Li Chengqian of the Tang Dynasty: Please say long live His Majesty

Chapter 661: Whoever kills the Tang Dynasty envoy will destroy the country (Part )

In the blink of an eye, it was the end of February and the scientific expedition was over.

Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, looking at the memorial in his hand and the ten test papers below it.

These are the test papers of the top ten among the forty-three Jinshi candidates who were admitted in the imperial examination in the seventh year of Yongwei.

The name at the top, the number one in the imperial examination, is Li Jing.

Li Jing, also known by his courtesy name Yuanfang.

He was from Chengji, Longxi, and was born into the Longxi Li family.

Li Yuanfang.

Li Chengqian felt absurd for a moment.

This was especially true when he saw the seventh person on the list, Di Renjie, who had ranked first in the Mingjing exam.

The name Li Yuanfang is actually not only related to Di Renjie, but Li Chengqian even has an uncle named Li Yuanfang.

King Li Yuanfang of Zhou.

The ninth son of Emperor Gaozu, he unfortunately died of illness at the age of ten in the third year of Zhenguan, and the dynasty was abolished.

Li Yuanfang, no, Li Jing, he has little relationship with Di Renjie.

But how did Di Renjie pass the imperial examination in this subject?

Li Chengqian pressed his hand between his eyebrows and thought carefully. He had no idea when Di Renjie passed the imperial examination.

His impression of Di Renjie's early imperial examinations actually came mostly from Zhang Jianzhi.

In his previous life, Zhang Jianzhi failed the imperial examinations several times because he came from a poor family. Later, he met Di Renjie, but Di Renjie took the imperial examination later than him, but passed it before him.

In his previous life, Zhang Jianzhong passed the imperial examination during the Xianqing period of Li Zhi, which is... now.

It turned out to be the case.

Li Chengqian withdrew his gaze, looked up at the ministers in the hall, and asked, "Is everything going well in this imperial examination?"

While Changsun Wuji, Li Ji, and the others were still pondering, Li Yifu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, because preparations for this imperial examination took so long, the Duke of Ying was chosen long in advance as the chief examiner. Therefore, many officials and aristocratic families hired people to research the Duke of Ying's personality and literary style for their children, and even hired them to ghostwrite for them. Therefore, during the examination, some people completely memorized their essays."

"Did you learn it completely by imitation?" Li Chengqian couldn't help but look up.

"Some didn't memorize it entirely. Some people consulted other people's articles and added their own insights, copying about 30% to 50%." Li Yifu bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, these were all said by some scholars after the imperial examination ended while drunk. However, some people heard them, and there is already talk among the people about gathering at Suzaku Gate to present a memorial on the day the imperial examination is completed."

When Li Chengqian was holding court on New Year's Day, he issued an edict to accept all suggestions, which was a good opportunity.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and said, "So, it was my fault for prematurely appointing the Duke of Ying as the examiner."

"Your Majesty!" Zhangsun Wuji stepped forward, glanced sideways at Li Yifu, then bowed to Li Chengqian and said, "Your Majesty, there may be some problems here, but the imperial examination is over. I suggest that the Ministry of Rites conduct a thorough investigation during the examination."

"The ranking of the imperial examinations is a matter of vital importance to the appointment of officials. How can we be careless about it?" Li Yifu said calmly, cupping his hands. "Your Majesty, I request another examination. Your Majesty will personally serve as the examiner, examining these forty-three candidates in the Taiji Hall. You don't have to dismiss all of them; we can simply re-rank them."

"Redetermine the rankings." Li Chengqian looked gently at Li Ji and asked, "Duke Yingguo, what do you think of me conducting a palace examination?"

"I think it's okay." Li Ji stood up, not daring to look up, and just bowed.

How could he not see by now that Li Yifu was speaking for the emperor, and that the imperial examination plus the palace examination were the emperor's wishes.

The emperor wanted to take back some of the power of the imperial examination from the Ministry of Personnel.

