Chapter 0006: The Wise Dismissal of Wang Shiji

Wang He glanced at Wang Shichong, pondered for a moment, and said: "Shichong, starting today, the Yufeng Rice Shop at the eastern end of the city will be entrusted to your management. If you manage it well, in the future, all the business of the Wang family will be entrusted to you. Do not let me down"

This matter was mentioned by your great-grandfather during the late years of the Northern Zhou when he sought to curry favor with the powerful minister Yuwen Shu by offering money to purchase an official position, but we simply did not have the funds, and ultimately had to abandon the idea. However, this rumor spread nonetheless

The three brothers, filled with fervor, clasped their hands together and said: "We, the children, will earnestly remember the teachings of our elder brother!"

Standing to one side, Huangfu Xiaoxie could not help but speak up: "General, I truly do not understand, is it worth fighting this family over a few small shops? You are a second-rank senior general, and even I, as your subordinate, would not necessarily regard this little property with much esteem"

Wang Shichong thought to himself: I have watched a lot of this kind of television before I crossed over; knowledge is power. However, there was still a trace of doubt in his heart. Why would Wang Shiji, as a high-ranking general of the second rank in the court, who held a position of great power and influence, only focus on the ten or so shops of his own family? Even if he were to raise private soldiers, his own funds would be far from sufficient. Moreover, he would have to bear the infamous reputation of seizing the property of his own kin. What is the point of that?

Wang Shiji was momentarily taken aback, then angrily said: "Wang Shichong, what do you mean? Do you want to test my arithmetic?"

A trace of doubt flashed in Wang Shichong's eyes: "Since it is not for the interests of our family's enterprises, why is Wang Shiji pressuring us so relentlessly?"

Wang Shichong glanced at Ji Wei, his face already beginning to pale: "Not at all, not at all, I merely wish to show the general the actions of this financial expert of yours."

Wang Shichong felt a surge of emotion in his heart. Having witnessed the deceit and treachery of later generations, this profound familial bond moved him deeply. Struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from his eyes, he solemnly performed a deep bow towards his father and two brothers, saying, "I will not disappoint the expectations of A Da and everyone."

Wang He nodded in admiration and said: "Shichong, who did you learn this reasoning from? I remember I never taught you these things"

Ji Wei had not yet finished speaking when Wang Shiji kicked him to the ground. Wang Shiji shouted at the guards beside him: "Bind this traitor who embezzles military funds, gag him with a cloth, and take him back. I will deal with him after I return to the main camp"

Wang He laughed heartily and said to the admiring Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei: "You should also learn from Shichong and read more. It is not that practicing martial arts is unimportant, but one can seize the world quickly yet fail to govern it. The same applies to a family. In the past, when I urged you to study and engage in literature, you did not listen. Now you understand its importance, don't you?"

However, in fact, during that era when the illiteracy rate exceeded 90%, it was not unusual for individuals to be unable to perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. At that time, those who could solve a few multiplication problems that seem simple to us today were equivalent to experts in advanced mathematical knowledge, such as deriving mathematical equations and understanding transcendental functions.

Wang Shichong replied seriously: "A Da, in fact, I have also fiddled with some abacuses and studied some calculation texts in the past. After I got hit on the head recently, I don't know why, but some previously difficult concepts suddenly became clear to me, which is why I dare to gamble like this with Ji Wei."

As soon as he entered the room, Wang Shishi reached out and placed his hand on Wang Shizhong's shoulder, laughing heartily and shaking him: "Is this still the second brother I know? You haven't been possessed by a deity today, have you?"

Wang He sighed and said: "Your grandfather was the number one wealthy merchant in Gu Zhuang City of Liangzhou back in the day. After going bankrupt, he fell into decline in the Central Plains. After his death, your grandmother remarried into the Wang family. At that time, your great-grandfather was willing to marry her and take us in, thinking that your grandfather had left behind a substantial treasure for us mother and son before he died, which could be used in our time of need"

Wang He looked at Wang Shichong and said slowly: "Shichong, your analysis just now is very reasonable, but as your father, I must remind you not to underestimate the influence of Wang Shiji, the current Grand General."

Huangfu Xiaoxie said cautiously: "General, should we keep an eye on this family to see if they will attempt to move that treasure?"

Wang nodded slightly, his expression becoming increasingly serious: "But you didn't know Ji Wei before, how can you be sure that you can definitely surpass him?"

Wang Shishi laughed heartily and patted Wang Shichong on the shoulder: "Second brother, why should we divide this among us? There are still many villains like Wang Shiji who are eyeing our family's business. We must work together to help A Da run the business well. If you work hard, your elder brother will definitely be your strong support."

