The Doubts of the Crowd

The persuasion of Fang Xuanling and his companions failed to sway Li Zhi’s determination.

He possessed knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanics that no one of this era had ever studied in depth. Unveiling these concepts would be enough to overturn everyone’s understanding.

Not only did he have the foundations to establish new theories, but he also held many insights derived from those very foundations. One could say that his grand recruitment of talents was nothing more than a pretext to spread his knowledge.

He intended to rely on the extraordinary talents among the people to realize his ideas, using their successes to demonstrate his own brilliance.

He wanted everyone to naturally believe he was a child prodigy, not the reincarnation of some omnipotent sage as legend might suggest. After all, becoming a prodigy would certainly earn him Li Shimin’s affection. But if Li Shimin suspected he was the reincarnation of some great power, Li Zhi was convinced he would soon meet his end at the emperor’s own hand.

After all, no matter how remarkable, a great power was just that—a power, not his son.

When Fang Xuanling and the others saw they could not persuade Li Zhi, they turned and went to Li Shimin to complain.

When the three of them explained the matter, even Li Shimin, who had always trusted Li Zhi, felt the boy had become arrogant.

He hastily said to Zhang Anan, “Go and summon Zhinu for me! How can the child be so reckless?”

While Zhang Anan was dispatched to find Li Zhi, Li Zhi was busy receiving a performer in his residence.

This performer’s name was Yang Siqi. Recently, he had been showcasing his family’s puppet skills throughout Chang’an.

Upon hearing that Li Zhi was gathering talents from across the land, he decided to try his luck, hoping his craft might catch the eye of the Prince of Jin, and that perhaps he might ascend to greater heights.

He brought several types of puppets: string puppets, glove puppets, rod puppets, and iron branch puppets.

As Yang Siqi introduced each puppet, Li Zhi listened intently while carefully examining their structures.

The puppets were exquisitely made, the largest standing over one meter eighty. Its head was carved from a single block of wood, with eyes, ears, mouth, and nose rendered vividly and lifelike.

The puppet’s joints moved freely, enabling it to stand, sit, or recline as naturally as any person.

The more Li Zhi observed, the more fascinated he became. To his eyes, these were not mere puppets, but refined works of mechanical art.

Yang Siqi, to others, might be simply an entertainer, but to Li Zhi, he was a mechanical engineer of exceptional skill.

With Yang Siqi’s deft hands and Li Zhi’s mechanical knowledge, the possibility of constructing complex devices became real.

After observing a while longer, Li Zhi stepped forward to address Yang Siqi. “Sir, your artistry truly impresses me. If you are willing, you may stay in my residence. I have many ideas that I hope you can help me realize.”

Hearing that Li Zhi wished to retain him, Yang Siqi was profoundly moved and bowed deeply.

Kneeling, he said, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your recognition. Whatever commands you have, I will devote myself fully, even unto death.”

Li Zhi extended a hand to help him rise, smiling as he replied, “Your words are too heavy, sir. As a guest in my residence, your life need not be in jeopardy.”

Yang Siqi was a bit embarrassed at this, standing awkwardly, unsure what to do.

Li Zhi continued, “Today, please rest in the residence. My ideas are not yet fully formed. When I have thought them through, I will seek your assistance in making them.”

Yang Siqi replied, “Your Highness need only command; I am always at your service.”

Li Zhi turned to Liu An. “Arrange a guest room for the gentleman, and see that nothing is neglected.”

Liu An bowed and took Yang Siqi away courteously.

Once they had left, Li Zhi sat alone, pondering how best to employ Yang Siqi.

Yang Siqi’s woodworking skills were unmatched, but most mechanical devices were made of metal. Having him make wooden models might suffice, but for true machinery, a skilled blacksmith would be necessary.

As Li Zhi pondered this, Zhang Anan arrived at the Prince of Jin’s residence.

Seeing Li Zhi lost in thought, he said anxiously, “Oh dear, Your Highness, how could you be so reckless? You’ve driven your three teachers to complain directly to the emperor!”

Li Zhi was jolted from his reverie by Zhang Anan’s words.

He rose, inviting Zhang Anan to sit, and replied calmly, “I know my three mentors do not believe in me, but I am prepared. There is no need for you to worry.”

Zhang Anan said, “Though I do not know what preparations you have made, I do know how difficult your ambitions are. Allow me, Your Highness, to urge you to reconsider.”

Li Zhi smiled, “Thank you, Chief Steward, but my mind is set. However difficult, I will not retreat.”

Zhang Anan sighed, “Since Your Highness has decided, I will say no more. Please accompany me to the palace.”

Li Zhi replied, “Wait a moment. I need to fetch a few things before we go together.”

With these words, he bowed to Zhang Anan and strode to his study.

He had already compiled some basic physics and chemistry knowledge into books, which he now prepared to show Li Shimin.

Though the content was elementary, for people of this era it was enough to overturn their understanding.

Li Zhi gathered his materials and went with Zhang Anan to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

As soon as he crossed the threshold, Li Shimin, tinged with anger, asked, “Zhinu, how could you be so reckless and anger your three teachers?”

Li Zhi first bowed to Li Shimin and then to Fang Xuanling and the others.

He then said, “Father, I know my ideas seem ambitious to you and my mentors, but I am not overestimating myself.”

Li Shimin snorted, “Nonsense. Do you realize how hard it is to establish a discipline? Countless sages through the ages required generations of accumulation to achieve even small progress. How could a mere child like you succeed?”

Li Zhi replied, “I may not succeed, but at least I can point the way for future generations. Did not the sages of old do likewise?”

Li Shimin struck the armrest of his throne and scolded, “I see you are far too arrogant. At your age, how much insight can you possibly have? How dare you compare yourself to the ancients?”

His gesture startled Fang Xuanling and the others; Liu An wore a look of anxious concern.

Only Li Zhi himself seemed unmoved.

He bowed to Li Shimin and said, “Though I lack talent, I refuse to belittle myself. I have gained some insights into my theories and ask Father to review them.”

With that, he took two books from his sleeve and handed them to Zhang Anan.