In March of the fifth year of Yuanyou.

Overcast to light rain.

Writing two sentences in the diary, Han Gang raised his eyes and looked at the thermometer placed by the window, and the top end of the mercury column in the glass tube pointed to the square below the scale marked ten.

Nine degrees.

On the night of the third lunar month in Kaifeng Prefecture, the temperature of nine degrees is still within the normal range, at least better than the temperature suddenly dropped below freezing one night in March last year.

The concept of thermometer has already appeared in "Travels in the Nine Domains", but a little earlier, Han Gang had already proposed the concept of temperature in "Nature", and set the freezing point of water to zero degrees and the boiling point to 100 degrees. In a later paper, the existence of atmospheric pressure was confirmed through the Torricelli experiment, and by the way, the boiling point of water was supplemented, that is, the effect of atmospheric pressure on the boiling point was clarified in a speculative tone.

And to prove Han Gang's speculation, after Han Gang took office as governor, it became a thing that everyone rushed to do. The most recent one was through the organization of the journal "Nature", and members and corresponding members from all over the country conducted a three-month experiment on the peaks of the Lushan Mountain, Yandang Mountain, Wutai Mountain and other mountain ranges, as well as 39 prefectures and counties on the plains, with a total of more than 300 members and corresponding members, and finally confirmed the influence of altitude and weather changes on air pressure, and also confirmed the relationship between air pressure and boiling point.

However, although the corresponding concept has been proposed and verified, and Han Gang has also selected craftsmen to try to make a thermometer early on, it is difficult to manufacture a glass tube suitable for making a thermometer, and it is difficult to keep the internal space of the glass tube straight and even, so far, the hope of success can only be based on luck.

But at Han Gang's house, there are still several thermometers and barometers, and someone will record them every hour every day, and copy them in two copies, one of which is collected into a book, and the other is sent to Han Gang.

Han Gang picked up the record note from the table, from yesterday's Shen Shi to today's Shen Shi, the temperature change of each hour is on the note. It doesn't take much, it's just a few words.

Han Gang picked up the pen and meticulously wrote the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature into his diary. If this habit of recording the weather and temperature can continue for decades and stay in the capital, it will definitely be an important information for studying the weather changes in Kaifeng. Han Gang not only did it himself, he also chose it in "Nature".

And it's not just thermometers and barometers, but also rain gauges that record the amount of rain in each field. The establishment of the Meteorological Bureau is not yet in time, but the popularization of meteorological knowledge through Nature and the separation of meteorology from astronomy are already underway.

After the date and weather, Hangang continued his daily homework.

Not only him, but also many scholars have the habit of keeping diaries, and most of the major events encountered today are briefly recorded. Zeng Bu kept a diary, and he kept it since he was a child, and when his home was raided, the diary he copied out filled a car.

Han Gang has read a few of them, and the ones on them are all things that have been written and decorated, the responsibility is someone else's, and the credit is his own. In particular, the public case of Zeng Bu's defection from the New Party was all the fault of Wang Anshi, Lu Huiqing, and Zeng Xiaokuan. Han Gang was also honored to become a role in pouring bad water and giving advice to Wang Anshi.

Han Gang is not too objective in his diary, but the content in his diary records more scientific and technological and industrial progress, and there are almost no political disputes. When I don't have time, I will only record the weather and temperature, and then simply skip the day, and when I am idle, I will use it as a practice of calligraphy, and write down some scientific theories in my memory as my own guess.

The pen moved across the paper, flickering hundreds of words. When I put down the pen, I happened to hear a few sounds on the cloud board outside, and the person who was waiting was almost there.

It is a pity that clocks that keep accurate timekeeping have not yet been invented. Otherwise, the sound of the cloud board is not used to convey the time indicated by the omission in the home.

Although Han Gang had already given the principle of a pendulum clock, it would take a flash of inspiration from a craftsman to see a table clock that uses a pendulum to determine the passage of time. If there is a clock, it can measure time more accurately, whether it is production and life, or military operations, it can be raised from the current level, and it is an indispensable key tool to enter the industrial society.

Just thinking about how to motivate the craftsmen again, the family members outside raised their voices, "Xianggong, Master Wang is here." ”

Wang Juqing, who was sentenced to the warden and a direct member of the Privy Council, finally arrived.

Just like Wang Juqing in the past few years, although his position has not been moved, he has been promoted to the level of a direct bachelor, and Han Gang is now the prime minister - Tongzhongshu Men Pingzhangshi and Jixian Academy Scholar.

Half a year ago, Han Jiang begged for bones, and then retired as the envoy of the first palace of Zhongtai. Su Song was alone for half a year, and then in early February, after several resignations, Han Gang officially became prime minister.

As soon as the edict came out, there was no difference between the court and the central government, and it was a matter of course, and after he became the prime minister, the servants in the family all changed their words overnight - the preciousness of the word Xianggong made them feel honored to be servants and maids.

"Invite him in."

Han Gang said, put away the diary on the table, came to the outside room, took a book out of the shelf, and waited for Wang Juqing.

"Ju Qing meets Xianggong."

