People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 560, Xu Qing: I see that you and I are destined to meet.

An hour had passed since I left the Star-Picking Tower.

During that hour, Xu Qing and Fei Yan were inseparable and didn't want to part. If it weren't for the time they had agreed upon with Gongyang Di, Xu Qing would have stayed overnight at Zhaixing Tower.

"No, no, a good man should have ambitions beyond his hometown, not be so preoccupied with matters of love and sex. Let's wait a few days until the court is more stable."

Xu Qing shook her head, banishing the jumbled thoughts from her mind and refocusing on her work.

He has just assumed the position of Chancellor, and he not only needs to cultivate his own power to stabilize the court and suppress the powerful relatives of the Chu state, but also needs to produce some political achievements as soon as possible.

The grand plan must be implemented, and various measures to enhance Qin's national strength must be completed as soon as possible, such as agricultural tools, water conservancy facilities, and the influx of various schools of thought into Qin. These are all valuable experiences accumulated over thousands of years in China and are extremely valuable.

He had never formally initiated these matters, but now that he had become the prime minister, he was bound to get things started.

As Xu Qing walked and pondered, he arrived at Gongyang Ru's courtyard.

Gongyang Di and his disciples had been waiting for a long time. When they saw Xu Qing arrive, their eyes lit up and they greeted him with smiles.

"Greetings, Prime Minister!"

Gongyang Di and his disciples shouted in unison.

“Master Gongyang, you flatter me. It’s fine for you to address me like that outside, but at home, I am Gongyang Ru’s disciple, and you are the elder.”

Xu Qing stepped forward and helped Gongyang Ru up, saying with a smile.

"The rites cannot be abandoned, especially since you, Prime Minister, are the undisputed leader of the Gongyang School of Confucianism," Gongyang Di said solemnly.

It is said that people become wise with age, so how could Gongyang Di, who is experienced in the ways of the world, not be able to distinguish between what is important and what is not?

“We’re all family here, no need for formalities, come in and let’s talk,” Xu Qing said to the others, helping Gongyangdi up.

The other disciples bowed to Xu Qing and then made way for him, following behind Xu Qing who was helping Gongyangdi.

After everyone entered the hall, Xu Qing took the main seat at Gongyang Di's invitation, while Gongyang Di, the head of the Gongyang Confucian school, sat in the second seat. The other disciples of the Gongyang Confucian school all stood in the center of the hall, staring intently at Xu Qing.

"I have come to the Doctor's Palace today to ask the old gentleman for a favor."

Xu Qing glanced at Gongyang Ru's disciples, then looked at Gongyang Di and said.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Gongyang Di's eyes. He knew that the opportunity for Gongyang Ru and his descendants had finally arrived.

Since entering Qin, Gongyang Ru has steadfastly supported Xu Qing, helping him build momentum, compiling books according to his requirements, and promoting his reputation in Xianyang and among the Hundred Schools of Thought. All of this was in preparation for an opportunity, for Xu Qing to seize power.

Now that Xu Qing is the Prime Minister of Qin, it's time for the Gongyang Confucian scholars to reap the rewards of their investment.

"Prime Minister, you are the leader of our Gongyang Confucianism. I dare not accept such a request. If you have any needs, please just say so. Our Gongyang Confucianism will do our utmost!" Gongyang Di said in a deep voice.

“I will definitely give it my all!”

The disciples of the Gongyang School looked at Xu Qing and spoke in unison.

They naturally understood why Xu Qing had come so suddenly. Now that Xu Qing was the prime minister, he needed to handle the complicated political affairs of the Qin state and also needed to cultivate his own faction in the court. Apart from Daoist scholars, the Gongyang Confucian scholars were Xu Qing's best choice.

For no other reason than that they are Gongyang Ruzhong! They can fight and talk at the same time.

Looking at the radiant crowd, Xu Qing nodded slightly and began to speak.

