Sima Caizhang stared at the child for a while, and then said: "Children from your family, don't talk nonsense. If you say something wrong, it will have a bad impact on you in the future."
Hearing this, Fatdudu's child shrank his neck in fear, and his face turned red instantly!
However, that little look in his eyes showed no mercy, and it could be seen that he had a stubborn temper.
Seeing Sima Caizhang using such small means to intimidate children, Yang Fan bluntly said: "Senior Sima is really majestic."
With that said, he turned to look at the child and consoled him: "What's your name? I am Yang Fan, the Minister of Rites. Don't be afraid. Tell me the results of your calculations just now. I will make the decision for you!"
The reason why he knew that the child knew the answer was because Yang Fan had been paying attention to him just now.
There's something special about this kid!
While others were analyzing how to start with the numbers, this child read the questions over and over again.
You could even hear him keep saying the word "fasting"... Yang Fan knew that he should already know the answer.
This question is actually very simple, just a brain teaser.
It’s just that there are very few such questions in this era, and no one pays attention!
If a child can find the answer, he is obviously a thoughtful little guy.
Hearing Yang Fan's words, the child quickly calmed down, and then politely saluted, and said excitedly: "My surname is Di, my name is Renjie, I have met Marquis Zhongyi."
Um?
Di Renjie?
Yang Fan's eyes suddenly flashed, and then his eyes widened.
Of course Yang Fan knew who he was. This little guy was the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty in the original history.
In later generations, Di Renjie can be said to be a figure that everyone knows.
This guy not only strives to protect the Li family, he is also famous as the fat man Di Gong in "Detective Di Renjie of the Tang Dynasty".
The phrase "Yuanfang, what do you think?" became popular all over the country.
Unexpectedly, Duke Di, who would become famous in the future, was also a little fat boy when he was a child.
Knowing the identity of the other party, Yang Fan's eyes suddenly lit up.
No wonder this kid will become a master in cutting off eucalyptus in the future. He is really thoughtful and has a hundredfold confidence in him.
Seeing Yang Fan's surprised look, Di Renjie asked: "Has Zhongyi Marquis heard of my name?"
Yang Fan smiled slightly: "I heard that Di Zhisun, the governor of Bingzhou, has a son who is extremely intelligent. When I saw him today, he certainly lived up to his reputation."
"Di Renjie? You should be a hero in life, and a hero in death. This word of Renjie has been achieved well."
After all, Di Renjie is a child at heart, and he said a little embarrassedly: "My father just gave me a random name. Marquis Zhongyi has been praised too much. You are the greatest hero in the world. Renjie is lucky enough to meet you. It is a blessing in his lifetime."
Yang Fan chuckled: "If you say it's a good name, it's a good name. I have a hunch, Renjie, you will definitely become a leader among people in the future, and your achievements will be limitless."
Is there any child in this world who doesn’t like to be praised?
Even Di Renjie is the same. The more he looks at Yang Fan, the more he likes him. What used to be admiration is now worship.
Although Di Renjie didn't know why Yang Fan had heard the name of a kid like him, nor did he know what Yang Fan's purpose was.
But he could feel that Yang Fan was not malicious, but full of appreciation.
Therefore, he became even more indignant about Sima Caizhang's threat just now.
The loyal and righteous Hou Gui is the Minister of Rites without showing off, but a professor of the Imperial College is so arrogant and arrogant!
Di Renjie decided to help Yang Fan combat Sima Caizhang's arrogance, so he made a gesture to confirm whether the answer was correct.
Seeing Di Renjie's hidden gesture, Yang Fan nodded slightly.
But he kept admiring in his heart that although this boy is young, he does things flawlessly. No wonder he can become a famous detective.
Seeing Yang Fan and Di Renjie flirting and complimenting each other, and seeing the gloating eyes of everyone around them, Sima Caizhang felt a surge of embarrassment in his head, and said displeasedly:
"Marquis Zhongyi, do you want to deliberately delay time and tell this kid the answer? If this kid can really figure it out, then let everyone see it!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone's attention turned to Di Renjie.
Everyone was nervous and looked at Di Renjie nervously, hoping that this little kid could really be solved.
This would not only give a severe blow to Sima Caizhang's arrogance, but also make this arrogant old man restrain his bad temper.
Yang Fan chuckled and encouraged Di Renjie: "Renjie, since Senior Sima has something to ask for, you can't flatter him. Tell me, how do you solve this problem?"
