I studied in modern times

Chapter 986 Yuanyou Innovation (4)

As soon as Pu Zongmeng spoke, the other four people present were stunned and terrified!

Because, once Pu Zongmeng's words are spread, they will be effective.

It will definitely make the whole of Shilin excited!
In serious cases, it's not impossible for them to be directly expelled from the scholar-official class.

The very policy of the imperial examination system, which states that "the books of the philosophers must be supplemented by the classics and conform to the Way; anything beyond that must be rejected," holds an incredibly high position among scholars today, and enjoys an astonishingly high level of acceptance!
If you don't believe me, just go to any scholar in Bianjing and ask him if he supports it.
At least nine out of ten people support it!
The remaining person who doesn't support it is most likely just someone who likes to have fun.

What kind of person is a "funny person"?

boring!

I want to see rivers of blood!
Therefore, they support whoever causes trouble!
The bigger the trouble they cause, the more support they get!
Zhao Xu looked at Pu Zongmeng with satisfaction, the right prime minister he had chosen.

"As expected, I wasn't wrong about you!"

"Truly a treacherous official carefully selected by the scholar-officials!"

The treacherous officials carefully selected by the scholar-officials are, in the emperor's eyes, loyal ministers, aren't they?

If used properly, it can be a sharp knife!

Just like right now!

Among the court officials, besides Pu Zongmeng, who else could be so straightforward?
Therefore, Zhao Xu sighed and said, "What Prime Minister Pu said is very true!"

"When my late father was alive, he often lamented to me that scholars only read the classics and forgot the way to govern the country and the essentials of governing the people. They only knew how to stick to the old rules and did not know how to guide the people with propriety, teach them the way, or teach them how to fish! As a result, the number of talented scholars and officials has been decreasing day by day, and the country has been constantly constrained by this!"

We must use the late emperor as a shield!
Without the late emperor's endorsement, Zhao Xu, the "most filial son in history," arbitrarily changed the late emperor's system. Wasn't that unfilial?
Therefore, we can only ask the late emperor in Yongyu Mausoleum to make a sacrifice for the country and its people.

Zhao Xu continued, "When Sima Guang entered the court, he also lamented to me the ills of the imperial examination system, often regretting that scholars only knew how to pursue empty theories and did not understand the learning of governing the world and benefiting the people..."

Sima Guang was also a very useful flag that Zhao Xu discovered in practice.

So, whenever he had a spare moment, he liked to bring up Sima Guang to endorse his own work.

Anyway—before returning to his hometown to observe mourning, Sima Kang left all of his father's manuscripts, collections of writings, and memorials to Zhao Xu.

Sima Guang did not only write books in the cellars of Luoyang during his lifetime.

He also served as an imperial censor and remonstrator in Bianjing (Kaifeng) for a long period of time.

The manuscripts and memorials he left behind are worth more than a million words.

Finding a few lines from so many texts that vehemently criticize the scholars' pursuit of empty rhetoric, condemn the prevailing atmosphere among scholars, and expose the ills of the imperial examination system is not too difficult!
All Zhao Xu had to do was pick a sentence from here and a piece from there, and then stitch them together.

Tell me—is this not Sima Guang's original wording and intention?!

"The Left Chancellor, Lü Gong, repeatedly submitted memorials, pointing out the ills of the imperial examination system, believing that 'judging people by their words is insufficient to fully utilize their talents' is indeed a current problem and a shortcoming of scholars!"

Lü Gongzhu was a pioneer in reforming the imperial examination system during the Song Dynasty.

Back then, the Xining Reform abolished poetry and prose and used classical texts to select officials. This was accomplished by Lü Gongzhu and Wang Anshi working together.

This was also the only new law that received widespread support from the old party during the reform movement.

As for why the old party later opposed it?
This was naturally because Wang Anshi welded the carriage door shut after getting on—turning the selection of officials based on classical texts into the selection of officials based on Wang Anshi's new learning.

