Shuhan

In autumn in Luoyang, the city walls are majestic and the Luo River is surging.

Gradually waking up under the caress of the warm sun, it is full of vitality.

The streets and alleys in the city are bustling with people, shops and pedestrians.

The taverns and teahouses were full of people chatting about everything under the sun, with laughter and joy rising and falling one after another.

At this time, Luoyang's largest tavern, Yuelaiju, was bustling with activity.

A group of scholars sat together, with the table filled with wine and food, but they had no appetite to enjoy the food as they were enthusiastically discussing the upcoming examination questions.

These scholars are the best who have emerged from the provincial and academy examinations. They are gathered in Luoyang at this moment, just to win the first prize in the metropolitan examination, embark on an official career, and realize their ambitions.

"Now that the world is stable and peaceful, I think this examination will definitely be a test of how to govern the country." A student in a blue robe and with a handsome face stood up and said loudly.

His name is Su Ran. He comes from a water town in the south of the Yangtze River. He has been well-read since childhood, is talented, and has his own unique insights into state governance.

"Brother Su, what you said is wrong." Another student with a burly figure and a loud voice immediately retorted.

His name was Zhao Hu. He came from a military family. Although he was not well educated, he was quite proficient in military strategies.

"Although the world has been reunited by our Han dynasty, it is not stable. Banditry continues in various places, and there are many people with ulterior motives. In my opinion, the most important thing is to test the strategy of suppressing the rebellion."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone nodded in agreement.

For a time, arguments broke out in the tavern. Those who supported Kao's way of governing the country and those who supported Kao's strategy of suppressing the rebellion were divided into two factions, each expressing his own views and refusing to give in to the other.

"Everyone, listen to me." A student who had been sitting quietly in the corner slowly stood up.

He came from a poor family, but he was diligent and studious, and he has come to where he is today through his own efforts.

"Governing the country and suppressing rebellion are complementary and indispensable. Now that the Han Dynasty has just been established, we must not only appease the people and develop people's livelihood, but also suppress banditry and maintain public order. Therefore, I think this examination will involve both aspects."

After hearing this, everyone thought Yun Lu was right, and the arguments gradually died down. But soon, someone asked a new question: "Even if we know the contents of these two aspects of the exam, what kind of questions will be asked?" This question made everyone fall into deep thought again.

While the scholars in the tavern were discussing, in the Luoyang Palace, the Han Emperor Liu Chan was sitting in the imperial study with a frown, looking at the memorial in his hand.

This memorial contains reports from officials from all over the country on banditry and people's livelihood.

"The world is peaceful. These students are the future of our Han Dynasty and the reserve of officials. This time, the imperial examination must select truly talented people to serve our Han Dynasty." Liu Chan murmured to himself.

The imperial examination system was not only a way to select talents, but also a sharp sword for him to weaken the aristocratic families.

In the Han Dynasty, the power of the aristocratic families was deeply rooted and they controlled a large amount of land and population, posing a serious threat to the imperial power.

Liu Chan hoped to select a group of talented people from poor backgrounds and without any background through the imperial examination system, so as to break the monopoly of aristocratic families on officialdom.

"Your Majesty, Fei Yi requests to see you." A eunuch said softly.

"Call him in." Liu Chan put down the memorial and sat up straight.

Fei Yi walked quickly into the imperial study, bowed deeply, and said, "Your Majesty, we have already drafted the questions for this examination. Please review them."

Liu Chan took the question and read it carefully. There were two questions written on it: First, the Han Dynasty is just beginning to be established, and people's livelihood is in decline. If you were an official, how would you govern a region so that the people could live and work in peace? Second, banditry is rampant in various places, seriously affecting people's lives and national stability. If you were in charge of the army, how would you formulate a strategy to suppress the rebellion and completely eradicate the banditry?
Liu Chan read it and nodded slightly: "These two questions are well-designed. They not only test the students' ability to govern the country, but also their military strategies. This examination must be fair and just to select the real talents."

"I obey your order." Fei Yi took the order and left.

The day of the imperial examination soon arrived.

Outside the Luoyang Imperial Examination Hall, there was a crowd of people. The scholars came here early with their dreams and expectations.

They were dressed neatly, holding examination tools, their faces filled with confidence and excitement.

"I will definitely pass the imperial examination and bring honor to my family." Su Ran looked at the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall, his eyes gleaming with determination.

"Brother Su, let's work hard together." Zhao Hu patted Su Ran on the shoulder and said with a smile.

Yunlu stood aside and watched all this quietly.

He doesn't have too many lofty ambitions in his heart, he just wants to perform to his best and live up to all his efforts over the years.

With the ringing of a bell, the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall slowly opened.

The students came in one after another and found their seats according to their exam numbers.

Inside the examination room, the atmosphere was tense and serious, with only the rustling sound of ink rubbing against paper.

After Su Ran got the test paper, he looked at the questions carefully and was secretly happy.

These two questions were exactly what they had discussed in the tavern. He had given in-depth thoughts on both aspects, and now was the perfect time to show his skills.

He thought for a moment and then wrote down his thoughts.

