Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress-Chapter 1272 - 1278 Xiang Yun’s Thoughts (2)

The two of them laughed and climbed onto the kang, where Nangong Yi gestured for Yang Yong to bring over the memorials. The husband and wife each took a side of the kang table, one reviewing memorials, the other checking accounts, both engrossed in their tasks. Occasionally, they would look up, smile in unspoken agreement, and share a moment of warmth.

As late morning approached, Cai Wei finally finished all the accounts. She put down her pen, rubbed her neck, and said, "I’m done, how much longer will you need?"

Nangong Yi looked up, surprised, and said, "That quick?"

"Of course!"

Proudly, Cai Wei waved the account books in her hand and said, "The total compensation for the salary silver needs to be two hundred and twenty-six thousand seven hundred and fifteen taels and six copper, and there’s also fourteen thousand six hundred and eighty-three taels for the cost of carriages, which matches the result calculated by the Internal Affairs Department."

Nangong Yi, keen-eyed, noticed the rough paper she had used for calculations, filled with odd symbols. Curious, he said, "What have you written here? These strange symbols, how do these account for calculations?"

"These are called Arabic numerals," Cai Wei explained, "specifically used for accounting, and they simplify calculations much more than the methods we usually use!"

The man nodded in agreement. Given that she had finished such a large ledger in so little time, the effectiveness was indeed remarkable.

He asked, "Is this also something passed down from Fu You Island?"

Cai Wei smiled and replied, "Yes!"

The man nodded and said no more.

Cai Wei guessed his thoughts and said, "This method of arithmetic is very useful; it’s both simple and accurate. If it were widely disseminated among the common folk, it would surely be greatly beneficial." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Nangong Yi said, "This is a secret technique of Fu You Island, can it just be shared freely?"

"Of course," Cai Wei said without hesitation, "as long as it can benefit the people, anything from Fu You Island can be brought forth!"

Pleased, Nangong Yi said, "Since that’s the case, I would trouble you, Madam, to disseminate this arithmetic method, so the people can benefit."

The method of Arabic arithmetic, which even a third-grader in Cai Wei’s world could use effortlessly, was considered a highly advanced academic subject in this feudal and backward world, astonishing even someone like Nangong Yi.

Cai Wei, of course, did not mind spreading this knowledge, but she had a personal idea—she wanted to teach this arithmetic skill exclusively to women, to enhance their social status.

She said, "I’ve thought about it and believe we could establish a women’s academy, enrolling daughters of officials of the third rank or higher from the court to learn here. Not only will the young ladies learn arithmetic, but Fu You Island also has various other things worth disseminating broadly. This way, not only the arithmetic techniques could be spread, but women’s social status could be elevated, and who knows, it might even stimulate the economic development of our Great Jin Dynasty!"

Nangong Yi responded, "Although this idea is good, setting up an academy will be burdensome for you. I cannot bear to see you overworked; instead, you should teach a few and let them teach others."

Cai Wei laughed and said, "If that’s the case, I’ll teach Liu Xi then, he’s very bright and will surely learn quickly!"

Nangong Yi replied, "Good, let’s go with Liu Xi then!"

Outside the palace

Liu Xi sneezed, unaware that he had already caught the attention of the Empress Dowager. He had just come out from Xiang Yun’s manor, where the Young Madam, having experienced peril the night before, looked quite unwell, though thankfully, she was not seriously hurt. Her mother, Madam Wu, and her mother-in-law, Lady Bai, were attentively conversing with her on either side. Seeing that she was alright, Liu Xi conveyed the Empress’s condolences and then left. As he departed, craftsmen in the manor were fixing the windows of the main hall, reportedly damaged during the bandit attack.

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