Even though the current Supreme Ruler is wise and the high officials govern the country effectively, not allowing these powerful and influential ministers to oppress the good, it is still a world dominated by aristocratic families

Children, today I want to make it clear to you that our Wang family does not possess any treasures from the Western Regions. Everything must be earned through our own hard work. How Wang Shiji thinks is his own matter, and I cannot make him believe that we do not have this sum of money.

Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei nodded together and said solemnly: "The child will remember carefully"

Ten miles outside the city, the Sui army's large camp was bustling with activity, with flags fluttering and soldiers coming and going, presenting a scene of pre-battle preparation. Dressed in military attire, Wang Shiji stood atop a high arrow tower, gazing at the distant Xinfeng City, his expression somber and lost in thought

Wang He cast a glance at Wang Shichong, then turned and walked towards the backyard. His three sons understood the unspoken message and closely followed their father into his study.

Wang He nodded in satisfaction: "Since your elder brother and third brother have no objections, Shichong, you should take on this responsibility; the family will support you."

It is not historically incongruous for the protagonist, as the son of a merchant, to have mathematical books such as "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art" at home, along with an abacus.

A fierce light flashed in Wang Shiji's eyes: "Especially that brat Wang Shichong, humiliating me like this in front of everyone today, I must find an opportunity to kill him.

The abacus existed during the Han Dynasty, but its form was different from that of today. However, the value of one bead above the central beam was five, while each bead below the central beam was worth one, which is the same as the modern version

According to Xu Yue, his teacher Liu Hong once inquired with Master Tianmu of Taoism, who explained 14 methods of calculation, one of which is the abacus. This indicates that the abacus had appeared as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty

Wang He smiled as he watched the three brothers play around until they had enough, and then said: "Shichong, where did you learn such arithmetic skills? Why didn't A Da know about this before?"

Wang Shiji felt a deep resentment, clenching his teeth in anger, and struck heavily with his fist against the railing of the arrow tower, causing splinters of wood to fly in all directions

The protagonist is able to solve certain mathematical problems without the use of an abacus, which serves as his unique advantage. This also lays a long-term foundation for the subsequent development of the plot. Friends who are interested are encouraged to continue following the story. For those who prefer to nitpick small details and insist on scrutinizing the text, you may click the small cross in the upper right corner, thank you

First, regarding the abacus, many friends say that it was invented only after the Northern Song Dynasty, and that previously there were only counting rods. However, according to the materials I have consulted, during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the mathematician Xu Yue recorded in "Shu Shu Ji Yi": "The abacus controls the four seasons, and the longitude and latitude represent the three talents." The Northern Zhou scholar Zhen Luan commented: "The counting board is divided into three parts, with each position having five beads. The upper bead and the four lower beads are of different colors; the upper differently colored bead represents five, while each of the four lower beads represents one." Counting rods are small wooden sticks used for calculations, which are clearly not the same as this type of abacus. The mathematician Xu Yue recorded in "Shu Shu Ji Yi": "The abacus controls the four seasons, and the longitude and latitude represent the three talents." The Northern Zhou scholar Zhen Luan commented: "The counting board is divided into three parts, with each position having five beads. The upper bead and the four lower beads are of different colors; the upper differently colored bead represents five, while each of the four lower beads represents one." Counting rods are small wooden sticks used for calculations, which are clearly not the same as this type of abacus.

We are merely from a merchant family, which cannot be compared to a legitimate prominent family like the Wang family of Shiji. His coercion of our family is certainly not because he has taken a liking to our shops

Wang Shiwei also said: "Indeed, Second Brother, your arithmetic is so good that I can never learn it. From now on, you handle the accounts, and just call me when you need to escort the goods."

Wang He coldly said: "General Wang, you are a high-ranking general of the court. This time, the Turks have invaded, and the common people at the border are suffering greatly. You have delayed going to the front lines to fight the enemy for over ten days, all for the sake of a few shops. If this reaches the Supreme Ruler, it may not be received well. I urge you to prioritize national affairs; our Wang family's business is managed by Shi Chong, so you need not worry about it."

Wang Shiji waved his hand and said, "No need, I have been keeping someone here to watch. As soon as there is any movement, they will report back. Damn it, this time I failed to take advantage of Wang He’s mother’s recent death to divide the inheritance. Who knows when the next opportunity to act will come. After all, as a second-rank official, and being so close to Daxing, I cannot make my actions too obvious. I will not consider this matter for now; tomorrow we will break camp and march out. After I earn military merit, I will deal with them then"

Yet he said, "Studying history can clarify one's aspirations; all these matters are recorded in historical texts. A-Da, this time, I have helped you using the knowledge from books, and in the future, I wish to continue my studies."

