In the morning, at dawn, I heard the cries of a breakfast stall outside. Li Yu was sleeping on the second floor. He opened the window and saw that there were already many people on the road.
Li Shutong stopped a vendor carrying a pole.
"Bring me two bowls of wontons."
"Okay." The vendor put down the pole and took out two bowls of wontons from the box at the back. This kind of pole is called a camel pole, with high sides. It comes from Suzhou.
Li Shutong came to Li Yu's room carrying wontons.
"Sir, try this. Don't look down on it. Lao Li Tou's wontons are one of the best in the area." Li Yu said with a smile: "I once wrote the book "Fractals and Chaos", but this is the first time I have eaten it this year. Wontons." Li Shutong said: "I don't understand your chaos, so I can only eat a wonton." After breakfast, the two went to Nanyang Public School to find Cai Yuanpei. Cai Yuanpei was reading the introductory lectures on mathematics and physics written by Li Yu. He praised: "It explains the profound things in simple terms and has solid theories. It is really a rare good book!" Then he looked at Li Yu,
"I can't understand Sir's other papers, but this introductory mathematics lecture you wrote is simply brilliant." This lecture was the work of Li Yu for more than a month at the Beiyang Armed Forces Crash Course. It's a really good introductory book, and there are some pictures and tables in it, which are quite visual.
The key is that he directly used new mathematical symbols and was in line with international standards. Li Yu said: "If sir can use it, its value will be more obvious." Cai Yuanpei said: "Of course I will use it, but I think there is someone who can play its role better." Li Yu asked: "Aside from Cai Jiaoxi , who else could there be?" Cai Yuanpei said: "This person is a Jinshi in the same field as me, his name is Zhang Yuanji, and he is now the director of compilation of the Commercial Press." Of course Li Yu knew the Commercial Press, and Zhang Yuanji's contribution to the Commercial Press can be too big.
Li Yu said: "Could it be that Professor Cai wanted the Commercial Press to print this book?"
"Exactly!" Cai Yuanpei said,
"My classmate is also a person who wants to save the country. Nowadays, new schools have been established in various places, but they are suffering from the lack of teaching materials. He is worried about this. If he sees this book, I am afraid he will be so happy that he can't open his mouth from ear to ear." The Commercial Press is now It has only been established for six years and is indeed preparing to compile teaching materials.
And this was basically the most profitable business of the Commercial Press in the early days, and it almost relied on it to grow rapidly.
Zhang Yuanji is also very discerning. After all, the most lacking book in China at this time is textbooks, and the market demand is boundless.
Li Yu felt that only Zhang Yuanji's Commercial Press could play the role of this book, and he readily agreed: "If it can really help education, that would be great!" Cai Yuanpei stood up and said
"Let's go together!" Basically everyone has read the books of the Commercial Press in later generations. The "Xinhua Dictionary" alone is the childhood memory of many people.
Cai Yuanpei said on the way: "Xiao Zhai was summoned by the emperor during the Reform Movement of 1898. He proposed to establish a new school, cultivate various talents and pay attention to translation." Li Yu said: "Fortunately, although the reform was not completed, the new school was finally It's time to start construction." Zhang Yuanji was a Jinshi and entered the Hanlin Academy. It was normal for him to be received by Emperor Guangxu.
Cai Yuanpei said: "Xiao Zhai also worked at Nanyang Public School. At that time, he was mainly engaged in translating books, and I admire his views very much. He no longer focused on the military books that he had attached great importance to in the past, but focused on the topic selection of the translated books. Transferred to social science books.”
"It makes sense. Some pure military books do not have much guiding significance for us. After all, the foundation is different." Li Yu said.
"What you said is absolutely true. At that time, most translations were relatively blind," Cai Yuanpei continued,
"In fact, Xiao Zhai already had the opportunity to be the general manager of a public school, but he decided to enter the press. But while I devoted myself to education, he chose publishing. They have different paths and the same goal, and they are all dedicated to the country." Li Yu said: "Publishing and education are indeed They are inextricably linked." Li Yu also admires Zhang Yuanji. Firstly, he is good at studying and can be admitted to the Jinshi. Secondly, he has a great career. The key is to do good things that benefit the country and the people.
