Li Zhi Faced with Mockery: The Persuasion of Three Teachers

Li Chunfeng took the telescope from Li Zhi’s hand, unsure how to operate it. Liu An, seeing this, stepped forward to demonstrate. Following Liu An’s example, Li Chunfeng was astonished to discover that distant scenes, once blurred to the naked eye, suddenly became clear. He quickly trained the lens on a bird perched far away, and was amazed to see each feather distinctly, even the bird’s eye movements visible in crisp detail.

Lowering the telescope, Li Chunfeng exclaimed in awe, “This device is truly wondrous! I never imagined Your Highness possessed such extraordinary talent.”

Li Zhi merely smiled and silently handed Li Chunfeng the mathematics book he had compiled. He said, “Master Li, you are learned in mathematics. I would be grateful if you could review my humble work and offer your guidance.”

Li Chunfeng, confident in his own mathematical expertise, opened the book carefully without false modesty, believing himself qualified to instruct Li Zhi. Yet after only a few pages, sweat began to bead on his brow.

The book was a synthesis of ancient and modern mathematical works, combining contemporary language with formulas from Li Zhi’s previous life. It not only enumerated solutions to many current problems but also introduced advanced mathematics and geometry from another era. Though it was but a fraction of Li Zhi’s knowledge, to Li Chunfeng it was already abstruse and difficult to comprehend.

He forced himself to read a few more pages before finally closing the book with a sigh. Bowing deeply, he said with a complicated expression, “Your Highness possesses remarkable insight and draws upon the wisdom of many schools. I am ashamed—I truly cannot understand much of it.”

Li Zhi replied, “I have merely dabbled; many theories require further verification. I hope Master Li might recommend talented individuals to join me in exploration.”

Li Chunfeng bowed, “I will do my utmost.”

He was now thoroughly convinced by Li Zhi; it was the first time he had encountered anyone more skilled in mathematics than himself. What was most astonishing was that the person before him was still so young.

Li Chunfeng glanced again at the book and the telescope in his hand. Hesitating, he asked, “May I borrow these two items for further study?”

Li Zhi said, “Why not? If you wish, please take them.”

Receiving permission, Li Chunfeng immediately took his leave, saying, “I shall return and write a letter at once. I believe Brother Yuan, upon learning of Your Highness’s talent, will quickly come to join you.”

Li Zhi smiled, “Then I shall await Master Li’s good news.”

After Li Chunfeng departed, Li Zhi leapt for joy inside his room. At this moment, he cared little whether scholars favored his literary academy. If Yuan Tiangang agreed to join him, astronomy and mathematics would both be opened up. If he could recruit more practical talents like this, he could form a school. By admitting children from poor families to study for free, would he ever lack for gifted people in the future?

Excited, he turned to Liu An, “Liu An, since those scholars look down on me, we won’t admit them.”

Liu An gasped, “Your Highness, if we don’t recruit scholars, won’t the academy be a mere empty name? That would invite ridicule.”

Li Zhi replied, “Who says only scholars are useful? Spread the word that I welcome extraordinary talents from all walks of life to apply at the prince’s manor, so long as they possess unique skills.”

Liu An was stunned by Li Zhi’s words, eyes wide. “Your Highness, such a bold recruitment of wandering experts will surely earn the emperor’s reprimand.”

Li Zhi waved his hand, “If Father disapproves, I will explain myself. You need only deliver my message.”

Seeing Li Zhi’s determination, Liu An could do nothing but leave to spread the word.

Liu An’s concerns were not unfounded; Li Zhi’s actions quickly stirred discussion throughout Chang’an. Many craftsmen and wandering experts considered whether to try their luck with Li Zhi, seeing it as a rare chance to escape their social status.

Those who had mocked Li Zhi now speculated if his move was an act of desperation.

Fang Xuanling, Zhangsun Wuji, and Li Jing hurried over to advise him.

Fang Xuanling was the first to speak earnestly, “Your Highness, you must not handle the academy in this manner!”

Zhangsun Wuji added, “Indeed, Zhinü, such behavior will drive all scholars away from you.”

Li Jing said, “Your Highness, do you realize that wandering experts often live by deceit? Associating with them will bring shame, and you may suffer losses if deceived.”

Li Zhi smiled, “My dear teachers, your words are true, but I do not believe the situation so dire.”

Seeing Fang Xuanling about to speak, Li Zhi quickly interjected, “Allow me to explain.”

He composed himself and said, “It is not that I look down on scholars, but I find others more practical.”

Fang Xuanling asked in puzzlement, “What do you mean, Your Highness?”

Li Zhi replied, “My literary education and virtue are well taught by you three, but my interests are varied, and these cannot be instructed by scholars.”

Zhangsun Wuji said sternly, “You should devote yourself to your studies, not chase after unorthodox pursuits.”

Li Zhi responded, “Uncle, my interests have not hindered my studies; they have instead brought many useful innovations to the Tang dynasty.”

Zhangsun Wuji said, “Your previous achievements stayed within the realm of natural philosophy. Though I do not fully support them, I have not opposed you. But now you clearly depart from that path. As your teachers, how can we allow you to act recklessly?”

Li Zhi replied, “You do not understand, uncle. I wish to forge new fields of study, which requires extensive experimentation. These experiments need skills from all trades.”

Fang Xuanling exclaimed, “Your Highness, do you mean to create a new discipline?”

Li Zhi nodded, then shook his head. “I do wish to create new disciplines, but not just one or two.”

His words left the three elders staring in disbelief. Fang Xuanling blurted out, “Impossible! Every discipline requires countless sages and years of proof. How can you, so young, dare consider such things?”

Zhangsun Wuji and Li Jing also felt Li Zhi’s ideas were far too unrealistic, suspecting he had become arrogant due to his earlier achievements.

To create a new branch of learning was an immense challenge—how could Li Zhi, still a child, attempt such a feat? And to claim he would not just found one, but several, seemed boastful beyond measure.

Thus, the three elders quickly crowded around Li Zhi, urging him to abandon these impractical ambitions.