The Ministry of Personnel had the final say on who would pass the imperial examination, but the emperor had the final say on the ranking of the candidates.

"It's not easy for scholars in the world to take the imperial examinations seriously. I should also do more to ensure clean administration of officials. Uncle, what do you think?" After Li Chengqian finished speaking, Changsun Wuji suddenly felt a heavy pressure falling on his shoulders.

What does it mean to do more to ensure clean and honest administration of officials?

If the palace examination is not held, will the administration of officials in the world become chaotic?

Changsun Wuji took a deep breath and said, "I think it's okay."

"it is good!"

……

In the Taiji Hall, test papers were collected one by one, and the successful candidates stood up, bowed, and left the hall.

The candles were lit and the palace was bright.

"These are the top ten candidates re-ranked by my uncle and the Duke of England." Li Chengqian looked at Changsun Wuji and Li Ji.

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji and Li Ji bowed at the same time. Although the emperor had rescheduled the palace examination, he would not personally look at the test papers of the forty-three people. The prime ministers in the court would each look at four or five papers and then select ten papers.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and looked down at the test paper in his hand.

First place, Fan Lubing.

what!
Li Chengqian exclaimed in his heart, why didn't he notice before that Fan Lubing was also participating in the imperial examination this time.

Fan Lubing was one of the leaders of the North Gate Scholars in his previous life. Unexpectedly, he also passed the exam in this subject, and in the end he was able to convince everyone to become the first.

Li Chengqian smiled lightly, then looked carefully at Fan Lubing's article.

The first place in the imperial examination was Fan Lubing, the second place was Li Jing, the third place was Cui Mingyuan... and the fifth place was Di Renjie...

After reading Di Renjie's test paper, Li Chengqian sighed in his heart. He had given Di Renjie one more chance, but Di Renjie just couldn't get into the top three.

Perhaps this is the limitation of the Mingjing exam.

But this is already very good. At least with the fifth place in the imperial examination, Di Renjie can start directly as a county lieutenant. His career will be much smoother in the future.

Li Chengqian had no intention of transcending himself. People always need to experience hardships before they can become successful.

Putting down all the test papers in his hands, Li Chengqian looked at the attendant Sun Fujia on the side and said, "Mr. Sun, you are the first number one scholar in this dynasty. You will be the one to announce this list." "I obey your order." Sun Fujia bowed and took the memorial from Zhang Ananda.

"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji followed suit and bowed, asking, "May I ask, Your Majesty, will there be a palace examination every year from now on?"

The ministers in the hall suddenly became quiet again.

Li Chengqian raised his head calmly and asked, "What do you think?"

"Your Majesty!" Li Yifu stood up again and said with a bow, "Your Majesty, the reason why the imperial examination went wrong this time was because there were too many candidates, and someone took advantage of the situation. I think this situation doesn't need to happen next year. It would be better to hold the imperial examination only when the number of candidates is too high."

This time, after the palace examination, the rankings of the imperial examination candidates were greatly adjusted.

Of course, there are family reasons behind this.

The palace examination eliminated the influence of family background to the greatest extent.

With the palace examination, the chances of people from poor families to succeed in the future will be greatly increased.

In addition, although the vast majority of candidates in this palace examination were above standard, there were three who were clearly not up to the level of becoming Jinshi.

Of course, there was no cheating in the emperor's imperial examinations, but these three people would never pass the Ministry of Personnel's examination.

"Duke of England!" Li Chengqian looked up.

"Your Majesty, I think it's okay!" Li Ji bowed seriously.

"Uncle!" Li Chengqian looked at Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji thought about it, then bowed and said, "I think it's okay."

"Okay, that's it." Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction. His eyes swept over Zhangsun Wuji and the ministers, and he said, "That's enough for today. Let's adjourn the court."

"Your Majesty, we bow to you!" All the ministers bowed together.

Li Chengqian stood up, walked out of the Taiji Hall, sat on the imperial sedan chair, and then went towards the Ganlu Hall.

