Science prodigy Li Yin

The moment Li Yin entered the laboratory, he immediately forgot the purpose that had brought him there.

Curiosity drove him to pull Li Zhi along, exploring every apparatus in the room. As Li Zhi explained their functions, Li Yin’s eyes grew brighter and brighter, as if a magical door had opened before him. He could hardly wait for Li Zhi to demonstrate how each device worked, insisting on carefully trying every experiment himself once it was completed. Within a single afternoon, he was already proficient in preparing three acids and two bases, and he wholeheartedly agreed with Li Zhi’s casual suggestion: “If you encounter a mineral you don’t recognize, just grab it and heat it up.”

At that moment, Li Yin was completely immersed in the joy of repeated successes, forgetting entirely about the passage of time outside. Only after Li Zhi reminded him several times that dusk was approaching did Li Yin reluctantly leave the laboratory. Before departing, he hesitated, then turned to Li Zhi and asked, “Ninth Brother, may I come here again tomorrow?”

Li Zhi seized the opportunity and replied, “Of course you may, but my knowledge is still lacking; I must study every day, so it is difficult for me to spend much time with Sixth Brother.”

Li Yin responded, “That is no matter. During the experiments, I found many things difficult to understand. Why don’t we, starting tomorrow, study together as brothers?”

Li Zhi smiled and nodded, saying, “It is what I have wished for, though I dared not ask. Since Sixth Brother has spoken, I shall of course comply.”

And so, without realizing it, the academic underachiever was drawn back into the classroom by Li Zhi. Within days, news of Li Yin’s newfound diligence swept through the ears of Li Shimin and all the imperial concubines like a sudden breeze. Everyone was astounded to hear that Li Yin was seriously studying. No one could have guessed that only days earlier, Li Zhi had complained about Li Yin before the emperor, and now the two were mutually encouraging each other in their studies.

Li Shimin, upon hearing the news, laughed heartily with delight; nothing pleased him more than seeing his wayward son suddenly reform. Lady Yang, upon hearing it, was moved to tears of joy, knowing that her son’s transformation owed much to Li Zhi’s influence. Yet perhaps the most astonished of all was Li Zhi himself.

He discovered that Li Yin was a prodigy in science. Not only could Li Yin quickly grasp the mathematical knowledge taught in the Imperial Academy, he could even master the modern mathematics Li Zhi had developed himself. For the first time in this era, Li Zhi had found someone as gifted in science as he was. He even suspected that, were Li Yin to live alongside him in the modern age, Li Yin’s achievements in science might surpass his own.

Li Yin was not only clever but also possessed exceptional practical skills. During their experiments, Li Yin rarely made mistakes. With this realization, Li Zhi decided to compile all his knowledge in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and impart it to Li Yin as quickly as possible.

Li Zhi’s urgency stemmed from his overwhelming workload. He not only had to study himself, but also learn medicine from Sun Huipu and Sun Simiao, two renowned physicians. Besides that, he studied military strategy under Li Jing and kept a close watch on the training of the new army. He desperately needed capable assistants to help advance the technological progress of the Tang Dynasty, and Li Yin was undoubtedly a rare talent.

This young man was single-minded, able to devote himself tirelessly to the things he loved. Especially after Li Zhi brought back a microscope from the Office of Imperial Manufactures, Li Yin became utterly absorbed in the microscopic world. In comparison, Li Zhi had far more responsibilities.

Once the Office of Imperial Manufactures succeeded in producing telescopes and microscopes, Li Zhi first brought one to his own laboratory and then delivered two to the Medical Academy. When Sun Simiao and his fellow physicians observed bacteria through the microscope, their understanding of medicine was destined to reach a new level. They resolved to use the microscope to re-examine their medical theories and re-evaluate familiar prescriptions.

Moreover, Li Zhi introduced the concept of surgery and provided the method for preparing alcohol, so they could use it for sterilization. When Li Zhi entrusted a telescope to Li Jing, the veteran general’s worldview was utterly shaken. Trembling, Li Jing stood atop the watchtower in the military camp, holding the telescope, and saw a distant village dozens of miles away with remarkable clarity. Even the movements of the villagers were visible. The seasoned general immediately understood the profound impact such a device could have on the battlefield, and in that instant, he thought of several possible uses for the telescope.

After descending from the high platform, Li Jing, still excited, said to Li Zhi, “Your Highness, with this device the armies of Great Tang will stand invincible.”

Li Zhi replied, “Master, I must disagree. Though wondrous, this device requires a skilled commander; ordinary generals may not possess your insight.”

Li Jing pondered Li Zhi’s words, finding them somewhat conservative, but he did not argue further. Instead, he said with enthusiasm, “This device fits perfectly with the new army’s tactics. With more familiarity, it will surely achieve miraculous effects on the battlefield.”

Li Zhi said, “I believe it will be even more effective if used together with sand tables.”

Li Jing nodded, his expression thoughtful, and said, “Indeed, but making sand tables is not easy; certain skills are required.”

Li Zhi replied, “I will have a simple sand table made as soon as possible for use in the field. As for surveying terrain and drawing maps, I must rely on you to instruct the officers.”

Li Jing nodded, saying, “This is my duty. Your Highness need not worry.”

Though in this era, senior commanders like Li Jing understood how to use sand tables for military planning, the method was not widely adopted. Li Zhi saw this as a severe waste of resources. Even in modern warfare, wargaming remains an extremely effective means of preparation. While learning to draw military maps and accurately translating them into sand tables would be challenging for people of his time, Li Zhi believed these difficulties could be overcome.

The basic materials for making sand tables were simply fine sand, which could be moistened with water for use. Li Zhi gathered sawdust and soil to represent mountains and hills, as well as cloth strips for rivers, various cards, and markers. After two days of work, Li Zhi and his team transported the completed sand table to the military camp.

Li Zhi’s sand table was far more refined than those Li Jing had previously constructed from available materials. Li Jing was extremely satisfied upon seeing it. From then on, the Dragon Cavalry’s training curriculum included sand table construction and wargaming.