Therefore, for many years, whether in or out of office, Lü Gongzhu has been criticizing the current imperial examination system.

This idea that "judging people by their words is insufficient to fully utilize their talents" is the key point that Lü Gongzhu criticizes.

The ministers listened to Zhao Xu's words, but their thoughts were all different.

Pu Zongmeng immediately expressed his delight: "Your Majesty is wise. In my opinion, what the late Emperor, Sima Guang, and the Left Chancellor were worried about is indeed the problem that plagues the world today!"

"If Your Majesty eliminates the abuses and promotes the new, the whole world will rejoice!"

After a moment of contemplation, Lü Dafang, representing the Qingliu faction, stated: "Your Majesty... I have heard that, in terms of literature, policy essays and treatises are useful, while poems and rhapsodies are useless. In terms of politics, poems, rhapsodies, policy essays, and treatises are all useless!"

Pu Zongmeng's pupils immediately contracted.

Zhang Heng, Fan Bailu, and Wang Zishao all had different expressions.

Because they all knew whose argument Lü Dafang was citing.

Su Shi! Su Zizhan!

This is an article that Su Shi submitted to the Bianjing Yibao newspaper last year under the pseudonym "Dongpo Jushi".

"However, since our ancestors knew this, they have continued to use this method to select officials and have never abolished it!"

"Why is that!"

"The purpose of establishing examination halls to select officials is simply to choose people for the country!"

"When selecting people, we should use virtue and conduct as benchmarks, for this is how we seek morally upright individuals and loyal ministers!"

"As for their abilities, there is a system for evaluation and promotion, with the Ministry of Personnel selecting and evaluating them from both the left and right sides!"

It must be said that the bearded man is indeed very perceptive.

For feudal autocratic emperors, did it matter what system was used for selecting officials through the imperial examination?
The answer is: no!

Therefore, it was still feasible for the Ming and Qing dynasties to use the eight-legged essay system for selecting officials!
As for the idea that rigid, authoritarian thinking led to social stagnation and national development delays?

Is it possible that this is actually exactly what the emperor wanted?

Feudal emperors wished that nothing in the world would change for thousands of years.

To be honest, Zhao Xu had similar thoughts in his previous life.

However, he has now witnessed firsthand the power of technology and the immense energy unleashed by the revolution in productivity in modern times.

At the same time, he also knew that if the Song Dynasty did not seek change and become stronger, it would perish!
Moreover, even after death, their graves would be dug up and their corpses whipped!
Not only him, but the bones of his ancestors will be carried around by wild dogs!
Under such circumstances, Zhao Xu had no choice.

“What the official says is quite right!” Zhao Xu said softly, “The selection of officials through the imperial examinations does indeed prioritize virtue and conduct…”

"only……"

Zhao Xu said casually, "If we select officials solely based on virtue and conduct rather than talent, why bother with the imperial examinations?"

"Reinstating the recommendation system is the right path!"

Zhao Xu chuckled: "The civil service examinations of the Han, Tang, Wei, and Jin dynasties..."

"Those recommended for the lowest level of education are illiterate; those recommended for the position of filial and incorruptible have fathers who live separately..."

"Humble and pure, yet as muddy as mud!"

"Even the most virtuous generals are as timid as chickens!"

"Is this what the official wishes?!"

As Zhao Xu spoke, he looked at Lü Dafang with an aggressive gaze.

Lü Dafang immediately stood up, bowed his head, and said, "Your subject knows his crime!"

"Your Majesty, please punish him!"

Zhao Xu chuckled lightly: "I have long told all my officials that there are no taboos in discussing matters in the quiet room, and no matter what we say, we will not be punished!"

"Please rise, Commander!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Lü Dafang bowed again, "Thank you for your great kindness!"

The whole process was incredibly smooth, as if it had been rehearsed countless times.

Pu Zongmeng and the others watching were dumbfounded, then seemed to be deep in thought.

Even if they were fools, they could see it.

The Emperor and Lü Dafang are putting on a show!
With the emperor and his ministers echoing each other, any potential dissenting opinions were easily nipped in the bud by political correctness.

