Before the somewhat crude imperial examination room, a Li Cao official shouted loudly to the thousands of scholars gathered below to take the examination:
"Those who are taking the examination will gather according to the subjects they have registered for before. The examination venues for each subject are different. If you go to the wrong place, you will not be able to take the imperial examination!"
The soldiers with loud voices who were specially selected around them raised their chests and loudly repeated what the officials had just said, ensuring that the thousands of soldiers below could hear them all clearly.
In front of the gate of the examination room, there were several groups of Forbidden Army soldiers, all well-equipped with armor, maintaining order below. Among the ranks of the Forbidden Army, there were several officials each, pointing to the flags behind them with examination subjects written on them, and shouted loudly:
"If you want to be a scholar in the Mingfa Department, sign up here!"
"Those from the Xiucai Department, come and gather here!"
"Senior scholars of Mingshu Department, please don't make a mistake!"
…
Thousands of scholars have passed the previous qualification examination and have some understanding of the scientific and technological process, and are no longer as panicked as before.
Although it was a little noisy, they followed the instructions of Yun Guo officials in an orderly manner and gathered together to prepare for the entrance exam.
According to the news circulating, only four examinations are required in total. And it is said that as long as you pass the third examination, you will definitely get an official position.
Seeing the class jump right before their eyes, these scholars were naturally very obedient.
In the imperial examination room, an official quickly walked up to Zhang Zhao, cupped his hands and said:
"Master Shangshu, the scholars have already assembled."
It must be the work of two miracle doctors. Today, Zhang Zhao's face is rosy, he is full of energy, and he doesn't look like he is working hard at all.
After hearing the report from his officials, Zhang Zhao nodded slowly and said in a deep voice:
"Okay, let's get started!"
"yes!"
This imperial examination system was pioneered by Xiao Cheng in this world. This imperial examination was held for the first time. The officials of the Yun State were in a hurry, and naturally they did not care about setting up any red tape.
Zhang Zhao gave an order, and the door of the examination room suddenly opened, and under the organization of Li Cao officials, everyone entered in order.
Many scholars who were taking the exam were very ambitious at this time, held their chests and heads high, and stepped into the examination room with confidence, as if it was easy to stand out from the candidates.
There were even a handful of people who couldn't carry it clearly. At this time, they looked at the surrounding Li Cao officials with arrogant disdain in their eyes. This look of looking down on people seemed like they would be able to enter the court tomorrow and become the master.
It’s like governing a country.
All the Li Cao officials frowned slightly, a little dissatisfied with the self-confidence and even arrogance of a few of the candidates. But immediately, all the officials looked at each other, but they couldn't help but reveal a trace of their lips.
sneer.
The first round of the imperial examination is a qualification test, which is just to weed out those who come to join in the fun if they only know a few words. Therefore, the difficulty of this test is naturally not high.
But perhaps it is because of this reason that many candidates have some contempt for the imperial examination, as if as long as they come here, they will be able to easily handle this exam, and then enter the officialdom and rise to the top.
When the officials of Li Cao who knew some of the inside story saw the arrogance of these people, they all laughed with disdain in their hearts.
The higher-ups have already said that in this second exam, at least 80% of the people will be eliminated. I really hope these scholars can still show such expressions after the exam.
At this time, on the official road outside Zhongqing City.
Dozens of people stopped the carriage and gathered together, looking back towards Zhongqing City.
Each of these people were wearing official uniforms of the Yun State, with silver official seals hanging on their waists. At a glance, one could tell that they were officials of a fairly high rank in the Yun State.
But at this time, the atmosphere among these officials was a bit solemn, and many of them looked sad. From time to time, someone would let out a long sigh, which made everyone's faces even more bitter.
One of them, a man in his forties or fifties, touched his slightly white hair on his temples and couldn't help but sigh:
"As soon as I say goodbye today, I will never see the bustling capital again! Alas, I don't know if I can wait until the day I return to the capital if I leave the capital today."
As soon as these words came out, some people almost burst into tears thinking about their bleak career in the future.
The Forbidden Army general who was responsible for escorting these officials to take office twitched his lips. Seeing that everyone's eyes were red and almost holding each other and crying, he couldn't help showing a hint of helplessness and said:
"My lords, you are just out of the capital on official business with the Holy Will, and you are not being demoted. Why bother to act like this!"
Hearing what the Forbidden Army general said, one of the officials couldn't help but said:
"Thank you, General, for your comfort! You understand with good intentions, but you also don't know something. In the past, when officials from the capital went out to serve in the capital, they would go to various states and counties to serve as governors. Those who governed the country would be expected to be promoted if they performed well under the rule. But we are waiting for you.
After leaving the capital, he was appointed as the supervisor of Changpingcang, responsible for supervising farmland water conservancy in various states and counties. Isn't this a disguised relegation!"