Di Renjie, who was a little panicked by everyone, gradually calmed down with Yang Fan's encouragement. After saluting the people around him, he said: "The answer is very simple. This person can only eat one egg on an empty stomach."
Hearing this, Sima Caizhang said angrily: "It's just nonsense. How can a person who has been hungry for three days only eat one egg? You must know that it is an empty stomach! Uh... an empty stomach..."
Speaking of this, a flash of inspiration suddenly flashed in his mind, and Sima Caizhang suddenly stopped talking and repeated himself involuntarily.
Is that so?
Sima Caizhang couldn't believe it.
But this idea is getting stronger and stronger. Could it be that there is only one answer to this question?
If you analyze it carefully, it is actually easy to understand.
No matter how many days a person has been hungry, as long as he eats one egg, he is not fasting.
Damn you, Yang Fan is so treacherous!
We promised to come up with an arithmetic problem, but now we can only analyze it by chewing on the words.
This kid asked himself whether he could do arithmetic. It was obvious that he was giving himself preconceptions so that he could not analyze calmly.
Di Renjie didn't pay attention to Sima Caizhang's strangeness at all, and explained directly: "Actually, the focus of this question is not how many eggs can be eaten, but to analyze how much this person can eat on an empty stomach."
"No matter how this person eats, as long as he eats one egg, he is not fasting at this time. Even if he can eat ten or hundreds of eggs later, it has nothing to do with the answer to this question."
"Therefore, the final answer to this question is: This person can only eat one egg on an empty stomach, and the answer is one."
After hearing the analysis, everyone suddenly realized that the mystery of this question lies here.
Some people who reacted quickly clapped their hands and said, "Wonderful, it's really wonderful!"
"This question seems to have no clue, but in fact it is simple, straightforward, and exquisite. However, it also creates doubts and leads people astray. It coincides with the principle of heaven and earth that is true and false, and false is true. This question is well asked!
Did it go well?
How are you?
Sima Caizhang's vision went dark and he almost fell to the ground.
After all, I just said that if this kid tells the answer, he will kowtow.
If a man who is about to enter a coffin kowtows to a young man, should he still live?
He could only point at Yang Fan angrily: "How can you, a treacherous boy, treat someone like this?"
If Yang Fan is being stumped by Yang Fan openly, it means his skills are inferior to others, so that’s it!
But both times he was completely defeated by Yang Fan's sword, which made Sima Caizhang unwilling to accept it.
Kong Yingda on the side could only sigh, shake his head and dissuade him: "Brother Caizhang, if you can't answer, you can't answer. Why are you acting like a rogue?"
"Although this question does not belong to the formal path of arithmetic, it still belongs to the category of arithmetic. Where in the world is there an unchanging question?"
"Just now you didn't examine the question carefully, so you took it for granted that there was no solution. Now ignorant children can easily see through the mystery of the question. Who can blame you? It can only be said that we are all careless!"
An old man who looked quite smart next to him clapped his hands and praised: "How much can this person eat on an empty stomach? In fact, he has already pointed out the question and revealed the mystery of the entire question. However, we turned a blind eye and instead looked at those who were trying to create doubts." I have spent so much time on numbers, but I have lost the watermelon and picked up the sesame seeds instead.”
"This question may seem like a joke, but in fact it teaches us that we must pay careful attention to everything and grasp the key to solve the problem. This question of Marquis Zhongyi has taught me a lot."
Listening to everyone's discussion, Yang Fan was a little dumbfounded!
Just now he just couldn't stand Sima Caizhang's stinky look, so he asked a question that he couldn't refute, and then came up with a brain teaser that will be used for future generations.
This kind of question is indeed too difficult for the ancients.
It's natural that Sima Caizhang couldn't answer.
Seeing Sima Caizhang's face turning red and white for a while, just like changing his face in a Sichuan opera, everyone found it funny and at the same time worried about Sima Caizhang.
If Yang Fan insisted that Sima Caizhang kneel down and beg for mercy, then Sima Caizhang might as well be killed simply.
Moreover, if Yang Fan is asked to kneel down on his knees, even if Yang Fan is reasonable, he will become unreasonable, and by then he will no longer be human inside and out.
In fact, Sima Caizhang is definitely not a person who cannot afford to lose.
