My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 93 The Human Buddha

Originally, Ma Yu and his group only planned to stay at the manor for about three days, since everyone was quite busy and didn't have time to stay longer.

Who would have thought that invention and creation could be so addictive?

After inventing new looms and spinning machines, Ma Yu strolled around the village and found a group of elderly people and children sitting under a tree, manually removing the seeds from cotton.

It's not only slow, but it also wastes manpower.

He then thought of a seed threshing machine.

He came from the countryside in his previous life, so he often saw this kind of thing.

However, in my previous life I saw machines made of steel, which required electricity or an engine to provide power.

Fortunately, the mechanism of this thing is not complicated. The main structure consists of two rollers, plus some small matching parts.

Switching to manual mode might not be impossible.

Without hesitation, he sought out the carpenter again, and the two began attempting to build a seed-removing machine.

This time things didn't go so smoothly, and all sorts of problems arose one after another.

Upon learning of the situation, Empress Ma immediately decided to postpone her return to the palace and stay there for a few more days.

He also wrote a letter to Zhu Yuanzhang informing him of these circumstances.

Zhu Yuanzhang readily agreed and even sent five skilled craftsmen to help.

He also had high expectations for the seed threshing machine.

When the rest of the group learned what Ma Yu wanted to do, they all came to help.

However, aside from assisting with tasks, they couldn't offer much help.

However, Ma Yu was already used to being a teacher, and during the process of improving the machine, she explained some basic physics knowledge to everyone.

For example, what is friction, how to increase friction, and how to reduce friction.

If students are just bringing books to class, they'll find it boring, and many won't be interested in listening to them.

But this time, because it was about improving the machine, everyone was very enthusiastic and listened attentively.

Especially as problems were solved one by one, the seed thresher gradually showed its effectiveness.

The sense of accomplishment made everyone even more interested.

The craftsmen sent by Zhu Yuanzhang arrived on the third day.

These are the most outstanding craftsmen in the Ministry of Works, and can be said to be among the best craftsmen of their time.

With their help, many problems that were previously unsolvable were inexplicably solved.

When asked, the craftsmen themselves scratched their heads in confusion.

It's not that they wanted to keep things to themselves, but rather that they couldn't explain it clearly themselves.

They simply felt, based on experience, that doing so might be feasible.

That's it.

Ma Yu sighed inwardly, "This is the drawback of not having established a complete academic system."

The craftsmen rely on experience to make their work, and their experience cannot be effectively passed down.

Many techniques are truly lost with the death of the craftsmen.

Once a certain foundation in mathematics has been laid, it will be necessary to develop a systematic academic framework.

But those are things for the future; for now, we need to get the machine out first.

With the help of skilled craftsmen, the first truly practical seed threshing machine was finally completed on the seventh day.

This machine is very rudimentary. Its main structure consists of a wooden frame, two rollers as thick as a child's arm, and a drive wheel.

In addition, some small auxiliary parts.

To save effort, Ma Yu specially designed a gear structure.

With a slight half-turn of the large drive wheel, the two rollers can rotate dozens of times.

One person turns the power wheel while another person puts the cotton seeds into the roller one clump at a time.

The rollers will carry away the lint and eject it from the other side.

The cottonseeds will remain on this side of the roller and fall into the basket below.

Although you can't put too much seed cotton in at once, otherwise it will get stuck, it's still a thousand times faster than manually removing the seeds.

Empress Ma personally witnessed the entire process of how the seed threshing machine was developed from scratch.

It still feels unbelievable.

Just two rollers, and they can easily remove cotton seeds?
She couldn't help but recall what Ma Yu had said earlier:
That's the power of boosting productivity.

But that wasn't the end of it. After developing the seed-removing machine, Ma Yu then thought of a hulling machine.

It is a hulling machine used for grain crops.

In ancient times, grains were hulled either by hand or bit by bit.

You can imagine how slow this efficiency is.

Alternatively, find a hardened surface and spread the harvested wheat and other crops on it.

