Sa Zhenbing's voice carried a persuasive tone:
"Brother Fu, I truly don't understand why you're so interested in translation!
We were ordered to come to Britain to study the navy, so that we can return home in the future to build a powerful navy and wipe away our national humiliation!
Yet you spend all day in the library reading philosophy and literature. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?"
Yan Fu's voice was calm and firm:
"Dingming (Sa Zhenbing's courtesy name), do you think that simply buying a few warships, learning some navigation techniques, and knowing how to fire cannons—can truly make China strong?
During our time in Europe, haven't you seen the deeper reasons behind Britain and France's power?"
Sa Zhenbing was somewhat agitated:
"Of course I've seen it! Their ships are strong and their cannons powerful, their industry is developed..."
Yan Fu interrupted him:
"You're wrong! More importantly, it's their cultural institutions, their scientific spirit, their education system!
Why do you think Britain became the empire on which the sun never sets?
It's not just because their navy is powerful, but also because they have a parliamentary system to ensure rational decision-making, a patent system to encourage invention and creation, and an education system to cultivate talent!
These are the fundamentals of a strong nation!"
Sa Zhenbing remained obstinate:
"Those are matters for the high officials in the imperial court to consider. As soldiers, our duty is to master advanced military technology, and in the future, train soldiers and command fleets..."
Yan Fu's voice rose a few pitches:
"Foolish! If the system doesn't change, and ideas don't change, even the most advanced warships will become mere ornaments!"
His voice was fervent and powerful:
"I believe what China needs is not just technological change, but more importantly, ideological enlightenment.
That's why I believe translating European classics and introducing new ideas is more important than simply learning technology.
We need to let more people understand the global trends and grasp the true essence of modern civilization!"
Sa Zhenbing was silent for a moment, his tone carrying helplessness:
"Brother Fu, what you say might be reasonable. But I think you're too idealistic. Changing ideas?
Easier said than done!
If those ministers couldn't even tolerate Minister Guo, how would they tolerate you spreading Western learning?
I think it's better to be down-to-earth and first master practical military technology.
At least in this area, we can still make actual contributions to the country—in the next naval battle, we cannot lose again! And we won't lose again!"
Lionel: "..."
He really wanted to say that in the next naval battle, they not only lost, but they lost to an opponent neither of them could possibly imagine...
Seeing their argument grow increasingly heated, Lionel couldn't bear to listen any longer and cleared his throat.
Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing instantly fell silent, turning their heads with nervous expressions.
Only when they saw it was Lionel did they let out a sigh of relief.
They exchanged glances, relief visible in their eyes.
If someone with ill intentions had heard their argument just now and reported it, Sa Zhenbing might have been fine, but Yan Fu would definitely have been in trouble.
It might even have implicated others—that's why they were speaking in their local dialect.
Fortunately, it was Lionel. He wasn't even Chinese, so hearing it was no big deal.
Lionel could tell what the two were thinking and even felt a wicked sense of humor, wanting to say a few words in Mandarin to scare them.
But in the end, he suppressed this absurd idea and simply greeted them calmly in English:
"Oh? Are you two also out here getting some fresh air?"
The two turned around, looking slightly embarrassed, and exchanged pleasantries with Lionel.
Lionel pretended not to have understood their previous heated debate:
"The nights in Paris are indeed much more pleasant than in London; at least the air is fresh. By the way, how much longer will you two be studying in Britain? When do you plan to return home?"
Sa Zhenbing was rather straightforward and immediately replied:
"Our courses at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, will conclude next April, and we will then depart for home."
His tone carried the clarity and decisiveness unique to a military man.
Lionel was somewhat surprised:
"Next April? That means there's only a little over half a year left? I've only just met you, and I didn't expect to be parting ways so soon."
Sa Zhenbing smiled:
"Lionel, although China and France are thousands of miles apart, we are both still young. I believe that as long as our aspirations are aligned, there will always be a day we meet again.
As a Chinese poet once said—'If there is a soulmate in the world, even if they are at the edge of the sky, they are still as close as a neighbor.'"
Lionel: "..."
This translation sounds exactly like something Oscar Wilde would say.