To be able to become a great scholar among scholars, he must have something special about him. He can accept failure, but he is really unwilling to lose to Yang Fan with such a childish question.
Thinking of this, Sima Caizhang said with shame: "I'm not good at studying. If I lose, Marquis Zhongyi can do whatever he wants. He wants me to kneel down and beg for mercy, unless I die!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone felt a little sympathy.
Now I just hope that Yang Fan can be more generous!
Obviously, Yang Fan did not give up. Instead, he said: "Senior who readily admits defeat can be considered an aboveboard person."
"However, losing is losing, and winning is winning. I don't want the life of my senior. This is harmful to me. So, since you said you can do whatever I want, as long as you agree to one condition!"
Sima Caizhang was very surprised. He never thought that Yang Fan could be so easy to talk to. He said gratefully: "It doesn't matter what Marquis Zhongyi said. As long as I can do it, I will do my best!"
Kong Yingda sighed, not knowing what to do.
This old friend has always been arrogant and arrogant. Today, he fell into trouble at the hands of Yang Fan. I am afraid his reputation will be ruined!
After all, a man of letters is proud and should keep his word!
Even if Yang Fan doesn't pursue the case, he can't get through his own inner hurdles.
Sima Caizhang didn't know, but what could he do?
If you kneel down, not only will you never be able to hold your head up, but your family's reputation will inevitably plummet.
Only by biting the bullet and preserving the last trace of face can there be any possibility.
He would rather bear the notoriety of being a sore loser than have his family's reputation be damaged.
Sima Caizhang stared at Yang Fan, hoping that the conditions he proposed would not be too excessive, otherwise he would have died!
Yang Fan smiled slightly, raised his eyebrows and said, "I came here today to make trouble for you, Mr. Kong."
With that said, he turned to the crowd and said, "Everyone, please leave now. We will communicate together when we have the opportunity."
Finally got the chance to get close to Yang Fan, how could anyone give up.
After all, Yang Fan is the examiner of the imperial examination. If he can establish a relationship, it will definitely be beneficial.
So...
"Marquis Zhongyi, the student has a question that he would like to ask for advice. I wonder if we can stay here."
"The imperial examination will be held soon after the spring begins, and I would like to ask Marquis Zhongyi for advice."
"Yeah! We haven't even talked about the exchange we've agreed upon yet!"
Everyone's words to me mean that they don't want to leave.
Kong Yingda said with a smile: "I really didn't expect the Marquis to be so popular. Since I'm here, why don't I give them some advice? How about Zhongyi Marquis?"
Yang Fan quickly stood up and cupped his hands and said: "Originally, Mr. Kong had something to say, and I didn't dare to refuse, but here we really have something important to do."
"Otherwise, I will ask a question, and if anyone here can answer it within a quarter of an hour, they can stay."
"If you can't answer it, you can go back and think about it slowly. If you can answer it within three days, you can come to the Hou Mansion to discuss with me based on your answer. What do you think?"
After hearing what Yang Fan said, all the students were gearing up to show off.
If you can stay, this represents your ability!
Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Yang Fan just smiled, picked up a pen and drew a nine-square grid on the paper. The origins were three rows and three columns, forming a square.
After finishing the painting, Yang Fan picked it up and said, "This is the question. As long as you can connect these nine dots with straight lines, you will pass the assessment."
Some people immediately said impatiently: "What's so difficult about this? You can connect them casually!"
Some prudent people saw the clues and asked involuntarily: "Marquis Zhongyi, do you have any requirements?"
Yang Fan nodded and added: "Using four straight lines to connect nine points in series can only be completed in one stroke."
"I thought about it on the spot. If I fail the imperial examination unfortunately, I will also ask His Majesty for an exception!"
As soon as this statement came out, everyone was in an uproar.
If you can solve this problem, you can still become an official even if you fail the imperial examination. This is a blessing from God.
Everyone couldn't hold it anymore and were eager to try it. Some people even started writing immediately, calling it simple.
I was full of confidence at first, but when I started painting, I was stunned.
Because it simply cannot be completed using only four straight lines to connect nine points in series.
Some people tried several times but still failed. Everyone looked at each other and even discussed together, but no one could draw it.
This made everyone doubt that four straight lines could not connect these points at all.
Di Renjie was also thinking carefully about how the nine-square grid should be connected.
If you start the connection from the beginning, you will need four straight lines to connect the four sides of the periphery.
