Chapter 51 Spark Project
Time passed unknowingly and it was January 1901, 1.
On the first day of New Year's Day, Li Qiwei prepared a rich feast of special delicacies for the four newcomers, including roast turkey, mashed potatoes, sandwiches, fried onions, and various fruits and vegetables.
He Xia and Xu ate without caring about their image. Even Wang Luyao let go of his reserve and kept eating the meat.
There was no other way. During the nearly one-month journey, the four of them were seasick and had not had a proper meal. Now seeing the delicious food, they were like hungry tigers pouncing on their food.
In a short while, the whole table of food was eaten by everyone.
Li Qiwei asked Li San to go to the newly rented place and clean up a bit.
Originally, he wanted to let a few people live in Chris's house, but Li Qiwei did not expect things to go so smoothly.
Since all three of them could now go to school in Cambridge, he simply rented another house next to his own so that it would be convenient for both parties to live next to each other.
It’s just that Wang Luyao is a bit troublesome, but she can live with Hong’er for the time being.
This little girl has been absent-minded since she came back. I don’t know what she is thinking about.
Li Qiwei shook his head and stopped thinking about it. He had more important things to do. He asked Hong'er to take Wang Luyao out for a walk, and then called He Yujie, Xia Yuanzhao and Xu Qitai to his study.
In the study, Li Qiwei asked the three to sit down casually, and then said seriously: "I know you have a lot of questions in your mind."
"I didn't explain it to you clearly on the train before because this plan is very important. It is so important that it concerns the fate of China."
When the three heard Li Qiwei's serious words, they sat up straight with serious expressions. They thought that their idol was about to do big things and they were very excited.
Li Qiwei smiled and said, "You don't have to be too nervous. I won't lead you to raise the flag of rebellion."
"You are all good talents of China. You know what the Western art of studying things is, and you also understand how powerful the European countries have become after experiencing the Industrial Revolution."
"So powerful that even if they are thousands of miles away, they can deploy troops by steamship. They will drive the old witch of the Qing Dynasty out of the capital, cede territory and pay compensation, and humiliate the country."
The three were shocked when they heard this. They obviously didn't expect that the great scientist they worshipped would have such radical ideas. This sentence alone was enough to get him beheaded.
But they were not afraid, instead they became even more excited. They thought they had followed the right person after crossing the ocean.
Li Qiwei did not pay attention to the expressions of the three people, but immersed himself in his own thoughts and continued: "The Qing Dynasty is corrupt and incompetent, and its demise is inevitable."
"But let's think about it. What will happen next? Will the fate of the new China be good?"
"How will the new country deal with the foreigners' huge steel ships, long guns and cannons, and even more advanced weapons in the future? Will it rely on the Four Books and Five Classics?"
"Yuan Zhuo, you have read a lot of books. Tell me, can the scriptures you memorized drive away the invaders?"
"So we must open our eyes to the world, learn and study why foreigners are so powerful, and whether we can also use this power."
"Fortunately, we found the reason and were able to learn it. That's the power of science!"
"The strength of Britain and France lies in their industry, and the core of industry is science, including physics, chemistry, biology and all other natural sciences."
"So if China wants to revive, change, and stand at the top of the world again, it must learn scientific knowledge and take the path of industrialization."
"But we have been poisoned by the Qing Dynasty for too long. We have been closed to the outside world, and the people are not enlightened. They regard science as a strange skill."
"So far, there are only a few universities, and the knowledge taught is superficial and useless."
"Therefore, China needs a group of people with lofty ideals to stand up, learn the most advanced science and technology in the West, and then bring this knowledge back to China."
“By establishing universities and popularizing education, more and more people will realize the importance of science and industry.”
"I believe that a single spark can start a prairie fire. As long as we keep working hard, sooner or later we can bring China back to life."
"We can also make spears, cannons, and ships, and kill all enemies who dare to invade China."
"I call this whole plan Project Spark."