Cai Yuanpei said: "Actually, the special subjects of Nanyang Public School were also founded by Xiao Zhai, and his understanding of education is not inferior to mine." Li Yu smiled and said: "Teacher Cai is too modest." Cai Yuanpei said: "No, Xiao Zhai Xiao Zhai has done a lot of things. You should have heard of Mr. Yan Fu's "Tianyan Lun", right?" Li Yu said: "I know." Cai Yuanpei said: "Xiao Zhai compiled this book early, and its influence is really not small. ." "The Theory of Heavenly Evolution" is actually a wonderful political treatise, not as academic as Darwin's "The Origin of Species", so this book will have a very sensational impact in China after it is translated.
Even people like Wu Rulun, who is now the chief Chinese teacher of the Capital University, were fascinated by the classics. He even copied the book verbatim and put it under his pillow.
Wu Rulun abridged this book and gave it to many academies. Many schools like to use this as a topic. When Hu Shi was studying in Chengzhong Academy, the topic of his essay was
"Natural selection, survival of the fittest, try to apply its meaning." But this is obviously not something that teenagers can play.
Kang Liang naturally also highly praised this book. The young Lu Xun couldn't put it down after seeing it. In the face of his parents' objections, he even said: "I still don't think there is anything wrong. Whenever I have free time, I eat persimmons, peanuts, and peppers as usual, and read "Tianyan Lun"." Li Yu also said I haven’t read this book, but later generations’ understanding of the theory of evolution is obviously much more advanced.
As soon as he arrived at the Commercial Press, Cai Yuanpei stopped someone: "Xiao Zhai, you're welcome!" Zhang Yuanji said: "He Qing, why are you here?" Cai Yuanpei said with a smile: "You didn't read today's newspaper. A 'scientific giant' has come to Shanghai. Don't you know such big news?" Zhang Yuanji asked in surprise: "Scientific giant? Is it the legendary Li Yu?" Li Yu laughed and said: "It's not a legend, I am Why don't you just stand here." Zhang Yuanji said: "Oh! I didn't expect it to be you! Your name is really familiar to me!" Cai Yuanpei said with a smile: "How about it, the people I brought today are extraordinary!"
"Come in and sit down!" Zhang Yuanji stretched out his hand toward the room.
"It's a small place, so I'm afraid the reception will not be good." The Commercial Press has not yet built a new branch in Zhabei, and it does look like a larger workshop.
Li Yu said, "You're welcome, sir." Cai Yuanpei put the introductory mathematics and physics textbook on the table and said, "Look, I didn't come empty-handed, I brought you good things!"
"Good stuff?" Zhang Yuanji picked up the handout and exclaimed after turning a few pages,
"Which master is this?"
"It's far away, but it's so close." Cai Yuanpei said.
"Could it be you, He Qing?" Cai Yuanpei said with a smile: "How do I know so much? Of course it was Li Yu who wrote it." Zhang Yuanji slapped his forehead: "Look at me, why did I say the wrong thing!" Cai Yuanpei said: "I Didn't I hear that you are compiling elementary school textbooks? I just happened to see Mr. Li Yu's introductory mathematics and physics textbook. I thought it was really exciting and I immediately thought of showing it to you." Zhang Yuanji said gratefully: "It can't be described as a timely help. You I don’t know how much thought we have put into the textbooks! But we only have a little idea of the Chinese textbooks, and as for the science, there is no way to start." Then he said to Li Yu: "Sir, can this book be published and printed? We will recommend it. To the whole country." Li Yu said: "Don't you need to review it first?" Zhang Yuanji said: "Of course we will review it, but we believe in your ability. I have read reports about you in the newspaper. You are at the pinnacle of science and professional. Don't worry about sex, you just need to grasp the difficulty. After all, the foundation of our school is indeed a bit poor." Li Yu said: "Just review it. Your influence is too wide. If it is only a small school, it's okay. But the handouts I have some control over the difficulty, it’s all for the introductory level.”
"This is the best!" Zhang Yuanji said,
"To be honest, we don't have much ability to review science textbooks. If we say that the most authoritative person in science in China is you, sir." Come to think of it, just talk about the "Latest Elementary School" first published by the Commercial Press. "Chinese Textbook" has already consumed a lot of their energy.
But as long as you really understand it, mathematical and physical science textbooks will be easier to write. After all, the content is relatively fixed.