There must be a fifth straight line connecting the points of the midline.
Whether it is a vertical connection or a horizontal connection, the fifth line is indispensable.
Di Renjie raised his round head and looked at Yang Fan and asked: "Zhongyihou, is there anything wrong with this question? If there is no fifth straight line, it cannot be connected at all!"
"You can go back and think about it." Yang Fan was slightly silent.
In fact, Jiugongge Connect is a puzzle game in later generations, which examines divergent thinking.
But the ancients were always surrounded by rules and regulations, so few people could solve this kind of problem.
A quarter of an hour passed quickly, but no one was able to connect, so everyone could only leave in despair.
Sima Zicaizhang, who had been thinking for a long time but had no clue, then said in defeat: "Marquis Zhongyi is indeed a scholar of heaven and earth. I am a frog in a well who doesn't know how high the sky is. It's really laughable."
"Originally, I thought that the Marquis had won by trickery, and I was still a little unconvinced. But now I am convinced."
Although this old man is not young, he has a straightforward temperament and is the kind of person who dares to love and hate.
Kong Yingda and another middle-aged man were also scratching their heads and ears, without any clue at all.
After introduction, Yang Fan learned that the middle-aged man was also one of the people who participated in the compilation of the "Five Classics", named Yan Shigu.
He is a master of classics and a historian.
Although he didn't understand the question, he also knew that it was definitely not like the nonsense he just asked. He could vaguely understand the context of it, but he still didn't make much sense.
too difficult!
The three of them even believed that not many people in the world could connect this question.
The arrogant look on Sima Caizhang's face disappeared, replaced by a serious and respectful expression. He swallowed and asked: "This question... can Mr. Hou connect it together?"
Although he knew that Yang Fan could not give an unsolvable question, the old man always had a glimmer of hope.
If Yang Fan can't connect, at least the gap between him and Yang Fan is not that big.
Although he didn't say it, Sima Caizhang respectfully called Yang Fan "Master Hou", but he already knew the answer in his heart.
Yang Fan nodded affirmatively again: "Of course it's okay."
Before Yang Fan could react, Sima Caizhang made a move that stunned everyone.
I saw the old man fluttering his robe sleeves, bending down and saying: "Please teach me arithmetic... and how to connect lines!"
The style of painting changed so quickly that Yang Fan and others were shocked. This old man was acting out of common sense!
Yan Shigu even joked: "Old thief Sima, why do you have such disregard for face?"
Kong Yingda on the side burst into laughter!
Although this old friend is arrogant, he has one advantage. If you are better than me, I will admire you!
Faced with Yan Shigu's ridicule, Sima Caizhang was not angry. Instead, he said solemnly: "Brother Shigu, what you said is wrong. It's not that I don't care about my face. It's that I only know that there is a sky outside the world today. Only then do I realize that I am insignificant. I have to do it." Just enrich yourself!”
Sima Caizhang really thought so.
Although he had been embarrassed just now, he even wanted to bite this bastard to death.
But repeated blows made Sima Caizhang realize his shortcomings.
The previously impressive skills were simply vulnerable to Yang Fan.
Thinking back when Kong Yingda said that Yang Fan was a worldly genius with unparalleled talent, he was a little scornful.
Now I know that I am indeed a frog in the well and underestimate the talents in the world.
Yang Fan was a little helpless.
This old guy is actually flexible and flexible. This kind of person is the most difficult to deal with, like dog skin plaster, so he had no choice but to say:
"Today, this junior really came here to ask for help. It's inappropriate to have been entangled with the senior for so long. How dare you continue to mess around?"
"How about this, when you have free time in the future, seniors come to my house and discuss the ways of saints with each other?"
These words were so appropriate that Sima Caizhang had no choice but to nod his head no matter how impatient he was: "According to the words of the Marquis, we are committed!"
"It's a deal!"
Yan Shigu smiled bitterly and said: "Sima, you are a strange old guy. You have such a weird temper, which is rare in ancient and modern times."
Kong Yingda smiled and said: "Although Brother Caizhang has a stubborn personality, he is still a persistent person. At least he is admirable for studying."
After saying that, he turned to Yang Fan and smiled: "I don't know why Marquis Zhongyi is here!"
"Accepted by His Majesty's order to organize a news department..."
As he spoke, Yang Fan told him about inviting a few people.