The official's words immediately aroused complaints from everyone, and they all said:
"Yes, Changpingcang Supervisor, has there ever been such an official position in the court before?"
"Supervising farmland and water conservancy is a thankless job. Even if the job is done well, the local states and counties still have to take most of the credit."
At this time, the Forbidden Army general responsible for escorting them couldn't help but shook his head and said:
"Well, actually, you adults, you don't need to complain too much! The prefectures and counties you are going to are after all the original places of our Yun Kingdom. For example, in Paoze, my camp, I also escorted several adults there two days ago.
They went to serve in the newly incorporated states and counties of our Yun Kingdom in the southwest. They are all uninhabited and barbaric lands!"
When people are miserable, they need comfort.
When they heard that someone was even worse off than themselves, the officials present suddenly felt much better.
Seeing this, the Forbidden Army general spoke again to persuade:
"Furthermore, you sirs are not in the army, so you don't know your Majesty's character. Your Majesty is a man who always keeps his word and will reward those who have meritorious deeds. Your Majesty has never forgotten the merits of those who followed your Majesty in the battles in the past, and you will be rewarded and appointed officials as they deserve.
No one is missing! Sir, as long as you live a good life and do your errands, are you still afraid that you won't have the chance to return to Beijing?"
Although these were just words of relief from the general of the Forbidden Army, they made all the officials feel reassured and no longer felt as disappointed as before.
If you think about it carefully, this water conservancy and farmland law is a decree promulgated by His Majesty himself. How can you not pay attention to it? As long as you make achievements, are you afraid that you will not have the opportunity to be promoted and return to Beijing?
Thinking of this, the originally tragic atmosphere suddenly dissipated a lot.
Seeing that everyone was no longer acting like that, the general of the Forbidden Army finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly spoke to persuade:
"My lords, in that case, let's get on our way as soon as possible."
It's been a long time, it's almost half a day's work, and we haven't set off yet! I'll send you to take office as soon as possible, so that I can come back and deliver the work as soon as possible!
The officials were deceived by the few words of the Forbidden Army general, and finally felt a lot better. Looking at the sun that was approaching their heads, they couldn't help but nodded and said:
"Okay, I'll set off right away!"
"Wait!" an official suddenly stopped.
The Forbidden Army general's eyes twitched, he took a deep breath and said:
"My lord, what's wrong?"
With tears in his eyes, the official who spoke out grabbed the arms of two colleagues beside him and said in a trembling voice:
"We say goodbye today, and I don't know when we will see each other again. Colleagues, remember to take care of yourself. I'm still looking forward to our reunion when we return to Beijing!"
Hearing these words, some people immediately had tears in their eyes, emotionally held the official's arm, and said:
"Master Zhang, we will definitely remember this promise!"
"When we meet again someday, I'll treat you all to a drink!"
Looking at the officials huddled together, the Forbidden Army general rolled his eyes helplessly.
This group of people has so much fun!
"My lords, we can't say goodbye today! Even if the lord who is closest to the prefecture and county is appointed, he will arrive in ten days according to the distance..."
The general's words brought tears to the eyes of all the officials who were about to hold their heads and cry. Their faces froze. The farewell scene that was originally quite touching and tearful was suddenly disturbed by the Forbidden Army general.
Without the touching atmosphere, all the officials looked at each other, shook their heads, and got on the carriage.
The Forbidden Army general breathed a sigh of relief and quickly waved his hand to his soldiers.
After lingering for a long time, the convoy of officials finally set off and drove slowly towards the northern states and counties.
--------------------------
In the Imperial Palace, in the Yangxin Hall.
Xiao Cheng looked at the pile of memorials in front of him and scratched his head irritably. Then he sat back on the dragon chair and looked up at the top of the Yangxin Hall in a daze.
Being the emperor and in charge of government affairs was quite interesting at first. But I deal with various government affairs every day and rarely have any free time. The intensity of this work can almost be regarded as "997".
This kind of life is really not what humans should live!
Seeing Xiao Cheng's appearance, Feng Bao quickly waved to the young eunuch who walked into the palace carrying the memorial.
The little eunuchs who were selected to serve in the Yangxin Hall were the most clever. When they caught a glimpse of Feng Bao's little move, they immediately understood and stood on tiptoes and retreated out of the hall.
"No need, bring it up!" Xiao Cheng sighed softly, sat up straight, and suddenly said.
When the young eunuchs heard Xiao Cheng speak, they trembled and did not dare to delay. They quickly lowered their heads and trotted over, carefully placing the memorial in their hands on the royal table.
Xiao Cheng turned to look at Feng Bao and said:
"Has the second imperial examination started yet?"
