The young monks’ predictions proved entirely correct.
From the next day onward, the professors split into groups and began touring the institute’s facilities and ongoing research projects.
“Oho~”
“Ohh~”
The professors let out collective gasps of amazement as they entered one of the many research laboratories within the institute.
One wall was completely covered with a blackboard filled with numbers, geometric figures, and mathematical formulas. In one corner of the blackboard, researchers were gathered, engaged in ongoing discussions as they wrote and erased equations.
“What are those formulas?”
When the professors inquired, the young monk who was guiding them checked the paper posted at the laboratory entrance before answering.
“They’re conducting research related to sequences.”
“Sequences?”
The professors’ eyes lit up at the word ‘sequence.’ The concept wasn’t unfamiliar to them. Many scholars since ancient Greece, including Pythagoras and Archimedes, had studied and proven sequence concepts and formulas.
Moreover, a remarkable mathematical treatise called “Liber Abaci” had been written by the brilliant mathematician Fibonacci just a century ago.
“Since sequences are something we’re well-versed in, let’s take a look.”
“Indeed. Our advice will surely be valuable.”
However, the professors who approached the blackboard with such confidence soon found their expressions turning to bewilderment.
“What on earth are these symbols?”
Most of the symbols used in the formulas on the blackboard were unfamiliar to them.
And Hyang had anticipated this exact situation.
***
After the adoption of Indian numerals, Hyang had strongly advocated for the use of mathematical symbols—especially for the four basic operations and equality.
-Writing out addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in words makes it difficult to quickly comprehend formulas. Using symbols would be better!
Dammit! With so much to do and delegate, I can’t wait a hundred years! I’ll implement it now! Butterfly effect? Who cares!
*Flashback*
When he demonstrated example formulas using actual arithmetic operation symbols alongside this argument, King Sejong nodded in agreement before posing a question.
“Indeed, it is easier to understand. However, I haven’t seen these symbols in any Western texts… What principle did you use to create them?”
“Your Majesty, using the principles of yin and yang…”
Hyang recited his pre-prepared theory in response to Sejong’s question. After Hyang finished his explanation, the ministers passionately offered their critiques.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, according to the yin and yang principles written in the Book of Changes…”
“If we consider the principles of yin-yang and the five elements…”
Despite the ministers’ fervent criticisms, Hyang stood his ground firmly.
“My learning may be shallow and there may be errors. However, please first consider their meaning and usefulness as symbols. Especially consider how this could reduce the burden for all people who work with numbers.”
Hearing Hyang’s words, the ministers examined the example formulas he had provided. The formulas using operation symbols were far more concise than those written out with Chinese characters for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Eventually, Sejong and the ministers accepted Hyang’s proposal, and mathematical symbols began to establish themselves in all documents containing formulas, starting with official documents.
This was welcomed by not only the government officials but also by merchants.
“This is truly convenient!”
“It’s immediately clear without having to write out the words!”
“Who first came up with these symbols?”
“I heard it was the Crown Prince!”
“Such brilliance from one so young—truly a great blessing for our Joseon!”
While such praise from the common people was growing, angry shouts could be heard in the homes of high officials.
“The Crown Prince, younger than you, is already achieving such things, while you’re still stuck on the Four Books and Three Classics!”
“Grandfather, your grandson is also doing his best…”
“Quiet and roll up your pant legs!”
Fortunately, perhaps, the children’s time of tribulation didn’t last long. As Hyang continued to accumulate more achievements, the family elders were the first to wave the white flag.
“Ah~ The vessels and talents are simply different!”
As the institute became increasingly active, Hyang immediately issued a task.
-Analyze all mathematical texts passed down not only in Joseon but also from Ming, the Muslim world, and the West, and create mathematical symbols!
This task would become the first Imaginary-grade challenge in the newly created Challenge Records.
***
This background explained why the professors found themselves unable to properly understand the formulas despite looking right at them.
Seeing the professors at a loss, the monk let out a small sigh.
“Huu~”
I knew this would happen!
The professors, wearing troubled expressions as they examined the blackboard, turned to look at the monk. Seeing their faces, the monk wore a resigned expression.
“Let’s return to yesterday’s lecture hall. I’ll explain about the symbols.”
“Can’t we do it here?”
“It would disturb the researchers.”
At the monk’s response, the professors silently left the laboratory.
Shortly after the professors arrived at the main lecture hall, professors from other groups also entered.
Once all the professors had gathered again in the lecture hall, Angelo, who had received word, appeared at the podium.
“Though it may delay our schedule, it would be best to thoroughly understand this aspect before proceeding.”
The special lecture on mathematical symbols that began this way extended beyond two weeks. While it took less than three days to learn what the symbols meant, additional time was needed to become familiar with actually using them and with the Hunminjeongeum characters used as variables.
As a side note, the European scientific community underwent significant changes due to these professors who returned after learning various things from the Empire.
At the very least, the Empire’s mathematical symbols began to be widely used in newly published academic books and papers, and the use of Hunminjeongeum consonants like ‘ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ’ as variable symbols became standardized.
Later, when Hyang obtained these texts through merchant groups trading with Europe, he smirked and muttered:
“I wonder if we’ll end up with ‘ㅎ-ray’ instead of ‘X-ray’ in the future?”
***
After experiencing such twists and turns and going through their own growing pains, the professors once again embarked on a full-scale exploration of the institute.
And when they learned about the research being conducted at the institute, the professors were pushed to the brink of despair beyond mere amazement.
