Thank you to Opalescent for the ko-fi~
Since ancient times, celestial phenomena, especially solar and lunar eclipses, have been highly regarded by people. The reason for this is that the rules governing these events are closely related to the sun and the moon, the two most crucial celestial bodies. Hence, there is a saying, “The verification of calendars lies in eclipses.” This means that the accuracy of calendars is confirmed through calculations involving solar and lunar eclipses.
Li Xin wasn’t an astronomer, but trigonometry itself is closely related to astronomy. The methods used in calendars to determine seasons and seasonal changes based on the length of shadows cast by different objects have already formed the basis of trigonometric tables. After delving into trigonometric functions, he gradually became interested in the study of calendars and the proportional relationship between sunlight and shadows. In the process, he also investigated the calculation of solar eclipses.
For him, this was just a small mathematical problem. But for Ge Hong, it was a philosophical and even theological question. Despite his enthusiasm for the Dao, Ge Hong remained a Confucian scholar at heart. Within Confucian theory, the idea of the interaction between Heaven and humans, where natural phenomena are related to moral issues and the virtue of the ruler, was prominent. It was believed that when a ruler lacked virtue, it could lead to unusual natural occurrences, and a solar eclipse was one such significant manifestation of this belief.
A mathematician who deduced the timing of solar eclipses through calculations and ridiculed previous errors in calendars met a philosopher who firmly believed in the concept of divine punishment, where solar eclipses were related to calendar calculations and the virtue of the emperor. The so-called “discussion” between them was bound to be unpleasant.
Li Xin’s expression soured even more. “Indeed, there is such a thing. I told him that the eclipse’s limits were incorrect and that it might be due to the lunar parallax affecting the calculations. He had no knowledge of mathematical functions and kept pestering me. In the end, unable to argue with me, he flung his sleeves and left! How could eclipse limits all be calculated in fifteen-minute increments? Utter foolishness!”
The terms “eclipse limits” and “lunar parallax” were unfamiliar to Li Xin, and Liang Feng couldn’t quite grasp their meaning either. However, he understood one thing: Li Xin seemed to have developed a new algorithm for calculating solar eclipses and had used it to embarrass Ge Hong, who left in frustration. This revelation made Liang Feng look at Li Xin with disgust, much like a gourd-shaped, sullen youth.
This wasn’t the right time to improve their relationship. Liang Feng urgently asked, “Will there be a solar eclipse next year? Around what time?”
“Yes! There will be, not just once, but three times!” Li Xin snorted. “The earliest one will be on the first day of the first month.”
The saying goes, “Solar eclipses occur at the lunar new moon, while lunar eclipses occur at the lunar full moon.” In other words, solar eclipses only happen on the first day of the lunar calendar, which is the first day of the month, while lunar eclipses occur on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, which is the full moon. The first day of the first month coincides with the first day of the lunar new year, which is New Year’s Day.
Hearing this date, Liang Feng couldn’t help but think, “Heaven is helping us!” It was already November, and there were only a few days left until New Year’s Day. The Xiongnu, no matter what, wouldn’t launch an attack on Shangdang before New Year’s Day. In fact, after their recent major defeat, they needed time to prepare supplies and troops. The likelihood of resuming the war within these two months was quite low.
What if he took advantage of the solar eclipse to do something significant? Liang Feng’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, “Do you happen to know the exact time of the solar eclipse?”
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Three solar eclipses in a year were an extraordinary occurrence and deviated significantly from calendar calculations. Li Xin had prepared himself for a confrontation with Liang Feng, but unexpectedly, the prefect showed no signs of doubt. Instead, he eagerly inquired about the eclipse’s timing.
Liang Feng swung a punch into the cotton heap, catching the greenhorn off guard. Li Xin coughed and said, “Well, this… It’s quite challenging to calculate the exact time…”
In truth, astronomy wasn’t highly developed at this time. Being able to determine the date was already considered remarkable. Pinpointing the exact hour was a much more complex task, and even the imperial astronomers might struggle with it.
However, Liang Feng paid no heed to these difficulties. He bowed deeply to Li Xin and implored, “This matter concerns the safety of Shangdang. Please, give it your best effort, Master Li!”
