Chapter 41: Thunderbolt Bottle? The Key to Super Brain's Success or Failure

  Qing'er gently manipulated the hollow, movable sphere, her eyes also filled with confusion. Despite being intelligent and well-read, she couldn't identify what kind of device this was.

  "This thing is called an 'abacus', it's... a calculating tool I specially made." Zhang Zixing, who was already used to the "business" of plagiarism, didn't even blush when he lied, "Nowadays, the book 'Tian Suan' is famous all over the world, and people's calculation skills are also improving day by day. However, using counting rods as a calculating tool is really inconvenient, so I've been thinking about it for many years, and recently I finally made this thing. I don't dare to keep it private, so I came to share it with you, miss."

  Historically, before the invention of the abacus, people used small wooden sticks for calculations, which were called "counting rods", and calculations using counting rods were called "rod arithmetic". This was also recorded in Tian Suan, a book based on the Nine Chapters on Mathematical Art. As arithmetic became more widespread, people's calculation abilities gradually improved, and the use of counting rods could no longer meet the demand. Therefore, Zhang Zixing timely introduced the abacus, this "premature product". (There is also a legend that it was invented by Huangdi's subordinate, but this is ignored here.)

  Under the curious gaze of Qing Er and Deng Ciyu, Zhang Zixing demonstrated and explained the concept, rhymes and usage of abacus. As soon as Qing Er heard that this abacus was a new calculating tool invented by Mr. Zixing after years of hard thinking, his expression immediately became serious, listening attentively to his explanation, afraid of missing a single word. Deng Ciyu, although not as studious and talented as Qing Er, also had certain arithmetic skills, especially being very interested in this new thing, so she also listened with great attention.

  Zhang Zixing had just finished reciting the abacus mnemonic, when Deng Ciyu snatched the abacus and began operating it based on her memorized mnemonics. As she verified the calculations with ordinary arithmetic, her face lit up with excitement as she succeeded in trial after trial: "Seven minus one plus three, seven two minus six... I get it!"

  Qing'er's mathematical knowledge was far superior to Deng Ciyu's, and her understanding of the abacus was also deeper. She naturally wanted to try operating it, but unfortunately, there was only one abacus, and she didn't want to compete with Deng Ciyu, so her eyes dimmed. Zhang Zixing knew her mood, and while explaining the knowledge of bead arithmetic in detail, he promised to make a few more abacuses and bring them over tomorrow, which finally improved her mood.

  "Little thief, sister was right, can't see that you really have some talent." Deng Ciyu got a bit addicted to playing and her impression of Zhang Zixing also gradually improved. From her expression, "having some talent" was already a very high evaluation for someone.

  Qing'er understood the profound significance of the abacus, and with a solemn expression, he stood up and bowed deeply to Zhang Ziyuan: "The device you have created can simplify complexity, greatly increasing calculation speed and accuracy. Its significance is immense, and it will be passed down through generations. On behalf of all enthusiasts of arithmetic studies under heaven, I thank you, sir!"

  Zhang Zixing hastily returned the courtesy and said: "I heard that Miss's father has an old relationship with officials in the court, can I ask Miss to ask her father to present this thing to the imperial court, so that the abacus can be quickly spread throughout the country and everything will be used."

  Qing'er's face revealed surprise and delight: "Sir, with this intention, Qing'er will certainly do his best. Today, the Son of Heaven is a wise and sage ruler, naturally understanding the importance of the abacus. At that time, there will surely be a reward, Qing'er here offers congratulations to Sir in advance."

  Zhang Zixing shook his head and said something that surprised the two women: "I'll ask Miss to present the abacus to the imperial court, but there's only one condition - it must be absolutely confidential that I'm the inventor of this abacus..."

  "Why? This is a great opportunity!" Even Deng Ciyu felt incredulous, she had heard Qing'er mention Mr. Zixing's identity as a "declined noble" a few days ago: "I thought you were talented, but I didn't expect you to be foolish. If you can gain the emperor's recognition, you should be able to revive your family's fortunes and enjoy wealth and glory. Why do you want to do this?"