What do you mean by saying that the imperial examinations should prioritize 'virtue and conduct' as the primary criteria?

So, do you want to reinstate the recommendation system?
You are making an enemy of the whole world!

Thus, a definitive judgment was made on whether the imperial examination should be judged by virtue or talent.

The imperial examination system, of course, prioritized talent as the primary criterion!

Only the recommendation system (察举制) would emphasize 'virtue'.

Anyone who has read history books will immediately see through the guise of selecting officials based on virtue—what kind of selection of officials based on virtue?
They should be reincarnated as officials!

After realizing these things, Pu Zongmeng and Wang Zishao's gazes towards Lü Dafang changed.

Full of vigilance and caution.

They never imagined that Lü Dafang, who was known for his integrity, would actually be someone who colluded with the emperor, could quickly grasp the emperor's intentions, and immediately provide the emperor with a ready-made target for criticism!

Fan Bailu, on the other hand, looked at Lü Dafang with eyes full of admiration and worship.

This was because Fan Bailu remembered the admonitions his great-uncle Fan Zhen had given him.

That was in the eighth year of the Yuanfeng era, when my great-uncle left the capital, and this was his entrustment to him.
“Zigong…” His elderly great-uncle looked at him with great kindness: “Although the current emperor is young, he is naturally wise and sagacious. You serve as his personal attendant. How will you serve and serve him?”

Fan Bailu, at that time, replied righteously, "Serve him with loyalty and uphold him with righteousness!"

My uncle immediately shook his head, looking very regretful, and then asked, "What if there are treacherous and wicked people trying to fathom the emperor's mind in order to gain favor?"

Fan Bailu then bowed and said, "I will certainly advise him!"

The great-uncle closed his eyes and shook his head: "What Zigong said is merely the way of serving a ruler for ordinary people!"

"If that's the case, Zigong might be harmed by a villain!"

Fan Bailu then asked, "In your opinion, sir, what should I do?"

"To serve one's sovereign with loyalty and righteousness is the true way of a subject!"

"But these alone are not enough to defeat those opportunistic villains and avert a catastrophe for all living beings!"

"If Zigong wishes to accomplish great things, realize his ambitions, and bring peace to the world!"

In my humble opinion, there is only one path to take...

"I humbly request your guidance, sir!"

"Naturally, we should learn from those sycophantic opportunists!" my uncle declared righteously. "Only upright gentlemen, having mastered the art of flattery and sycophancy of these scoundrels and applied it to their hearts, can ensure that the emperor is surrounded by righteous officials and a court filled with upright citizens!"

"This is the result of my decades of gains and losses in officialdom!"

"How could I only realize it at night!"

His great-uncle patted him on the shoulder and said, "I hope you will remember my words today!"

My uncle's admonition still seems to echo in my ears.

For the past three years, Fan Bailu has followed his uncle's teachings, carefully studied the emperor's words and actions, tried his best to cater to the emperor's will, and done everything in his power to guide the emperor towards good.

At the same time, it was also to minimize the space for petty people surrounding the officials.

Now it seems……

What he did was still not enough!

He's at least not as good as Lü Dafang!
Perhaps he's not even as good as Fan Chunren!

Thinking this way, Fan Bailu's mind became pure.

"I cannot fall behind others!"

Therefore, Fan Bailu said, "Your Majesty, please forgive my ignorance..."

"Your Majesty is filled with trepidation..."

"Since Your Majesty has pointed out the drawbacks of the imperial examination system for selecting officials, I wonder if Your Majesty's opinion is on how to reform these drawbacks?"

The Fan family had served as officials for generations, making them a prominent family of officials.

Therefore, they had long since figured out what the officials were thinking.

Since the time of Zhenmiao, successive emperors have always wanted both.

At the same time, the Zhao officials would not easily engage in direct combat with the scholars and public opinion, or confront the world.

They will only send a few people to lead the charge.