“Since that’s the case, I’ll get straight to the point. Lao Ai’s rebellion has many implications, and there are serious vacancies in the court. His Majesty has ordered me to announce suitable candidates. In addition to the court officials, scholars from the Imperial Academy are also included.”

“I intend to recommend Gongyang Confucian disciples to serve as officials in the court, but I must make it clear in advance that I do not want everyone. I will set up an assessment in two days, and only those who pass will be recommended.”

"At the same time, you shouldn't even think about becoming high-ranking officials. Unless you are exceptionally talented, everyone else will have to start from the bottom!"

"If you are willing, leave your names and participate in the assessment in two days. If you are not willing, you may leave now."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qing's gaze swept over the disciples of Gongyang Confucianism, his eyes serious and sharp.

It is true that most of the disciples of the Gongyang School were talented. After all, in this era, more than 90% of people could read and write. To be valued by the Hundred Schools of Thought, accepted as a disciple, and given special training, one need not elaborate on one's talent and ability.

However, for an enlightened ruler, prime ministers must rise from local government positions, and valiant generals must emerge from the ranks of soldiers.

To govern a region and benefit the people, or to serve as an official in the imperial court and handle government affairs, one must have sufficient experience.

Xu Qing was indeed eager to cultivate his own team, but that did not mean he would casually place his cronies in positions of power. The assessment was only the first step; they needed to undergo sufficient training before they could assume important responsibilities.

The disciples of the Gongyang School of Confucianism, seeing the serious-looking Xu Qing, did not hesitate at all and bowed in unison.

"We are willing to obey the Prime Minister's orders!"

Looking at the unwavering crowd, Gongyang Di stroked his white beard, a proud smile on his face.

The Gongyang School of Confucianism had few members, and it followed an elite path, meaning that each member was personally mentored by the school.

His abilities and character were impeccable; otherwise, someone of questionable character would not have followed him into Qin and participated in such a crucial matter concerning the future of Gongyang Ru.

“Alright, since you’re willing, then leave your names and participate in the assessment in two days,” Xu Qing nodded and said.

"Yes!" Xu Qing picked up the pen and bamboo slips on the table and began to record those who were willing before dismissing the Gongyang Confucian disciples.

“Master Gongyang, the disciples of Gongyang Confucianism are indeed all talented, but talented people are not necessarily suitable for the court, so I cannot guarantee that all of them will pass the test.”

Xu Qing looked at Gongyang Di and slowly spoke while holding the bamboo slip in his hand.

"I understand," Gongyang said, nodding. "It is true that those who excel in their studies can become officials, but a gentleman's official career is one of upholding righteousness. If one's learning and cultivation are not suitable for the court, how can one practice righteousness and benevolence?"

Although he hoped that everyone could become an official, he also understood that some people were not suitable, and that appointing them to office would not only harm himself, but also the people in the region.

Seeing that Gongyang was so understanding, Xu Qing smiled again and said in a calm tone.

"But you don't need to worry. Being rejected doesn't necessarily mean they are talented or morally corrupt. If they are willing, I have another way for them to go."

"What road?" A glint of light flashed in Gongyang Di's eyes as he asked.

"Regarding education and nurturing people, I sincerely suggest that Your Majesty establish schools throughout Qin, with the court responsible for their expenses and assigning suitable teachers to cultivate disciples for Qin. This would not only address the lack of cultural and moral development in Qin but also promote the dissemination of the Hundred Schools of Thought, allowing their teachings to spread widely."

Before Xu Qing could finish speaking, Gongyangdi interrupted him.

“I agreed on their behalf, and they are willing,” Gongyang said eagerly.

Are you kidding me? This is such a good thing, not to mention the Gongyang School of Confucianism, even the disciples of the Yan and Meng schools, whose students are all over the world, would be eager to participate.

This is the best opportunity to promote one's own doctrines, cultivate talent, and ensure the future of one's school of thought.

