Beside the well.

Just at the instant Xu Yun learned the name of Su Song, a light curtain quietly appeared in front of him.

A light curtain he was somewhat familiar with:

[Random Mission: Stir Things Up!]

[Mission Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆-★★★★☆]

[Mission Requirement: Fulfill Su Song's wish before he dies]

[Mission Time Limit: One and a half years]

[Mission Reward: Depends on the score]

[Penalty for Incomplete Mission: All male goodwill +8, Luck -5]

[Additional Note: This world is a parallel world, forgot the rest, blah blah blah ε(*･ω･)_/ﾟ:･☆]

Xu Yun: "..."

What should I say?

This thing is kind of strange, isn't it?

Then he took a deep breath, bringing his thoughts back to reality.

To be honest.

At the start when it seemed highly likely this was the Song Dynasty, two most probable people popped into Xu Yun's head as possible targets:

Shen Kuo, or Yang Hui.

Considering the previous connection with Little Niu's matter, the latter was even more likely.

But he never expected that the person he would encounter would actually be Su Song!

In the long history of human civilization, fields such as astronomy, physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, literature, and others have produced countless top geniuses in their respective domains.

For example, there is Little Niu and Maxwell in physics.

Gauss and Cauchy in mathematics.

Voltaire, Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, and others in literature.

But through the entirety of civilization's history.

If you were to say there were individuals recognized globally as all-rounded geniuses achieving the peak of their eras in every field, there are only two, be it in the past or present, east or west:

Da Vinci, and...

Su Song.

Su Song was born in the Northern Song era, with domains spanning politics, astronomy, mechanical engineering, sciences, medicine, diplomacy, literature; he served as Prime Minister, and created seven world firsts.

Before BXC became a broadcast in the underworld, it once produced a documentary of the East.

The documentary called Su Song "the world's top scientist of the 11th century," and even uttered a classic phrase:

"Rather than Su Song being the Da Vinci of the East, Da Vinci is the Su Song of the West."

Ignoring BXC's later shady dealings, just speaking of the documentary alone, it was hands down the most authoritative broadcast station globally, unparalleled.

This is also why, after the Zhuzhou incidents they pulled, it was imperative for us to immediately refute them — its influence was so widespread and authoritative that many people would believe them without a doubt.

Such a media lauding Su Song, it speaks for itself in terms of credibility.

Yet, due to various reasons, Old Su's fame in history has always been in a rather strange state:

Those who know him, be it past or present, foreign or domestic, almost worship him.

For instance, 21 of the top 30 universities as ranked by the Eagle specifically established research groups for him, and California Institute of Technology even created 17 world history courses about him, two more than the combined total for Little Niu and Einstein.

But those unaware of him are completely confused, feeling like, who's he?

A relative of Su Shi?

Between knowing and not knowing, there's a nearly insurmountable barrier.

Thinking of this.

Xu Yun couldn't help but look up towards the sky.

As a researcher, he respects every pioneer in human history, be it past or present, foreign or domestic.

But as a Huaxia person, Xu Yun has a deeper kinship to the local sages.

The twelve-chapter pattern, a distant tribute across time, a resonance buried in the blood of the descendants of Yan and Huang.

Also, this blue garment on him, Xu Yun didn't feel the slightest discomfort, and it looked much more pleasing than Little Niu's husky pants.

"This is..... a sense of national identity."

Then Xu Yun brought his gaze back to reality, assisting Xiaosan in pulling the water bucket while pondering how he should proceed next.

According to Xiaosan's words.

The Emperor has issued a general amnesty this year, which undoubtedly places the timeline at the year 1100 AD.

Additionally, they were in Bianjing, today's Junyi City in Zhongzhou Province, judging by the temperature, it was probably summer.

Old Su passed away in June 1101, which is roughly a year from now, seeming to conflict with the mission time... Suddenly, Xu Yun thought of something and, while lifting a bucket, asked Xiaosan:

"Third Brother, let me ask you something, how old is our master this year?"

Xiaosan helped him lift a bucket of water, took a few breaths, and replied:

"He was eighty last year, it's said the palace even sent him a birthday gift, and there were some Western goods in it!"

"Eighty?"

Xu Yun feigned surprise and opened his mouth slightly:

"But I saw our master yesterday, didn't his physique seem as robust as a sixty-year-old?"

Xiaosan glanced at him with a why-are-you-so-surprised expression:

"Of course, our master's body is still in good shape, he loves strolling around the streets every day and even carries a hoe to grow some veggies in the backyard!"

Hearing this, Xu Yun nodded thoughtfully.

Generally speaking.

Elders of high status like Old Su, even in the twilight of life vitality, typically require a relatively extended period before they can't hold on anymore.

In Old Su's current health, it's theoretically unlikely that he would pass naturally within a year.

Unless...

Something unexpected happens to Old Su within the year, like...

A fall!

Those who've cared for the elderly know, the older they get, the more fragile they are against falls.

Cases where someone was spirited months ago, then became bedridden after one or two falls and soon passed away are numerous even in the 21st century.

Considering Old Su's previous physical state as well as Xiaosan's description.

Xu Yun wasn't saying this master could live to ninety, but at least surviving another three or four years shouldn't be a problem.

This can also explain the time limit given by the mission.

In fact, some scholars in later times argue Old Su's death was somewhat premature.

Because, according to the "Eastern Capital Chronicles," in the third year of Yuanfu — that's now 1100 AD, Old Su could still travel back and forth several times between Jingkou in Su Province and Bianjing.

Drinking, sword dancing, seeking old acquaintances, and even had a huge pot of dog meat by the year's end.

So the 'fall theory' has quite a bit of traction locally, you won't find exact written records, but logically it seems more reasonable.

If indeed the reality aligns with Xu Yun's guess, then trying to prevent the accident from happening wouldn't be particularly hard.

But before tackling fall prevention, there are two issues he needs to resolve first:

The first is how to have a conversation with Old Su—or more bluntly, how to showcase his value?

While Old Su's current arrangement for him is decent, it's clearly not out of equal importance, but rather some inexplicable compassion.

Back with Little Niu, he could pique interest with the phenomenon of dispersion and then use Taylor expansion for simplification, thus establishing his persona before Little Niu.

But this time, he doesn't have such an opportunity with Old Su—Old Su, as it stands, has completed the great deeds of life, with no pressing issues requiring solutions.

Theoretically, all Xu Yun can arrange is a design plan for a tombstone and a memorial service.

Therefore, which angle to approach from, proving his value must be well thought out.

As for the second matter, that would be contingent on completing the first, which is.....

Convincing Old Su not to return to Jingkou, but to stay in Bianjing.

.....

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