Chapter 70: Tongren Academy

  The birds sing and the flowers are fragrant, with a strong scent wafting through the small garden. Deng Zixuan strolls in the small garden, feeling very happy. At present, Tongren Academy has taken shape, this place is not only a venue for exchanging various ideas, but also gradually sprouting new thoughts. This year, more than a dozen students were admitted, bringing the total number of students at Tongren Academy to over 50 people.

  In the past few years, dozens of xiucai have emerged from Tongren Academy, among whom, in addition to Kuang Jiazhi and Li Tong, five others have taken office as county magistrates under Deng Zixuan's arrangement. Three people passed the imperial examination. As a result, Tongren Academy gained some reputation. Deng Zixuan warned Zhao Jiuyin and Pei Xuan that from this year on, Tongren Academy would adopt strict examinations, and only those who passed could enter the academy to study. It is said that the quality of the students recruited this year is very high, so Deng Zixuan was eager to meet them.

  At present, Tongren Academy is not only active in thought, but also teaches modern scientific knowledge. There are several foreign teachers in the academy who specialize in teaching mathematics and physics. In this way, it is absolutely number one in the Qing Dynasty, and there is no second academy that can be compared with it. Here, any problem can be discussed without interference from others. It can be said that once a student enters here, he will not want to leave its unique atmosphere again.

  In front of the cool pavilion, several scholars' debating voices came over, attracting Deng Zixuan. He walked quietly and listened secretly. Everyone, if the Qing dynasty wants to be strong, it can only take the path of changing the law, otherwise it will only be a stagnant pool without a way out. Our eastern neighbor Japan is now undergoing the Meiji Restoration, adopting the British monarchical system, which is the most feasible approach. A scholar spoke eloquently.

  Is the monarch constitutional? Reform? Deng Zixuan was slightly surprised when he heard it. He observed the scholar who made the speech, about 17 or 18 years old, with a somewhat thin face and clear eyebrows. Liu's words make sense, after reading Mr. Deng's book, I also had a great epiphany, didn't expect Mr. Deng's high theory to be so profound and broad. If the Qing dynasty does not implement reforms, one day it will perish! Another scholar who spoke fluently was about 27 or 28 years old, with a very steady expression.

  A constitutional monarchy with a cabinet system, the idea is not bad but the imperial court will not compromise. Therefore, I prefer Mr. Deng's introduction of the republican system in his book, only by using violent means to smash an old world can we create a new one. Lin and Liu brothers, your gentle reform seems to be wishful thinking and unrealistic. A square-faced scholar holds an opposing opinion.

  I agree with Brother Li's idea, Mr. Deng introduced the Paris Commune of France, which may be the most ideal social model in the future, but the premise must adopt violent means to overthrow the old system and establish a new society. The adoption of violence truly harms the common people. Gentle reform can better demonstrate reason. Those high-ranking officials and supreme emperors will not discuss reason with you! Foreign things are not necessarily suitable for us, the current foreign affairs movement is nothing but using Western methods for Chinese purposes, with Chinese learning as the main goal. Perhaps with the baptism of modern thought, we may find a better way...

  Deng Zixuan felt that their ideas were a bit too extreme, and if this trend continued, it might bring disaster. He must discipline them. Upon closer inspection, he found that they all looked unfamiliar, probably new students recruited this year. Deng Zixuan cleared his throat lightly and walked out. Seeing the four students looking at him nervously, he said: "Sorry to disturb you all, my name is Deng Zixuan."

  Four people heard and immediately Jing Shen Da Zhen. The disciple Liu Guangdi is a new student who came this year. Mr.'s masterpiece is shocking, the disciple pays his respects! Student Lin Xu, now seeing Mr. Deng's majestic demeanor, reads his masterpiece and finds it truly lives up to its reputation. Disciple Li Moran, paying respects to Mr. Deng, Mr.'s ideas have made the student suddenly enlightened, Mr.'s noble character is admirable. Disciple Zhang Shizhao, paying respects to Mr. Deng. The disciple has been here for over a month and has initially understood Mr.'s ideas, only then did he know what it means to worry about the country and its people! What's going on? Did introducing Western countries' political systems to them actually make them think this way?

