Chapter 8: The Study of Arithmetic

It is precisely for this reason that although being appointed as an official in the court is beneficial for cultivating political qualifications and accumulating political capital, at this critical juncture, it evidently presents too many trivialities. Rather than being entangled in the court, it is better to strengthen one's influence in the world; moreover, the Yellow Turban Rebellion is originally a great opportunity to achieve merit and establish oneself.

"Ming Calculation?" Chen Xianjun expressed some surprise. Although Zujun had mentioned Ming Calculation before, it was thought to be merely a casual remark. Ming Calculation is not only complex and difficult, but it is also the least popular subject among all the past selections. Even if one excels and is selected for an official position, they can only serve as a subordinate official for a lifetime, with no prospects for advancement in their career. It is simply a subject that is laborious and thankless.

Zhao Er, I have already conveyed what needs to be said to the county lord. This time, the county lord has indeed put in a great deal of effort. Furthermore, this year, there are truly no other outstanding candidates in the county. Do not think too highly of yourself. The county has initially nominated you, but whether you can secure an official position will depend on your fortune. The tone of Zu Ju gradually revealed a serious intent, as he fixed a stern gaze upon Zu Zhao. The county has initially nominated you, but whether you can secure an official position will depend on your fortune. The tone of Zu Ju gradually revealed a serious intent, as he fixed a stern gaze upon Zu Zhao.

"Chen County Lord, if you trust me, please allow Zhao'er to gain recognition through classical studies." Ancestor Ju picked up a tea spoon and scooped a ladle of steaming hot tea, pouring it into Chen County Lord's tea bowl

The eldest son’s reputation for filial piety has already spread throughout the county, and being selected for the title of Filial and Incorrupt is historically the most favored. I believe that if the ancestral son is recognized for his filial piety and integrity, he will undoubtedly have a high chance of success

The eldest son possesses outstanding virtues and is well-versed in both literature and martial arts; he is truly a rare talent in our Xu Wuxian. Although he is still young, as long as he harbors a sense of responsibility for the state and is willing to dedicate himself wholeheartedly, what is there to object to?

This young man has been able to perform arithmetic since childhood. In the past, it took seven or eight people several days to sort out the household accounts, but he managed to organize everything clearly in just two days, with no discrepancies. Many scholars and accountants in the household have remarked on his quick wit and brilliance, considering him a gifted prodigy. Zhao'er, have you thought this through? The first half of the grandfather's statement is certainly meant to praise his grandson, while the latter half carries a clear admonition. It is evident that he does not wish for his grandson to choose a career path without prospects. Zhao'er, have you thought this through? The first half of the grandfather's statement is certainly meant to praise his grandson, while the latter half carries a clear admonition. It is evident that he does not wish for his grandson to choose a career path without prospects.

The system of recommendation was the most important pathway for obtaining official positions during the Han Dynasty. Those who qualified for this recommendation were invariably outstanding individuals in terms of both virtue and talent within their locality. Nevertheless, the annual quotas were limited, and the worthy candidates proposed by each county had to undergo a certain degree of competition.

Zu Zhao was well aware of his considerable reputation. From a young age, he was able to show filial piety towards his elders and treat the virtuous with respect. He diligently studied poetry, books, and classical texts, and with the prestigious background of his family, he certainly possessed the qualifications to participate in the selection process. However, it is important to note that he is still quite young, and compared to other virtuous and talented individuals in the county, he lacks sufficient experience. Looking back over the past decade or so of selection history, all those admitted have been young talents in their early twenties, and there has never been a precedent for a sixteen-year-old to be selected out of turn.

Oh, really?" Chen Xianjun clearly looked at Zu Zhao and asked with great interest

Zuju is indeed a strong-willed person, willing to personally take action for the future of his grandson and to promote the glory of the family. Earlier, during a casual conversation with Lady Chen, he had some ideas, but at this moment, he still pretends to ponder for a while.

Thus, as expected, it will still be determined by Lord Zizheng. Lady Chen turned to Zuzhao and spoke in a light and understated manner.

"To belittle oneself is merely an act of self-deprecation; such trivial and humble opinions hardly warrant the laughter of the learned," said Zu Zhao.

"Is it really such a talent?" This was the first time Chen Xianjun had heard that Zu Zhao possessed such abilities, and he was somewhat skeptical, thinking that Zu Ju might be exaggerating in order to promote his grandson.

Nevertheless, he still needed to gain his grandfather's support, so it was absolutely impossible to go against him at this time. Therefore, he deliberately put on a simple-minded smile and did not pursue the conversation any further. After all, he had some degree of confidence; this time, it was uncertain whether he would be successfully selected by the county for an official position. Historically, those who entered the court at a young age were few and far between, and such odds were not easily overcome.

In addition to this, what he most hopes for at present is to secure an official position within the county. Since it has been announced that there is a vacancy for the position of clerk in the county government, even if it is not a particularly promising bureaucratic role, it still carries a certain status and can establish a direct relationship with the county government

It is still Master Zizheng who understands the ancestral lineage, so this matter is settled. At the beginning of next month, I will invite the three elders of the county to discuss this matter. If all goes well, we can submit the official document to the prefecture by the end of next month.

Recently, County Lord Chen mentioned to me that this year the county will primarily focus on recommending filial and incorrupt officials, with the selection of virtuous and upright individuals as a secondary consideration. However, studies in classical texts and accounting are not without their opportunities. There have already been some discussions from Governor Liu's side, as the county happens to have a vacancy for the position of a clerk in the accounting department this year.

