Strange Tales: You're an Official, but you're raising a bunch of Demonessess? - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: A Unicorn Child in the Kingdom

Three questions, count:

Question: Pheasants and rabbits are in the same cage, with thirty-five heads on the top and ninety-four feet on the bottom. How many are the pheasants and rabbits?

Minister solution:

Suppose chickens are numbered as A and rabbits are numbered as B. Then the addition of A and B is thirty-five, and the addition of two A and four B is ninety-four. A can wait for thirty-five minus B, then multiply by two (thirty-five minus B) plus four B to get ninety-four. Then seventy-plus two seconds is ninety-four.

Then A is ninety-four minus seventy, which is twenty-four. Then B is twenty-four and halved to twelve. And because an A grade is thirty-five minus a B, an A is twenty-three.

Answer: Twenty-three pheasants and twelve rabbits.

……

Arithmetic was not very developed in this era. One is not used much, so officials and businessmen who must count will study it. The mainstream thinking of the two does not pay much attention to it. Everyone thinks that reading the books of sages is enough and studying the slightest calculations is nothing but the way of profiteers. Thirdly, there are no systematic theories and schools. Therefore, the mathematics level of people in this world is not very high, and it is very good to have a primary school student in Bai Yu’s previous life.

It also presents some mathematical formulas and algorithms that need to be considered. Some smart people may have researched some mathematical principles, but the news was blocked and did not spread.

A simple linear equation in two variables is enough to stump a hero in this world, making many scholars want to scratch their heads. When readers see this question, they all make strenuous assumptions and calculations. Maybe some blind cats have encountered dead mice, and others all spend a lot of time and brainpower to calculate. But for Bai Yu, it would be too simple, and it would be completed in an instant.

It’s almost an insult to IQ. What he thinks most is not the answer but how to express the algorithm he knows in a way that these people can understand. The second and third questions were extremely simple, and it was no wonder that Bai Yu could hand in the paper so long in advance.

“Wisdom and wit, wit and wit…”

The emperor was smarter than others, but not much. Lan Su looked at Bai Yu’s solution and thought about it for a while, then suddenly realised it and couldn’t help feeling emotional. No wonder he was able to arrive in Kyoto to take the exam at the age of sixteen.

This child …is indeed smart and wise out of the tight!

The next chapter was about policy theory, a major case that has been controversial for more than ten years. Give opinions and solutions. Bai Yu’s answer was quite satisfactory. But several unique thinking angles and unconstrained ideas also made Lan Su’s eyes brighten.

He is only sixteen years old! What a talent! A unicorn is born abroad!

Seeing this, Lan Su no longer doubted Bai Yu’s gold content!

His eyes were full of anticipation, and he turned to the end eagerly.

This was his question! He couldn’t wait to see what kind of answer this magical young man would give him.

The fifth question I ask is: What is the imperial government?

Minister:

He heard that when an emperor rules over the realm, there must be a practical implementation of governance to regulate the people and handle the complex affairs of the state. There must also be a sincere heart that leads by example to inspire the multitude of craftsmen and revitalise the common tasks.

Establishing rules and regulations, setting clear standards, displaying them as exemplars of the Wei dynasty, enforcing them among the ranks of officials, beginning with the tranquil halls of the imperial court, spreading to the various government departments and offices, and reaching even the farthest corners of the provinces and territories. From the macro to the micro, covering all aspects comprehensively, leaving no room for loopholes or leaks.

What does it mean to have a sincere heart?

It means to dispel laziness, inspire diligence, emanate from the depths of profound understanding, and arise from meticulous attention. It begins with the purity and solemnity within the palace walls, spreads like the wind across the nation’s borders, and permeates even the farthest reaches of the frontier. It encompasses the clarity of thought and the smooth flow of ideas, leaving no blockages in the body and mind.

Indeed, it is proper to open one’s ears to listen attentively to honour the virtues left by the ancestors and revive the spirit of noble-minded individuals. It is not advisable to underestimate oneself or distort the meaning of analogies, as it would block the path of loyal remonstrance.

Within the palace and the government, they should be a united entity. The assessment of rewards and punishments should be consistent and impartial. If some commit crimes or engage in acts of loyalty and goodness, they should be judged by the relevant authorities based on their merits and penalties. This will demonstrate the clear and impartial principles of Your Majesty and avoid favouritism, ensuring uniformity of law both internally and externally.

……

In the beginning, Bai Yu wrote a thousand words eloquently, and the writing was quite neat, combining the mottos left by many virtuous officials in a messy past life.

The answer was also what the basic virtuous minister should say. The emperor also appreciated hearing such words. In summary, it was about cherishing the wise and distancing oneself from flattery, establishing clear laws and principles, governing the realm with wisdom, leading by example, and not succumbing to desire… and so on, a lengthy exposition of inspirational wisdom. If he wants to describe it, it should be an argumentative essay with full marks in the college entrance examination for later generations. By the way, he also flattered a few times and praised the emperor. There was no problem writing such an article; it was a proper full-score composition.

Lan Su also watched with relish. He even felt I could do it and found many places worth learning and improving. He just felt that he really won a unicorn, and this kid should be the number one scholar in the scientific examination.

What was this feeling?

It was like young people in later generations watching inspirational videos while lying on the bed.

“Is the video right?”

“Of course, that is right!”

“Those are inspirational chicken soups, right?”

“That’s right, of course!”

The people who watched were excited and wanted to work hard the next day. But, after the dream, nothing changed. Still swinging for the fences. Lan Su watched slowly. However, when he saw the back, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes. His breathing gradually became rapid.