Then, oxen and people pull stone rollers, rolling them back and forth repeatedly to violently remove the shell.

Not only does it waste human and animal resources, it also leads to the waste of some food.

Some grains are crushed into the ground and cannot be removed.

The key issue is that this method of molting is highly dependent on the weather.

Even a slight change in the weather can cause huge losses.

Why did ancient dynasties bind people to the land?
Before mechanization, agriculture was truly a labor-intensive industry.

It's hard work, risky, and yields little, but it's essential for survival.

Now that we've developed a cotton seed thresher, we might as well make a huller.

Ma Yu had seen this thing before and had even helped his elders repair it, so he knew its basic structure.

With the experience of making a seed huller before, making a huller this time went much more smoothly.

It was completed in just five days.

They took a pile of wheat ears from a farmer's house, and once the machine was running, they threw them into the wooden bin.

After a loud, clattering sound, the wheat grains, mixed with chaff, fell into the basket below.

In the past, the hulling machine was powered by a machine. Because the power was very sufficient, a fan was added to blow the chaff away.

This enables the direct separation of wheat grains and bran.

But now it's a purely manual shelling machine, adding a fan would be a waste of effort.

However, the mixed wheat grains and bran are easy to separate; on a windy day, the wind can be used to separate them.

In short, with a shelling machine, we can save dozens of times the manpower.

This is a huge step forward for agriculture.

Another machine was invented in his own hands.

The team members were very happy, even though they only assisted and participated personally.

The sense of accomplishment is very strong.

Moreover, this incident has led to greater mutual respect among everyone.

It turns out that when we work together, we can achieve such great results.

Some people have even come to like the feeling of this hand-operated mechanical device.

They kept asking if there were any other machines to work on.

The most proactive among them was Zhu Su, who had always been relatively unknown.

Ever since he learned that Ma Yu possessed strange and unusual skills, he has come over every day to ask him questions.

At first, Ma Yu was puzzled, but when he thought about the historical achievements of this future Zhou king, he understood.

This person is a real biologist.

Although physics and biology are very different, they are both science and engineering disciplines.

It's perfectly normal for him to be interested in this thing.

However, Ma Yu still felt it was necessary to guide him to continue down the path of biology.

After all, science subjects rely heavily on talent.

The emergence of one genius can be equivalent to the efforts of several lifetimes of ordinary people.

Zhu Su became a biologist on his own in his previous life without any guidance, which shows that he has some talent in this field.

It's unimaginable how much he could achieve if he had his own guidance.

He might just be the future father of biology.

Moreover, this kid is already nine years old, which is the age to lay a foundation.

So he found Empress Ma.

Empress Ma was excited about the birth of yet another agricultural marvel, and she couldn't help but smile when she saw Ma Yu.

"Yu'er, you really give your aunt one surprise after another."

Ma Yu smiled and said, "Now you believe that I am very knowledgeable."

Empress Ma laughed loudly, "Nonsense, your aunt has never doubted you."

"Yu'er's knowledge is the greatest in the world."

Ma Yu smiled and then said, "Aunt should know that our family's greatest strength is organizing scattered knowledge into a system."

"This applies not only to history and mathematics, but also to the study of things."

Empress Ma was somewhat puzzled, not understanding why he suddenly brought this up.

Ma Yu continued, "It's not enough to just know what it is; you also need to know why it is."

"Only by understanding the 'why' can we deduce more 'why's'."

"This principle is especially applicable to the study of natural phenomena."

"By sorting out the knowledge system of the study of things, we can understand its basic principles."

"Then, based on the principles, we can create more tools."

"Just as I can improve spinning machines and looms, and create seed-removing machines and hulling machines." "Actually, these are all results derived from the principles of natural science."

Empress Ma said thoughtfully, "Such skill is close to the Dao."

"Do you want to open a classroom and pass on the principles of investigating things to others?"

Ma Yu nodded and said, "Yes, in the past, people only knew how to do various crafts and skills, but not why they were done."

"The discovery of new things and new tools often depends on coincidence, and the development process is far too slow."