  Deng Zixuan gazed at Liu Guangdi and Lin Xu, secretly astonished in his heart. Weren't these two among the six famous gentlemen of the Wu Xu Reform? It seemed that with his arrival, the life trajectories of these people would undergo significant changes. This could be called a rule: birds of a feather flock together, and people are divided into groups. Perhaps this is a law! You all seem to be people with grand ambitions, each with your own independent views. Just now, after hearing you speak, I feel very comforted. Deng Zixuan smiled.

  Thank you, sir, for your appreciation. It's your book that has inspired us! Lin Xu Dao said. Deng Zixuan suddenly changed the subject and said: However, it's too early for you to discuss politics, this is very immature. Your current task is to focus on learning modern scientific knowledge, what you should think about is why foreigners are far ahead of us, what caused it.

  Please instruct, sir! Four people speak in unison. The motto of Tongren Academy is to follow the trend of the times, not to be bound by rigid and outdated ideas, and to promote a free spirit. However, what you need to do first here is to master modern scientific knowledge. At present, Western countries have entered the steam age, and the waves of modern industry will inevitably bring about profound social changes. Therefore, you should prepare for this change instead of making unrealistic and irresponsible remarks. Some things can only be understood implicitly and cannot be explicitly stated, let alone shouted outside, do you understand?

  The four scholars nodded, and Deng Zixuan continued: Having a strong desire is a good thing. I hope you will do more and talk less. Maybe one day in the future, you will need to stand up and make a difference, only then can your intelligence be fully utilized. The ancient saying "cultivate oneself, govern the country, and bring peace" emphasizes the importance of self-cultivation, which also means the sedimentation of your moral values. If you want to achieve great things in the future, you must closely combine traditional and modern elements, only then can you achieve twice the result with half the effort. You should carefully ponder my words.

  Zhao Jiuyi and Pei Xuan hurriedly arrived, the four scholars saw the principal and vice-principal coming and hastily bid farewell. Mr. Deng! I heard you went to Guangzhou, how come you're back so soon! Mr. Deng, you didn't even report your arrival, making us feel embarrassed! The two exchanged greetings. I heard that this year's new students are quite good, so we came to take a look. Just now, I saw you were busy and didn't want to disturb you.

  Zhao Jiuming smiled and said: Mr. Deng, this year we recruited 10 students, each of whom is excellent. Li Tong also smiled and said: Mr. Deng, due to the increasing reputation of Tongren Academy, the quality of students who come to take the exam is getting better and better. We strictly screen them, and those who are unqualified are not accepted. Now there are 55 students studying here.

  "How are the foreign teachers?" Deng Zixuan asked. Zhao Jiuyang replied, "The foreign teachers are doing well, they are all diligent and meticulous. Just now I had a simple communication with the new students, their quality is indeed very high, and their thinking is also very active. However, you must be careful not to make reckless comments on state affairs, it's extremely dangerous, and you should know that your words can bring disaster. Discussing academic topics can be free and unrestrained, but when discussing sensitive topics, there must be limits. I hope that in the future, the talented students who come out of our Tongren Academy will not only have traditional ideas but also modern thinking, this is the educational philosophy of our academy. We want to cultivate modern talents, not a group of rebellious warriors, do you understand?"

  Yes, Mr. Deng, it's my fault for being remiss! Zhao Jiuyi blamed himself. What Mr. Deng said is reasonable, social change doesn't happen overnight, perhaps it takes the efforts of a generation to take effect, we are indeed a bit too hasty. Pei Xuan echoed in agreement. You must remember, our Tongren Academy cultivates future officials with new thinking, not reckless rascals, this point is especially important.

  Deng Zixuan, who is well-versed in history, is very clear that the creation of Tongren Academy is tailored to consolidate his power after seizing it. Later, letting military generals take charge of governing a region is not feasible, so cultivating a modern civil servant system is another move he made, which will be crucial for the future empire's rapid stability and prosperity. What is meant by "military generals pacifying the country" and "civil officials ruling the country" is the result of historical repeated arguments.