  "Wealth, nobility, and fame are just fleeting clouds. How can those days of intrigue and precariousness compare to the freedom of a wild goose in the wilderness?" Zhang Zixing smiled slightly at Deng Ciyu, revealing a calm expression. Deng Ciyu's eyes flickered, but surprisingly, she didn't utter another sarcastic word.

  Zhang Zixing suddenly remembered that many immortals and warriors in the Investiture of the Gods liked to sing when they appeared or started fighting, so he pulled out a poem from Tang Dynasty poet Meng Jiao's "The Recluse" from his super brain database. Someone took a deep breath, gazed into the distance, and smiled serenely, looking like they had transcended worldly cares. In a low voice, they recited: "Listen to my song: A precious jade is born in the rough, but first it's just dust. A pine tree grows on a mountain, but first it's just firewood. A noble man hides behind a stone wall, with the Taoist scriptures as his neighbor. In stillness and quiet, I ponder its meaning, and only then do I truly understand."

  When he finished reciting the plagiarized poem with a flourish, he sneaked a glance at the two women and saw that their eyes were filled with admiration, including Deng Ciyu, who was no exception, and he couldn't help but feel extremely pleased.

  Meng Jiao's "The Recluse" was indeed extraordinary, and the two young ladies were immediately won over by Mr. Zixing's literary talent and integrity, especially Deng Ciyu, who had a greatly improved impression of him.

  Qing'er knew that this extraordinary talent was a "detached and unworldly" person after his suggestion to recommend Zhang Zixing as an official was rejected last time, so he didn't persuade him much on this matter: "Sir is a noble hermit, Qing'er admires you, but after presenting the abacus, the court will inevitably ask about its origin. What should Qing'er say? Why not let me introduce my father to you, and let him decide what to do?"

  "Are you kidding me? Your old man is the first literary minister under my command, unless he learns to cover his face, otherwise his identity will be exposed immediately?" Zhang Zixing hurriedly refused: "This matter is indeed easy for you, Miss Qing'er just said that the abacus was made by you..."

  "How could this be!" Qing Er immediately understood his meaning and firmly refused: "Sir, are you trying to trap Qing Er into doing something unjust? Although Qing Er is not talented, he cannot do such a shameful thing!"

  "Alas, Miss Qing'er, are you willing to let this abacus be lost? Never mind, I'll destroy it myself." Zhang Zixing pretended to be angry, picked up the abacus, and made a gesture as if he was about to smash it.

  "Hold on!" As expected, Qing Er and Deng Ciyu almost simultaneously spoke out to stop him.

  Qing'er gazed at Zhang Zixing and said slowly: "The master has already taught Qing'er the subtleties of the abacus, even if this abacus is destroyed, Qing'er can still recreate one from memory. The abacus holds great significance for arithmetic, Qing'er cannot bear the torment of keeping secrets in his heart, and the abacus will eventually be revealed by Qing'er's own hands. Alas, Master is indeed a good-hearted person!"

  Zhang Zixing couldn't help but admire Qing'er's quick wit, and she could be considered the most intelligent person he had met since arriving in Shang Dynasty. Even compared to Bi Gan, who was known for his cleverness, she was slightly superior. Such a woman, who was also his confidante, would he be able to bear watching her spend her life as an ordinary woman, silently attached to a man?

  "Miss Mingjian, I've made this abacus to help with calculations, not for fame or wealth. I'd like to consider you a kindred spirit, but I know you're being forced into this situation and it's putting you in a difficult position. Please forgive me," Zhang Zixing said with a guilty expression, but in his heart he was thinking that his acting skills were getting better and better, and if he could join the entertainment industry now, he might even be able to become a movie star.