For example, if Zhenmiao wanted to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, he would send Ding Wei out to compete and attract attention, while he himself would remain hidden.

Similarly, in the Renmiao Temple, Lü Yijian was placed at the front.

For example, the late emperor made Wang Gui, the prime minister who issued three imperial edicts, bear the burden of both praise and criticism from the world.

And this is the opportunity for the virtuous!
Rather than let villains ruin the world!
Rather, it would be better for a virtuous person to guide the emperor, so that the emperor might adopt the advice of a virtuous and upright person, thereby making the world a better place. This…

One of the achievements of the reflections of virtuous and upright people in office since the Xining era.

It was also a trend within the old party.

Representative figures: Wen Yanbo and Lü Gongzhu.

A reflection from the establishment!
However, the current officials' behavior is exactly what the gentlemen wanted!

Because this official was truly willing to listen to advice.

He'll listen to you as long as what you say makes sense!

Of course, the prerequisite is that you have to go along with his ideas and not go against what he wants to do.

Otherwise, the fate of Li Ding, Wu Anchi, and Zhang Dunli will be the same!

If you have offended Heaven, there is no point in praying!
really!

As soon as Fan Bailu finished speaking, the Emperor rubbed his hands together and said, "I am young and know little about the current methods of selecting officials through the imperial examinations. I would appreciate it if Minister Fan could explain them to me..."

Fan Bailu was overjoyed, knowing that his uncle's admonition had once again come in handy—as long as we gentlemen learn the methods of the petty people…

He glanced at Wang Zishao and Pu Zongmeng out of the corner of his eye.

Then, naturally, good can prevail over evil!
As in the past three years, he was by the emperor's side, repeatedly writing words in accordance with the emperor's orders.

It seems that they have lost the integrity of scholars.

In reality, it led the government onto the righteous path advocated by virtuous and upright people, making it difficult for the words of villains and treacherous officials to reach the government's ears!
Like now!

After composing himself slightly, Fan Bailu bowed and said, "Your subject respectfully obeys Your Majesty's decree..."

He then gave a detailed explanation of the current imperial examination process and the content of the exam questions in the Song Dynasty.

The current imperial examination system of the Song Dynasty was modeled after the imperial examination regulations promulgated in the fourth year of the Xining era.

The biggest change in the imperial examination regulations of the fourth year of the Xining era was the abolition of all other examinations and the merging of the Mingjing Jinshi degree into the regular examinations.

This caused the number of successful candidates in the imperial examination to surge from two or three hundred in the past to more than five or even six hundred today.

For example, in the imperial examination of the eighth year of the Yuanfeng era, 575 people were admitted as Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

The imperial examination abolished the previous requirements of poetry, calligraphy, and copying scriptures.

The test will now consist of ten questions each on the original sutra and related scriptures.

Among them, the candidate can choose one of the five classics he is studying, while the candidate can choose from the Mencius and the Analects.

After the examinations of the main text and the supplementary texts, there is one question on argumentation and five questions on practical application.

Because the primary classic and supplementary classics were examined first, especially the primary classic, and according to the system of the imperial examinations of the Song Dynasty, the Ministry of Rites adopted a method of elimination in each round.

Therefore, the status of this sutra has been rising day by day.

This is also the reason why the imperial examination system is criticized today—for most scholars who aimed to pass the civil service exam.

Since that's how the program works, in order to ensure that I'm not eliminated at the first stage...

Naturally, one must study the scriptures diligently.

After all, most people don't even dare to dream of becoming a top-ranking scholar in the imperial examinations.

All they needed to do was get ashore and obtain the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

As for why this drawback exists?
This brings us to the pitfalls Wang Anshi dug.

Originally, the imperial examination reform during the Jiayou era established a procedure of first writing policy essays and then poetry and prose, with elimination rounds conducted one by one.

This elevated the status of policy essays in the imperial examinations to an unprecedented level.

This reform directly led to the emergence of the Millennium Dragon and Tiger List in the second year of the Jiayou era.

