Mystery One, Toyotomi's Secret Order

narrative.Then he waved his hand to signal Zhang Wei to continue.

"Around the third century BC, the Chinese had already discovered the principle that magnets could attract iron. After 300 years, in the first century AD, that is, the Eastern Han Dynasty in China, which was equivalent to the time of the Roman Empire. The Chinese already knew how to use the magnetic properties of magnets. Principle, the compass was invented, and the Chinese called it "Sinan" at that time. According to the Chinese interpretation, "Sinan" means... pointing to the south. For the next thousand years, because the compass has been unable to overcome the instability caused by floating on water Pointing problems, so... it was not used in navigation. Until... around the twelfth century AD, around the time of the Song Dynasty in China, the use of the compass had a breakthrough development."

[Note: Shen Kuo and Mengxi Bi Tan (1088/1095) The Fang family used a magnet to sharpen the needle, and it could guide.However, it is often to the east, not all to the south.Kou Zongda and Materia Medica Yanyi (1115) used a needle to traverse the center of the lamp, floating on the water, and also a guide, but it was often in the third position.Pingzhou Ketan (1119) The boat master knew geography, watched the stars at night, the sun during the day, and the compass in the dark. 】

The old cowboy was fascinated by listening, and unconsciously blurted out: "Breakthrough development?"

"Later, the Chinese knew that rubbing a magnet on an iron ware would make the original iron ware also magnetic. Therefore, in the 1207th century AD, the Chinese put an iron needle rubbed by a magnet through a bamboo tube and placed it in water. As a result, even In the floating sea, the compass can still play the pointing function accurately, which is what the Chinese call Shuifu Sinan. There are clear records in Chinese literature about the application of this technology. And it is related to the British Alexander Neckam in 1157. -1217) in his book Denaturisrerum "On the Natures of Things" is almost the same. "

Zhang Wei paused, looked at Austin, and found that the old man was focused and not impatient, so he continued to narrate.

"This invention in China is generally believed to have been spread to Europe by the Arabs or Mongols. Thanks to the invention of the compass, seafarers and sailors can break through the influence of celestial phenomena, accurately determine the direction at sea, and greatly improve the accuracy of sea navigation. , relatively reducing risks, allowing ships to engage in ocean-going expeditions. Therefore, the invention of the compass has deeply influenced Europe, and is even related to the discovery of the New World. It's a pity..."

"This important invention did not receive much attention in ancient China, which had always been dominated by an agricultural society. The Chinese discovered the magnet and understood the principle of magnetism. Later, they also invented the compass and used it in navigation. Twelve Around the century, China's large sailing ships have already crossed the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean in South Asia. It is a pity...but they did not go further to the ocean...to explore. Otherwise, the history of mankind today may be rewritten...the first discovery of America...maybe It will be the Chinese, not Columbus."

"Jason, such an explanation... is it okay?" Zhang Wei carefully asked the old cowboy for his reaction.

Austin struggled, leaned forward, narrowed his eyes, frowned, looked at Zhang Wei, and said for a while, "What? I look like a difficult old man?"

Zhang Wei was stunned for a while when he called the cowboy's question, and he didn't know how to respond.But see, the cowboy slapped his leg with a big hand. "Snapped!"

"It's a good thing the Chinese didn't venture further into the ocean. Otherwise, I might not be living here now. I love Texas so much!"

Zhang Wei knew from Austin's happy expression that he passed the exam again.

With the cowboy's straightforward personality, Zhang Wei will never be asked to continue sitting on the sofa for a long time.

Sure enough, Austin went on to say, "Champ! Thank you for explaining, now I understand what my family's baby is. Shall we eat something first? Or...?"

"Look at your baby first!" Zhang Wei said without hesitation.One is longing to see the legendary baby earlier.The second hoped to finish the task as soon as possible so that he could return to New York and start his long-awaited summer vacation.

Austin stood up without saying a word, and Zhang Wei followed in Austin's footsteps, left the living room, walked through the aisle, turned left and right through rows of rooms, and finally stopped in front of a door at the end of the aisle.