However, selecting texts for Chinese textbooks is a vexing problem, and those who have difficulty choosing can be worried to death.
As the old saying goes, no matter who you choose, there will be someone who is more suitable. Li Yu said: "Now I don't know what aspects need to be paid attention to. If you have any questions during the review process, I will make changes in time." Zhang Yuanji said: "I am still very confident in this set of teaching materials. If possible, I will I also hope that my husband can provide help in the subsequent compilation of textbooks." Li Yu immediately agreed: "No problem! After all, it is a popular education. Since there are no scientific textbooks, I should do my best." Zhang Yuanji sighed: " Yes, although China has a population of 40 million, there are probably only 400,000 people who have read and been educated. And the educated people have basically only learned a few sentences of eight-legged essay, and have learned almost nothing that they really should know. Today In a world that is developing like this, our country will perish if this continues." Li Yu couldn't help but stand in awe after listening to Zhang Yuanji's words. There are really not many people who can realize this now.
There is no point in saying that the land is vast and the resources are abundant. Talent is the most important thing, otherwise you will be swallowed up by others sooner or later. At present, there seems to be a population of 40 million, but most of them cannot produce their due value because they are uneducated.
Japan's current educated population has long exceeded 400,000. The reason for Japan's defeat in the Sino-Japanese War is really obvious.
After listening to Zhang Yuanji's words, Li Yu's heart was ignited. Although compiling textbooks was not his strong point, but nowadays, when he is poor and has nothing, having a decent textbook is extremely valuable.
Li Yu said: "Sir, don't worry, in addition to the current introductory lectures on mathematics and physics, I will write a few more introductory textbooks on biology, chemistry and other Western sciences as soon as possible." Zhang Yuanji did not expect that Li Yu knew so much, and was surprised: "These Can you do it all?" Li Yu said with a smile: "If it's just introductory material, of course." He didn't study for so many years in vain!
Although the test-taking component is very important, I didn’t expect it to be of great use now. After all, there are so many things to learn in our compulsory education.
Zhang Yuanji was so excited that he almost cried: "Brother Heqing, you really brought me the most meaningful day today! I know very well that to open up people's wisdom, we must publish good books, and excellent textbooks bear the brunt! This problem bothers me too much." It’s been a long time, but today I actually solved the textbooks of mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry at the same time. So much good news almost makes me not believe it is true.”
"Of course it's true! It's just," Cai Yuanpei looked at Li Yu,
"Do you really understand all these Western sciences?"
"It's just the introductory stage, no problem." Li Yu knew he needed to give them a shot in the arm and build up their confidence.
Cai Yuanpei actually stood up and bowed solemnly: "I have unspeakable admiration for your contribution to education."
"It's all what I should do," Li Yu said hurriedly,
"You should do more in education." Zhang Yuanji added: "One more thing, I know that your husband has published many incredible scientific articles in the West. I wonder if there are Chinese manuscripts that our printing press can also publish. "Li Yu said: "It is indeed possible, but I'm afraid there won't be much of an audience." Zhang Yuanji disagreed: "When we publish, we don't just look at whether it can sell well. Of course, such meaningful books must be published. Maybe one day, it will really be published. Someone can understand it and benefit from it." Li Yu thought about it, so he said: "Okay, I will give you the Chinese manuscript later. In addition, I also wrote a science fiction book, maybe the publishing effect will be better A little bit." In fact, Li Yu doesn't have much confidence in the science fiction market. After all, the domestic scientific foundation is really weak.
But printing is better than not printing. Zhang Yuanji said: "We will pay the subsequent fees to Mr. Li based on the publication status." Li Yu asked: "Is it proportional?"
"Yes," Zhang Yuanji said,
"According to Western standards, it's 3 to 10 percentage points." Li Yu said, "Then let's go with the lowest rate." Zhang Yuanji said in surprise, "I originally wanted to give you a higher rate, sir." Li Yu said with a smile: "The early publicity and distribution expenses will probably cost a lot of money, even if I make some contribution to education." Zhang Yuanji praised: "Sir, you really serve the country and the people, but our Commercial Press is by no means an ordinary small workshop. If the textbooks are distributed When the volume increases, we will renegotiate the royalties with Mr. Li Yu. It would be unnatural if Li Yu declined any more, so he said: "That's it for now. In short, the most important thing is to prepare the teaching materials first." The Commercial Press later became almost a monopoly It entered the primary school textbook market in the late Qing Dynasty, with a market share of at least 80%, and a circulation in hundreds of millions.