While Li Xin was entirely focused on his scholarly pursuits and had little concern for outside affairs, he did have an elder brother. He had been pulled into the development of the Thunderbolt Cannons recently and had heard many frightening tales about the Xiongnu. He found Shangdang quite comfortable, and his master’s commentary on “Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art” had become the standard textbook at the Chongwen Academy. Regardless of how different this world was from his own, he understood that staying here was better. If calculating the solar eclipse could make Shangdang safer, then why not give it a try?
After hesitating for a moment, Li Xin scratched his disheveled hair and said, “I’ll give it a shot!”
With Li Xin’s agreement, Liang Feng felt relieved. He immediately had Yiyan return the manuscript to Li Xin and leave the courtyard.
Outside the courtyard, Yiyan furrowed his brows and asked, “Lord, what does a solar eclipse have to do with Shangdang?”
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Although he couldn’t stand Li Xin’s arrogant demeanor, after listening to the entire conversation, Yiyan understood that the lord was only concerned about the timing of the solar eclipse. However, a solar eclipse, often referred to as “a celestial dog eating the sun,” was an event where people had no time to react. How could it possibly safeguard Shangdang?
“In one aspect, you are not wrong,” Liang Feng sighed deeply. “Unless there is another great victory like the one at Lu City, the Xiongnu will never retreat. If we allow the Xiongnu to invade, Shangdang will be reduced to ashes next year. Even if we mobilize all the refugees we’ve taken in for the war, it may not be enough to protect the entire region.”
There was one more point that Liang Feng didn’t explicitly mention. If they were defeated in battle, his aura as a benevolent ruler would suffer greatly. Without this uplifting influence, the impact on the morale of the people in Shangdang would be devastating. He didn’t want to see the hard-won territory turned into a white desolation due to war again.
“Therefore, this opportunity is of utmost importance!” Liang Feng looked at the expression on the man beside him. He chuckled and asked, “If we go to battle during the solar eclipse, would you be afraid?”
Yiyan remained silent for a moment before saying, “If it’s for you, my lord, I have no fear.”
The hidden meaning behind these words was quite straightforward. If it weren’t for him, Yiyan probably wouldn’t have chosen this particular time for battle. This was the terrifying impact of celestial phenomena. Even someone as courageous as Yiyan couldn’t completely negate the effects of a solar eclipse. Could others escape its influence?
“Then let’s make good use of it,” Liang Feng said as he walked towards the rear hall. “This time, we need to plan perfectly!”
※
It had been a long time since his last visit to the Prefectural Office. Ge Hong sat in the guest seat, feeling a growing sense of puzzlement. Prefect Liang had always treated him as an honored guest. If there was any business to discuss, Liang would visit the Western Mountain Daoist Temple without requiring Ge Hong to come to the Prefectural Office in person. This kind of courtesy had made Ge Hong feel greatly appreciated. Combined with the innovative and ingenious ideas he had encountered, which he had never encountered before, he had decided to stay in Shangdang. He had dedicated himself to alchemy, the study of material objects, and the learning of medicine. Even the threat of the Xiongnu’s war hadn’t given him any thoughts of leaving.
However, today, the Prefect didn’t visit the Daoist Temple as usual. Instead, he had someone summon Ge Hong to the Prefectural Office. Such an unusual action couldn’t help but leave Ge Hong feeling surprised. Did this mean there was something important to discuss with him?
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Footsteps echoed as Liang Feng walked into the main hall, dressed in official attire and wearing a solemn expression. It had been a long time since Ge Hong had seen him dressed this way. Ge Hong stood up, startled, and greeted him, “Prefect!”
Liang Feng adjusted his sleeves and sat in the main seat. He addressed Ge Hong without using his courtesy name, opting for “Ge Lang” instead. This unusual address deepened Ge Hong’s curiosity as he took his seat and asked, “May I ask, Prefect, if there is a specific reason for summoning me?”
Liang Feng nodded, his gaze focused on the matter at hand. “Indeed, it concerns Shangdang. Ge Lang, as a titled General Fubo, have you ever considered returning to military service?”
