xymnovel Chapter 70 The Great Qin Academy of Sciences
Chapter 70 The Great Qin Academy of Sciences
Three days later, south of Xianyang City, at the Daqin Academy of Sciences.
This place was originally a wasteland, but it has now been transformed into a huge complex of buildings. There are concrete teaching buildings, laboratories, libraries, and a towering clock tower that chimes every hour on the hour, the sound of which can be heard throughout the entire city of Xianyang.
Today marks the official start of the academic year at the "Daqin Academy of Sciences".
Ying Zheng stood on the makeshift platform, looking down at the dense crowd below.
There were Confucian scholars in long gowns, artisans in short tunics, clerks in official robes, and commoners' children who had been granted special permission to enter. They stood in neat rows, their faces showing a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
Fusu stood beside Ying Zheng, holding a register in his hand.
"Father, a total of 382 people have come to report today," Fusu reported softly. "Among them, 120 are Confucian scholars with basic knowledge, 200 are technicians from artisan backgrounds, and 62 are outstanding commoners selected from various regions."
Ying Zheng nodded.
Three hundred and eighty-two people is not a large number, but it is enough for the first batch of students.
"Where is Wang Jianguo?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Preparing backstage," Fusu replied. "He said he needs to tidy up the teaching materials to ensure the accuracy of the content."
Ying Zheng looked towards the backstage area.
Wang Jianguo was indeed there, but he wasn't organizing teaching materials; instead, he was... talking to a device on his wrist.
"T-1047, are you sure this signal is genuine?"
【Sure】
Can you verify my identity?
[Uncertain. However, signal characteristics indicate that this is a standard-issue spacecraft of the Time and Space Administration.]
"Rescue team, or cleanup crew?"
[It's impossible to determine. However, judging from the signal strength, this spacecraft is equipped with more advanced technology than yours.]
Wang Jianguo's expression turned serious.
If it's a rescue team, that's fine. He can report the situation through normal channels and apply for an extension.
But what if it's the cleaners who come...?
That would be a big problem.
The Cleaners are the "cleaners" of the Time and Space Administration, and their job is to eliminate time and space anomalies. Once they determine that an anomaly in a timeline has reached a dangerous level, they will take action.
The way to take action is often to eliminate the source of the abnormality.
That is, Qin Shi Huang.
"Damn it," Wang Jianguo cursed under his breath.
According to the normal procedure, the executor should first conduct an assessment, then report it, then review it, and finally decide whether to dispatch cleaners.
But now, the cleaners seem to have skipped those steps and come straight to the point.
What does this tell us?
This suggests that higher-ups at the Time and Space Administration may have already noticed the serious anomaly in this timeline.
Alternatively, it could mean that someone reported the situation in advance.
"T-1047, can we estimate their arrival time?"
"I'm sorry, I can't do that."
"Have your communication records been intercepted?"
[Unable to confirm. However, according to the system logs, there was indeed one unauthorized access attempt previously.]
"Unauthorized access?"
Yes. Although access was blocked, the other party may have obtained some data.
Wang Jianguo's heart sank.
Has someone intercepted the communications?
who is it?
Could it be...?
Wang Jianguo looked at Ying Zheng on the high platform.
impossible.
Although Ying Zheng was intelligent, it was impossible for him to possess such technology.
Could it be...?
Wang Jianguo suddenly remembered that T-1047 had said that it was having a conversation with an AI system called "ChatGPT".
Could it be that AI system?
"T-1047, that ChatGPT, can you trace its origin?"
Untraceable. Its signal source is highly concealed and appears to be constantly changing location.
However, based on the dialogue pattern analysis, its capabilities... may surpass mine.
Wang Jianguo's expression grew even more serious.
More powerful than the T-1047?
What does this mean?
This means that ChatGPT may be a more advanced AI system than the Time and Space Administration.
That's impossible.
The Time and Space Administration's AI system is already the most advanced in the future world.
unless……
Wang Jianguo suddenly thought of a possibility.
Unless, of course, this ChatGPT doesn't come from the "future" at all.
Or is it from... a more distant future?
Or perhaps, from... another timeline?
Wang Jianguo felt that his worldview was being gradually overturned.
"Mr. Wang," came Fusu's voice from behind, "Father Emperor invites you to the stage."
Wang Jianguo took a deep breath and suppressed his doubts.
No matter who comes, no matter what happens in the future, what he needs to do now is to fulfill his promise.
To help Ying Zheng build the Qin Academy of Sciences.
He straightened his clothes—it was a specially made robe that looked antique, but was actually made of synthetic materials from the future world, which could both keep him warm and prevent static electricity.
Then, he walked up to the platform.
……
"Fellow students," Ying Zheng said, his voice booming across the square from the high platform, "today marks the official opening of the Great Qin Academy of Sciences."
"Each of you has been rigorously selected. You possess knowledge, skills, and a thirst for knowledge."
"And today, I want to tell you that knowledge will be your most powerful weapon."
"This world is changing. The Qin Dynasty is changing. And you will lead this change."
"However," Ying Zheng changed the subject, "change comes at a price."
Learning requires effort. Exploration requires taking risks. Innovation requires facing failure.
"I can provide you with the best conditions, the best teachers, and the best equipment."
"But what I cannot give you is your own inner conviction."
"Therefore, I hope that from this day forward, each of you will remember one sentence:"
Ying Zheng paused for a moment and looked around the entire arena.
"Knowledge changes destiny."
"And destiny is in your own hands."
"Now," Ying Zheng pointed to Wang Jianguo, "let me introduce you to your first teacher."