After a while, Wang Juqing was ushered in, and Han Gang greeted him on the steps.

After exchanging salutes, Han Gang introduced Wang Juqing into the hall.

Sitting down, Wang Juqing saw at a glance the book that Han Gang had placed on the small table when he came out to greet him.

"Travels in the Nine Domains".

"Xianggong is also reading this book?" Wang Juqing asked, testing whether Han Gang had any deep meaning. Regarding the relationship between this book and Han Gang, the outside world has been talking about it, Han Gang has always avoided talking about it, and Wang Juqing has seen Han Gang holding this book for the first time.

Han Gangfang twitched it casually, and didn't notice that it was his own book. However, when he heard Wang Juqing mention it, he picked it up and raised it, "What does Shouming think of this book?" ”

"Strange books are also, so they can be spread all over the world. Although it is said to be a non-existent thing, it is possible that it is really seven or eight points. Wang Juqing said, "It's a pity that I don't know who the author is." ”

"Since it's anonymous, I probably don't want people to hear more."

When Han Gang wrote this book, it was to make an excuse for Wang Anshi to change the law in the name of chasing three generations. The world he wants does not need to be named after three generations - then the people don't understand, and the scholars won't believe it, and the courtiers know that the Tao is an excuse - directly use this book to tell the world, there are all kinds of things in it that Han Gang has already said, and there are also things that have not appeared but can be confirmed, and to a large extent, they can be achieved through hard work.

It's science fiction, but it's also reality.

However, the craze caused by this was unexpected by Han Gang himself. Nowadays, in the tiles of the capital, in addition to saying the third-class commentary, there is one more to say the nine domains, and it has also driven the enthusiasm of scholars to write, and now, there are even serialized novels in the newspapers, most of which are to change the commentary, and there are few realistic works like Han Gang, but heaven and earth, omnipotent.

"Xianggong is right, I think it's true!"

Han Gang's words, listening to it, are admitted, just a warning not to say it. Of course, Wang Juqing would not disobey Han Gang's wishes, there was nothing to explore in the first place. Although this book can actually be regarded as a clarion call for war against the new party, to the people of the world

Some people look at the joys and sorrows of the characters in the book, some people look at the food, clothing, housing and transportation in the book, and some people look at the geography and people in the book, and Wang Juqing, in the book, found the goal and direction of the ordnance supervisor. In his opinion, he has been able to hold the weapons prison steadily in the past few years, and has received a lot of praise, completely relying on the inspiration he got from "Travels in the Nine Domains".

"What do you think of this book?"

Han Gang shook his head, "The poetry is not very good. ”

After dealing with each other for several years, Wang Juqing can be regarded as knowing Han Gang more or less. Han Gang's temper, under normal circumstances, can be said to be very good. As long as he doesn't provoke him and speaks normally, Han Gang is also happy to chat with people and even tell a joke. Occasional offense, as long as it is not malicious, can be tolerated generously.

"The others are indeed not very good, but an article 'Rolling Yangtze River East Passing Water' is enough to glorify the whole book. I don't know what Xiang Gong thinks? ”

Han Gang smiled slightly bitterly. When he inserted this poem in the book, he still had some joking thoughts, but now he only hopes that future generations will not put it in his own anthology.

"That's how I see it, too." Han Gang said, "There are more than 100 poems in the whole article, but this Linjiang Immortal is the best." It's a pity that the author is not allowed to become famous. ”

Wang Juqing looked at Han Gang in surprise. From Han Gang's face, he could feel that Han Gang was genuinely regretful, not joking. This made Wang Juqing, who had already believed that Han Gang was the author of this book, less certain.

The novelist "Travels in the Nine Domains" is widely circulated in the world, and among the evaluations that can be obtained, the poetry and writing are at the bottom, except for a poem "Linjiang Immortal", which has been criticized as a mess. And this point also makes the world believe that this book is from the pen of Han Gang, who has poor literary talent.

But the Linjiang Immortal is not uncriticized, but the other poems in the book make it impossible to defend it, and only this poem can make people have enough confidence to refute the attacks of others. Therefore, some people use this as an excuse to suspect that this is not Han Gang's work at all.

Han Gang is now proud of the spring breeze, and it is the time to prepare for a grand plan, how can there be the feeling of 'the waves sweeping away the heroes' and 'the success or failure of right and wrong'? It is even more impossible to write down words like 'how many things in ancient and modern times are being laughed about'?

Wang Anshi's poems at that time were to refute the opponents' 'The husband's origin is not unintentional, and the ape crane never knows it', the willing to bow to the best of his ability', 'Ming Shi thinks about the sorrow, and is willing to cut the five-stringed harp', and is grateful to the Son of Heaven 'should know that the old man in the Weishui wheel is the king's deep intention'. Compared with Wang Anshi, the Linjiang Immortal in the book does not echo Han Gang's mood and circumstances at all.

Wang Juqing didn't know if Lu Dao should continue to guess, but no matter who wrote it, it didn't matter. The important thing is that the content in this script completely reflects Han Gang's intentions.

