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Chapter 273: Opening the Examination
Luo Yi noticed Wei Zheng's serious expression and knew he was about to make a mistake, so he spoke first: "Regarding Wa Country, I have heard several Silla generals mention it. They are ambitious and have long been plotting for the land of Liaodong.
Now they dare to be disrespectful to My Emperor. If we do not impose severe punishment, how can we demonstrate the majesty of our Great Tang and make the surrounding Barbarians understand to respect the Son of Heaven?"
Zhang Hutan added directly, "The Emperor's decree has already been issued; we shall act according to the Imperial Decree."
Wei Zheng understood that these two ruthless individuals would not care about any consequences. Perhaps Luo Yi was even pleased, as he could justifiably refrain from plundering the Wa Country merchant caravans traveling to and from Liaodong while also turning the Wa People into slaves.
Not long ago, the Emperor granted Luo Yi a large tract of land. Of course, only a portion belonged to him and could be passed down to his descendants, while a significant part belonged to the Andong Protectorate, though it was temporarily under his control.
Zhang Gongjin, who had been specially dispatched, then spoke: "The war in Liaodong has dragged on for too long; the Emperor wishes for it to end soon."
Zhang Hutan nodded, "That is indeed easy; Baekje can no longer hold out."
Luo Yi stated directly, "We will mobilize our troops after the snow melts; we will definitely destroy Baekje within a month."
Baekje had long been beaten down and was eager to surrender but could not. This small nation faced the main force of the Tang army supported by Goguryeo and Silla troops, leaving them with no hope at all.
Since Wei Zheng's arrival, he had improved the treatment of soldiers from Goguryeo and Silla and, following the Emperor's orders, redistributed land forcibly confiscated from the princes and nobles of these two countries among the military.
No matter how great the benefits were, they could not compare to such cruel consequences. Moreover, it was heard that the key examination questions would only be set after all candidates entered; there was essentially no opportunity for preparation.
The main subjects of examination were Jinshi, Mingjing, Mingfa, and Mingsuan. The Jinshi examination included classics, essays, and policy questions aimed at selecting talented individuals capable of governing and ensuring peace for the people. The Mingfa and Mingsuan subjects focused on specialized talents.
Despite a few impressive counterattacks, most of the casualties were auxiliary troops, and the main forces of the Tang army would not take unnecessary risks.
After the beginning of spring, the Imperial Examination in Luoyang City officially commenced. The emperor placed great importance on it and specifically appointed Xiao Yu, who replaced Xiao Cong as the Minister of Rites and Left Deputy Minister, as the chief examiner. Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were assigned as his deputies.
The emperor stood before the palace walls, gazing at the examination grounds in the distance. A long line of candidates had gathered, all talented individuals who had traveled from various parts of the realm, including even some foreign barbarians.
Zhang Gongjin pointed at the terrain map hanging behind him and said, "The Wa Country is arrogant and ignorant, and with many Liaodong nobles defecting to them, they may raise an army. Gentlemen, be cautious."
"Rest assured, our Naval Forces will keep a close watch on movements at sea."
In Luoyang City, there was little news that could be concealed. Most candidates felt relieved upon learning that there would be no possibility of cheating or favoritism this time; they rolled up their sleeves, eager to fight for their future.
Undoubtedly, the Jinshi degree was the most prestigious and offered the best prospects. Consequently, high-ranking officials from the court began to inquire about their sons and grandsons' chances, hoping to gather some information to make preparations.
This greatly bolstered the morale and loyalty of these auxiliary troops. After all, even if Goguryeo and Silla were restored, these lands would only revert to the nobility. Only the Tang Dynasty could ensure that these lands and their wealth belonged to them.
However, they were soon intimidated by the Jinyiwei. The content of the Imperial Examination was under their strict supervision; anyone who dared to leak exam questions would face execution and exile for three generations.
"Next year, there will be even more candidates."
