Volume 1 In the Countryside Chapter 40: Master and disciple falling out?
If we were to use precise words to describe the bunch of playboys in Cuiyun's room, especially Zhang Chen and Lu Sanlang, then the word "complex" could probably barely explain their moods and feelings.
Before, when they were in the hall of Zhang's house, even though Tang Ming and Xie Wanquan accused Zhang Shou of deceiving the world and stealing the reputation, Zhang Chen and Lu Sanlang felt that Zhang Shou's height, shoulder breadth, and the tone and intonation of his voice were completely different from the "old gentleman" who had taught them before.
After that, Ge Yong suddenly showed up again. The two of them were even surprised and delighted to speculate whether they had actually become disciples of this imperial teacher, but that he was just playing a trick on them and had designed such a conversation last night.
But now after going around in circles, no matter who that "old gentleman" was last night, they were kicked to Zhang Shou by Ge Yong anyway!
At this moment, a large group of people, led by Zhang Chen and Lu Sanlang, were sitting obediently in the Qingfeng Xulai Hall, staring at Ge Yong and Zhang Shou, who were sitting opposite each other at a small square table, talking about something they could not understand, as if it were a mathematical problem from a heavenly book.
Ge Yong was talking about the method of dividing a circle and the hypotenuse; Zhang Shou was talking about infinite series and the iterative method... until they got to Arabic numerals, and after just a few words, Ge Yong suddenly became so angry that his face turned blue and he stood up abruptly.
"Those weird talismans from the barbarian lands are not worthy of being compared with abacus sticks!"
After hearing this, the young dandies were greatly encouraged.
Could it be that just after he acknowledged his last disciple, the teacher and the student had a falling out in the blink of an eye?
In this way, they can take revenge if they have grievances!
However, something they did not expect happened. Ge Yong strode forward, grabbed Zhang Shou's sleeve and dragged him up. Then he ignored these poor guys and walked out.
Lu Sanlang, who boldly turned his head to look, even saw that when Zhu Ying hurriedly ran after him, the old man glared at her angrily.
"Old man, I want to discuss math with this kid. Little Yingying, don't come and join in the fun! As early as when you were seven or eight years old, I discovered that you have no talent for math!"
Seeing Zhu Ying trying to refute him unconvinced, Zhang Shou smiled and said, "It's okay, it's just a small question about numbers."
To be honest, he, who had always lived in the countryside , was surprised and delighted when he first discovered that Arabic numerals, which were only truly popularized in China very late in history, were introduced into all walks of life in the early years of this dynasty under the strong promotion of the court.
Perhaps the ancient Chinese counting method of abacus was very advanced, but it is definitely not a coincidence that Arabic numerals from India could conquer the whole world, even defeating the Latin numerals that once dominated Europe, and finally developed into the most important component of basic mathematics!
But when Arabic numerals were gradually becoming popular throughout the Ming Dynasty, there were still people who insisted on using abacus symbols as a means of calculation. For example, the old man Ge in front of him was a die-hard supporter of abacus. He really didn't expect this.
So, when they left Qingfeng Xulai Hall, he, who was originally dragged by Ge Yong, winked at Qi Liang who followed him out, and asked someone to help Zhu Ying to watch the place, and then he took the old man to Shuibo Buxing Hall. He didn't say anything, but took the paper and pen from the bookshelf, spread it out in front of Ge Yong, picked up the pen and dipped it in ink, and wrote a number casually.
This is not a difficult question or a formula or theorem, but... a square root in vertical form. Although in later times, even the most complicated square root can be inputted in a few seconds on a scientific calculator...
But at this moment, he listed a long list of square root calculation formulas for Ge Yong using the vertical method. This was because he was very fast at mental arithmetic, so it only took him a few minutes to calculate the decimal representing the square root of ten.
He then followed up with a faster iteration.
When he finally put the two identical numbers in front of Ge Yong, the old man's face looked as if it was covered with frost.
"Although the former method wastes paper, it has one advantage. It does not require recalculation if the chips are messed up, and it requires countless chips. It is also easier to check than abacus. As long as you master the rules, no matter how complicated it is, you can make progress step by step. The latter method is relatively convenient. It takes some effort when testing the roots, but it is fast. Using the numbers brought from overseas is simple and easy to understand."