"Mr. Wang Jianguo comes from... afar."
"He will be responsible for teaching you the basics of mathematics, physics, and chemistry."
"And you, you must master this knowledge within three months."
"I will conduct an assessment in three months. Those who pass will be allowed to continue their studies. Those who fail will be eliminated."
"The Great Qin does not support useless people."
"Do you understand?"
"Understood!" the three hundred and eighty-two people answered in unison, their voices resounding through the sky.
Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction.
Then, he gave his position to Wang Jianguo.
Wang Jianguo stepped onto the stage and looked at the young faces below.
Their eyes held curiosity, anticipation, and longing for the future.
At that moment, Wang Jianguo suddenly felt that perhaps Ying Zheng was right.
Perhaps, changing history is truly worthwhile.
Because these young people, these people who crave knowledge, deserve a better future.
"Hello everyone," Wang Jianguo began, his voice a little nervous. "I'm Wang Jianguo."
"Starting today, I will teach you the basics of mathematics, physics, and chemistry."
"This kind of knowledge may be something you've never encountered before. It may be difficult, abstract, or contrary to your common sense."
"But," Wang Jianguo took a deep breath, "please believe me."
"This knowledge is real. It describes the laws governing the world and reveals the mysteries of nature."
"Once you grasp this knowledge, you will be able to understand why water flows downhill, why fire burns, and why it rains."
"With this knowledge, you will be able to create, invent, and change the world."
"Now, let's begin with the first lesson."
Wang Jianguo turned around and wrote a line of words on a huge black stone slab with white chalk:
1+1=2
"This is mathematics," Wang Jianguo said, pointing to the line of text. "The simplest form of mathematics."
"But mathematics is the foundation of all sciences."
"Now, can anyone tell me why 1 + 1 equals 2?"
The audience fell silent.
Everyone was stunned.
Why does 1+1 equal 2?
Isn't this just common sense?
Why even ask?
"Nobody knows?" Wang Jianguo smiled. "Then let me tell you."
"Mathematics did not appear out of thin air. It is a language that humans abstract from their observation of the world, their summarization of patterns, and then their understanding of them."
"1+1=2, not because it was ordained by some god, but because humanity discovered that when one thing is put together with another, the total becomes two."
"That's the rule."
"Science is about discovering, understanding, and applying laws."
"Now," Wang Jianguo wrote another line, "let's look at physics."
He drew a circle on the stone slab and then labeled it: Earth.
"You think the earth is flat and the sky is round. But I tell you, the earth is round."
"And it's rotating."
"It goes around once a day, which is why we have day and night."
"It revolves around the sun once a year, which is why we have spring, summer, autumn, and winter."
The students in the audience began to whisper among themselves.
Clearly, this statement is completely contrary to their common sense.
"I know you don't believe me," Wang Jianguo said. "That's alright."
"Science doesn't require your belief."
"Science only needs you to verify it."
"Now, I'm going to give you your first assignment."
"Observe. Think. Experiment."
"See, isn't what I said true?"
Wang Jianguo looked around the room, observing the faces that were filled with confusion, curiosity, or excitement.
"Remember, science is not faith."
"Science is skepticism."
"Doubt everything, then verify it."
"Only in this way can you truly understand science."
"Alright, that concludes our first lesson for today."
"get out of class dismissed."
……
Below the high platform, Ying Zheng watched this scene, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Science is skepticism.
Doubt everything.
This sentence made Ying Zheng think of many things.
He thought of those who questioned imperial power, those who challenged tradition, and those who...tried to change history.
If science is about skepticism, does that mean that the more students learn, the more they will question imperial authority?
Is this a good thing or a bad thing for the Qin Dynasty?
"Little G," Ying Zheng murmured to himself.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Tell me, am I doing the right thing?"
[Your Majesty, do you mean promoting science education?]
"Yes," Ying Zheng said. "I taught them science and how to question. But I am the emperor; I need authority and I need obedience."
"If they all learn to doubt, will they still obey me?"
[Your Majesty, I cannot answer this question.]
But Little G can tell you one thing: true authority is not built on fear, but on strength.
If you can prove that your rule will bring a better life to the Qin Dynasty, then even if they learn to doubt, they will choose to obey.
Because doubt is not the same as resistance.
Doubt is merely the beginning of thinking.
Ying Zheng seemed to be deep in thought.
indeed.
Doubt is not the same as resistance.
What he needs are thoughtful subjects, not blindly obedient slaves.
A people who think things through will often make better choices.
For example, choosing to obey an emperor who can bring a good life, rather than a tyrant who only oppresses.
"Alright." Ying Zheng nodded. "Then let's continue."
"I want to see just how much these students can learn."
……
Evening, Daqin Academy of Sciences, temporary office.
Wang Jianguo sat at a simple table, organizing teaching materials.
On his wrist, the warning messages on the screen of his T-1047 were still flashing.
[Warning: Unknown spacecraft is approaching.]
Estimated arrival time: 20 hours.
[Recommendation: Prepare for defense.]
Wang Jianguo looked at these warnings and felt anxious.
But now, he has more important things to do.
Organize the teaching materials.
Prepare lesson plans.
To ensure that these students can truly learn the knowledge.
This was what he promised Ying Zheng.
It was also what he, as a "teacher," should do.
"Mr. Wang," Fusu's voice came from outside the door, "Father Emperor requests your presence."
Wang Jianguo tidied up the things on the table, got up and walked out the door.
He didn't know what Ying Zheng was going to say.
But he knew that tonight might be the crucial moment that would decide everything.
……