Turning sideways, Li Chengqian said to Li Anyan, "Tell Li Yifu to spread what he just said."

"Yes!" Li Anyan bowed, then he asked carefully, "Your Majesty, do you have any other plans?"

"Haha!" Li Chengqian smiled, then said calmly: "An Yan, you have to understand that every imperial examination is a heavy burden for a family. Even many children from poor families can only afford to take the imperial examination once in their lifetime.

With what happened today, they will try their best to discuss things secretly and gather together at some point to seek a fair palace examination."

"Yes!" Li Anyan bowed solemnly. It was fair and in the best interest of the emperor.

"Okay, it's almost March, and it's time to set off on our eastern tour to Luoyang." Li Chengqian sighed lightly.

……

March 16th, outside Chunming Gate in Chang'an.

On the Wei River, the imperial boat slowly headed towards the Yellow River.

"I will be in Luoyang this year. When Helu attacks the Persian Governor's Office, the court does not need to wait for me to mobilize troops. Soldiers who need to leave can do so immediately." Li Chengqian's gaze shifted from Zhangsun Wuji to Cheng Yaojin, and he said seriously, "Duke Lu, take care of yourself. When you reach the Western Regions, it's best to stay in the Anxi Protectorate. I don't want to see anything happen to you."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I saved it." Cheng Yaojin bowed gratefully.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and looked at Yu Zhining and Xu Jingzong. "This year's eastern tour to Luoyang is mainly to monitor the relocation of the people of Hebei. Cui Qing has already departed. With the Cui family as a role model, the other aristocratic families in Hebei will more or less follow suit. The only ones left are the people... Anyone who obstructs the migration of the people to Liaodong and Andong will be considered a traitor."

"Yes!" Yu Zhining and Xu Jingzong bowed together.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "We will plant in spring and harvest in autumn. We will continue to investigate hidden fields, clean up the illegal money, dredge the river, and strengthen sea transportation. My requests are not many. This year's autumn tax will be 20% higher than last year's."

"Here!" The officials held their hands in awe.

……

In a blink of an eye, it’s August.

In Luoyang, the autumn rain continues.

Li Chengqian sat in front of the Zhenguan Hall, looking at the Qianyuan Hall in front of him which was gradually being renovated, and felt a sense of emotion in his heart.

There is no war this year, the world is relaxed, and everything is done quickly.

Yan Lide was responsible for renovating the Qianyuan Hall, and in just half a year, he completed the general structure of the Qianyuan Hall.

Although internal renovations are still needed, in the last six months.

Next year when he comes to Luoyang on his eastern tour, he will be able to hold morning court in the Qianyuan Hall.

The rapid clatter of hooves broke through the sound of rain as a Qianniu Guard rode directly into the Duanmen Gate. He dismounted at Chengtian Gate and quickly ran to the Zhenguan Hall. He handed the military report to Li Chengqian and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, Ashina Helu sent troops to the Persian Governorate. The Persian Governor Peruz was completely defeated and driven deep into Tokharistan. Helu then turned and marched towards the Anxi Protectorate."

After a brief pause, the Qianniu Guard kowtowed heavily and said, "Zhang Ying, the envoy of the Honglu Temple, was in the Persian Governor's Office due to an incident and unfortunately died a martyr for his country!"

"What?" Li Chengqian stood up suddenly and asked through gritted teeth, "Why is he there?"

"Zhang Ying, the envoy of the Honglu Temple, was originally sent to India. Because India was interested in Persia, he was transferred to India." The Qianniu Guard lowered his head solemnly.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and said, "Ever since Wang Xuance was assassinated in Tianzhu, there has been no other example of a Tang envoy being murdered. Ashina Helu, you truly deserve to die!"

Qianniuwei nodded vigorously.

Li Chengqian suddenly raised his head and roared, "Send an order, send troops, and destroy the Western Turks!"

"Yes!" All the ministers in the hall bowed solemnly.

Then, the sound echoed throughout the world.

(End of this chapter)