Ge Hong was taken aback by the question. He did indeed hold the title of General Fubo. He had earned this rank for his military achievements during the suppression of a local rebellion in his hometown. However, due to the prejudice and ostracism he faced from his fellow townspeople and his own aspirations, Ge Hong chose to retire from military life and seek Daoist knowledge in Luoyang. That’s how he had eventually arrived in Shangdang.
He had briefly mentioned these aspects of his past to Liang Feng, but the Prefect had shown no intention of inviting him into military affairs. Instead, Liang had gone out of his way to assist Ge Hong in his studies and research. If it were someone else, Ge Hong might have interpreted this as a disregard for his talents, focusing solely on his alchemical pursuits. However, Liang Feng was not that kind of person. He had a genuine admiration for Ge Hong’s dedication to his ideals, regardless of his background or eloquence.
Such a person was truly a kindred spirit. Because of this, Ge Hong, who had always been reserved, gradually opened up to Liang Feng. He not only discussed alchemy and empirical studies with him but occasionally shared his own ideals and thoughts. The emergence of the Chongwen Institute and the Imperial Library had shown him an alternative way of selecting talent – based solely on ability and virtue, without consideration for external factors. If this approach were promoted throughout the imperial court, could someone like him, a Southerner, also serve the court with honor, rather than being mocked and belittled by northerners who dominated the court?
However, Ge Hong had never thought of volunteering himself to Liang Feng. He understood that the Prefect needed his talents in another area – the ability to save countless lives, even if it meant not holding an official position. For the sake of providing shelter and livelihood to more people, he cared more about whether or not he served in an official capacity.
But today, the Prefect had asked him this question so directly!
His heart raced, and Ge Hong stammered, “I…”
Do I want to hold an official position?
The side of him that struggled with words had the upper hand this time. Ge Hong found himself tongue-tied, unsure of how to respond.
Watching his expression, Liang Feng already knew the answer. He said, “I intend to recommend you as a county magistrate to bring stability to a region.”
A county magistrate might not have the status of officials in higher-level jurisdictions, but it came with real authority. If one performed well, it was highly likely to lead to promotions and transfers to other government positions. This wasn’t like the title of General Fubo, a mere honorary military rank. It was a civil office with the power to govern a local area. Was Ge Hong up for the task, or more importantly, was he willing to give up his comfortable life in the Daoist temple to serve as a local official?
After a long silence, Ge Hong finally asked, “Prefect, do you truly need me to hold an official position?”
Liang Feng responded plainly, “Indeed. Shangdang is currently in turmoil, and we lack capable officials. Ge Lang, our association has lasted for a year, and I know well that you possess extraordinary knowledge and great courage. You are the talented individual I need the most.”
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His words were honest and resolute, without any evasion.
Ge Hong’s heart warmed with emotion. “What about the Daoist temple?”
Should I abandon all the ongoing experiments?
“If possible, I would also like Ge Lang to take on multiple roles. However, we must prioritize what’s most urgent and can only choose one for now. But as for the Daoist temple, I will leave it to you, and the Daoist disciples can continue their research. We won’t neglect it,” Liang Feng stated firmly.
Could there be a more sincere invitation than this? The enthusiasm in Ge Hong’s heart grew stronger. This Prefect Liang was unlike any official he had encountered before. He respected his interests, admired his talents, and even opened the doors to let him glimpse an uncharted path. Now, he was humbly requesting him to serve as an official. Could he refuse such a request?
Ge Hong searched his heart, and not only could he not refuse, but he doubted anyone else could either.
Taking a deep breath, Ge Hong replied, “I am honored that Prefect Liang does not reject me. I am willing to give it a try!”
Upon hearing Ge Hong’s answer, Liang Feng’s expression remained solemn, and he continued, “However, this county is no ordinary place. It is called Yangyi.”
The author has something to say:
“Book of Jin” records that in the first year of Guangxi’s reign (306), during the first month on the day of Wuzi, there was a new moon, and in the seventh month on the day of Yiyu, there was another new moon, both accompanied by a solar eclipse. In the eleventh month, Emperor Hui passed away. In the twelfth month, on the day of Rengu, there was yet another solar eclipse.
