Chapter 77: The Relief of the Four Talented Scholars

“Look here, these letters are called Chinese Pinyin. With Pinyin, you can annotate every character. In other words, once you master Pinyin, you can essentially recognize many of the commonly used Chinese characters.”

Of course, the memory of children cannot compare to that of adults.

Children require a gradual process of memorization and comprehension, so it’s unrealistic to expect a seven-year-old to become familiar with thousands of commonly used Chinese characters within just two or three years.

The official language of the Great Tang differs greatly from modern Mandarin; comparatively, the pronunciation of contemporary Mandarin is clearer and more vibrant.

Back in the Sui dynasty, the court published an annotated book called the “Qieyun,” but it was far too complicated, containing a total of 193 rhymes.

By contrast, modern Pinyin is much more straightforward.

Therefore, Du Chengfeng intended to promote this more convenient form of modern Mandarin starting now.

He aimed for Mandarin to gradually become the official language of the Great Tang.

Naturally, it would be best to have Li Shimin’s cooperation in this endeavor. Only with the emperor’s endorsement could this be swiftly implemented throughout the land.

Du Chengfeng planned to popularize it first in the school he was building, serving as a starting point.

Only by unifying the language would it be easier for the common people to communicate.

On this foundation, he would then compile a dictionary of several thousand commonly used Chinese characters, making things even more accessible.

As for basic mathematics, after Du Chengfeng’s explanation, the others quickly grasped the concepts.

After all, to be known as one of the four great talents of Chang’an, one’s learning and comprehension abilities must be exceptional.

After a lengthy and exhaustive explanation from Du Chengfeng, the four of them basically understood the significance of the writing system he was describing.

It is no exaggeration to say that everything Du Chengfeng taught them was of immense and lasting value, worthy of being passed down for generations.

The materials Du Chengfeng produced truly opened up a new world for them—a world more beautiful and full of promise.

After their realization, astonishment was the only word to describe their feelings. It was clear that following Du Chengfeng’s lead was the wisest decision they could have made.

Today, the saying “there’s always someone better” was something they experienced firsthand.

“Brother Chengfeng, after hearing your explanations, the four of us are truly enlightened for life. Please accept our deep bow,” said Luo Mingchuan respectfully. The four exchanged glances, then bowed low to Du Chengfeng, cupping their hands in the traditional gesture and saluting deeply.

Du Chengfeng, having just finished a cup of tea, was startled by this. He knew their respect was genuine; this deep bow was the highest gesture of respect a scholar could offer to a revered elder.

This also showed that these four were not like the rigid, unbending scholars of Confucian tradition.

Du Chengfeng felt fortunate to have encountered four such outstanding and promising individuals.

“Please rise, brothers. There’s no need for such formality; I am unworthy of such honor,” Du Chengfeng said with a wry smile, setting down his teacup.

But the four insisted on completing the gesture. Afterward, Luo Mingchuan rose and said, “Brother Chengfeng, your actions will benefit the masses and are a blessing to all under heaven. You deserve this. As scholars, we are far from possessing your noble spirit—truly, we are ashamed.”

Du Chengfeng laughed heartily and comforted them, “There’s no need for such modesty, Brother Luo. I can see clearly that all four of you care deeply for the common people. For you to set aside your status and help me in the cause of education is itself a great blessing for the people.”

In modern society, it’s commonplace for entrepreneurs, once wealthy, to give back to society through charity. While there may be ulterior motives for some, most acts are genuinely well-intentioned.

Du Chengfeng merely wished, through his small efforts, to help the people of the Great Tang realize the importance of knowledge—not simply to study for the sake of becoming officials, as the Confucians preached.

Such a simple intention was considered by the four to be an act of great virtue—something almost unheard of.

He continued, “Brothers, establishing a free school requires much preparation. If you have time in the coming days, you are welcome to come to my residence to familiarize yourselves with the new teaching materials. I will do my best to organize them as quickly as possible.”

In truth, organizing the materials was simply a matter of exchanging some prestige points for them and having someone print a few copies.

The promotion of Pinyin and simplified characters still required the approval and assistance of Li Shimin. The spread of a new cultural system would inevitably be a gradual process, not something accomplished overnight.

Du Chengfeng was mentally prepared for the effort to last several years, or even longer. He could even imagine that the emergence of this writing system might provoke fierce opposition from the old guard of Confucian scholars at court.

Still, it would be best if this group of diehards didn’t run up against Du Chengfeng, for otherwise he would have no qualms about making them pay dearly.

The spread of modern education was a vital part of Du Chengfeng’s plan and would become the cornerstone of the Great Tang’s future development—he would allow no one to sabotage it.

“Of course, of course,” the four replied in unison, their voices polite and sincere. Du Chengfeng’s lofty aspirations had thoroughly won them over.

“In that case, let me thank you in advance for your support. Rest assured, once the school is open, I will see to it that none of you are treated unfairly,” Du Chengfeng said candidly.

“No need for such words, Brother Chengfeng,” Luo Mingchuan replied, returning the salute.

Next, Du Chengfeng discussed some of the school’s details with them, as well as the responsibilities each would assume. He had already chosen a name for the school: “Chengfeng’s Benevolent Academy,” with himself as headmaster.

Naming the school after himself was not something he did lightly, but to earn more prestige points, he had to set aside his pride for once.

Now, with the wholehearted support of these four, the matter of founding the school was finally settled, and Du Chengfeng felt greatly relieved.

Not long after, the cook finished preparing the meal. When the four saw the modern dishes brought in by the maids, their expressions mirrored those of Manager Lu the first time he saw them.

The colors, aromas, and flavors made them forget their composure; all dignity was lost as they devoured the food ravenously. Inwardly, each one silently declared: from this day forward, Du Chengfeng was their benefactor. This visit was truly worthwhile.

Compared to the fare at Wangjiang Pavilion, which now seemed little better than pig slop, the cuisine at Du Chengfeng’s residence was beyond compare—this was no exaggeration.

Not only had they become sworn brothers with such a young founding lord, but they could also enjoy such delicacies. Where else could one find such fortune?

Unwittingly, the afternoon passed. As dusk approached, the four, having eaten and drunk their fill under Du Chengfeng’s generous hospitality, departed content and satisfied.

Each patted his chest and promised that he would come every afternoon to Du Chengfeng’s residence to familiarize himself with the new teaching materials. Of course, the memory of the exquisite meal was the greatest motivation of all.