  As they spoke, they walked into the office. Pei Xuan personally poured tea for Deng Zixuan and said: "Mr. Deng, currently our party members have developed to 115 people, each of whom has undergone strict examination, and the vast majority are poor and humble children." Deng Zixuan took over the name list and glanced at it briefly, saying: "The purpose of the Tongren Party is to save the country through science, using Western methods for Chinese purposes, with Chinese learning as the main focus. This point must be emphasized. Especially this point caters to the taste of the洋务派 (Western Affairs Party), we must grasp it well."

  Mr. Deng, we have carefully read and understood the teaching materials you wrote, and according to your plan, there will be no mistakes. Pei Xuandao said. Mr. Deng, now the atmosphere of freedom is very strong, if we suppress it now, won't that hurt the students' enthusiasm? Zhao Jiuming expressed some concern. Deng Zixuan thought for a moment and said: I think this way, since you students have too much energy, you can start a publication, let's call it "Natural Language". Mr. Deng, how long will each issue be, what is the content? Pei Xuan asked.

  Deng Zixuan said casually: Half a month is one period, the content should not involve the imperial court or government affairs. Mainly introduce the customs and modern industrial development of various Western countries. Also popularize natural science knowledge, try to make it easy to understand and concise. In order to let most people understand at a glance, on the basis of classical Chinese, each title must be annotated in vernacular Chinese, so that those old-fashioned and conservative people can't pick out any faults. From now on, our articles must break through the framework of eight-part essay and transition to vernacular Chinese.

  Mr. Deng is indeed a far-sighted man, this move is wonderfully inexplicable, making it possible for ordinary people to understand, and its influence will definitely be extraordinary! Zhao Jiuming was exceptionally excited. Yes! This way of popularizing natural science knowledge is more effective, and can take the opportunity to break the myth of foreigners and enhance the confidence of the common people, killing two birds with one stone! Pei Xuan's analysis is even more thorough.

  A certain lecturer came in to inform that the students had gathered, and asked Mr. Deng to give a lecture. At first, some of the students who entered the academy were determined to stay, and now they are all lecturers. Perhaps it has become a convention that every time Deng Zixuan comes to inspect the academy, he will communicate with the students. Deng Zixuan's profound knowledge and unique insights have already made the students' souls dizzy.

  As they entered the classroom, the students stood up to greet them. Deng Zixuan said: Everyone sit down, don't be formal. This year we have recruited 10 new students, and we have added fresh blood. Now Tongren Academy is getting better and better, Principal Zhao Jiuming and Mr. Pei Xuan's contributions are invaluable. Many students came to admire the name, which shows the success and attractiveness of Tongren Academy.

  Today I want to emphasize the importance of scientific knowledge! What is knowledge? Knowledge is power, and scientific knowledge gives power wings, allowing it to soar higher and farther. Why do we want you to grasp natural science knowledge? The purpose is that in the future, each of you may become a pillar of the country. With natural science knowledge, you will be able to better serve the people, govern with ease, and fully utilize your intelligence...

  That night, several new students were still excited. My mentor Jing Tong was knowledgeable about history and had extensive knowledge. But compared to Mr. Deng, he was far inferior. Don't look at Mr. Deng being similar in age to me, but his vision and wisdom were far above my teacher's. What a pity! I wish I could have come a few years earlier. However, it's not too late now, and it's really true that there are heavens beyond the heavens and people beyond people! Lin Xu sighed.

  Today, listening to Mr. Deng's teachings is truly enlightening. Mr. Deng is no ordinary person, his knowledge and experience as Minister of Rites are more than sufficient. Even Liu Guangdi couldn't help but sigh in admiration. Li Mòrān said: "Mr. Deng is a great talent, well-versed in ancient and modern times, not to mention his profound insights that penetrate to the heart of the matter, making one feel suddenly enlightened." I feel fortunate to be Mr. Deng's disciple, this life has no regrets. Fellow brothers, let us work together, do not disappoint Mr. Deng's sincere hopes. In the darkness, the four hands clasped together, silently swearing an oath.

  Half a month later, Deng Zixuan received the first issue of Tongren Shuyuan's Natural Language.