Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Summons

Chapter 2676 The Imperial Examination Returns, A Hero in His Twilight Years

In the third year of the Qianyuan era, in the spring, in the second month.

The Central Plains, which had been reunified from the flames of war, enjoyed a rare period of peace for more than a year.

Because of the imperial examinations, Luoyang was noticeably more lively, with scholars from all directions gathering in the capital, adding a bright touch to the prosperous scene of Luoyang, the capital.

The development of things can be bizarre at times. In the first few years after the imperial examination was introduced, there were shortcomings in various systems and regulations, but the emperor showed great importance to the examination and wished that it could be held every year.

However, as things stand now, the imperial court's various systems regarding the imperial examinations are already quite comprehensive, and a three-tiered examination system from the local to the central level has been established.

However, in earlier years, whether due to war or the pandemic, the imperial examinations were delayed several times and were not held normally on several occasions.

Speaking of which, this imperial examination was the first one held in the first year of the Qianyuan era. It was also the first imperial examination held after the Great Jin Dynasty pacified the world.

Although the territory of the Great Jin Dynasty is constantly expanding, the selection requirements are constantly increasing.

For scholars, the benefits of early imperial education had diminished considerably, and the number of students admitted to each examination was also sharply reduced, subject to strict control.

As the territory of the Great Jin Dynasty continued to expand, the number of officials needed increased. However, the population of the Great Jin Dynasty also increased, and naturally, the number of talented people among them also increased.

Naturally, as more and more people participated in the imperial examinations, the requirements for this final step also rose accordingly.

However, under Li Xiang's administration, regardless of the circumstances, practical skills and comprehensive abilities of scholars are still highly valued.

Those who only study books are unlikely to be appreciated. No matter how well they write, under Li Xiang, they can at most serve as secretaries or clerks. In fact, without some political and administrative knowledge, they can't even do clerical work well.

Of course, the social atmosphere during the Han Dynasty was open, and the influence of social atmosphere is all-encompassing, including reading.

There are certainly people who study by rote, but at least, the proportion is far less than that of those who studied by rote during the Song and Ming dynasties.

At the same time, Li Xiang still respected learned scholars and erudite literati. The Hanlin Academy also accommodated a large number of talented people, and the local governments provided them with good treatment. He supported them in their pursuit of scholarship and moral integrity.

During the period around the time of the annual imperial examinations, the most common place for scholars from all over the country to gather was Shilin Garden.

This Shilin Garden has been under construction for over twenty years. Located in the southeast of Luoyang, it boasts beautiful scenery and pleasant views. During the imperial examinations, candidates would gather here to discuss current affairs.

On several occasions, the emperor even personally hosted banquets for the successful candidates after the imperial examinations.

Many candidates saw the emperor's true face for the first time within the Shilin Garden. In fact, the palace examination, which followed the provincial examination, was held within the Shilin Garden on several occasions.

Many officials or generals of the Great Jin Dynasty participated in this spring imperial examination.

The imperial examination was not the only way to become an official. Whether it was the Jin Dynasty or the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties, the sons of nobles, nobles and even high-ranking officials in the court were all qualified to become officials directly.

However, these only apply to those who hold noble titles or whose official positions reach a certain rank.

Not everyone can have this title, and not everyone can reach a high rank as an official. Those who are not qualified, such as the sons and nephews of officials and generals, can only honestly participate in the imperial examination if they want to become officials.

Many of these officials and generals had no place to stay in the capital, so Li Xiang simply arranged for them to stay temporarily at Shilin Garden. Even he himself came to Shilin Garden for a few days, preparing to hold a banquet to congratulate the successful candidates after the spring imperial examinations.

The spring night was slightly cool. Sitting at his desk, Li Xiang subconsciously tightened the thin garment he was wearing. The bright candlelight flickered slightly, illuminating Li Xiang's face, which appeared serious.

Li Xiang was still considering things, thinking about matters concerning the southwest.

Bodhi was also a hero of his time, who pulled the Kushan Empire, which was on the verge of decline, back to its peak.

But he is old now, and throughout history, countless heroes and great men have succumbed to the effects of age. How many wise rulers in their youth have become utterly incompetent in their old age?

The same is true of Bo Diao. In recent years, he has lost the wisdom and prowess he once possessed, and various forms of tyranny have emerged one after another, making him a typical tyrant.

It wasn't just the Great Jin Dynasty; the Yuan Dynasty and the Second Persian Empire were also constantly provoking each other. It seemed that all of them were engaging in minor skirmishes against the Kushan Empire, local wars involving tens of thousands of troops, with the largest number not exceeding one hundred thousand. They weren't really going all out.

However, all three were cautiously probing each other, even constantly monitoring each other, waiting for the right moment to reap the rewards.

Both the Great Jin and the Yuan Mongols wanted to eliminate each other, but neither was adequately prepared. How could they possibly launch a rash attack on such a large-scale conflict without sufficient preparation?

After all, this is no child's play!
However, both of them have set their sights on the Kushan Empire!

After all, for any of the three powers, including the two Kushan Empires and even the Second Persian Empire, the Kushan Empire was the easiest target to take action against.

"Your Majesty!" A fragrant breeze wafted by, and the melodious voice seemed to beckon to his soul.

Looking up, a beautiful woman emerged from her bath, wrapped in a single silk sash. Her lovely face, paired with a mature and alluring figure, was none other than Lady Fei, the woman accompanying the emperor.

Putting down his pen, Li Xiang's eyes revealed his "appreciation." He beckoned to her, and the beautiful woman gracefully came over, gently pulling him into his arms. Her delicate buttocks made close contact with his thighs.

Now thirty-two, Ms. Fei is in near-perfect shape and appearance. What remains unchanged is her refined and cultured demeanor. In the ten years or so since the Central Plains War, she has given birth to two sons and a daughter for Li Xiang.

Unfortunately, one of their sons died before reaching one month old.

"It seems to have grown a few more inches?"

With the beauty in his arms, Li Xiang's hands were anything but still, and he spoke with a smile.

Unable to bear the lewd remarks, and hearing Li Xiang's somewhat flirtatious words, Fei's breathing became even more rapid, and her face flushed slightly, making her even more beautiful. She said, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you lately? Why are you like this, like this..."

Seeing that she seemed somewhat hesitant to speak, Li Xiang's interest grew even stronger. Staring at her radiant face, he asked, "So what?"

“Flirtatious! Lustful!” Tan slowly uttered the two words.

Li Xiang paused slightly, withdrew his hand, stroked his beard, and looked at her questioningly: "Really?"

However, he quickly smiled, pulled Fei Shi into his arms, and led her to the bed, saying forcefully, "Then let's make it even faster..."