Shuhan

As night fell, the lights in the Luoyang Palace were brightly on. Liu Chan sat in the imperial study, holding the heavy list of candidates for the provincial examination tightly in his hands.

He slowly unfolded the list, his eyes wandering between the lines, feeling mixed emotions.

On the list of civil servants, nearly 90% of the names were marked with "origin from aristocratic families". These children of aristocratic families received a good education since childhood and had great literary talent, which naturally gave them an advantage in the exam.

Although the number of those who came from humble backgrounds, less than 10%, was small, their names were like bright stars, shining brightly in Liu Chan's eyes.

Liu Chan sighed softly, and thought to himself: "In this era, aristocratic families monopolize education, and it is very difficult for children from poor families to succeed. Although I have opened schools at the grassroots level, this kind of change will not take effect in a few years. But no matter what, I can't give up. I want to open a door to official careers for those talented children from poor families."

He turned to look at the list of martial arts candidates, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

Among the martial arts candidates, 40% were of commoner origin. They stood out in the exam with their courage and martial arts.

Liu Chan knew in his heart that these soldiers who had passed the military examination would be an important force in his future reform of the army and consolidation of his regime.

He looked carefully at each name on the list, as if he could see those brave soldiers fighting bravely on the battlefield.

His eyes flashed with determination, and he secretly made up his mind: "With these 40% of soldiers who came from the military examination, I can slowly replace the middle-level and grassroots officers in the army and turn the army into an absolutely stable plate for me. In this way, even when dealing with the problems of the aristocratic families, I don't have to worry about the army mutiny."

Thinking of this, Liu Chan stood up and paced back and forth in the imperial study. His steps were firm and powerful, as if every step was on the journey to the future.

He stopped and stared at the night sky outside the window. An unprecedented ambition surged in his heart: "I, Liu Chan, will break the monopoly of the aristocratic families and let talented people in the world have a stage to display their talents. I want to make the Han Dynasty more stable and more prosperous!"

The next morning, Liu Chan summoned all civil and military officials. In the court, he held the list of candidates for the provincial examination and announced the results of the examination solemnly.

His voice was loud and powerful, penetrating every corner of the court: "My dear ministers, this provincial examination has produced many talented students. Among the civil examinations, the majority are from aristocratic families, but there are also students from poor families who have performed well. In the military examinations, both common people and children from aristocratic families have shown their strengths. This is a blessing for our Han Dynasty, and it is also a blessing for me."

At this point, he paused, his eyes swept over every official in the court, and continued: "I know very well that the aristocratic families have monopolized education for a long time. But I am determined to reform and open up a path to official career for children from poor families. At the same time, I will also make use of soldiers who have passed the military examination to strengthen the strength of our army. I hope that all of you, my dear ministers, can work together to achieve this great success."

The officials in the court listened to Liu Chan's impassioned speech and had their own thoughts in their minds.

Although the officials from the aristocratic families did not show it on their faces, they secretly murmured in their hearts: "This Liu Chan actually wants to break the monopoly of the aristocratic families. What a wishful thinking."

The officials who came from humble backgrounds were delighted and secretly rejoiced: "Your Majesty is wise. We, the children from humble backgrounds, finally have a chance to shine."

Liu Chan looked at the reactions in the court and understood everyone's thoughts.

He smiled slightly, with a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

The road to reform will not be smooth, but he is ready, and no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, he will move forward.

Luoyang, in the afterglow of summer, looked even more solemn. The result of the provincial examination was like a stone that caused a thousand waves, causing the whole city of Luoyang to discuss it. Whether it was the common people or the wealthy families, everyone was full of curiosity and speculation about the result of this examination.

On the banks of the Luo River, the autumn breeze blows gently and the waves sparkle, as if telling the hustle and bustle and changes of this city.

In a manor by the river, the lights are bright and laughter is heard everywhere.

This is where the sons of Luoyang's gentry often gather. It is especially lively tonight because the results of the provincial examination have just been announced. Both the successful and unsuccessful ones gather here to compose poetry and drink to relieve their worries.

In the hall of the manor, the lights were turned on and the candlelight flickered, illuminating faces that were some young and some old.

The sons of Yingchuan gentry, Jizhou gentry, and Luoyang gentry were dressed in gorgeous clothes, wearing jade crowns on their heads and exquisite jade pendants around their waists. They all talked and laughed cheerfully, but could not hide the waves in their hearts.

"Alas, His Majesty really distrusts us, the noble families, more and more, and actually wants to use those peasants to share our rights." A young man from the Yingchuan noble family shook his head, his face full of reluctance and helplessness.

"That's right. Those peasants don't know anything about governing a country. They are just vulgar people." Another young man from the Jizhou noble family echoed, playing with a wine glass in his hand, with a hint of disdain in his eyes.