Thank you to Opalescent for the ko-fi~
Since ancient times, celestial phenomena, especially solar and lunar eclipses, have been highly regarded by people. The reason for this is that the rules governing these events are closely related to the sun and the moon, the two most crucial celestial bodies. Hence, there is a saying, “The verification of calendars lies in eclipses.” This means that the accuracy of calendars is confirmed through calculations involving solar and lunar eclipses.
Li Xin wasn’t an astronomer, but trigonometry itself is closely related to astronomy. The methods used in calendars to determine seasons and seasonal changes based on the length of shadows cast by different objects have already formed the basis of trigonometric tables. After delving into trigonometric functions, he gradually became interested in the study of calendars and the proportional relationship between sunlight and shadows. In the process, he also investigated the calculation of solar eclipses.
For him, this was just a small mathematical problem. But for Ge Hong, it was a philosophical and even theological question. Despite his enthusiasm for the Dao, Ge Hong remained a Confucian scholar at heart. Within Confucian theory, the idea of the interaction between Heaven and humans, where natural phenomena are related to moral issues and the virtue of the ruler, was prominent. It was believed that when a ruler lacked virtue, it could lead to unusual natural occurrences, and a solar eclipse was one such significant manifestation of this belief.
A mathematician who deduced the timing of solar eclipses through calculations and ridiculed previous errors in calendars met a philosopher who firmly believed in the concept of divine punishment, where solar eclipses were related to calendar calculations and the virtue of the emperor. The so-called “discussion” between them was bound to be unpleasant.
Li Xin’s expression soured even more. “Indeed, there is such a thing. I told him that the eclipse’s limits were incorrect and that it might be due to the lunar parallax affecting the calculations. He had no knowledge of mathematical functions and kept pestering me. In the end, unable to argue with me, he flung his sleeves and left! How could eclipse limits all be calculated in fifteen-minute increments? Utter foolishness!”
The terms “eclipse limits” and “lunar parallax” were unfamiliar to Li Xin, and Liang Feng couldn’t quite grasp their meaning either. However, he understood one thing: Li Xin seemed to have developed a new algorithm for calculating solar eclipses and had used it to embarrass Ge Hong, who left in frustration. This revelation made Liang Feng look at Li Xin with disgust, much like a gourd-shaped, sullen youth.
This wasn’t the right time to improve their relationship. Liang Feng urgently asked, “Will there be a solar eclipse next year? Around what time?”
“Yes! There will be, not just once, but three times!” Li Xin snorted. “The earliest one will be on the first day of the first month.”
The saying goes, “Solar eclipses occur at the lunar new moon, while lunar eclipses occur at the lunar full moon.” In other words, solar eclipses only happen on the first day of the lunar calendar, which is the first day of the month, while lunar eclipses occur on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, which is the full moon. The first day of the first month coincides with the first day of the lunar new year, which is New Year’s Day.
Hearing this date, Liang Feng couldn’t help but think, “Heaven is helping us!” It was already November, and there were only a few days left until New Year’s Day. The Xiongnu, no matter what, wouldn’t launch an attack on Shangdang before New Year’s Day. In fact, after their recent major defeat, they needed time to prepare supplies and troops. The likelihood of resuming the war within these two months was quite low.
What if he took advantage of the solar eclipse to do something significant? Liang Feng’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, “Do you happen to know the exact time of the solar eclipse?”
Advertisement
Three solar eclipses in a year were an extraordinary occurrence and deviated significantly from calendar calculations. Li Xin had prepared himself for a confrontation with Liang Feng, but unexpectedly, the prefect showed no signs of doubt. Instead, he eagerly inquired about the eclipse’s timing.
Liang Feng swung a punch into the cotton heap, catching the greenhorn off guard. Li Xin coughed and said, “Well, this… It’s quite challenging to calculate the exact time…”
In truth, astronomy wasn’t highly developed at this time. Being able to determine the date was already considered remarkable. Pinpointing the exact hour was a much more complex task, and even the imperial astronomers might struggle with it.
However, Liang Feng paid no heed to these difficulties. He bowed deeply to Li Xin and implored, “This matter concerns the safety of Shangdang. Please, give it your best effort, Master Li!”