The circulation of that primary school Chinese textbook alone exceeds 100 million. Just terrible. Moreover, Commercial Press has introduced Western technology, and the quality of printing and binding is excellent, which can be said to be the industry benchmark.
Even if the issuance price is only a few dozen yuan, if the minimum 3% for hundreds of millions of copies is calculated, the remuneration will be tens of thousands of taels of silver.
Of course, after the 21st century, textbooks are already controlled and will no longer be divided according to this royalties.
It's just that in the late Qing Dynasty, the court was just a decoration. As a private enterprise, the Commercial Press, if it didn't produce teaching materials, the court might not be able to produce it for a few more years.
The first pot of gold laid by the Commercial Press was such a good foundation that by the eve of the fall of the Qing Dynasty, it was one of the only 15 large enterprises in the late Qing Dynasty with assets exceeding one million yuan.
Although Zhang Yuanji was ordered by Cixi during the Reform Movement of 1898
"Dismissed and never reused", his political life came to an abrupt end, but he still wanted to do something real. It was Li Hongzhang who came forward to protect him at the beginning, and then arranged for his subordinate Sheng Xuanhuai to invite Zhang Yuanji to Nanyang Public School in Shanghai.
In fact, he could have been the principal of Nanyang Public School, but in the end he was determined to enter the publishing industry in the late Qing Dynasty.
"Bad industry" does require a lot of courage. Li Yu remembered that Zhang Yuanji was also a book collector, so he asked again: "I will leave for Huzhou and be entrusted by others to help the Song Dynasty Tower. Are you interested, sir?"
"Kansong Tower?" Zhang Yuanji asked in surprise,
"I didn't expect you to know about it." Li Yu said, "I also heard it mentioned by others. Now that I am in trouble, it seems that I have been targeted by the Japanese." Zhang Yuanji sighed,
"I wanted to go to the Song Tower twice, but was rejected by the Lu family. Unexpectedly, the Japanese are here now." Li Yu asked doubtfully, "Why did the Lu family refuse Mr. Lu to go to the tower?" Zhang Yuanji said, "Actually, I once went to the Song Tower with the Lu family. We have a close personal relationship with Mr. Lu Xinyuan, the previous head of the family. However, Lu Xinyuan has passed away nearly ten years ago and now I want to visit again. The Lu family thought I wanted to buy books and had a grudge in my heart." Li Yu said: "Isn't the Japanese's current intention also a conspiracy? The Lu family collects books?" Zhang Yuanji said helplessly: "Maybe they know how to cover up and understand people's hearts." Li Yu almost wanted to swear, but tried hard to hold back: "How can the Japanese have good intentions?" Zhang Yuanji said: "Of course the Japanese don't. They have good intentions, but their wallets are very full. The price offered by the Lu family is not low, and it is not something ordinary people can afford." Li Yu said, "So I think we can join forces." Zhang Yuanji said, "I'm afraid that the Lu family doesn't want to sell in pieces. I want to sell them all together." This is really difficult to do.
In fact, historically, before Lu Shufan of the Lu family sold the books in the Song Dynasty Tower in 1907, Zhang Yuanji did offer a price.
Lu Shufan initially asked for 500,000 taels, then reduced it to 250,000 yuan, and finally to 100,000 yuan, but still no one was able to take over.
Zhang Yuanji could only come up with 50,000 yuan at that time, so he postponed the discussion for the time being. Moreover, out of his enthusiasm for protecting the national cultural heritage, his trustee advised Lu Shufan not to sell it to the Japanese until the Commercial Press could collect 100,000 yuan.
But he didn't expect that Lu Shufan couldn't wait and sold it to the Iwasaki family of the Mitsubishi Group for 120,000 yuan.
Li Yu knew in his heart how valuable these books were, and Jingjiatang Library, which bought these books, became a major center of Japanese Sinology.
"Just give it a try." Li Yu said. Zhang Yuanji said: "Since Sir said so, I should go to Huzhou again no matter what."