He knew that Ge Yong might not be able to get over that hurdle in his heart, just like people who believe that traditional Chinese characters are the best in the world often criticize simplified Chinese characters to pieces, not to mention that Arabic numerals are a completely foreign culture.
"Sir, when Zu Wenyuan first created the Daming calendar, opponents clamored, saying that the calendar was created by the ancients and would never change. But what did Zu Wenyuan say? We should not trust the past and doubt the present. If something from the ancient times is wrong, and we still use it now, won't we make the same mistake over and over again? Mathematics is just like the calendar, it must keep pace with the times."
As Zhang Shou spoke, he stood up and took out the still warm teapot from the cattail bag. He washed the teacup and poured tea for Ge Yong himself. Then he smiled more sincerely.
"I also became interested in mathematics after reading a few books left by the teacher. A peddler passing by happened to bring a few old books from the market. I saw those numbers from overseas that were simpler than counting sticks, which aroused my interest. You also saw that the exercises in Qi Liang's workbook were all compiled with these numbers. If you think this is heresy, then I admit my mistake."
Fortunately, when the Qingfeng Xulai Hall was renovated, he personally sorted out and moved out the things inside. No one knew that the few mathematical scriptures left by the old man were only scraps of paper. Otherwise, he would not know how to end it!
"Admit your mistakes, but don't regret it. This is your attitude, right?" Ge Yong stared at Zhang Shou. Seeing him nod frankly, he remained silent for a long time with a cold face, and finally smiled.
"If I had been here in 'seclusion' and you were so stubborn, I would have scolded you and walked away. But who made you master mathematics to such an extent in such a short time, and even taught Deng Xiaodai and Qi Liang, two talented and hardworking students?"
He lost interest as he spoke: "I also know that I have insisted on using counting rods for counting these years. I say that I am following the old ways, but in fact I am just following the old ways. Even the few old friends who are proficient in mathematics have begun to use the numbers that came from overseas... Alas, it's just that everyone didn't tell me to my face because of my age..."
"You are the only one who doesn't know how to respect teachers!"
When he said this, Ge Yong blew his beard and glared again. Seeing Zhang Shou smiling and apologizing repeatedly, he said seriously: "Your father-in-law invited me here, of course, not to teach you mathematics. The books I specially left for you included the Ten Mathematical Classics, purely because I was mad at you. But I heard from Xiaodai that you have some basic knowledge of classics and history, and you can remember everything you read. Don't waste such good qualifications on trivial matters in the future!"
Fearing that Zhang Shou was just pretending to be ignorant, he added emphatically: "If you are greedy for food, just instruct others to do it. Cooking by yourself will give you enough time to think about many problems! If I can push Zu Wenyuan's diameter-circle ratio a little further, I will have no regrets in my life. Alas, he has not made any progress in a thousand years, and even his "Embroidery Book" has been lost!"
Zhang Shou quickly lowered his head and nodded respectfully, not wanting Ge Yong to notice the change in his expression.
Mathematics is a profound subject. Compared with those conjectures that no one has been able to solve for so many years, pi is just a problem with millions of digits that can be calculated by a supercomputer in modern times...
But to be honest, let alone the fact that the old man doesn't believe it, even if he does, he will definitely vomit blood. He should find some excuses such as the lost mathematical books he found, such as the edited book, and throw a few textbooks out to let Ge Yong have something to study. Maybe it can give people a second spring in life?
And the next moment, Ge Yong, who just seemed like a diligent mathematics researcher, suddenly changed his tone.
"Of course, those two guys, Tang Ming and Xie Wanquan, were sent here by someone. Although I have retired a long time ago, I cannot stay here for long because of my status, so I can only protect you for a while. You and Xiao Yingying will have to figure out how to deal with future matters. Don't blame your father-in-law for abandoning you and your son to the countryside. You will know some things later."
"Be good to Xiao Yingying. Although she is spoiled by her father, she has a good nature. It's rare that she gets along with you. And she has her grandmother's support behind her. Don't let her down! Come with me back to Qingfeng Xulai Hall. I will teach those guys a lesson. I can't be the Grand Master for nothing!"