While Li Xin was entirely focused on his scholarly pursuits and had little concern for outside affairs, he did have an elder brother. He had been pulled into the development of the Thunderbolt Cannons recently and had heard many frightening tales about the Xiongnu. He found Shangdang quite comfortable, and his master’s commentary on “Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art” had become the standard textbook at the Chongwen Academy. Regardless of how different this world was from his own, he understood that staying here was better. If calculating the solar eclipse could make Shangdang safer, then why not give it a try?
After hesitating for a moment, Li Xin scratched his disheveled hair and said, “I’ll give it a shot!”
With Li Xin’s agreement, Liang Feng felt relieved. He immediately had Yiyan return the manuscript to Li Xin and leave the courtyard.
Outside the courtyard, Yiyan furrowed his brows and asked, “Lord, what does a solar eclipse have to do with Shangdang?”
Advertisement
Although he couldn’t stand Li Xin’s arrogant demeanor, after listening to the entire conversation, Yiyan understood that the lord was only concerned about the timing of the solar eclipse. However, a solar eclipse, often referred to as “a celestial dog eating the sun,” was an event where people had no time to react. How could it possibly safeguard Shangdang?
“In one aspect, you are not wrong,” Liang Feng sighed deeply. “Unless there is another great victory like the one at Lu City, the Xiongnu will never retreat. If we allow the Xiongnu to invade, Shangdang will be reduced to ashes next year. Even if we mobilize all the refugees we’ve taken in for the war, it may not be enough to protect the entire region.”
There was one more point that Liang Feng didn’t explicitly mention. If they were defeated in battle, his aura as a benevolent ruler would suffer greatly. Without this uplifting influence, the impact on the morale of the people in Shangdang would be devastating. He didn’t want to see the hard-won territory turned into a white desolation due to war again.
“Therefore, this opportunity is of utmost importance!” Liang Feng looked at the expression on the man beside him. He chuckled and asked, “If we go to battle during the solar eclipse, would you be afraid?”
Yiyan remained silent for a moment before saying, “If it’s for you, my lord, I have no fear.”
The hidden meaning behind these words was quite straightforward. If it weren’t for him, Yiyan probably wouldn’t have chosen this particular time for battle. This was the terrifying impact of celestial phenomena. Even someone as courageous as Yiyan couldn’t completely negate the effects of a solar eclipse. Could others escape its influence?
“Then let’s make good use of it,” Liang Feng said as he walked towards the rear hall. “This time, we need to plan perfectly!”
※
It had been a long time since his last visit to the Prefectural Office. Ge Hong sat in the guest seat, feeling a growing sense of puzzlement. Prefect Liang had always treated him as an honored guest. If there was any business to discuss, Liang would visit the Western Mountain Daoist Temple without requiring Ge Hong to come to the Prefectural Office in person. This kind of courtesy had made Ge Hong feel greatly appreciated. Combined with the innovative and ingenious ideas he had encountered, which he had never encountered before, he had decided to stay in Shangdang. He had dedicated himself to alchemy, the study of material objects, and the learning of medicine. Even the threat of the Xiongnu’s war hadn’t given him any thoughts of leaving.
However, today, the Prefect didn’t visit the Daoist Temple as usual. Instead, he had someone summon Ge Hong to the Prefectural Office. Such an unusual action couldn’t help but leave Ge Hong feeling surprised. Did this mean there was something important to discuss with him?
Advertisement
Footsteps echoed as Liang Feng walked into the main hall, dressed in official attire and wearing a solemn expression. It had been a long time since Ge Hong had seen him dressed this way. Ge Hong stood up, startled, and greeted him, “Prefect!”
Liang Feng adjusted his sleeves and sat in the main seat. He addressed Ge Hong without using his courtesy name, opting for “Ge Lang” instead. This unusual address deepened Ge Hong’s curiosity as he took his seat and asked, “May I ask, Prefect, if there is a specific reason for summoning me?”
Liang Feng nodded, his gaze focused on the matter at hand. “Indeed, it concerns Shangdang. Ge Lang, as a titled General Fubo, have you ever considered returning to military service?”