I, being late in life and lacking in both knowledge and virtue, feel deeply ashamed of my superficial understanding of filial piety, let alone the principles of integrity and self-discipline, which I truly do not deserve. I believe that any recognition should come only after the elders have observed and evaluated my words and actions. This time, since it is the esteemed intention of the county lord, I am immensely honored. I will comply with all arrangements made by the authorities, and aside from filial piety and integrity, I will do my utmost in all other matters.

Certainly, this does not mean that there are no opportunities. It is just that he has never considered entering the officialdom through recommendation. His family has been a prominent military lineage for three generations, with a thriving population and considerable wealth, and the influence of his own family is sufficient to achieve a successful career. There is no need to expend much effort on the matter of elections. If he fails to be appointed to the court, it would still be good to hold a minor official position in the local government. However, if by chance he were to be selected for a position in the court, being far removed from the influence of his family could lead to more losses than gains.

The study of classics is profound and extensive. Even if I, as a latecomer, were to be fortunate enough to be selected, I fear I would still fail to gain the public's approval. Moreover, when it comes to responding before the county government, any slight misstep could lead to ridicule. The art of calculation emphasizes technique; as long as the foundation is solid and one is diligent and meticulous, even if there are some errors, it would not lead to embarrassment. "Zhu Zhao said earnestly, and although this statement was ostensibly directed at County Lord Chen, it was, in fact, a response to his grandfather's words.

If one were to speak of being virtuous and upright, this young man is still lacking in qualifications and cannot be substantiated. However, he has indeed delved into classical studies and has been a disciple of the contemporary great scholar Lu Zigan. Last year, he even took it upon himself to compile annotations and punctuation for the two esteemed texts, the Book of Songs and the Analects, which can be considered a modest achievement. Although the words of the ancestor appear quite casual on the surface, his expression reveals great admiration, as he is in fact praising his grandson's scholarship

The Han Dynasty is now in decline, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion is about to unfold, heralding an era where various heroes will rise across the land. In times of chaos, nothing demonstrates an advantage more than holding actual military power. Whether for survival or other ambitions, only by truly commanding a strong army of one's own can one establish a voice in this world.

Zuzhao's reputation for filial piety is indeed somewhat notable, but it has not reached the level of being widely recognized. After all, as a scion of a prominent family with a wealthy and carefree background, no matter how diligently he presents himself, it is impossible for the world to perceive sufficient filial devotion. Therefore, he is well aware that Lady Chen's words are merely polite or perfunctory, and she never intended to take this county's recommendation seriously.

The multiplication table of 9 was established as early as the Qin Dynasty. However, firstly, ancient people had limited opportunities for learning, and secondly, the dominant academic focus has historically been on poetry, literature, and rituals, making it naturally difficult to access arithmetic. Moreover, the multiplication table of 9 is merely basic arithmetic; relying solely on multiplication and division cannot resolve all mathematical problems. Zuzhao had some understanding of algebraic operations, such as multivariable equations, and naturally excelled in handling accounts.

Please forgive my rudeness, and I ask you, esteemed elder, to think carefully. My understanding of the classics is shallow, and if I were to rely on classical studies for my reputation, I fear I may not have complete confidence. However, I do have some insights into the art of calculation; I cannot claim to be exceptional, but I believe I would have more assurance in this area compared to classical studies. After some contemplation, Zu Zhao continued to speak.

Compared to the study of classics, arithmetic does not require the involvement of so many grand theories. Furthermore, even after several thousand years, the study of classics still primarily revolves around the thoughts of ancient Confucian scholars, making it truly difficult to generate more new variations.

I would like to express my gratitude to County Lord Chen for such generous praise. " Zuzhao maintained a humble smile as he spoke

Last year, during his leisure time, Zu Zhao recited the Thirteen Classics of Confucianism for the website hetushu.com. He specifically made some notes on the two texts he was most familiar with, namely the Book of Songs and the Analects. These notes included sentence segmentation and appropriate interpretations. In fact, they were directly recorded in these two books and were never intended to be compiled into a separate publication, nor did he ever consider making them public.

I am truly unworthy of such high regard from the county lord. Although there are no explicit age restrictions for recommendations, there has never been anyone appointed below the age of twenty. As I am only sixteen and still inexperienced in the world, would it not be a source of ridicule for myself?

Zuzhao deeply understood that although his grandfather was nearing seventy, he was by no means a gentle and law-abiding old man. It can be said that the development of the Zu family into a powerful household today is the result of his grandfather's relentless and dedicated management. Whether it was studying under Lu Zhi in his youth, avoiding the suspicion of the party's restrictions, or forming a marriage alliance with the Gongsun family, it is not difficult to see his grandfather's shrewdness and ambition. This request to participate in the selection of officials in Youbeiping County clearly indicates a desire for the Zu family to re-enter the political arena. Whether it was studying under Lu Zhi in his youth, avoiding the suspicion of the party's restrictions, or forming a marriage alliance with the Gongsun family, it is not difficult to see his grandfather's shrewdness and ambition. This request to participate in the selection of officials in Youbeiping County clearly indicates a desire for the Zu family to re-enter the political arena

"Young Master Zu is being modest again," Chen Xianjun said with a knowing smile, seemingly treating Zu Zhao's humility as mere pretense, yet behind the smile lay many unspoken implications

Unfortunately, although my grandfather was full of schemes, he lacked an effective judgment of the national situation

Upon hearing this, Zu Zhao felt completely at ease. It seemed that his grandfather's true intention was not to have him enter the court through recommendation. As long as he had his grandfather's support, securing a minor official position in the county, thanks to the influence of the Zu family, would be far from difficult

Although Zu Zhao had already contemplated this in his heart, he did not expect that Chen Xianjun had come for this matter.

Zu Ju pondered for a moment, and finally, with a furrowed brow, he slowly nodded his head