However, Wang Anshi pursued his ideals of morality and social customs.

All other examinations and the examination for the title of Mingjing Jinshi were abolished and merged into the regular examinations.

Then, the primary and secondary classics were designated as the first two rounds of the imperial examination, and the elimination process was still carried out in each round.

This is actually a covert attempt to push his own agenda, trying to force all scholars in the world to learn his new teachings.

Of course, Fan Bailu wouldn't talk about these things.

But these things don't need to be said; everyone in the world knows them.

After listening, Zhao Xu closed his eyes, leaned back on the cushion, rubbed his hands, and asked knowingly, "So, the problem with the current imperial examination system can be solved simply by rearranging the order of the examinations?"

Fan Bailu immediately stood up, bowed deeply with great joy, and said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Wang Zishao's expression changed immediately, and even Pu Zongmeng looked tense.

no way!
The imperial examinations designated Wang Anshi's "New Interpretation of the Three Classics" and "Explanation of Characters" as references for the primary and secondary classics.

This means that the questions for the imperial examinations would be drawn from Wang Anshi's works.

Once the order is changed—who the hell will still study the new curriculum?

They all devoted themselves to studying policy theories.

This is uprooting the New Party!

“But…” Zhao Xu opened his eyes: “In this way, scholars throughout the land will prioritize policy essays, and the classics and doctrines of the sages will no longer be valued?”

"Isn't this a good idea?"

Zhao Xu always knew where he was sitting.

He was even more aware that if he wanted to reform, he had to get the support of the New Party—if he didn't seek reform from the New Party, why would he seek it from the conservatives?
If that's the case, then Musk is just being a fool and bringing shame upon himself!
Therefore, we cannot let Wang Anshi and the New Party ministers he led down down the list.

Therefore, the order of the imperial examinations cannot be changed.

At least not now!

Fan Bailu listened and moved his lips. What he really wanted to say was, "Your Majesty, most of the questions in the current imperial examinations are based on the fallacies and heresies of Wang Anshi from Jiangning."

This was not the original intention of the sage at all—although Wang Anshi repeatedly claimed that it was a profound meaning he had expounded from the sage's teachings.

But not a single gentleman in the world believed his nonsense.

However, he dared not.

Not only because if he said that, it would be tantamount to openly declaring war on the New Party.

Furthermore, there is now a consensus in both the court and the public that Wang Anshi (also known as Wang Jiefu) is a taboo subject that cannot be mentioned in front of the emperor.

It wasn't that the officials wanted to keep it a secret.

Now, who in the court and among the people doesn't know that the current emperor has long known about Wang Anshi and has been favoring and protecting him?
That is precisely why Wang Anshi was so fearsome.

This applies to both members of the new party and members of the old party.

Thus, a strange situation arose—Wang Anshi remained alive and well in Jiangning.

Every year on their birthdays, the two empresses would send envoys to offer their condolences and bestow gifts.

His Jiangning Academy was also thriving.

But everyone in the court and the government regarded him as dead, as if he did not exist in this world.

Because they are afraid!
They feared that once this thin veil was lifted, the unscrupulous officials would find any excuse to summon Wang Anshi, this stubborn prime minister, back to Bianjing.

Even without being granted any title.

The mere fact that the stubborn prime minister has returned to court is enough to make many people collapse.

This applies to both the new party and the old party.

Consequently, Wang Anshi's younger brother, Wang Anli, had already completed his term as prefect of Jiangning, but the court and the public pretended not to know and allowed Wang Anli to continue serving as prefect of Jiangning.

no way!
The stubborn prime minister during the Xining era left an indelible psychological shadow on too many people!
After a moment of silence, Fan Bailu could only make a choice: "But if this is not changed... I'm afraid it will be difficult to shake the flaw of selecting people based on their words in the imperial examinations!"

The name Wang Anshi is truly something that cannot be spoken.

Once he speaks out, the leaders of both the New Party and the Old Party will strangle him!

"Isn't there any other way?" the young official asked.

