Shuhan

After the court session, the sun shone obliquely on the glazed tiles of the Taiji Hall, shining with golden light, making the entire palace even more solemn and dignified.

Zhuge Liang walked with steady steps, passing through the long corridors with carved beams and painted buildings, and finally came to the warm room of the Taiji Hall.

In the warm room, the fire was burning brightly, creating a warm atmosphere that dispelled the chill of early spring, but also reflected the heated debate that was about to unfold.

Emperor Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon, which looked lifelike and seemed as if it would take off into the sky at any time.

He has a handsome face, but his eyes reveal an unquestionable firmness.

Liu Chan gently stroked the carved dragon on the arm of the chair, as if he was thinking about some profound problem.

Zhuge Liang stepped into the warm room, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I, Zhuge Liang, have something important to report."

Liu Chan looked up and saw that it was Zhuge Liang. He smiled and said, "Prime Minister, please speak."

Zhuge Liang stood still, his expression solemn, and said: "Your Majesty, now that the Han Dynasty has just destroyed the Wei Kingdom, although the world has been initially settled, but many things are still unsettled and need to be rebuilt. However, I heard that Your Majesty intends to implement the imperial examination system to select humble people as officials. I think this matter needs to be carefully considered."

Liu Chan frowned when he heard this and said, "Oh? What do you think, Prime Minister?"

Zhuge Liang stepped forward, bowed and said, "The imperial examination system does have its advantages. It can break the monopoly of aristocratic families and allow more talented people from humble backgrounds to have the opportunity to serve the country. However, its disadvantages cannot be ignored. Aristocratic families have deep roots in local areas. Only when they become officials can the government's decrees be implemented smoothly, because the local people and gentry are inextricably linked to them.

As for officials from humble backgrounds, regardless of their abilities, even if they are talented, they may find it difficult to implement laws when they arrive at the local level.

Local people and gentry are often resistant to strangers and will probably not obey their orders."

At this point, Zhuge Liang paused, looked at Liu Chan with deep eyes, and continued: "Furthermore, once the imperial examination system is implemented, it will inevitably damage the interests of the aristocratic families. The aristocratic families have always controlled a large number of resources and connections, and they will not easily give up their rights and interests. Although the world is initially settled, there are still some places that have not been completely conquered, and people's hearts are not stable. Implementing the imperial examination system at this time may provoke a backlash from the aristocratic families, and may even cause unrest."

Liu Chan laughed loudly, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and said, "Prime Minister, you are worrying too much. It is precisely because everything is uncertain and many places lack officials that we have to implement the imperial examination system. I want to use the humble to check and balance the aristocratic families and break their monopoly on officialdom.

After the world was pacified, it became even more difficult to implement the imperial examination system.

Because by then the power of the aristocratic families will be even greater, and they will try even harder to obstruct.

Now the whole world belongs to the Han Dynasty. Whoever disobeys or wants to cause chaos, I will wait for them!"

As Liu Chan spoke, he slammed the armrest of the dragon throne with great momentum, as if he was going to sweep away all obstacles.

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang sighed inwardly.

He knew that Liu Chan was young and energetic and full of drive, but because of this, he was worried that Liu Chan would make a big mistake.

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, even if this is the case, we should first conduct a pilot program and not promote it too widely. Otherwise, if problems arise, it may be difficult to deal with."

When Liu Chan heard this, his smile faded and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the warm room, saying, "Prime Minister, I have already decided. The county examinations will be held in May, the prefectural examinations will be held in July, and the palace examinations will be held in Luoyang in September. I have asked the people in the Military Academy to make all the arrangements from the county examinations to the prefectural examinations. Anyone who obstructs will be executed immediately!"

As Liu Chan spoke, his tone became more and more firm, and his eyes revealed unquestionable determination.

He turned to look at Zhuge Liang and said, "Prime Minister, do you know why I am so determined to implement the imperial examination system?"

Zhuge Liang shook his head, indicating that he didn't know.

Liu Chan took a deep breath and said, "I know that the aristocratic families are very powerful. They control all departments of the court and even influence my decision-making. I want to break this situation and let the humble people have the opportunity to enter the officialdom and work for me. In this way, I can truly master the power of the court and realize my ambitions."

Zhuge Liang felt awe-inspiring when he heard Liu Chan's words.

He didn't expect that Liu Chan was so obsessed with the imperial examination system that he was even willing to take risks for it.