The emperor smiled and said, "The more, the better. I hope that all talented individuals from across the realm serve in my court to assist me in governing and ushering in a prosperous era."
Li Jian Cheng still needed to hold the Imperial Examination in the palace. Afterward, a banquet for students would be held in the Western Garden. Officials who emerged from the Imperial Examination would all be known as Imperial Students.
The Emperor asked Liu Wenjing behind him, "But with more officials, the examination methods should also be stricter. The Ministry of Personnel can draft corresponding assessment and reward methods."
Liu Wenjing respectfully replied, "The Four Virtues and the twenty-seven criteria are the standards. Among them..."
The Four Virtues refer to having a good reputation for virtue and righteousness, being clear and cautious in judgment, being fair and commendable, and being diligent and unremitting. Those who demonstrate such qualities should be rewarded.
As for the twenty-seven criteria, they include making decisions without hesitation, acting reasonably in taking away what is unjust, being the best in adjudication, managing affairs effectively, and maintaining vigilance without error, which are the highest standards for guards. Those who meet these should also be recognized.
However, if there are acts of personal gain over public duty, neglect of responsibilities, flattery and deceit in office, or corruption with evidence, then they should be held accountable.
Finally, the results will be divided into nine grades and reported to the Ministry of Rites for publication. Officials ranked from first to fourth will receive an additional quarter of their salary for each grade they advance. There will be no increase or decrease for those ranked fifth, while those ranked sixth or below will have their salaries reduced by a quarter for each grade they drop after accountability.
After listening to this, the Emperor nodded but reminded him, "The examination methods must emphasize fairness; if there is injustice, nothing can be accomplished, leading to chaos in governance. You oversee the Ministry of Personnel; you must not neglect fairness."
"I will always keep Your Majesty's teachings in mind."
A few days later, the candidates finally completed their examinations. Some were joyful while others were anxious, but they could only wait for the results. If fortunate enough to succeed, they would enter the Imperial Examination and face the Emperor directly.
Moreover, it was heard that once ranked in the Imperial Examination, candidates would not fall back again; as long as they could enter the Imperial Examination, they could be considered Imperial Students.
Wealthy scholars who felt confident about their answers began hosting grand banquets in Capital City to celebrate their anticipated success with friends through poetry and compositions.
The Emperor decreed that the royal polo field would be opened for scholars and commoners to enjoy. Competitions would also be held monthly with generous prizes for the winners.
Luoyang has gained another lively place for the common people. The Scholars ride on horseback, wielding their staffs, galloping swiftly, with stalls lined up on all sides and spectators gathering like mountains. This causes a great uproar of laughter that lasts for a long time. Once the commotion subsides, they indulge in hearty drinks at the Buddhist Pavilion.
For Commoners or Common Scholars, if they are not financially well-off, they can take on some tedious clerical work at various official offices like the National Academy and Hongwen Pavilion, earning a wage to support their food and lodging.
Of course, some individuals who have already gained fame in the capital due to their talents do not lack financial support from Noble Families. Although there have yet to be any marriages arranged under the examination lists, signs of it are already appearing.
Everyone desires talent; daughters from lesser branches or collateral lines within families are always looking to marry.
However, those who are truly wise will not agree to such arrangements. Joining a wealthy family may seem appealing at first, but it will inevitably affect their future prospects.
Those who can participate in the Imperial Examination are all well-versed in classical texts. How could they possibly be unaware that His Majesty allows individuals of their background to participate casually for a specific reason?
It is foreseeable that as long as they can pass the examination and enter the court, diligently serving in their official capacities will surely lead to promotions and advancements.
At this moment, the Martial Examination in Chang'an has also officially begun. Qin Wang and Duke of Wei preside over it, prohibiting any favoritism. Yangdu County Duke Li Mi is in charge.
Most participants in the Martial Examination are burly men who scratch their heads over military strategies during the initial tests. Many end up submitting blank papers with their names written in a crooked manner.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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