Fan Bailu shook his head.

"Your Majesty, why not use the methods of the Imperial Academy?" Pu Zongmeng, who had been waiting on the side, suddenly suggested.

"The laws of the Imperial Academy?" Everyone looked up.

"Excellent!" Zhao Xu smiled and looked at Pu Zongmeng, secretly giving the Right Chancellor a thumbs up. He sighed, "What Chancellor Pu said has truly enlightened me! We should replace the elimination methods in the various examinations with the three-stage scoring system!"

"Whether it's the main classic, supplementary classics, essays, or policy questions, they are all considered as one subject..."

"Use a percentage system and take the score!"

"For example, this sutra has ten questions in total, each of which can be set at ten points. Ten points are added for each correct answer, and full marks are awarded for all correct answers!"

"Then, the scores from all the case files will be combined, and candidates will be selected based on their scores!"

"If that's the case, do you think it's possible to change the ills of the imperial examination system?"

The other ministers all swallowed hard.

They naturally knew what the three-tiered system of the Imperial Academy was like.
Since the current emperor ascended the throne, he has visited the Imperial Academy on numerous occasions and summoned the students.

Meanwhile, Lu Dian, who was in charge of the Imperial Academy, was repeatedly given imperial edicts.

Under Lu Dian's leadership, the Imperial Academy has undergone a series of reforms over the past three years.

One of the most important reforms was changing the three-tiered scoring system from the previous system of grading as upper-middle, upper-middle, middle-middle, lower-middle, and lower-lower to a 100-point system.

Under the new system, the undergraduate grades of students from the Imperial Academy will be counted as one subject, and they can receive an additional 50 points.

Extracurricular studies, conduct, morality, and miscellaneous studies outside of undergraduate studies are all counted as 100 points.

Among them, conduct and morality are subject to a point deduction system.

For major and minor mistakes made by the students of the Imperial Academy, the Imperial Academy Doctors and other officials were authorized to deduct points according to the internal regulations of the Imperial Academy.

Once a score falls below 60, it is considered a failure, and all exam results for the year are invalidated—this is easy to understand, as students of the Imperial Academy are Confucian scholars, and Confucian scholars without virtue are no different from beasts.

Students who fail to meet the standards for three consecutive years will be expelled.

If someone gets zero points—they will be dismissed immediately and transferred to Kaifeng Prefecture for questioning (because someone who gets zero points must have done something that angers both heaven and man!).

Every spring, the Imperial Academy will determine whether students are promoted or demoted based on their overall scores from the past year.

In addition, students in the upper dormitory of the Imperial Academy also had internship opportunities.

This internship grade is determined by the internship department of the students in the upper dormitory.

If one receives a perfect score in the internship for three consecutive years, the emperor can be directly informed to approve graduation and grant the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). The student will be directly assigned to an official position by the Ministry of Personnel, and the previous three years of internship experience will be counted towards the student's academic ranking.

After a year of practice, the academic atmosphere within the Imperial Academy has greatly improved.

The students of the Imperial Academy were eager to study and compete, and many former patrons of brothels had now realized their mistakes and turned back from their ways.

Naturally, this was regarded as an achievement of the emperor.

It was repeatedly reported by the Bianjing Xinbao and Bianjing Yibao, with constant flattery and praise.

Now, the emperor has proposed applying the new system of the three-tiered system of the Imperial Academy to the imperial examinations.

The courtiers naturally dared not object.

They all cupped their hands in congratulations: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Pu Zongmeng and Wang Zishao even sang hymns of praise on the spot.

However, Lü Dafang remembered something and hesitated.

After much deliberation, he finally made up his mind and boldly said, "Your Majesty's wisdom is truly a gift from Heaven. I, a mere mortal, would never dare to speak lightly of it..."

"However, with my dull and shallow mind, I dare to submit this memorial... If this were to happen, the path to fame and fortune for scholars in the Northwest and even the North would likely become arduous from now on!"

"Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly!"

(End of this chapter)