Zhao Hu frowned, thinking about how to formulate a practical strategy to quell the rebellion.

Although he had some knowledge of military affairs, he still found it difficult to apply this knowledge to practical problems.

However, he did not give up. Relying on his experience and wisdom, he tried his best to answer the questions.

Yun Lu was not in a hurry. He first sorted out his thoughts in his mind, and then wrote down his views on governing the country and suppressing the rebellion in an orderly manner.

His answers were comprehensive and in-depth, with both theoretical basis and practical operation methods, fully demonstrating his talent and ability.

Time passed quietly as I was busy answering questions.

Before I knew it, the day's exam was over.

The students walked out of the examination room one after another, with different expressions on their faces.

Some were smiling and full of confidence; others were frowning and looking depressed.

"Brother Su, how did you do in the exam?" Zhao Hu saw Su Ran and hurriedly went to meet him.

"It's going pretty well." Su Ran said with a smile, "How about you?"

"I feel a little tired, but I have tried my best." Zhao Hu shook his head helplessly.

Yunlu came over and said, "No matter how you did in the exam, it's all in the past. Now, let's just wait for the results."

While waiting for the results, Luoyang City was still bustling with activity.

Some of the scholars studied hard behind closed doors in the inn, preparing for the upcoming palace examination; others traveled together to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Luoyang.

Su Ran, Zhao Hu and Yun Lu were no exception. They traveled through the streets and alleys of Luoyang City, feeling the charm of this ancient capital.

Finally, the day of the imperial examination results arrived. Early in the morning, the entrance examination hall was crowded with people.

Su Ran, Zhao Hu and Yun Lu also arrived here early. They were both nervous and expectant.

"Look, the results are out!" Someone shouted and everyone gathered around immediately.

Su Ran, Zhao Hu and Yun Lu also squeezed to the front, their eyes fixed on the list.

Su Ran's name was on the list, and he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi.

Although Zhao Hu did not pass the exam, he also achieved good results.

And Yunlu ranked among the top and became the focus of everyone's attention.

"Congratulations, Brother Su, congratulations, Brother Li." Although Zhao Hu felt a little disappointed, he still congratulated them sincerely.

"Brother Zhao, don't be discouraged. Even though you didn't pass the exam this time, you will still have chances in the future." Su Ran comforted him.

Yunlu also said: "Yes, Brother Zhao, with your talent, you will definitely achieve something in the future." As the three were talking, they suddenly heard a noise.

It turned out that they were a group of children from aristocratic families. When they saw that their own children had failed the exam, they became angry and started making trouble outside the Imperial Examination Hall.

"There must be something fishy about this imperial examination. Our child is so talented, how could he fail the exam?" a child from a noble family shouted.

"Yes, someone must have cheated, and we need an explanation." Others also echoed.

When the scholars saw this scene, they all shook their heads.

They knew that these children from wealthy families lived a life of luxury and were uneducated, so it was natural for them to fail the exam.

It is really ridiculous that you are making trouble here unreasonably now.

Su Ran, Zhao Hu and Yun Lu ignored them and turned to leave the Imperial Examination Hall.

They know that the real challenge has just begun.

After passing the joint examination, there is the palace examination. Only by getting good results in the palace examination can one truly embark on a career in officialdom and realize one's ambitions.

After returning to the inn, the three began to prepare for the palace examination.

They studied hard day and night, exchanged ideas with each other, and constantly improved their knowledge and insights.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the palace examination arrived.

The atmosphere in the Golden Throne Hall of the Luoyang Imperial Palace was solemn and dignified.

Liu Chan sat high on the dragon throne, his eyes scanning the scholars below the stage.

These scholars are elites selected through imperial examinations and are the hope for the future of the Han Dynasty.

"I have only one question for this palace examination." Liu Chan said slowly, "What do you think can make our Han Dynasty long-lasting and prosperous?"

After hearing this, the scholars fell into deep thought.

After a while, someone stood up and began to answer questions.

Their answers varied. Some emphasized the importance of paying attention to people's livelihood and developing the economy; some advocated strengthening military power to resist foreign enemies; and some proposed reforming the system and weakening the power of aristocratic families.

Su Ran stood up and explained his views in a clear and logical manner: "Your Majesty, to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of the Han Dynasty, we need to start from many aspects. First, we must pay attention to people's livelihood, reduce the taxes and labor service of the people, encourage agriculture and sericulture, and let the people live and work in peace and contentment. Secondly, we must strengthen education, cultivate more talents, and provide intellectual support for the development of the country. Furthermore, we must reform the administration of officials, severely punish corrupt officials, and create a clear political environment. Finally, we must handle the relationship with the aristocratic families well, both relying on their strength and weakening their power to prevent them from becoming too powerful."

After listening to this, Liu Chan nodded slightly, indicating his approval of Su Ran's answer.

Then Yunlu also stood up.

His answer was more comprehensive and in-depth. He not only proposed specific measures, but also analyzed possible problems and solutions.

His answer won applause from everyone present.

After the palace examination, Liu Chan was very satisfied with the performance of these scholars.

Based on their answers, he selected the first, second and third place Jinshi.

