The Transmigrated Li Jin's Daily Farming Life (Translated With Mtl)

Chapter 89

The next day, Li Jin went to the academy feeling refreshed. He had previously informed Wan Jiaoyu that he would contribute his share of the 40% net profit from the brush sales, which meant allocating at least sixty taels out of the three hundred.

However, it wasn't customary for scholars to give money directly in person, so Li Jin discussed a suitable date with Wan Jiaoyu and planned to visit him another day.

This meant that he had only received two hundred and forty taels in hand. Li Jin wasn't one to rest on his laurels; he planned to use two hundred taels for business purposes. Whether it was buying land, hiring laborers for farming, or investing in plots in the inner city, all seemed like good options.

However, if he intended to go into business, he needed to personally investigate the market. Everything needed to be taken step by step; there was no need to rush.

After the compilation of the "Nong Sang Suan Jing," the prefect assigned Li Jin more tasks. However, after this incident, Li Jin himself became quite interested in "adapting mathematical texts." He had contemplated creating an introductory mathematics book independently, considering that "Nine Chapters of Arithmetic" might be too profound for young students.

When Li Jin visited Wan Jiaoyu, he shared his thoughts on creating such a book. If he indeed pursued this path, he might require Wan Jiaoyu's assistance in proofreading.

Wan Yun was more amiable at home compared to his stern demeanor at the academy. Perhaps it was because Li Jin and he had similar life experiences and were close in age; this led to a sense of mutual understanding.

Upon hearing Li Jin's comments about the complexity of "Nine Chapters of Arithmetic," Wan Yun asked, "Didn't you participate in the county and prefectural examinations in the year Xin Chou?"

Li Jin confirmed, "Yes."

Wan Yun continued, "Do you remember that at that time, the prefect presided over the compilation of a book called 'Arithmetic·Detailed Explanations'? It was completed collectively by the three other teaching officials in our mathematics department."

Li Jin was impressed by this revelation. At the time, he hadn't read many books, and he only had two mathematics books in his possession. It was only before the county exam that he had immersed himself in studying and had understood "Nine Chapters of Arithmetic" with the help of "Detailed Explanations."

Li Jin explained the scene of his study at that time and acknowledged, "I owe a lot to that book."

Wan Jiaoyu inquired further, "But if I understand you correctly, you don't plan to continue annotating mathematical texts but intend to independently compile introductory mathematics books?"

Li Jin affirmed, "That's my plan." He took out a thin booklet with six unbound pages and presented it to Wan Jiaoyu. "This is an outline I've prepared. I'd appreciate your guidance."

The first item on Li Jin's outline was the multiplication table. While there was already the "Nine-Nine Multiplication Rhyme," it listed the multiplication facts from highest to lowest. Li Jin intended to reverse this order, starting from "one by one," but he wasn't sure if this method would work, especially for young learners in their mathematical education.

After reading Li Jin's outline, Wan Jiaoyu initially had a calm expression. After all, he had encountered many colleagues with similar ideas, and the books they compiled were mostly repetitive and lacked value.

However, his demeanor suddenly changed, and he appeared deep in thought. Li Jin, on the other hand, sat patiently, sipping tea, awaiting Wan Jiaoyu's response.

For a thin booklet, Wan Jiaoyu spent a whole hour reading it. After finishing it, his expression shifted from indifference to one of admiration and appreciation. He remarked, "Innovative! But incredibly brilliant!"