"If everyone in the world understood the way of investigating things, and millions of people studied and explored together, productivity would be improved day by day."

"At that time, let alone a hundred or two hundred million people, even a billion or a hundred billion people will not be difficult to feed."

Empress Ma laughed and said, "Haha... If there really were a hundred billion people, the whole world would probably be filled with them."

"It's rare to see Yu'er exaggerate like this. In that case, you should start teaching."

"To cultivate more talented individuals who understand the principles of investigation and investigation for the Ming Dynasty."

Ma Yu replied, "Such important knowledge, doesn't Aunt want the royal family to master it as well?"

Empress Ma suddenly realized that this boy had been waiting for her all along.

Considering what has happened in the last few days, it's easy to see what he's planning.

"You've gone through all this trouble just so that Lao Wu can learn about physics from you, right?"

Ma Yu said admiringly, "Aunt is wise. The study of things places great emphasis on talent."

"Through these few days of observation, I have discovered that my fifth cousin's talent is the highest I have ever seen in my life."

"I hope my aunt will allow him to follow me and learn the way of investigating things."

Only seen in his lifetime?

Empress Ma said with a hint of doubt, "Does he really have this talent? You must be lying to me."

Ma Yu said solemnly, "How could I deceive you about such an important matter?"

"If you don't believe me, let him study with me for a while, and you'll know whether it's true or not then."

Empress Ma shook her head and said, "It's not that I don't trust you, but this matter is of utmost importance. I need to discuss it with His Majesty before I can make a decision."

Ma Yu said, "That's only right... If His Majesty disagrees, then you can let me go and speak to him."

Empress Ma smiled and said, "It seems you are determined to win."

"Alright, your aunt promises you, she will do her best to persuade His Majesty."

After this little incident, everyone confirmed that nothing else had happened, and besides, they had indeed been away from home for quite a while.

So they decided to set off back to Yingtian City.
-
Just as they were walking back, Daoyan finally met the person who had invited them.

That day, as the master and disciple were discussing the profound meaning of the scriptures, Jiang Rufeng appeared:
"Master Daoyan, my master invites you."

Upon hearing this, Dao Yan was somewhat surprised. "You called me?"
Xi Yingzhen gave him a meaningful look:
I knew it was you who caused this trouble.

Dao Yan is completely innocent. In all honesty, I did nothing.

But now that the person involved has finally shown up, there's no need to speculate anymore. We'll find out what really happened by going to see them.

So he told Xi Yingzhen and prepared to leave with Jiang Rufeng.

At this point, Xi Yingzhen said, "If you encounter a problem that is difficult to decide, just act according to your conscience."

Dao Yan bowed and said, "This disciple understands."

He originally thought that the other party would put a hood on him or blindfold him.

But it didn't.

Jiang Rufeng led him through several corridors and outside.

After not seeing the sun for more than ten days, his eyes were sore when he suddenly came out. He stood still and squinted for a while before recovering.

Jiang Rufeng didn't urge him, and waited until he had adjusted before continuing forward.

Daoyan had been observing the surrounding environment and could easily determine that it was a temple.

And it's not small in scale.

Could it be that these villains disguised themselves as monks to infiltrate the area?

But... why haven't we seen a single monk along the way?
With these questions in mind, he was led into the main hall.

But when he saw the layout of the hall, he couldn't help but show a look of astonishment.

Although it is a Buddhist temple, the ritual implements of Taoism are hanging inside the hall.

And enshrined in the center of the main hall is none other than Confucius.

This is intolerable to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

What is the purpose of this deliberate arrangement?
Do you know I've studied the three schools of thought, or are you mocking me?
The question is, how should I react now?

Just when he was completely at a loss, Xi Yingzhen's words came to mind.

When faced with a difficult decision, act according to your conscience.

With that thought in mind, he no longer hesitated, walked to the altar, and respectfully lit three incense sticks for the statue of Confucius.