Zhuge Liang knew very well that the power of the aristocratic families should not be underestimated. Once they were angered, the consequences would be disastrous.

But at this moment, he looked at Liu Chan's determined eyes and knew that he could not change the emperor's mind.

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, since you have made your decision, I have nothing to say. But I hope Your Majesty can act prudently and not cause disaster because of a momentary impulse."

Liu Chan laughed and said, "Don't worry, Prime Minister. I know what's going on. I know the power of the noble families is huge, but I am no pushover. I have the confidence to control them and make the Han Dynasty more prosperous in my hands."

As he spoke, Liu Chan walked to the window of the warm room and looked at the vast palace outside, with a fiery light flashing in his eyes.

He seemed to see the Han Dynasty enjoying peace and prosperity under his rule.

Zhuge Liang looked at Liu Chan's back with mixed feelings.

He knew that Liu Chan had great ambitions, but he was also worried that he was young and hot-tempered and would make big mistakes.

However, what could he say at this moment?

We can only pray silently that everything goes well for Liu Chan and that the Han Dynasty will not fall into turmoil again.

In the warm room, the fire is still burning brightly and the warmth is cozy.

But Zhuge Liang felt a chill rising from the bottom of his heart.

He knew that an unprecedented change was about to take place in the Han Dynasty, and this change would change the fate of countless people, including himself.

He could only stand by silently, watching Liu Chan walk step by step towards the unknown future, his heart full of worry and expectation.

After all, Zhuge Liang was actually a member of a noble family.

It is impossible for one to revolutionize oneself.

But prevent
How could he stop this policy that seemed to be beneficial to the country?

He could tolerate the benefits of his power being shared by others.

However, can other powerful families tolerate it?

This is what Zhuge Liang was worried about.

At this time, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and the glazed tiles of the Taiji Hall glowed even more brilliantly under the reflection of the setting sun.

However, behind this glory, there are endless turbulent waves.

Zhuge Liang knew very well that the road ahead was still long and difficult.

Liu Chan turned around and looked at Zhuge Liang, with a flash of determination and trust in his eyes.

"Prime Minister, I know that you are loyal to the Han Dynasty." Liu Chan said sincerely: "I hope you can continue to assist me and work together for the future of the Han Dynasty." Zhuge Liang felt warm in his heart when he heard this.

Although Liu Chan was young and energetic, he also had an upward heart.

Now the late emperor's goal of restoring the Han Dynasty has been achieved.

Then set a new goal.

They, the emperor and his subjects, worked together to develop a prosperous era that was even more prosperous than the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, and more martial and dignified than the time of Emperor Wu!

Thinking of this, Zhuge Liang nodded and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to assist you and work together for the future of the Han Dynasty."

As he said this, Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Chan, then turned and walked out of the warm room.

The road ahead is still long and difficult.

But Zhuge Liang also believed that as long as they worked together and struggled together, they would be able to overcome all difficulties and move towards a better future.

After walking out of the warm room, Zhuge Liang looked up at the vast sky.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on him, giving him a golden halo.

He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air and the breeze on his face.

A new journey is about to begin, and he will shoulder greater responsibilities.

At this time, outside the Taiji Hall, the palace was quiet.

However, behind this tranquility lies endless turbulence.

The decree was like a thunderclap in spring. It was first issued around Luoyang. Once it was announced, it swept across the entire Luoyang city like a storm, shocking people inside and outside Luoyang.

This decree was of great importance as it concerned the imperial examination system for future official selection in the Han Dynasty.

As the news came out, talented children from aristocratic families flocked to the streets like a tide, or gathered in teahouses and taverns to inquire about the details of the imperial examination system.

In a corner of the most prosperous market in Luoyang City, in a bookstore called "Wenyuan Pavilion", several children of aristocratic families are sitting around a carved pear wood table with a few yellowed books spread out on the table. They are either frowning in thought or talking in low voices.

Among them was a handsome young man dressed in gorgeous clothes, holding a volume of "Book of Rites" in his hands, with curiosity and expectation shining in his eyes. He was Li Feng, the son of the aristocratic Li family.

"Have you ever heard that the imperial examination system is divided into civil examination and military examination?" Li Feng asked softly, tapping the edge of the scroll with his fingers.

