People in the Three Kingdoms: Starting from Preaching

Chapter 459 Waves
When talking about research directions, Zhou Liang quickly got into the mood, seemingly ignoring the identity of the person in front of him, and began to analyze various problems in a torrent of words, as if he was discussing and studying with other companions.

Xu Chen did not feel impatient about this, but listened with great interest.

It has to be said that although Zhou Liang specialized in agricultural science, as a naturalist, he was able to conduct research on many issues with his naturalistic thinking.

After all, this is still the barbaric era of natural science, and the depth of a subject is very limited. As long as they are willing, intellectuals can broaden the breadth of their research, just as most early Western scientists dabbled in several disciplines.

Once the natural science system matures and the depth of a subject is sufficient for a person to study for a lifetime, the scope of the subject for intellectuals will become relatively narrow.

Now, Zhou Liang has made use of this voyage to conduct a detailed investigation of the surrounding areas, not only the crops he specializes in, but also the cultural customs, institutional levels, astronomical phenomena and geography of various places.

Although it cannot be said to be absolutely correct in all aspects, it is pretty close to what it says, at least it basically matches Xu Chen's understanding.

The surprising thing is that the knowledge system that I have established can really produce enough outstanding talents. Even if I am no longer around in the future, they can still push this civilization in the right direction.

"According to my observation, in Luzon and Indochina, under ideal conditions, crops can be grown twice or three times a year. If developed, it can greatly alleviate the food crisis in Xuanxia. In addition, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and spices are all favorable industries in these places. Although the local natives are ignorant and lazy, I believe that as long as the right methods are used, it will definitely be possible."

As he was speaking, Zhou Liang suddenly stopped. He finally realized that he had been talking for too long. Fortunately, Xu Chen's faint smile prevented him from feeling too uneasy.

"I couldn't help myself at the moment, I hope the Prime Minister won't blame me." After an awkward cough, Zhou Liang sat up straight, not daring to look at Xu Chen again.

Xu Chen laughed and said, "You said it very well. I think these opinions can be used as a guide for Xuanxia's future overseas expansion. Why don't you go back and work with the others to make a detailed plan, which may help the country."

Zhou Liang was shocked when he heard this and stood up quickly: "Student obeys your order!"

Zhou Liang did not find such an assignment troublesome at all. He only felt that it was Xu Chen's trust in him. Instead, he was very moved. His knowledge and achievements were recognized by Xu Chen. He felt that even if he died, he would have no regrets.

Xu Chen smiled and waved his hands again to ask Zhou Liang to sit down. Zhou Liang suppressed his excitement and joy and sat down obediently.

Xu Chen smiled and said, "Actually, apart from these, I am most happy about this voyage. You have summarized a lot of sailing experience and even made some sailing tools to facilitate sailing. It is not easy to achieve this in just one year."

Zhou Liang nodded after hearing this, thought for a moment, and said, "I am still just exploring the subject of navigation, and my current experience is still insufficient. At this time, I may need to consult the study of astronomy and calendar, but I don't know where to find this knowledge."

Xu Chen's eyes lit up when he heard this. This was the right research direction. However, the theory of astronomy and calendar was very niche and mysterious in this era, and Xuanxia currently did not have any corresponding knowledge for Zhou Liang to learn.

But just because Xuanxia doesn’t have it doesn’t mean Huaxia doesn’t have it. Suddenly, Xu Chen thought of someone.

"I remember a man named Liu Hong, who is a relative of the Han Dynasty. He later surrendered to Xuanxia with the Han Emperor. He is proficient in mathematics and astronomy and calendar. I may be able to introduce him to you."

"That's great. I thank you, Prime Minister."

Zhou Liang was immediately excited when he heard this. This was something he had been longing for, and now he could finally solve it. The astronomical calendar was very mysterious. During this voyage with the fleet, Zhou Liang discovered that many things about navigation were always related to astronomy. If he could study it seriously, he might be able to understand the true nature of heaven and earth.

Speaking of Liu Hong, Xu Chen learned about him from Cai Yan.

When the Han court was still in existence, Xu Chen's father-in-law Cai Yong, who was not yet dead at that time, became close friends with Liu Hong. The two often discussed academic matters and even studied the "Natural Classic" together. Cai Yan, as Cai Yong's daughter, was also very familiar with Liu Hong.

After Liu Hong surrendered with Liu Xie, he lived in seclusion in the mountains and made a living by farming. Cai Yan visited him often and their relationship was still good.

Xu Chen was actually a little envious of talents like Liu Hong. He originally wanted to lure him to the Xuanxia Academy. However, since Liu Hong was a relative of the Han royal family and was unwilling to be employed by Xuanxia, ​​Xu Chen had to give up.

But now that Zhou Liang has encountered this problem, Xu Chen has thought about trying his wife's connections. Even if Liu Hong is unwilling to help Xuan Xia, he will not refuse to take him as a student for the sake of the Cai family.

After making a note of this, Xu Chen looked at Zhou Liang again and changed the subject: "It is no secret that I have the desire to sail across the ocean. On the other side of the vast ocean, there is a vast new continent with rich species, such as topaz rice, huge root food, and gelatinous trees. If we can bring back these items, it will benefit hundreds of millions of people."

After hearing these words, Zhou Liang realized what Xu Chen wanted to say.

Indeed, Xu Chen’s desire to sail on the ocean was no secret, and this matter had long been known to the world. Zhou Liang also knew that this near-sea voyage was actually just to accumulate experience for ocean voyages.

Even these precious species mentioned by Xu Chen had been mentioned before, but hearing them now still made Zhou Liang feel extremely excited.

My original intention in engaging in natural sciences was to benefit the general public based on reality. If there really is such an important thing, I will find a way to get it back no matter what.

"What I want to ask you is, this kind of ocean voyage is dozens of times more difficult than your previous near-sea voyage. Are you sure you can succeed?" Xu Chen stared at Zhou Liang with some anticipation in his eyes.

Zhou Liang's face became solemn. He had fully experienced the horror of the sea during his previous voyages, and he knew what kind of terror it was.

But when he thought of what Xu Chen said, his heart was filled with passion: "When I have mastered the art of navigation, I will have the confidence to do it as long as we have the same fleet size as before!"

At this moment, he had already made a great ambition in his heart that even if he had to go through mountains of swords and seas of fire, he would drive through it.

Upon hearing this, Xu Chen nodded with satisfaction. Although ocean voyages were difficult at this time, they were completely feasible.

Even if he had done this a thousand years in advance, Xu Chen could have provided Zhou Liang with resources that were ten or a hundred times better than those of Columbus. He didn't believe that he would not be able to get away with it.

He seemed to have seen the image of corn, potatoes and rubber waving at him.

(End of this chapter)