Wang Shiji glared resentfully at Ji Wei being dragged out the door, and his pitiful cries of "Wuwuwu" gradually faded away. Turning around, he saw Wang He smirking coldly, and he was instantly filled with shame, barely managing to salute: "Cousin, I apologize for the embarrassment. It is entirely my fault for not enforcing discipline in the army, allowing this beast to take advantage of the situation. Upon returning, I will certainly impose strict punishment without fail"

Wang Shiji's expression changed, and he then smiled, saying: "What a remarkable skill! You have the other party verify the results of your calculations; I believe you all have a clear account in your own minds."

Wang Shiji's face, which was previously dark, suddenly turned bright red. Holding the paper, he turned around and shouted at Ji Wei: "What is going on! In just over a month, you have embezzled more than 60,000 yuan from me? Ji Wei, you are so bold!"

Wang Shichong felt a surge of excitement in his heart, but he put on a panicked expression on his face and repeatedly waved his hands, saying: "A Da, it cannot be done. The child only knows how to do some calculations; if the child were to really manage a rice shop, that would be absolutely impossible. Moreover, my elder brother has not yet taken charge of the rice shop, so how could I, as the younger brother, take over the shop before him?"

As the times progress and technology advances, many mathematical formulas we learned in elementary school were proven through the lifelong efforts of our predecessors. This does not imply that we are significantly superior to our ancient ancestors

At the very bottom of this paper, however, is written the last number in this account book: the total military food expenses as of this date amount to 5,551,214 coins, Ji Wei

Wang Shiji chuckled and glanced at Wang Shichong: "Noble nephew, you are truly talented, and as your uncle, I feel honored. With military affairs at hand, I shall not trouble you further. Farewell." After saying this, he swiftly made his exit, and the guards followed suit, leaving the small courtyard empty in the blink of an eye, with the air becoming much fresher.

Wang Shiji disdainfully snorted, "You know nothing. Wang He was originally not surnamed Wang, but Zhi. Wang He's mother was originally married to a wealthy merchant from Guizang, who later went bankrupt and came to Guanzhong. That kid Wang He was born to that merchant and only took the Wang surname after his mother remarried Wang Jie. These wealthy merchants along the Silk Road hide their fortunes in secret places. Unless they are driven to desperation, they would never resort to this. Back then, Wang Jie refused to share the benefits, and my late father threatened to expel him from the family, yet he still did not yield. This further indicates that he must have obtained the treasure from that wealthy merchant. Now it is Wang He's turn. If it weren't for that little brat of his today, I would have already succeeded."

Therefore, in the future, he will definitely continue to frame us. Everyone must unite and not give him any opportunity to take advantage! Today, the performance of the three brothers was excellent; united as brothers, their strength is unbreakable. As long as we stand together, we will not be bullied by outsiders

Wang Shichong laughed and pleaded, "Brother, please stop shaking, my bones are about to fall apart. If you keep shaking, that old deity who has possessed me will fly away."

Ji Wei was so frightened that his soul left his body; he could no longer care about the accounts of the rice shop. He fell to his knees, his head knocking against the ground with a loud sound: "General, this is a grave injustice, a grave injustice. Your office's expenses are also included in these accounts, and this cannot be attributed to a lowly person like me. Moreover..."

Wang Shiji approached with a mix of skepticism and curiosity to take the cursive script from Wang Shichong's hands. He saw that it was written in a crooked manner using Simplified Chinese characters: "By imperial decree, a total of 14,713 troops from the Right Tunwei are to be requisitioned, with each soldier requiring one dou of grain per day. The army has been on the march for 37 days now, and the market price for military rations is 100 coins for one shi of rice (10 dou). The total amount needed for this period is 147,130 coins, and to date, a total of 5,443,810 coins has been spent."

Several fierce guards approached, first gagging Ji Wei with a piece of tattered cloth, then binding him tightly with ropes, making him resemble a dumpling, and carrying him out like a small chicken.

Wang Shichong smiled and shook his head, saying to Wang Shiji: "General Wang, I believe it would be better for you to take a look at this account book yourself."

Here, I would like to clarify the issues regarding the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art and the abacus, as there are always some new friends who, upon starting to read this book, may raise objections due to these details, and some readers have even abandoned the book for this reason. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to provide an explanation.

Wang Shiwei also laughed and said, "Second brother, when did you become so skilled at arithmetic? I never knew about it before."