When Feng Bao heard this, he quickly replied:
"Seeing this hour, it has already started!"
Hearing this, Xiao Cheng nodded and murmured to himself:
"I hope I can be more effective this time! If I had some wisdom, I would be 90 in politics..."
Feng Bao listened to Xiao Cheng saying something he didn't quite understand. He lowered his eyebrows and didn't ask any more questions.
At this time, a young eunuch suddenly ran in from outside the palace, bowed and said:
"Your Majesty, the minister ordered Master Ma to ask for an audience!"
Xiao Cheng frowned and said:
"What's going on again?"
"Your Majesty, this should be a matter for the Li Dynasty to send envoys to sue for peace." Feng Bao reminded cautiously next to Xiao Cheng.
Hearing this, Xiao Cheng suddenly understood and nodded, saying:
"Yes, I have forgotten that the Li Dynasty delegation entered Beijing yesterday!"
"Xuan come in!"
When the young eunuch heard this, he quickly retreated.
Not long after, Shangshu ordered Ma Minwen to walk quickly into the palace, bowed to Xiao Cheng, and shouted:
"My lord, pay homage to Your Majesty!"
Xiao Cheng waved his hand and said:
"Get back on your feet! Ma Qing came to see me today. Why?"
With a smile on his face, Ma Minwen immediately held up his hands and said:
"I congratulate Your Majesty! The Li Dynasty envoy came to Beijing yesterday with their credentials to seek peace!"
Xiao Cheng chuckled lightly and said:
"Before, I thought that the Li Dynasty monarchs and ministers were secretly trying to play some tricks, but in the end they still sued for peace!"
Hearing this, Ma Minwen smiled and said:
"His Majesty personally led troops into battle before, defeating the Li army in the south and attacking the southwest of Xia State in the north. This shocked the world and greatly increased the reputation of our country of Yun. The two countries of Xia and Li bowed in front of our country of Yun. It is all due to your majesty! Minister
Congratulations to Your Majesty, and congratulations to the country of Yun!"
Xiao Cheng shook his head funnyly and warned:
"Be submissive? This is too much! The Xia Kingdom has a vast territory and rich resources, and has a deep foundation. The Li Dynasty has dominated the southeastern region and has lasted for hundreds of years. These two sides are not easy to deal with! You must not lose your heart to the two countries just because of a temporary victory.
It means contempt!"
When Ma Minwen saw that Xiao Cheng had a mature mind and was more sober than himself, without the arrogance of a young man, he admired him even more. He immediately raised his hand and said:
"Your Majesty taught you a lesson!"
"Okay, is this what Ma Qing wants to say?" Xiao Cheng asked again.
When Ma Minwen heard this, his face became slightly solemn and he said:
"Your Majesty, I am here because of your Majesty's newly promulgated water conservancy and farmland law."
Ma Minwen paused, then said:
"Your Majesty has newly established the Changpingcang Supervisor and dispatched officials from the DPRK and China to serve as governors and dispatch them to various states and counties to supervise agricultural and water conservancy matters. Your Majesty's method encourages the people to offer their farming skills and rewards the construction of water conservancy projects in various places. This is a way to increase national strength.
Good governance! But the people your Majesty has appointed are somewhat bad."
When Xiao Cheng heard this, his eyes moved and he said:
"What's wrong?"
"Officials from the DPRK and Central Government have been in the capital for a long time, and they are rashly sent to serve in various places. They must feel that this is a drudgery task when they are sent out of the capital, so they feel dissatisfied, complain, and have a tendency to slack off!" Ma Minwen said.
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he looked at Ma Minwen and said with a faint smile:
"Ma Qing, are you testing me?"
When Ma Minwen heard this, he coughed unnaturally, lowered his head and said;
"Your Majesty, forgive me... I must know your Majesty's true thoughts!"
As Shangshu Ling, he was already the de facto prime minister. In his position, he had to be responsible for assisting the emperor at the top and coordinating all the officials at the bottom, so that the court could run smoothly.
Therefore, Ma Minwen must know whether Xiao Cheng wants to take the opportunity to eliminate the disobedient officials, or whether he is simply enforcing the law.
Xiao Cheng nodded to express his understanding.
"Ma Qing doesn't need to think too much. Among the officials in the imperial court, how can anyone who I want to remove them still be in the imperial court now? Nowadays, officials who leave the capital are measured by passing the examination. The fastest is one year.
If they do, they can be transferred back to the capital to serve. Moreover, most of these officials are not officials of the Shangshutai. If they stay in the capital, they will also be paid empty wages. It is better to send them all to the capital!"
After Ma Minwen heard this, he finally felt relieved and said:
"I made an unreasonable guess. Your Majesty, please forgive me!"
Xiao Cheng waved his hand casually and asked Ma Minwen to leave on his own.