The sons of the Luoyang gentry also nodded. They were all very angry, feeling that their talents were being buried and the status of their families was being threatened.

Among this group of people, Chen Tai stood out.

He is tall and strong, with a handsome face, and a heroic look between his brows, but at this moment his eyes are a little melancholy.

Chen Tai's father, Chen Qun, was once an important official of Cao Wei, but because he failed to surrender to the Han Kingdom in time, he is still receiving ideological education in Gongdelin.

Chen Tai himself was implicated because of this. Although he was talented, he had no way to display his talents.

Seeing those poor peasants about to take over, one can imagine how depressed Chen Tai felt.

He picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. The wine flowed down the corners of his mouth and wet his collar.

He seemed to feel the decline of his family and the ups and downs of his own fate.

"Brother Chen, why are you so depressed?" A young man from a noble family patted Chen Tai on the shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Chen Tai smiled bitterly and shook his head: "You don't understand. My father served Cao Wei loyally all his life, but now he has ended up like this. And how can those peasants get to the top? The world has really changed."

Everyone was silent after hearing this. Although they were also dissatisfied with the current situation, they were powerless to change it.

I can only drink to relieve my sorrow, make friends through poetry, and temporarily forget the troubles in my heart.

The poetry meeting was in full swing, with the sons of the gentry reciting poems and painting to show off their talents.

However, Chen Tai was absent-minded. His eyes drifted out the window from time to time, looking at the bright moon, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.

Finally, the poetry gathering gradually dispersed, and the sons of the gentry, either drunk or sober, left one after another.

Chen Tai also stood up and walked into a secret room in the manor.

The secret room was decorated very simply, with only a desk and a few chairs.

Chen Tai sat at his desk, thinking for a moment, then called his attendant and ordered, "Go, invite Zhong Hui."

After a while, Zhong Hui arrived at the secret room.

He is thin, with a handsome face and a look of wisdom in his eyes.

He walked into the secret room and saw Chen Tai with a serious face, which made him feel a little surprised.

"Brother Chen, why is it so urgent that we have to meet in a secret room?" Zhong Hui asked as he sat down on a chair.

Chen Tai glanced at Zhong Hui, took a deep breath, and said, "Brother Zhong, do you know what the results of this provincial examination mean to the aristocratic families?"

Zhong Hui frowned and said, "Of course I know that the children of the noble families have not been able to take the lead. Your Majesty intends to support Han Su. This is a danger for the noble families."

Upon hearing this, Chen Tai slammed the table and stood up: "That's right! If your majesty acts this way, the noble families will surely become weak. How can we, the children of noble families, sit back and do nothing?"

Zhong Hui's expression changed slightly when he heard this. He stood up, walked to Chen Tai, and whispered, "Brother Chen, be careful with your words. If you speak nonsense about your emperor and father, you will be sentenced to death!"

Chen Tai laughed, his eyes revealing a trace of disdain: "My Yingchuan Chen family has many talented people, but Your Majesty does not use them, but instead uses those peasants, why? Brother Zhong, if you are willing to work for the Han Emperor, then just ignore what I said."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Hui frowned and stared into Chen Tai's eyes, trying to see his true intentions.

However, Chen Tai's eyes were extremely firm, as if he had made up his mind.

Zhong Hui took a deep breath and said slowly: "Brother Chen, you know that if your words are spread out, we will all die without a burial place."

Chen Tai sneered: "Humph, how could I not know? But the crisis of the family is imminent. If we don't stand up, are we going to watch the family decline?" Zhong Hui was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "What are your plans, Brother Chen?"

A cold light flashed in Chen Tai's eyes. He walked to the window, looked at the night outside, and said coldly: "Your Majesty must know that he can't leave the family. He can't afford the consequences of leaving the family!"

When Zhong Hui heard this, he was shocked.

He stared at Chen Tai's back, trying to hear more information from his tone.

However, Chen Tai said nothing more and just stood there quietly, as if he was immersed in his own thoughts.

Zhong Hui's eyes flashed. He knew that what Chen Tai said was of great significance and there must be some conspiracy hidden in it.

He walked up to Chen Tai and asked in a low voice: "What do you want to do?"

Chen Tai turned around, looked Zhong Hui in the eye, and said coldly: "I have my own plans. Brother Zhong, are you willing to work with me to achieve great things?"

Zhong Hui was hesitant, he knew that once he got involved, there would be no turning back.

However, looking at Chen Tai's determined eyes, he seemed to be infected, and an inexplicable courage surged in his heart.

"Brother Chen, tell me what you have to say." Zhong Hui said in a low voice, with a look of determination in his eyes.