Su Ran and Yun Lu both passed the imperial examination and became the top two candidates in the imperial examination.

With his own efforts, Zhao Hu passed the imperial examination and became a second-class Jinshi.

After the imperial examination, Su Ran, Yun Lu and Zhao Hu were all granted official positions and began their official careers.

They are well aware that they are shouldering the expectations of the country and the people, and they must work hard and contribute their own strength to the prosperity of the Han Dynasty.

In the streets and alleys of Luoyang City, people were also talking about this imperial examination.

This imperial examination not only selected a group of outstanding talents, but also made people see the hope of the Han Dynasty.

From then on, the story of Luoyang City opened a new chapter.

……

In Luoyang, the capital of the Han Dynasty, the majestic Taiji Hall shines with solemn brilliance in the sunlight.

The palace has flying eaves, brackets, carved beams and painted buildings, and every detail demonstrates the majesty and dignity of the royal family.

The bronze Qilin in front of the palace gate stands with its head held high, as if guarding this court that carries the fate of the world.

Zhuge Liang was wearing a long robe and walked towards the Taiji Hall with steady steps.

His face was gaunt, but his eyes were wise and profound. Although the years had left traces on his face, they had not diminished his elegance.

The purpose of his visit was to advise Liu Chan on the appointment of students who had passed the imperial examinations.

Entering the hall, Zhuge Liang bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."

Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne with an upright posture, his expression showing the dignity and confidence of a superior.

He raised his hand, motioning Zhuge Liang to stand up: "Prime Minister, please stand up. If you have anything to say, please feel free to speak."

Zhuge Liang bowed slightly and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, if we send the students who have passed the imperial examination to serve as officials in such a hurry, I think it would be too hasty. Although they are talented, they have not been tempered by the officialdom and may not be capable enough. I suggest that they should be trained first before being sent out to serve as officials."

After hearing this, Liu Chan smiled lightly, his eyes revealing determination: "Although what the Prime Minister said makes sense, those who can pass the imperial examination are all capable people, and it is not that they cannot even be officials. Now that the Han Dynasty has a lot of work to do, if they are not allowed to take the key positions, naturally there will be others to take them."

Liu Chan's voice echoed in the empty hall, his tone filled with unquestionable determination.

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly and thought secretly in his heart.

He understood that Liu Chan was eager to employ new talents in the imperial examinations in order to balance the power in the court, but he was more worried that these young students lacked experience and would have difficulty dealing with the complex officialdom.

"Your Majesty, official affairs are complicated. Students who only have theories may find it difficult to cope with actual government affairs. Only with some training can they better help Your Majesty and bring benefits to the people." Zhuge Liang spoke earnestly, his eyes fixed on Liu Chan.

Liu Chan leaned on the dragon throne, looking at the caisson on the top of the hall, as if he was thinking about something.

After a moment, he retracted his gaze, looked at Zhuge Liang and said, "Prime Minister, I understand your concerns. But time is running out, and the Han Dynasty is in urgent need of fresh blood to be injected into the officialdom. These students come from humble backgrounds, without the constraints of aristocratic families. They are dedicated to serving me and the Han Dynasty."

Liu Chan paused slightly, and there was something he didn't say. The key position was in the hands of him as the emperor. The imperial power was naturally strong, and the power of the aristocratic families would inevitably be weakened.

Zhuge Liang sighed in his heart. He knew very well that Liu Chan's move was intended to suppress the aristocratic families and strengthen the imperial power.

Over the years, the power of aristocratic families has been deeply rooted in the court, which has seriously affected the implementation of the court's policies.

There is nothing wrong with Liu Chan wanting to select talents through the imperial examination and break the monopoly of aristocratic families on officialdom.

But such a hasty appointment of new science students would inevitably plunge the court into turmoil.

"Your Majesty, I understand your painstaking efforts. But I still implore Your Majesty to give the students some time to allow them to gain experience in the court for a period of time before sending them down as officials. This will allow them to become familiar with government affairs and avoid making big mistakes due to lack of experience." Zhuge Liang made another appeal, his tone full of sincerity.

Liu Chan was silent for a long time. He knew that Zhuge Liang was thinking about the long-term stability of the Han Dynasty, but he also had his own considerations.

After a long while, he slowly said, "Prime Minister, let me think about this matter again. I will find a balance between the two, so as not to delay the development of the Han Dynasty, and also not to let these students take too many detours."

Seeing Liu Chan say this, Zhuge Liang did not force him, so he bowed again and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I will take my leave." After that, he turned around and slowly left the Taiji Hall.

After Zhuge Liang left, Liu Chan leaned back on the dragon throne and closed his eyes.

Employing students who have passed the imperial examinations is only the first step in his reform of the court. The road ahead is still long and there will be more challenges waiting for him.

But he firmly believed that as long as he firmly grasped the imperial power, he would be able to lead the Han Dynasty to prosperity.

Outside the Tai Chi Hall, the sun is still shining brightly.

A breeze blew by, and the wind chimes on the corners of the palace made crisp sounds, as if telling the changing situation in the court. (End of this chapter)