I Study Physics in the Hongwu Era of the Great Ming

After transmigrating as a poor scholar during the Hongwu era, Chen Ge discovers that his PhD in physics is completely useless.

That is, until he uses two copper basins and a bamboo tube in the county office's back courtyard to let everyone witness the existence of “air” with their own eyes.

Copper basins that a dozen strong men can't pull apart, insects that vanish into thin air, a waterwheel that doubles its output

Zhao Wenhe says, “This is the study of natural principles.”

The gentry say, “This is sorcery!”

Zhu Yuanzhang sets down a secret report and narrows his eyes. “He doesn't talk about immortals or the Mandate of Heaven. He talks about ‘calculation.’”

Chen Ge thought he could focus on research in peace, only to discover that the Institute of Natural Philosophy had become an arena for competing factions.

The Huai-Xi nobles want him to build cannons, the civil officials want him gone, and the emperor wants him for a son-in-law.

“Chen Ge, I'll give you a princess. What kind of world will you give me in return?”

“Your Majesty, before the laws of physics, everyone is equal.”

“Even me?”

“Even Your Majesty.”