Treasure House

PrestonHollow (PrestonHollow, TX) 1940

The owner opens the door, enters the room, turns on the light switch, and the room is instantly brightened.This is a medium-sized exhibition room, about one to two hundred square meters.The interior layout is simple, but orderly.Portraits, maps and flags of different sizes are hung on the walls; documents and letters from different periods are displayed in the antique collection cabinet on the side; several sabers and guns of different sizes are placed horizontally on the cabinet, from ancient Mauser guns to portable There are revolvers.

"My God! It's a small museum, what a treasure trove."

Zhang Wei secretly cried out in his heart, knowing that his behavior was a little rude, he still couldn't stop looking left and right.Seeing the young man's actions, the old cowboy waved his hand and patted Zhang Wei's left shoulder.

"Son, there is an entrance fee for this."

"Of course. Jason, these are priceless historical relics. The collection in this room is not inferior to many museums that charge fees! They should be charged. They should be charged."

Zhang Wei's praise made the cowboy feel even more joyful, and he made no effort to hide his complacency, pointing at the scroll and saber lying horizontally in front of him.

""This is Moses Austin (1761-1821. The father of Stephen Fuller Austin, the father of Texas), accepting the governor of Missouri (Missouri, MI) William Henry Harrison (1773-1841, U.S. army commander and statesman, Ohio (Ohio) ) representative, senator and the ninth President of the United States in 1841) was appointed as a local judge in Potosi (MI), and the saber worn when he was an officer of the civilian government.”

Then he pointed to the cabinet on the other side.

"This is the authorization given by General Antonio Maria Martinez, Governor of Texas in 1821 (died in November 1823. The ruler of Mexico at the time. After being defeated in the war. Forced to agree to Texas independence from Mexico) to allow Stephen Austin to explore the San Antonio River and the Brazos River along the Gulf of Mexico to find suitable colonies Book."

Then point to the lower level of the file.

「这是1836年10月28日，当时德州共和国总统SamHouston（1793年3月2日–1863年7月26日。德州共和国参议员暨总统，加入联邦后成为首任德州州长）指定史帝芬奥斯汀为国务卿时的公告文件。」

Austin pointed and said, his brows raised from time to time, and his eyes flashed with family pride from time to time. Even the outsider Zhang Wei was infected by the cowboy's excitement.This collection room is definitely comparable to a small museum, and these collections are even more precious treasures for American history.

"The cultural relics you have seen are actually only a small part. Most of my family's collections and documents have been donated to the Library of Capitol Hill and other museums. Of course, the Metropolitan Museum is also included. Children, I plan to collect these in the future All donations, most of what is here, should belong to the entire American people.”

Anyone who listens to the old cowboy's statement will be in awe. Of course, Zhang Wei is very moved.

"Jason. I really don't know what to say to thank you and your family for your generosity. The contribution to us and the next generation is really indescribable. No wonder Director Redman specifically confessed to me that you are a very important person. "The donor, the "VIP" of the museum."

"Really? Did he say that? He should have told me to my face." Austin replied half-seriously, half-playfully.

"However, before I donate these things, I must first find out the origin of these things. Son, don't you think so? I can't donate something that I don't even know. It's very important to ruin my " "Donor and family name."

Austin walked towards the fireplace in the collection room with a smile.It was an unremarkable fireplace with some unremarkable sconces.The fireplace is not deep, and the interior is tidy and tidy. It looks like a piece of decorative furniture that hasn't been used for a long time.

Zhang Wei looked at the back of the cowboy in confusion.The old cowboy came to the hearth, bent down and put his left hand into the fire, turned around inside, and then pushed back, a passage suddenly appeared at the back of the fire.Austin flicked his hand inward, and then a downward staircase appeared.The bottom should be a secret collection room, a warehouse that is not displayed to the public.

Zhang Wei stayed where he was.Experience tells him that most collectors don't like overly aggressive responses from respondents.Curiosity is not only enough to kill nine cats, but it is also more likely to attract the owner's wariness and resentment.It is polite and respectful to stay where you are patiently and wait for the other party's instructions.

Austin turned around and found that Zhang Wei was still staying where he was, and immediately shouted in a paternal tone.

"Son, what are you waiting for, come in!"

Only then did Zhang Wei get up quickly, followed Austin's footsteps, and walked into the passage.

The passage extends about two meters inwards, followed by a downward staircase about one and a half meters wide.Zhang Wei followed Austin and entered the basement.What catches the eye is a pile of large and small