He had thought his own translation of "A gentleman's word, four horses cannot overtake it" was already bad enough, but he hadn't expected Sa Zhenbing to be "a cut above."
Poetry is indeed untranslatable.
Yan Fu said sincerely:
"That is true. Moreover, I sincerely hope that in the future, I will have the opportunity to invite you to China for a lecture tour.
Chinese schools desperately need talent like you—to speak to young Chinese students about the current situation in Europe, about French literature and thought.
This would broaden their horizons even more."
Lionel nodded:
"That's an appealing invitation. So, after returning home, will you both join the navy? I wish you both an early promotion to general!"
He specifically looked at the two of them and noticed that Sa Zhenbing's gaze was firm, while Yan Fu showed a hint of hesitation.
Sa Zhenbing glanced at Yan Fu, his tone resolute:
"Yes, I will certainly join the navy. The nation sent us abroad to study precisely for the purpose of building a powerful navy. This is my duty and honor as a military man."
Yan Fu, however, seemed somewhat hesitant.
He opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Lionel asked gently:
"Yan, your thoughts seem different from Sa's? Earlier at the banquet, you said you wanted to translate my works... Are you perhaps more interested in translation?"
Yan Fu nodded helplessly, his voice low:
"Lionel, you're right. I truly have more passion for translation and education. I believe that compared to commanding warships, enlightening the public's minds and spreading new ideas is more crucial for China's long-term development."
As he spoke, he dared not look into Sa Zhenbing's eyes.
The atmosphere in the garden grew somewhat solemn for a moment.
The evening breeze blew gently, carrying the faint singing of Peking Opera actors from afar.
Lionel pondered for a moment, then slowly began:
"Actually, whether it's naval construction, or translation and education, all are essential paths for a nation to become strong."
He looked at Yan Fu:
"The work of translation and education is like lighting many lamps, allowing more people to open their eyes to the world and grasp the essence of modern civilization. This can fundamentally change a nation's way of thinking."
Then he turned to Sa Zhenbing:
"Building a navy is not just about flaunting power on the seas for the present.
A powerful navy requires science, technology, and an industrial system as its support; only then can it propel the entire nation forward.
More importantly, after you complete your studies and return home, you will be training the next batch, and the batch after that, of naval talent—this is a legacy.
As long as the flame continues, even if it's just a few sparks, it can eventually ignite the entire prairie."
Yan Fu and Sa Zhenbing's eyes lit up!
He paused for a moment, allowing the two of them to digest what he had just said, before continuing:
"So I believe that the right things should be 'done immediately,' but one doesn't need to be fixated on 'immediate success.' A nation's strength is a long process.
If military power lacks a foundation of civilized spirit, it will ultimately be a castle in the air; and if ideological enlightenment lacks strength as its backing, it will not escape being trampled upon."
Sa Zhenbing and Yan Fu both fell into deep thought, their expressions gradually becoming profound and complex.
The Peking Opera singing from afar had stopped at some point; only the crisp sounds of gongs and drums occasionally drifted over, and the banquet seemed to be drawing to a close.
Yet the three people in the garden still stood in the night, each with their own thoughts.
Lionel looked at these two future historical figures, a peculiar sense of mission rising in his heart.
He had no intention of intervening or changing the course of history, but fate seemed to always make him gaze upon this river.
Were the principles he had just stated difficult to understand? In fact, no Chinese person who had studied modern history would doubt that building a navy and translating Western learning were two paths that could proceed simultaneously without conflict.
But Sa Zhenbing, Yan Fu, or other "enlightened individuals" caught in the torrent of their era, were all "players confused, while bystanders see clearly."
And Lionel, the clear-sighted bystander, could not utter these words.
Their dispute was a single moment in a long historical "labor pain."
Lionel really wanted to tell them that no matter which path they followed, they would all converge into one great avenue at that particular moment—it's just that Yan Fu, among them, likely wouldn't live to see the Chinese walk down this great avenue.
Lionel sympathetically patted Yan Fu's shoulder, just about to say something, when suddenly a voice rang out:
"I've been looking for you. Why are you hiding out here?"
(End of Chapter)
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