  Qing'er let out a long sigh, and didn't say anything else. Zhang Zixing heard the melancholy in her sighs, and also stopped pressing her for answers, instead starting to chat idly about everything under the sun. Qing'er knew he was trying to change the subject, but still cooperated by occasionally chiming in, so as not to make him feel awkward. As Zhang Zixing secretly praised her, he also made an important decision in his heart.

  Deng Ciyu chatted with Zhang Zixing for the first time and didn't expect that this "Dengzi" had such vast knowledge as Qing'er said, and his words became more and more numerous. Questions came one after another, and they were even stranger than Qing'er's. It was like a famous children's book in the 21st century, "Ten Thousand Whys". Fortunately, with the help of the super brain database and combined with Shang Dynasty's cognitive level, he finally managed to answer Deng Ciyu's rapid-fire questions, and let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that this Miss Yu was indeed a "question" girl.

  Zhang Zixing also discovered an interesting phenomenon. From Deng Ciyu's questions, it can be seen that her thinking mode is very unique, and she dares to ask many challenging questions that challenge existing knowledge authorities. Once she gets excited, her imagination is as rich as the sky, even surpassing Qing'er. However, her purpose is only to get answers or enjoy the fun of Q&A, without delving too deeply into the correctness or significance of the answers themselves. In contrast, Qing'er is different. For many answers, he carefully thinks and verifies them with what he has learned in his heart, constantly absorbing new knowledge. It can be said that although the questions were raised by Deng Ciyu, the one who benefited the most was actually Qing'er, who was listening on the side.

  "Even if it were my master, he couldn't answer Miss's questions continuously like this, and your answers are much more interesting than Master's... You're quite capable, little thief." Deng Ciyu nodded in satisfaction, like a teacher evaluating his disciple, directly promoting him from "somewhat talented" to "capable": "In that case, the grudge between you and me is truly settled, and I won't bother you again."

  Is it really just a stroke of the pen? The emotional girl seems to be agreeing, but Qing'er is giving up on revenge, which is probably a ruse... thinking about this, Zhang Zixing's heart can't help but feel a chill, thinking of a certain famous online phrase from later generations "no matter how poor, don't be poor in education, no matter how provocative, don't provoke an evil girl" - indeed it's a golden rule.

  "Little thief, just now my sister mentioned that your elixir refinement failed, how is it possible that you can refine an elixir?" As soon as the elixir was mentioned, Deng Ciyu's curiosity surged again.

  Zhang Zixing, of course, couldn't tell the truth, so he made up a half-true and half-false story. He said that according to the ancient book fragments, he used the power of thunder to turn sandstone into crystal, but because the container in his hand couldn't hold too much thunder, he failed repeatedly.

  "Little thief, what you just said... can sandstone be transformed into crystal?" Deng Ciyu's apricot eyes widened suddenly. To her, crystal stone was by no means an ornament or treasure, its importance far exceeded the ordinary person's imagination.

  "Yes, unfortunately the ancient book is incomplete. I've tried repeatedly to experiment with it, but can only barely grasp a bit of its essence. However, that heavenly thunderbolt is too difficult to collect, not only is it extremely dangerous, but also limited by the weather, thus progress is very slow."

  "'A little bit of a doorway'? Have you already managed to create crystal?" Deng Ciyu heard the implication in his words and immediately asked a question.

  Zhang Zixing saw that Deng Ciyu seemed to be very concerned about the manufacture of crystal, suddenly thought of the five-colored crystal stone she used to hurt Jiang Wenhuan last time, and seemed to have a sudden realization, replied: "Yes, unfortunately just made a little bit, the power of thunder has been used up..."

  Deng Ciyu frowned and said, "What kind of container do you use to collect the heavenly thunder? Is it an ordinary jade bottle? How foolish! Why not use a Thunder Gathering Bottle?"

  Lightning bottle? Is there a container that can meet the conditions for storing electric energy? Zhang Zixing's eyes widened suddenly.

  There is still one more chapter in the afternoon.