"You are the first batch of veterans of the Spark Project. You are also my first batch of disciples. I believe that with my achievements, there will be no problem for me to be your teacher." When Li Qiwei finished speaking, the three of them seemed to have flames burning in their chests, and a strong will burst out.
Young and full of energy, full of passion, they study hard and want to transform China. What a crazy feat it is, and now they have the opportunity to participate.
This long journey is the right one!
Li Qiwei was very satisfied when he saw the three people's high-spirited appearances. Although he didn't have a mustache, his ability to incite was still good.
However, after the excitement, the thoughtful He Yujie raised a question: "Brother Qiwei, the country is now in turmoil, political corruption, and a weak economy. How are we going to spread science when we return?"
"Although the Qing Dynasty will eventually perish, it is still lingering for the time being, which will be very detrimental to our cause."
Li Qiwei looked at him with admiration. He was indeed a man of government descent, and he could find the core problem at a glance. "After you finish your studies here and return to China, you can start your career in Guangdong."
"My Li family still has some influence there, and with my elder and second brothers backing us up, it's no problem to just build a few universities."
"You three should first lay a solid foundation, offer courses, recruit students, and allow foreign universities to take root in China."
"We want to take a path to become a scientific power that is in line with Chinese characteristics, so early exploration is essential."
"As for the Qing government, haha, after this war, its weakness has been revealed. I conclude that within ten years, the Qing Dynasty will fall."
Li Qiwei complained in his heart: If a time traveler came here, he would probably bury the Qing Dynasty next year.
The three of them were shocked again. Their elder brother and teacher was too domineering. His extremely confident aura made people fascinated and willing to follow him.
Suddenly, Xia Yuanzhen asked again: "Brother Li, what if after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, a chaotic world like the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms appeared?"
"We have popularized education, established factories, and produced a large number of weapons. What if they are used by ambitious people with ulterior motives?"
At this time, Xu Qitai also added: "Yes, in fact, we have always been regarded as craftsmen by those in power."
“No matter how great the achievements are, they will always be considered as the only thing inferior to study.”
"Our Xu family once requested Lord Zhang Zhidong to build a temple and biography for my grandfather, but was not allowed. They never respected scientific and technological talents from the bottom of their hearts."
Li Qiwei was very pleased after listening to this. He liked young people who had independent thinking ability, rather than those who had no opinions and just followed blindly.
He knew that what Xia Yuanzhen and Xu Qitai said was true history. He had no power to change it, but he could find another way. "What you two said makes a lot of sense and is very possible."
"So, I have a more subtle and daring plan. Once you know it, you can never back out. Are you willing?"
The sound of heavy breathing was suddenly heard in the room. The three of them looked at each other, and then as if they had telepathic connection, they all nodded heavily.
Seeing this, Li Qiwei laughed loudly: "Hahaha, how wonderful! With the three of you, what else can I ask for?"
"Listen carefully, you three. If there is unrest in the country and warlords are causing chaos, then I will open up a pure land overseas and become a separate entity."
"I want to build a city of science to attract all the science and engineering talents in China. There, no outsiders will tell you what to do."
"Moreover, I will use my unrivaled power to block any foreign forces and protect China."
"As for the country, let them fight as much as they want, but I will destroy anyone who dares to harm the people."
The three of them breathed faster and their faces flushed. They were obviously shocked by Li Qiwei's idea. Was this about founding a country? But it didn't seem like it.
However, the three of them asked the same question, "What kind of great power can keep all foreign forces out?"
Li Qiwei smiled faintly, and did not give a direct answer, but said: "Big mushroom smoke straight, long core sunset plain."
Then, with his explanation, the cool air in the room was sucked out.
Thanks to [Waiting for a Yuanren] for the monthly ticket, and thanks to all the book friends for the recommendation votes. There are not many votes recently, Lao Xu is begging for votes. Finally, I hope you will read and collect more. If you have any questions, you can leave a message, and Lao Xu will humbly improve.
(End of this chapter)