If they could cultivate a large number of outstanding disciples to serve as officials in the court, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to the school of thought. Even if they were to follow the conventional path, the school of thought could still spread widely and become the number one governing philosophy in the world in another way.

Xu Qing had anticipated Gongyang's urgency. No school of thought could refuse such a proposal, since the schools themselves and their disciples would be the biggest beneficiaries.

"I'm glad you're willing. I'll let you know when I get back to you," Xu Qing said with a light laugh.

"Okay, be sure to let me know as soon as possible."

"it is good."

After reaching an agreement with Gongyang Di, Xu Qing did not linger. After Gongyang Di's repeated requests, Xu Qing left Gongyang Ru's palace and began to visit the various schools of thought in the Doctor's Palace one by one.

Taoists, geomancers, and masters of divination.
It wasn't until dusk that Xu Qing finished visiting all the schools of thought. His explanations and procedures were similar to those of the Gongyang School, and the result was the same.

Upon learning of Xu Qing's idea, all these schools of thought participated in the assessment without any hesitation.

As Xu Qing walked away from Zhangtai Palace, he looked at the bamboo slips in his hand covered with names and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

“Even if only two or three out of ten of these people remain, together with Lü Buwei’s retainers and people from the scholar faction, it would be enough to fill the vacant positions.”

As Xu Qing walked, he thought about visiting Lü Buwei again the next day.

"Greetings, Prime Minister!"

Just as Xu Qing was lost in thought about the future, a bowing sound interrupted his thoughts.

Xu Qing looked in the direction of the sound and saw an exceptionally fat sphere with skin so fair that even Yan Lingji and Zi Nu could not compare. This sphere was holding a lot of bamboo slips in its arms, and sweat was dripping from its forehead as it was panting heavily.

Looking at the person in front of him, Xu Qing's pupils shrank, and a smile appeared on his face.

“It’s you. I remember your name is Zhang Cang, right? You’re a disciple of Master Xun.” Xu Qing said with a smile.

Seeing that Xu Qing remembered his name and identity, Zhang Cang was flattered. Looking at Xu Qing's smiling face, which seemed very kind and approachable, Zhang Cang felt a little uneasy for some reason.

It was just like when I was studying under my teacher Xunzi in Lanling, I was forced by Xunzi to learn how to handle government affairs.

Of course, he wasn't the only one forced to learn how to handle government affairs. Apart from his third senior brother Fuqiu and fourth senior brother Maoheng, who were both poets, all his other fellow disciples had to learn as well.

"Thank you for remembering my name, Prime Minister. I am indeed Zhang Cang."

Although Zhang Cang felt a little uneasy, he didn't think too much about it and said while holding the bamboo slips.

“Master Xun mentioned your name many times in his letters to me, saying that you had come to the State of Qin. I had only seen you once before when I was lecturing to Gongyang Ru. When I tried to find you again, you had already left Gongyang Ru.”

Xu Qing brought up Xunzi, and as he spoke, he moved a little closer to Zhang Cang, speaking in a friendly tone.

“Teacher!? I’m sorry to have worried you, and I’m also concerned for the Prime Minister. After staying at the Gongyang Academy for a day, I passed the doctoral examination and was assigned to the library to look after the books,” Zhang Cang explained.

Xiaoshengxianzhuang has a rule that all disciples who reach the required age or complete their studies must go out to study before formally graduating.

That's why he came to Qin. He originally planned to travel to the Three Jin states, but he came to Qin on the recommendation of his teacher Xunzi.

In addition, he loved books, especially calendars and arithmetic, and the Qin State Library was the largest among the seven states. So he went to Gongyang Di, who recommended him to participate in the examination for Qin State scholars and became the manager of the library.

"Managing the library? Master Xun has praised your talent quite a bit, but managing the library is really a waste of your time. Are you interested in becoming an official? I will personally recommend you!"

Xu Qing spoke with the concern of an elder for Zhang Cang's future, her tone carrying a hint of enticement as she smiled and said.

(End of this chapter)