Yuan Tiangang Arrives

Li Yin had been coaxed by Li Zhi into teaching students, and even Yang Siqi, who had proactively sought him out, was put to use by Li Zhi. Previously, Li Zhi had given him several books on mathematics, physics, and mechanical engineering to study in earnest. From time to time, he was also instructed to assemble simple experimental apparatus. Throughout this process, Li Zhi discovered that Yang Siqi possessed considerable practical skill. As a result, he entrusted Yang Siqi with the task of constructing equipment for making cosmetics, appointing him to lead a group of artisans from the Department of Imperial Works.

Beyond this, Li Zhi had also designed several hand-cranked machines for the furniture workshop, aiming to help the carpenters increase their productivity. The manufacture of these machines was likewise handed over to Yang Siqi and the artisans. With the advent of steel, many plans could now be set in motion, but what Li Zhi needed most was to train a cadre of capable talent.

To this end, he began to devote himself to compiling his knowledge into books, and in his spare time, he even attempted to build a printing press. Although the papermaking industry had already begun to flourish in this era, books—vessels of knowledge—remained almost entirely in the hands of the great noble clans. This had given rise to a peculiar phenomenon: except for the few families who could afford to send their children to official academies, most scholars were educated in private schools established by these powerful families. This was, in itself, a tactic employed by the aristocracy to counter the civil service examinations.

Though students from private tutors might outwardly appear to be of humble origins, in truth they had already benefited from the patronage of the great houses. Once such individuals entered officialdom, they would naturally serve the interests of those same families.

Li Zhi’s motivation for researching the printing press was to resolve the shortage of books among the common people. Just as he was racking his brains over the construction of such a device, Yuan Tiangang, who had just resigned from office, finally arrived in Chang’an.

Upon receiving Li Chunfeng’s letter, he had immediately cast a divination for himself. The result of this reading left him pondering at home for a long while. As someone well-versed in physiognomy and the arcane arts, he had often calculated his own fortunes. By his previous calculations, the time for his rise had not yet come. Yet after receiving Li Chunfeng’s letter and casting another reading, he discovered that his fate had undergone a dramatic shift. The path he had previously seen, though still present, now seemed dim and overshadowed by a newly emerged destiny.

However, when he tried to probe further, hoping to discern what this new fate might hold, he found himself unable to predict the outcome, no matter how hard he tried. After much hesitation, he finally resolved to embrace this unknown destiny and see what achievements it might bring him.

When Li Zhi heard that Yuan Tiangang was waiting to see him at the gates, he leapt from his chair in excitement. Ignoring Liu An’s astonishment, he dashed toward the entrance of the prince’s residence like a gust of wind. He had long awaited Yuan Tiangang’s arrival, to the point of doubting whether Yuan would ever agree to join him. To demonstrate his esteem, Li Zhi ordered the main gates flung wide and, descending the steps himself, personally greeted Yuan Tiangang.

Beaming with delight, he said, “Ever since Lord Li conveyed your promise to me, I have looked forward to your arrival each day. At last, my wishes are fulfilled.”

Yuan Tiangang had not expected such a grand welcome. He quickly bowed deeply and replied, “I am but a man in plain robes, hardly worthy of Your Highness’s attention. I am truly overwhelmed.”

Li Zhi answered, “Please, do not be so modest. I have long known your great talents, which more than merit my personal welcome.”

As they conversed, Yuan Tiangang discreetly studied Li Zhi. What he saw startled him: Li Zhi bore the unmistakable signs of imperial destiny in his features. Yet, at present, Li Zhi was the youngest of the legitimate imperial sons, and he was well aware that the current crown prince, Li Chengqian, had always performed admirably, with no indication that the Emperor intended to replace him.

Yuan Tiangang observed him quietly for a while longer, confirming that his impression was not mistaken. His curiosity about Li Zhi instantly grew.

After further polite exchange at the door, Li Zhi finally invited Yuan Tiangang into the reception hall. Once both were seated, Li Zhi was the first to speak: “I have long heard of your studies in astronomy. I wonder if you are aware of the recent solar eclipse.”

Yuan Tiangang replied, “Indeed, I have observed it.”

Li Zhi continued, “Among the people, such an event is often seen as an ill omen. What is your view?”

Yuan Tiangang answered, “In my humble observation of the heavens, I foresee that the Great Tang will soon face a significant calamity.”

Li Zhi uttered an ‘oh’ of surprise and inquired, “May I ask what manner of disaster you foresee? Is there any way to avert it?”

Yuan Tiangang responded, “I can only say, with some certainty, that this disaster is related to water; beyond that, I dare not speculate.”

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi’s first thought was of floods. Yet, what puzzled him was that, up to now, there had been barely any rain across the realm, and most reports from the provinces spoke of drought. How, then, could there be a flood?

He pressed Yuan Tiangang further: “Have you noticed any signs of heavy rain in your recent observations?”

Yuan Tiangang shook his head. “I have not.”

This answer left Li Zhi feeling helpless. In this era, only astronomers like Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng could predict long-term weather patterns, while the common folk could do no more than forecast the day’s weather by experience. Li Zhi had looked forward to Yuan Tiangang’s arrival precisely because he hoped to use his predictive abilities to help the people of Tang avoid some of the losses wrought by natural disasters. Now, seeing that even Yuan Tiangang could offer no definite answer, Li Zhi felt at a loss.

Disasters connected to water could mean torrential rain flooding cities and fields in a short time, or prolonged rainfall causing rivers to swell and mountain floods to erupt. Each required a different response—he could hardly go before the court and suggest, on Yuan Tiangang’s word alone, that they prepare for every possible scenario. Such a course would have been impossible even in his previous life, let alone during the Tang!

After a moment’s frowning contemplation, Li Zhi looked up at Yuan Tiangang and said, “Since you and Lord Li Chunfeng are old friends and both versed in celestial observations, might I trouble you to collaborate with him and see if together you can reach a more precise conclusion?”

Li Chunfeng replied, “As Your Highness commands.”

Having secured Yuan Tiangang’s agreement, Li Zhi immediately set about arranging his accommodation. He then instructed Liu An to invite Li Chunfeng to dine at the Prince of Jin’s residence, both to welcome Yuan Tiangang and to lay the foundations for their joint research into the heavens.