of wells have been drilled, but a small number of them are sweet water wells, and the rest are bitter water wells. The bitter water wells have been drilled. If you don't have enough water, you can only use it to wash clothes. If you need water, you have to buy it from a water shop with a sweet water well."

The capital actually has to buy water?Li Weijian had an idea in his mind that the first pot of gold should be on this water.The two talked about everything, mostly Yan Fengzhen talking, and Li Weijian only occasionally echoed a few words, but he could always hit on the key points. As a result, Yan Fengzhen's conversation became more interesting and he felt like a confidant.

He took Li Weijian to look at the book collection again, and saw that the bookshelves were filled with all kinds of practical books.There are "Elements of Geometry", "Jian Ping Yi Shuo", "Taixi Water Method", "The Meaning of Measurement", "Ling Yan Li Shao", "Measurement of Similarities and Differences", "Pythagorean Meaning", "Sleeping Answer", etc., which were translated in the late Ming Dynasty, as well as the newly translated " "Taiwan Machinery", "Calculus", etc.

After the Shen hour, Yan Fengzhen ordered people to serve food.However, Yan Xiyao didn't know what happened and never returned.After dinner, Yan Fengzhen had no choice but to reluctantly send Li Weijian away. Before leaving, he said: "Today is really unlucky. My father may have other things to do. When he comes back to life the next day, he will come straight to the door. I will introduce him. I will definitely shock my father." !”

Li Weijian smiled and said: "Haha, it's settled then. It's cold outside. Brother Jingwen, please come back quickly. I'm leaving."

Taking the reins handed over by the servants of the Yan family, Li Weijian flew onto the horse, bowed his hands to Yan Fenzhen in front of the door, and then turned the horse's head towards the alley.

Wu Haiping, who was following behind, urged his horse to ride alongside him, with a worried look on his face. At this moment, he really didn't understand what other trump card Li Weijian was hiding.The former Imperial Academy offered wine sacrifices, the Lianghuai Salt Patrol Censor, the Rongguo Mansion, and now even the residence of the Minister of Punishment can be accessed without any obstruction.

Recalling that on the way, Li Weijian said that he was going to visit Gu Weiyue, the minister of the Ministry of Industry. If he was as enthusiastic as he was, I am afraid that he would tell his employer about this, and his employer would rather give up 3000 taels of silver to make good friends with Mr. Li!
Thinking about this, Wu Haiping said casually: "Sir, do you still want to go to Shiban Hutong?"

"Forget it, it's too late today, let's go tomorrow."

After walking for a while, seeing that Wu Haiping remained silent, Li Weijian asked curiously: "Huh? How can you live so peacefully?"

"Aren't you looking at the young master thinking about something? I'm speechless."

Seeing Wu Haiping's careless look in his eyes, Li Weijian thought about it and roughly understood what he was thinking.He immediately smiled and said, "I'll buy a measuring tape later and give it to you. Let me go around the capital and carefully measure how deep the dry wells are. If you have the chance, also measure how deep the sweet wells are." . Once this is done, it will be of great benefit to you."

Wu Haiping didn't mention who would pay for the tape measure. He immediately patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, sir, I'll take care of this matter."

....................................

Qingwen was walking with Pingting carrying the late food box. As soon as she opened the curtain in the hall, she saw a woman in the corridor waving to her.

Qingwen took two steps forward and called out: "Ms. Lai."

Aunt Lai gently pinched Qingwen's cheek and said with a smile: "I know everything. Don't worry. I will call you to Master Bao's room in a while. But you have to keep it to yourself. Don't worry." I was taken advantage of by someone named Li."

Qingwen's cheeks flushed immediately after hearing this: "I...I don't know how." For some reason, the red upper body suddenly appeared in front of her eyes, and her cheeks became rosier.Qingwen whispered: "Maybe I hated the old lady, so I sent her here. There is no shortage of people in the second master Zuubao's room, and fourth master Jian is gentle to others, so it's good for me to stay here."

Aunt Lai's expression suddenly changed: "Confused! The one with the surname Li is just passing by. He will leave after Qiuwei. How can you have any hope then? I'm afraid you will be sent to wait on others again." After a pause, Aunt Lai's tone was a little more gentle: "Don't worry, I will take care of this matter. Just wait."

After saying a few words, Aunt Lai left in a hurry.Qingwen held the food box and frowned without checking herself.Everyone in the whole family knows that the maids in Master Bao's room have the best life. No matter the food or clothing, they are better than the maids elsewhere.

Yesterday, when Li Weijian pointed out why she was not transferred to Master Bao's room by the old lady, Qingwen thought a lot.She is smart by nature, and knows that there are many people and things going on in the second master Bao's room. First there are people who are attacking, and then there are people who are charming. If she goes there, I'm afraid there will be intrigues.

Fourth Master Jian also said that he would teach himself how to read and write...

While thinking about it, the quiet courtyard in the northeast was far away. Qingwen saw Hongyu sending a strange maid out the door with a smile. When she caught a glimpse of Qingwen, she shook her head and walked in.

Qingwen secretly gritted her teeth and walked a few steps into the main room carrying the food box.Putting the late food box on the table, he turned around and rushed to Hongyu who was wiping the ornaments on the ancient shelf: "Who was that person just now?"

"Sister Ying'er from Lixiangyuan is here to deliver an invitation to Fourth Master." Hongyu stopped her hands and looked at Qingwen with a smile: "Why don't you open it and take a look?"

"You -" Although Qingwen is smart, she is clumsy and has a clumsy tongue, and quarrels will only come out of temper.Thinking of being harmed by Hongyu yesterday, Qingwen immediately gritted her teeth. Just before she opened her mouth to shout, she heard Xiuying's surprised voice from in front of her: "Young master... the fourth master is back!"

Hongyu threw away the veil, turned around and went out to greet him.Qingwen became increasingly annoyed and hurriedly followed her out.

Na Xiu Ying was stupid and only talked around Li Weijian, but later Hongyu came up first and took off Li Weijian's cloak.

"Fourth Master, have you had your meal?" Hongyu asked.

"I've eaten. I ate at Minister Yan's house."

Hongyu said happily: "The servant minister left the meal, I must have taken a fancy to the young master's talent and learning."

Li Weijian shook his head: "Wrong, Minister Yan is not at home, it was his second son who took me to dinner."

Hongyu said: "Fourth Master has made friends with the young master of the minister's family as soon as he arrived in the capital. He will definitely have a good future in the future."

"Hahaha, let me borrow your good words."

Qingwen was clumsy and could not say such flattering words, so she became even more angry at the flattering Hongyu.

Li Weijian caught a glimpse of Qingwen and saw her sullen face. He immediately smiled and said, "Huh? Who made you unhappy again?"

"No," Qingwen couldn't find any way to express this discord, so Qingwen said, "Sir, the invitation from Lixiangyuan is placed on the table in the room."

"Oh? Let me see."

Li Weijian quickly walked in and picked up the invitation on the table, but saw that the handwriting on it was beautiful, and it happened to be written in the name of Xue Pan. In gratitude for his generosity, he invited him to a banquet at Lixiangyuan tomorrow.

There was a faint unique fragrance on the invitation, and Li Weijian thought, this invitation must have been written by Baochai, right?
(Note [-]: Du Xian is the honorific title of the Governor.)
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(End of this chapter)