Chen Tai was delighted when he saw this.

He knew that Zhong Hui was already tempted, and with a little more persuasion he could get him to join the group.

So he walked to his desk, spread out a map, and began to explain his plan in detail.

Zhong Hui listened to Chen Tai's story with a gleam in his eyes.

He kept nodding his head in agreement, and had already made up his mind to conspire with Chen Tai to achieve great things.

However, he also knew that this matter was extremely risky and that he could be crushed to pieces if he was not careful.

Therefore, he reminded Chen Tai: "Brother Chen, this matter is of great importance. We must be careful and cautious and not be negligent in the slightest."

Chen Tai nodded after hearing this and said, "Brother Zhong, don't worry. I know what I am doing. If this succeeds, the family will regain its glory. If it fails, we will have no regrets."

The two smiled at each other, their eyes revealing determination and resoluteness.

They knew that they had embarked on a path of no return, but for the glory and future of the family, they were willing to fight for everything.

As the night deepened, the candlelight in the secret room continued to flicker.

Chen Tai and Zhong Hui were still plotting their plans, their eyes full of expectations and longings for the future.

However, they also know that this road is full of thorns and dangers, but they are ready to meet the challenges of the future.

The Luoshui River outside the window is still flowing quietly, as if witnessing this historic change.

Of course, whether it is reform or rebellion depends on the results!

Luoyang City is ancient and solemn. In its northwest corner, Biyong sits quietly, like a forgotten pearl in the long river of history.

Inside Biyong, verdant pines and cypresses shade the simple houses. This is the residence of the former ministers and generals of the Wei State - Gongdelin.

There was a solemn atmosphere in Gongde Forest, and the air was filled with the faint scent of ink and the freshness of pine and cypress.

A group of former ministers and generals of the Wei State, dressed in plain clothes, were either standing or sitting, all with a thoughtful look on their faces.

Although they are behind bars, the pride that comes from their bones is still difficult to conceal.

The leader was none other than the former Shangshu Ling of Wei State - Chen Qun.

Chen Qun is old, with white hair and beard, but his eyes are still as sharp as an eagle.

He was wearing a plain robe that had been washed so much that it looked bleached white. The corners of the robe swayed gently in the wind, making him look particularly elegant.

His face was gaunt and his forehead was full of traces of time, but his eyes seemed to be able to see into the abyss of all the mysteries of the world.

At this moment, he was holding a scroll, sitting in front of a simple wooden desk, reading attentively.

The scroll was densely packed with records of the words and deeds of the Han emperor, and every word seemed to contain endless wisdom and power.

Chen Qun felt mixed emotions.

He was once a pillar of the Wei Dynasty, assisted Cao Pi in ascending the throne, and witnessed the glory and decline of the Wei Dynasty.

Now, he is trapped in the hands of the enemy and has become a prisoner.

However, his pride was not wiped out by this. He firmly believed that as long as he had the determination in his heart, one day he would be able to regain his freedom and realize his ambitions again.

Next to Chen Qun sat several former colleagues, some talking in low voices, some thinking silently.

One of them had a haggard face and a look of deep sadness in his eyes. He was the close friend of the imperial tutor Zheng Cheng.

After learning of the tragic death of Emperor Cao Rui of Wei, Zheng Cheng was heartbroken and resolutely chose to commit suicide to show his loyalty.

His death moved everyone in Gongdelin and made Chen Qun more determined in his belief.

"Lord Zheng, Lord Zheng, why are you so determined?" Chen Qun sighed inwardly.

"Although you and I are imprisoned, as long as we have the will in our hearts, we will eventually get out. Why do you want to commit suicide like this?"

However, Chen Qun also understood that Zheng Cheng's death was the ultimate expression of loyalty to the State of Wei.

Although he felt regretful, he was also moved by Zheng Cheng's loyalty and bravery.

Although Gongdelin is called a place of imprisonment, in reality, the Han Kingdom does not have many restrictions on these people.

In addition to studying the words and deeds of the Han emperor every day, they can also talk freely and discuss current affairs.

The Han Dynasty did not seem to worry that they would escape or rebel, because everyone here was well aware of their identity and situation.

They were former ministers and generals of the Wei Dynasty, prisoners of the Han Dynasty, but they were also scholars with pride and dignity.

On this day, the sunlight shone through the branches of pine and cypress trees and onto the open space in Gongde Forest.

Chen Qun was holding a scroll, immersed in the wisdom of the Han emperor.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside the door, breaking the silence here.

"Chen Qun, your son Chen Tai is here to see you!" A guard's voice sounded outside the door, with a hint of impatience in his tone.

"A quarter of an hour. Don't exceed the time." (End of this chapter)