"That's true." Zhang Yuan, the handsome young master of the Zhang family, who was dressed in a blue shirt, said, "The civil service examinations are for scholars, classics, talented scholars, Jinshi scholars, law scholars, characters scholars, mathematics scholars, and history scholars. They are separate examinations with different focuses. The scholar examination focuses on poetry and prose, the classics examination focuses on classics, the talented scholar examination tests both poetry and essays, and the Jinshi examination is more comprehensive, requiring both poetry and essays to be good. As for the law scholars, characters scholars, mathematics scholars, and history scholars, they are designed for those who are proficient in law, writing, arithmetic, and history."

"Hmph, Wen Ju is fine, but I, a child of a noble family, have been well-read since childhood. How could I be afraid of those poor peasants?" Li Feng raised his lips with a confident smile, and a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

"However, the martial arts exam is a bit tricky." Zhang Yuan frowned and continued, "The martial arts exam tests long-range shooting, horse shooting, foot shooting, flat shooting, tube shooting, horse spear, wrestling, weightlifting, etc. Although the children of my family also practice martial arts, they focus more on swordsmanship and boxing, and are not good at such military skills."

As soon as these words were spoken, the children of the noble families sitting around nodded, revealing a hint of worry in their expressions.

They knew very well that the opening of the military examination meant that many official positions in the Han Dynasty, especially those requiring martial arts, would be open to "mud legs" of humble origins.

This is undoubtedly a huge threat to the aristocratic families that have always monopolized the officialdom.

"This is really unfair!" An old man in purple robe with a dignified face slammed the table and stood up.

He is an elder of the Li family and Li Feng’s uncle, Li Ming.

There was a flash of anger in his eyes, as if he wanted to burn this sudden decree to ashes.

"I am a son of an aristocratic family. I have received a good education since childhood and am proficient in both civil and military affairs. How can I let those poor people take away my official position so easily?"

"Uncle, calm down." Li Feng quickly stood up and said, "Although this matter is unfair, we cannot just sit there and wait for death. We should unite with other noble families and petition to abolish the imperial examination system to protect our interests."

At the same time, in another corner of Luoyang City, in the alleys and taverns, there was a completely different scene.

The people sat together, talking a lot, their faces filled with unprecedented excitement and anticipation.

"Have you heard? The court is going to open the imperial examination. We peasants will also have the opportunity to become officials!" A dark-faced man dressed in coarse cloth said loudly, his eyes flashing with excitement.

"Really? That's great!" An old man nearby stroked his beard and said with a smile.

"Although my son was born in a poor family, he has been smart since he was young. If he has the opportunity to take the imperial examination, he may be able to turn his life around and become a superior person."

Inside the tavern, a young scholar was studying hard. Although his clothes were worn, his eyes were extremely determined.

He is Zhao Xuan from Zhaojia Village. He has loved poetry and books since he was a child and dreams of entering the official career and serving the country one day.

The introduction of the imperial examination system was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.

"Brother Zhao, are you planning to take the imperial examination?" A good friend came over and patted him on the shoulder.

Zhao Xuan raised his head, with a determined light flashing in his eyes: "Of course, this is my chance to change my destiny, how can I miss it?"

For a time, in Luoyang city, both the aristocratic families and the common people were discussing the pros and cons of the imperial examination system.

Although the children of aristocratic families were full of confidence in the civil examination, they were afraid of the military examination; while the common people were full of expectations for the imperial examination system, hoping to use this opportunity to change their own destiny.

In the imperial palace in Luoyang City, Emperor Liu Chan was sitting on the dragon throne, listening to the reports from his ministers.

Although his face is young, his eyes reveal a calmness and wisdom beyond his age.

The introduction of the imperial examination system will inevitably lead to an unprecedented change, but he also believes that this is the only way for the Han Dynasty to prosper.

"Your Majesty, aristocratic families have come forward to advise, requesting the abolition of the imperial examination system." A minister bowed and reported.

Liu Chan smiled slightly, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "The imperial examination system is to select talents. No matter their family background, as long as they have talent, they can serve the country. I have made up my mind, and the imperial examination system will be implemented without a doubt."

With Emperor Liu Chan's firm statement, the establishment of the imperial examination system became a foregone conclusion.

He immediately said: "Anyone who advises against the abolition of the imperial examination system will be kept in the imperial court without being sent out. Anyone who discusses the imperial examination system again will be severely punished without mercy!"

In Luoyang city, undercurrents are surging between the aristocratic families and the common people. A contest concerning one's career and destiny is about to begin.

In this contest, no matter they are from aristocratic families or ordinary people, they will fight hard for their dreams and future. (End of this chapter)