Ge Hong was taken aback by the question. He did indeed hold the title of General Fubo. He had earned this rank for his military achievements during the suppression of a local rebellion in his hometown. However, due to the prejudice and ostracism he faced from his fellow townspeople and his own aspirations, Ge Hong chose to retire from military life and seek Daoist knowledge in Luoyang. That’s how he had eventually arrived in Shangdang.
He had briefly mentioned these aspects of his past to Liang Feng, but the Prefect had shown no intention of inviting him into military affairs. Instead, Liang had gone out of his way to assist Ge Hong in his studies and research. If it were someone else, Ge Hong might have interpreted this as a disregard for his talents, focusing solely on his alchemical pursuits. However, Liang Feng was not that kind of person. He had a genuine admiration for Ge Hong’s dedication to his ideals, regardless of his background or eloquence.
Such a person was truly a kindred spirit. Because of this, Ge Hong, who had always been reserved, gradually opened up to Liang Feng. He not only discussed alchemy and empirical studies with him but occasionally shared his own ideals and thoughts. The emergence of the Chongwen Institute and the Imperial Library had shown him an alternative way of selecting talent – based solely on ability and virtue, without consideration for external factors. If this approach were promoted throughout the imperial court, could someone like him, a Southerner, also serve the court with honor, rather than being mocked and belittled by northerners who dominated the court?
However, Ge Hong had never thought of volunteering himself to Liang Feng. He understood that the Prefect needed his talents in another area – the ability to save countless lives, even if it meant not holding an official position. For the sake of providing shelter and livelihood to more people, he cared more about whether or not he served in an official capacity.
But today, the Prefect had asked him this question so directly!
His heart raced, and Ge Hong stammered, “I…”
Do I want to hold an official position?
The side of him that struggled with words had the upper hand this time. Ge Hong found himself tongue-tied, unsure of how to respond.
Watching his expression, Liang Feng already knew the answer. He said, “I intend to recommend you as a county magistrate to bring stability to a region.”
A county magistrate might not have the status of officials in higher-level jurisdictions, but it came with real authority. If one performed well, it was highly likely to lead to promotions and transfers to other government positions. This wasn’t like the title of General Fubo, a mere honorary military rank. It was a civil office with the power to govern a local area. Was Ge Hong up for the task, or more importantly, was he willing to give up his comfortable life in the Daoist temple to serve as a local official?
After a long silence, Ge Hong finally asked, “Prefect, do you truly need me to hold an official position?”
Liang Feng responded plainly, “Indeed. Shangdang is currently in turmoil, and we lack capable officials. Ge Lang, our association has lasted for a year, and I know well that you possess extraordinary knowledge and great courage. You are the talented individual I need the most.”
Advertisement
His words were honest and resolute, without any evasion.
Ge Hong’s heart warmed with emotion. “What about the Daoist temple?”
Should I abandon all the ongoing experiments?
“If possible, I would also like Ge Lang to take on multiple roles. However, we must prioritize what’s most urgent and can only choose one for now. But as for the Daoist temple, I will leave it to you, and the Daoist disciples can continue their research. We won’t neglect it,” Liang Feng stated firmly.
Could there be a more sincere invitation than this? The enthusiasm in Ge Hong’s heart grew stronger. This Prefect Liang was unlike any official he had encountered before. He respected his interests, admired his talents, and even opened the doors to let him glimpse an uncharted path. Now, he was humbly requesting him to serve as an official. Could he refuse such a request?
Ge Hong searched his heart, and not only could he not refuse, but he doubted anyone else could either.
Taking a deep breath, Ge Hong replied, “I am honored that Prefect Liang does not reject me. I am willing to give it a try!”
Upon hearing Ge Hong’s answer, Liang Feng’s expression remained solemn, and he continued, “However, this county is no ordinary place. It is called Yangyi.”
The author has something to say:
“Book of Jin” records that in the first year of Guangxi’s reign (306), during the first month on the day of Wuzi, there was a new moon, and in the seventh month on the day of Yiyu, there was another new moon, both accompanied by a solar eclipse. In the eleventh month, Emperor Hui passed away. In the twelfth month, on the day of Rengu, there was yet another solar eclipse.
