Chapter 100: The Renowned Scholars' Debate

Zhicheng Road at the Imperial Academy.

Zhicheng Road was a place where students of the Imperial Academy were frequently punished. In the past, Qin Huaiyu and his two companions were frequent visitors here, but today, they were not here to be punished. Instead, they were here to complete the task assigned by Mo Dun: setting up the venue.

"Quickly, move these tables and chairs over here!" Qin Huaiyu commanded his men loudly.

Over a dozen burly men swiftly arranged the seating for the venue. In the center was a podium, with tables and chairs on both sides, resembling a modern-day debate.

Students passing by could not help but whisper as they saw the setup. For the past five days, the Imperial Academy had been buzzing with the news: Zu Mingjun of Class C and Wang Ling of Class A had agreed to hold a debate today using the methods of the School of Names to argue whether the Imperial Academy should adopt Indian numerals.

"The School of Names!"

Most students at the Imperial Academy were top scholars and naturally knew of the School of Names, one of the prominent schools of thought from the pre-Qin period. However, that school had long since faded into obscurity. Only the Buddhists occasionally used a form of dialectic debate that somewhat resembled the old School of Names; otherwise, traces of the school were nowhere to be found.

Yet, no one expected that in the Imperial Academy, the long-lost techniques of the School of Names would reappear. Even if it was just adopting their methods, it was enough to attract a large number of students.

The two sides had agreed on the hour of the Snake (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM). Though the time had not yet arrived, many students had already gathered at the venue, their faces full of excitement.

They had little exposure to Indian numerals. While they had noticed some of their benefits, they did not feel they were strictly necessary. Therefore, the other students did not support Shen Hongcai as fervently as those in Class C; what truly interested them was the School of Names.

Looking at the eager students, Mo Dun felt a sense of relief. He knew the first step of his plan had succeeded: using the long-vanished School of Names to capture the interest of the Imperial Academy's student body.

"Mo Dun, it’s all set!" Qin Huaiyu said, appearing beside him.

Mo Dun looked at the venue, which resembled a debate hall from later generations, and nodded. "Where is Zu Mingjun?"

Qin Huaiyu pointed toward the rest area behind the venue. Zu Mingjun and Wang Ling were each gathered in groups with several other students, engaged in intense discussions.

Seemingly sensing Mo Dun's gaze, Wang Ling looked up at him and revealed a mocking smile. He knew Mo Dun was the one promoting Indian numerals and that he wanted to protect Shen Hongcai, but he would not let Mo Dun have his way. He did not fear the methods of the School of Names either. Thinking of the various historical citations he had prepared, he did not believe Zu Mingjun could stir up much trouble. This time, he would make Mo Dun taste defeat.

"That brat!" Qin Huaiyu seethed as he saw Wang Ling’s provocative grin.

"I think he’s begging for a lesson," Cheng Chumo said bitterly, while Yuchi Jinde silently rolled up his sleeves.

"No rush!" Mo Dun stopped the three of them. Now was not the time for impulsivity. He thought for a moment and said, "Find out what other businesses the Wang family has besides their fresh fish shop. I’m going to drive them all into bankruptcy."

"Great idea!" The three of them nodded in unison.

"What about Kong Huisuo? Wasn't he supposed to moderate the debate?" Mo Dun asked, setting aside his personal vendettas for the moment.

"He is currently looking for the Libationer, trying to persuade him to attend. But he hasn't shown up yet, so it’s likely a long shot," Qin Huaiyu said gloomily.

"It's fine! I have a way to make the Libationer come," Mo Dun said with calm confidence.

Suddenly, a group of people walked through the gates of the Imperial Academy. Mo Dun’s eyes lit up. "Now, the Libationer will have no choice but to show his face!"

"Who is that?" the three asked, puzzled.

"The head of the Zu clan!" Mo Dun smiled faintly.

"Haha, Brother Zu, I apologize for my lack of a proper welcome for your visit to the Imperial Academy!" Kong Yingda, having received the news, appeared on Zhicheng Road shortly after.