"It's a shame indeed." Wang Juqing said, "This book is full of millions of words, astronomy, geography, and human feelings, but it is unique, unseen in ancient times, and beyond the reach of poetry." ”

Han Gang nodded and said with a smile: "It is indeed the first of its kind. ”

No matter how bad the writing is, no matter how bad the poetry is, no matter how much it is borrowed and plagiarized, it will not change the historical significance of the book. This may not be the first novel in this world, but it is certainly the first science fiction novel, and there is no need to be presumptuous.

"In the old days, there were willow words everywhere in the well, and now Zhou Meicheng is not far behind, but one article makes the crime not a crime, and Qiqing and Meicheng are far behind."

"Anatomy?" Han Gang thought for a moment and asked.

Wang Juqing nodded, "Exactly." ”

In the criminal law, mutilating a corpse is a felony, and even if it is a death from murder, the examination will try not to destroy the corpse, and it will mostly be seen from the outside. But now, in addition to the official autopsy, most of the nameless corpses found must be sent to the medical school for autopsy research, find out the cause of death and report it to the government, and at the same time, it can also be studied by the way, but it must be cremated and buried afterwards. Privately, the medical school will also invite monks and Taoists every once in a while to make a water and land dojo.

"Surgery, if you don't recognize the composition of the human body, how can you heal people? In the past few years, in the medical school, I don't know how many fallacies in ancient books have been removed, not only surgery, but also internal medicine, gynecology, and pediatrics. ”

Xianggong said it very well. I only hold books, and I can't find beautiful jade. If you die reading medical books, you will not become a good doctor. ”

"It's hard to do things, and the hard thing is to be realistic. You have to look at the reality, not the text. ”

Wang Juqing got up and said respectfully: "Don't worry, Juqing understands." ”

Wang Juqing came to see Han Gang today, not for other reasons, but because he was going out to Huainan East Road to take up a transfer envoy.

Han Gang did not support Cai Qu and Lu Huiqing's experience in Beijing, from the first official to Zaifu. He has always appreciated the way of serving in Beijing for a few years and in the local area for a few years, especially the Yushitai, which must go through a term of pro-people official before he is eligible to enter. If Qingliu, who doesn't do things, has the right to speak, it is a satire on all those who do things seriously.

Wang Juqing has been in the position of ordnance supervisor for a long time, and he should go out to increase his experience, and when he comes back, he will be able to go to the next level.

The biggest problem for Wang Juqing as the transfer envoy of Huainan East Road was that the drought in Huainan last year caused this spring to be extremely difficult. How to provide disaster relief is the work of the local government, the work of the Changping envoys, and the task of the transit envoys.

"Shouming, what are you going to do?"

"There is no shortage of grain and straw in Huaizuo, and the only thing to worry about is relief. When the government and the people work together, they will tide over the difficulties together. ”

"Almsgiving?" Han Gang thought for a moment and said, "Of course, it's not easy to give relief. How difficult is it to do good? Do good deeds and accumulate virtues, and Nengze will be passed by generations of descendants. Everyone wants their children and grandchildren to live a long life, but unfortunately how many people can do it well? I once heard Jia Yan say that there was a good man in Mizhou Township in the past, and his ancestor was just a teacher at first, and he only paid more than ten dollars a year. Later, because of his high age and respect in the township, he was pushed to be the village elder. Since then, his old man has been collecting donations everywhere and doing good deeds. For those who recite Amitabha, the poor family can give him one of the two copper plates, and his family will raise money from the nunnery to do good deeds. ”

Wang Juqing understood what Han Gang wanted to say, and replied cooperatively: "The magic power is vast." ”

"That's it!" Han Gang said: "When his great-grandfather was away, after more than ten years of accumulating good deeds, the family had already accumulated hundreds of dollars. By the two generations of his ancestors and fathers, it happened to be the Yellow River flooding one after another, and the land of green and Xu was thousands of miles away. The governor of the state and county said that his family was willing to do good deeds, so he pushed his family up. ”

Wang Juqing sighed and said in a low voice: "The rat entered the rice warehouse." ”

"This is good deeds, there are so many merits...... Han Gang shook his head and sighed twice, "By the time his old father dies, there will be hundreds of thousands of pieces of land in the village!"

"Don't worry." Wang Juqing said solemnly, "If Juqing goes, he will not let such people succeed." ”

"Without this generation of good people, Shouming, have you done a good job?"

"Relief is inseparable from the state and county. But it's not for them to get what they want. ”

The officials have to pass their hands, the rich have to pass their hands, and the relief issued by the imperial court will not be saved in the hands of the victims. How to leave a few more points for the victims of the disaster, you can see the talent of the person in charge.

"With Shouming's talent, I am not worried about Huaizuo's disaster. But I still hope that Shouming can be convenient for public and private, and praised by the government and the people. ”

If Wang Juqing wants to be useful, he must be given more opportunities to show his ability. Wang Juqing has always been good at his deeds, so Han Gang asked him to go to Huainan, the hub of transshipment, to behave well. Well done, the straight bachelor's straight can be removed. If it is not done well, then it can only continue to preside over the substantive department.

Han Gang hopes that he can have more capable assistants at hand, so that he can also be more relaxed.