He had just placed the incense sticks into the incense burner when a voice came from the side:

"Master, you are a monk, yet you offer incense to Confucius. Aren't you afraid of incurring Buddha's wrath?"

Dao Yan looked in the direction the sound came from and saw a middle-aged man of about forty years old walking slowly towards him.

This person is as deep as a pool and as imposing as a mountain, his dignified presence is natural.

This caused Dao to feel an inability to look directly at him, and he subconsciously bowed his head in respect.
"This humble monk, Daoyan, greets the benefactor."

His mind was in turmoil; this person was no ordinary person.

Who exactly is he? Could it be...?

The visitor was none other than Zhu Yuanzhang. He stopped five steps away from Daoyan and asked again:
"The master hasn't answered our question yet."

The mental cultivation he had been doing these past few days had finally taken effect. Dao Yan took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions:
“Amitabha, this humble monk does not respect Confucius, but the Buddha in my heart.”

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, "Not bad, you do have some quick wit."

"I have a question for you. Think it over before you answer."

Daoyan respectfully replied, "Please ask, benefactor. This humble monk will answer all your questions to the best of his ability."

Zhu Yuanzhang said seriously, "More than ten years ago, did you meet a special person?"

Dao Yan frowned slightly: "Aren't there any other characteristics?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "That person is like a crane standing out among chickens; once you've seen him, you'll know who we're talking about."

Dao Yan seemed to understand something, pondered for a moment, and shook his head, saying:
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I have only met two people in my life who are as you described, and neither of them are the ones you spoke of."

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed. Although he had long guessed that Ma Yu's claim that his family did not exist, he still couldn't help but hold onto a sliver of hope.

It's all gone now.

But... this kid thinks we don't know anything.

Hmph, how utterly stupid.

But his attention was immediately drawn to Dao Yan's words:

"Oh? It's already difficult to meet even one such person in one's lifetime, yet you've met two. I wonder who they are."

Daoyan replied, "One is my master, and the other is you, benefactor."

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter:

"Haha...you monk are quite a character."

"Let me ask you one more question. If you answer it to our satisfaction, you'll get a reward."

Dao Yan respectfully said, "Please ask your question, benefactor."

Zhu Yuanzhang pointed to the statue of Confucius and asked, "Which is greater, the Buddha or the emperor?"

Upon hearing this, Dao Yan's heart began to pound violently.

He had previously suspected that this middle-aged man was Zhu Yuanzhang.

However, this guess was too bold, mainly because he couldn't figure out why Zhu Yuanzhang would do such a thing.

But now, he is finally certain.

This temperament, this question... he is undoubtedly Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

But more questions followed. He could have just received an imperial decree, so why go through all this trouble?
But... now is not the time to dwell on this issue; there is a fatal problem right in front of us.

If I don't answer well, I'm afraid I won't be able to escape unscathed.

I silently recited the scripture several times to calm myself down, and my mind raced, quickly arriving at the answer:
"Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha is the emperor of the Pure Land, and the emperor is the Buddha in the human world."

"This humble monk is dull-witted and does not know which is greater."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, "Haha, you really are a remarkable person. No wonder he speaks so highly of you."

Praise? Someone recommended themselves to the emperor?
who is it?

Could it be some old acquaintance from over a decade ago, the one the emperor mentioned?
But why do I have no recollection of this?

Thinking this through, he mustered his courage and asked, "May I ask who you are referring to, benefactor?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a wicked sense of humor, "He will come to see the master in a few days, and then we will know."

Without waiting for Dao Yan's reply, he turned and left.

Dao Yan chased to the door and stopped when he saw the men in black standing on either side.

"Congratulations to the donor."

He didn't dare to raise his head until Zhu Yuanzhang's figure disappeared.

Then he stumbled and fell to the ground.

This ordeal was like a brush with death for him.

Overall, however, the result was good.

Although his mind was still a complete mess, at least he knew who had tied him up and that he wouldn't die.

As for the rest, they are no longer important.

Thinking of this, the panic on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by a joyful expression.

This time, even my master couldn't stop me.

(End of this chapter)