If it were the Zu family of the past, Kong Yingda might not have paid them much mind. But ever since Zu Mingjun discovered the parabola, the Zu family had become famous in academic circles, and their status had risen significantly. Moreover, the head of the Zu clan was an academic veteran whose status was not much lower than Kong Yingda’s.

"I heard there was a grand event at the Imperial Academy, so I came without an invitation. I hope you will forgive my intrusion!" the head of the Zu clan said with a bow.

"Not at all. It is merely some students being rambunctious," Kong Yingda dismissed it lightly.

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Kong Yingda noticed an elderly man beside the Zu clan head, radiating an air of refined grace. He bowed and asked, "And this would be?"

"Hua Yuan of the School of Medicine. It has been over a month since we became neighbors, and I apologize for only just now coming to pay my respects," the elder, Master Hua, replied with a bow.

"The School of Medicine?" Kong Yingda’s heart skipped a beat. He was, of course, aware of the Mo Clinic that had recently been established near the Imperial Academy, and he knew it had become the most famous clinic in Chang'an in just over a month.

It was large in scale, possessed exquisite medical skills, and its prices were very fair, with all medicinal ingredients clearly marked. Even more commendable was that any Imperial Academy student who fell ill could get a fifty-percent discount simply by showing their academy medallion.

"So it is Master Hua! Thank you for your care toward our students!" Kong Yingda said with deep respect. Regardless of anything else, the appearance of the Mo Clinic was purely beneficial for the Imperial Academy.

Many students had already noticed the situation and were clicking their tongues in amazement.

Confucianism, Mohism, the School of Medicine, the School of Names, and the Zu family, who had risen to prominence through mathematics—the debate was becoming increasingly lively.

Wang Ling also saw the reinforcements Mo Dun had invited and snorted inwardly. No matter who you invite, you won't be able to win this debate.

Several more chairs were added to the back of the debate venue, and Kong Yingda, the head of the Zu clan, and Master Hua took their seats.

After Zu Mingjun and Wang Ling led their respective sides in bowing to Kong Yingda, they took their places.

"Hang the banners!" Mo Dun waved his hand. Qin Huaiyu immediately understood his intention and whispered an order. Two massive banners were unfurled on either side.

"Truth becomes clearer through debate; the Way becomes clearer through discussion." Kong Yingda looked at these words and could not help but nod; they were indeed pearls of wisdom.

The other students nodded as well, feeling that the School of Names did indeed have its unique merits.

Kong Huisuo appeared as the moderator and said, "Truth becomes clearer through debate; the Way becomes clearer through discussion. Today, we hold the first debate here at the Imperial Academy. The subject of this debate is whether the students of the Imperial Academy should accept Indian mathematics and their calculation methods."

"However, since the Libationer is not yet familiar with Indian mathematics, may we ask the students of Class C to demonstrate this new type of mathematics for him?"

"Oh! The students of the Imperial Academy surely have high standards. I am very interested!" the head of the Zu clan said, appearing highly intrigued.

Kong Yingda rolled his eyes. He knew the head of the Zu clan was acting, but he was also curious about this new mathematics that Shen Hongcai was willing to stake his future on teaching. He wanted to see how much of a "magic" it truly held.

"Very well," Kong Yingda nodded.

Although Wang Ling realized that Class C was up to something, since Kong Yingda had already agreed, he could not object and had to go along with it. However, he had absolute confidence in his preparations and did not believe Mo Dun and his cohorts could turn the tables.

Qin Huaiyu jumped onto the stage holding a giant blackboard, on which the Chinese numerals zero through nine were written, with the Indian numerals zero through nine written below them.

Kong Yingda nodded, signaling he understood. They were just a few numbers; he did not see what the fuss was about.

Then, after Cheng Chumo took the stage, the entire audience exploded. Every student at the Imperial Academy stared, dumbfounded, at the ten rows of numbers on the blackboard.