“Damn it all! They’ve already advanced this far!”
“To think they’ve already completed the reestablishment of the classics!”
The professors, most of whom were still clinging to classics except for a select few brilliant pioneers like Fibonacci, lamented their situation.
“We have no choice! Let’s learn as much as we can!”
The professors, pushed nearly to despair, gritted their teeth, rose from their seats, and requested to learn from Jeong In-ji.
“A scholar should never be lazy in their pursuit of knowledge.”
“Indeed!”
The professors’ faces had brightened at Jeong In-ji’s response, but they darkened at his next words.
“However, all researchers at the institute are too busy with their assigned tasks to be pulled away carelessly. That authority lies solely with the Institute Director, His Highness the Crown Prince.”
At Jeong In-ji’s words, the professors immediately sought out Wan and pleaded with him. Receiving their plea, Wan responded with a troubled expression.
“I will petition His Majesty the Emperor.”
A few days later, Wan informed the professors.
“Given that both the Engineering Academy and Mathematics Academy attached to the institute have personnel limits, and considering your own schedule constraints, we will accept only twenty people for now.”
Upon receiving Wan’s announcement, the professors immediately began a heated debate.
“I must be among them!”
“No, I should stay!”
The debate, which even drew in the Chancellor of the University of Florence, soon reached a critical point.
“By skill or any other measure, I am the most qualified!”
“With those skills? Hah!”
“You English bumpkin!”
“How dare a French fool glare at me!”
As the conflict between professors was about to escalate into a fistfight, Wan, who received a report, presented a mediation proposal.
“I have a solution everyone can accept.”
“What might that be?”
“Let’s hold an examination.”
“An exam… you say?”
“Why, do you object?”
“Ah, no, not at all.”
And so it was decided to hold a mathematics examination for the professors.
Upon hearing the story, Hyang called Wan and asked:
“How did you come up with the idea of an examination?”
“Though they say they want to stay and learn, they’re the type who would try any method to interfere with the actual work. If that’s the case, it’s best for us to take the initiative in selecting talented individuals.”
Hearing Wan’s answer, Hyang slapped his knee and burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! You’ve worked hard!”
“You praise me too highly.”
Wan bowed his head in response to Hyang’s praise.
And the court historian who recorded all of this diligently added:
-…When the Emperor praised him, the Crown Prince showed humility.
The historian notes: Like father, like son? Those who touch ink become black? Birds of a feather flock together?
***
Ten days later, the selection examination for the professors was conducted.
The professors gathered in the familiar main lecture hall, waiting for the exam with nervous hearts.
“Then let us begin.”
Following Lee Soonji’s words as the proctor, young monks who had been waiting began distributing test papers to the professors.
The professors who received their test papers and checked the problems collectively let out sharp breaths.
“Hagh!”
The problems they received were a bit more difficult than they had anticipated. Lee Soonji’s voice rang out over their heads.
“Please do your best. Hey, no wandering eyes over there! Already trying to look around? One more time and you’ll be immediately dismissed!”
The next morning, the results were delivered to the professors’ lodgings.
“I made it!”
“Ugh!”
As joy and sorrow intermingled among the professors receiving their results, Angelo continued speaking.
“We will not announce the rankings. However, if you wish to know, we will tell you. What would you prefer?”
At Angelo’s words, all the professors waved their hands.
“No need to reveal them.”
“Very well.”
***
Thus, those who would leave and those who would stay were decided, and the schedule was nearly at its end.
With few days remaining before departure, the professors made another petition to Hyang.
“They asked to see the Challenge Records?”
Hearing the professors’ request from Wan, Hyang thought briefly before reaching a decision.
“Granted. Show them the Challenge Records archive.”
“Will that be alright?”
To Wan’s concerned question, Hyang asked with a mischievous smile:
“Which area did I tell you to show them?”
“The Challenge Records archive… Ah!”
Understanding Hyang’s intent, Wan brightened and bowed his head.
“I receive your command!”
***
The professors could barely contain their excitement at the thought of finally seeing the Challenge Records they had dreamed of.
“This is the Challenge Records archive.”
Entering the archive after the administrator’s words, the professors couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
Instead of the dozens of books they had expected, there was only a table with nine books displayed in front, and behind it stood dozens of bookshelves. And those shelves were filled with printing type blocks.
“Could you explain…”
The professors requested an explanation from Angelo, who had accompanied them as a guide. At their request, Angelo began explaining.
“Those books on the table are catalogs recording the contents of the Challenge Records. Nine volumes in total, from Imaginary to Lower-Lower grade. If you find what you need in those catalogs and request it, we’ll locate the corresponding type blocks from those shelves and print it for you.”
“Hah…”
The professors wore dejected expressions at Angelo’s explanation, all simultaneously coming to the same conclusion.
Better not even think about trying to steal anything.
“By the way, those type blocks are also a registered challenge item. The goal is to create smaller and clearer printing type. It’s rated Upper-Lower difficulty.”
In the end, the professors had no choice but to leave the archive immediately.
“Then, do the Challenge Records exist only in those type blocks?”
To the Chancellor’s question, Angelo immediately responded.
“According to rumors, printed copies are supposedly kept somewhere secret as a precaution against accidents or disasters, but those are just rumors. There are simply too many people coveting the Challenge Records.”
“Is that so?”
The professors’ eyes took on a peculiar gleam upon hearing Angelo’s response.