Song Xiu

Chapter 146 The Selection of the Top Scholar: A Change in the Court Situation
July, the second year of the Jianlong reign of the Great Song Dynasty.

After several busy days, the examination of papers in the Chuigong Hall has finally come to an end.

After the examination papers were sorted out, the palace gates slowly opened with the help of the imperial guards, and Zhao Dexiu's figure appeared before the examiners.

Zhao Dexiu turned his gaze and found that every examiner standing inside the palace gate looked haggard and listless.

Some of the examiners even had ink stains on their gray beards, which looked quite unsightly.

Contemporary Confucian scholars typically place great importance on their personal image.

The fact that the examiners didn't even have time to wipe the ink stains off their beards speaks volumes about how focused they were on grading papers in the past.

This dedication deserves Zhao Dexiu's utmost respect.

Zhao Dexiu strode forward, cupped his hands in greeting to the group of examiners who were there to select talent for the country, and said:
"Thank you all for your hard work these past few days."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu was considerate of their hard work, a slight smile appeared on the tired faces of each examiner.

The examiners who could be put into the Chuigong Hall had to be not only great Confucian scholars, but also have certain experience in grading papers.

However, none of the examiners had ever been as exhausted as they had been this time, despite having reviewed papers many times before.

Li Fang recalled the pleasant life he enjoyed reviewing papers in the previous dynasty and couldn't help but feel a deep longing in his heart.

Zhao Dexiu's attitude clearly shows that every time Japan reviews papers, the process will be just as rigorous as this one.

Zhang Zhao, who was ranked first among the examiners, bowed to Zhao Dexiu and said:

"With the combined efforts of all my colleagues, a total of seventy-six exam papers have been collected this time."

All the examination papers have been sealed and copied. Once the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices have matched the names and hometowns on the original papers, a list of successful candidates will be presented to His Highness.

From Zhang Zhao's words, we can learn that seventy-six people were admitted to the imperial examination this year.

This number represents a doubling compared to the previous dynasty, but it seems somewhat small when placed within a base of three thousand people.

In fact, this phenomenon is normal.

In the imperial examinations, as long as the examiners did not intentionally go easy on the candidates, there was virtually no chance of someone being a fraud.

The dissemination of knowledge in the present age is far less convenient than that in later generations.

Later generations of students received systematic education from a young age, and many of them grew up immersed in a wealth of knowledge.

Therefore, when faced with a certain topic, many people can cite extensively from classical texts and engage in lengthy discussions.

Contemporary students have a very narrow range of knowledge and are mostly self-taught.

The requirement of "citing classical texts" alone is enough to stump most students, let alone the need for further insightful analysis and substantial content.

"It is only right and proper for the state to select officials with strict standards."

Zhao Dexiu thought that Zhang Zhao was worried that the small number of students he admitted would cause him dissatisfaction.

But that was not Zhang Zhao's original intention.

After announcing the number of candidates to be selected, Zhang Zhao stroked his beard and said:
"I have reviewed the papers many times, and the standards have not changed."

However, the fact that over seventy people were admitted this year is truly beyond my expectations.

If even one subject is like this, one can only imagine how many virtuous people in the past have been kept out of the court by mediocre people.

Your Highness's intention to reform is now clear to me.

It turned out that Zhang Zhao wanted to praise the new policies implemented by Zhao Dexiu.

Zhang Zhao came from the Zhang family of Puzhou. Few members of the Zhang family of Puzhou had served as officials throughout history, but they were known for producing great Confucian scholars.

Because the Zhang family of Puzhou had a family tradition of studying the classics, they were a prominent and respected Confucian family.

Most great Confucian scholars like to advocate "restoration of the past." When the new policies were first implemented, Zhang Zhao had doubts about them.

Zhang Zhao was highly respected, and his views indirectly influenced many ministers in the court.

Although Zhang Zhao had his doubts, he never openly attacked the new policies without cause. He examined the development of the new policies with a rational attitude.

At the end of the Tang Dynasty, Confucian scholars had not yet progressed to the level of later generations; most were outwardly virtuous but inwardly corrupt.

After reviewing the papers, the facts laid bare before him changed Zhang Zhao's view of the new policies.

Sensing that Zhang Zhao's words revealed his support for the new policies, Zhao Dexiu quickly stepped forward to help the senior official.

"It is truly my good fortune that Master Zhang understands my heart."

"How many people, both in and out of the court, truly understand my heart?"

Currently, Zhao Dexiu is surrounded by officials who support the new policies.

However, this group of officials is still a minority within the entire central government.

Officials in the current imperial court can be roughly divided into three categories based on their attitudes toward the new policies:

One group, represented by figures such as Zhao Pu and Xue Juzheng, expressed their support.

One group, represented by figures such as Li Fang and Shi Song, expressed their opposition.

The number of officials in these two categories is not large; the majority are the third category, led by Zhang Zhao, who are hesitant.

If they could gain Zhang Zhao's support, the third category of officials would likely change their attitude.

Only when the entire court is of one mind and one heart can the new policies of Jianlong be made to unleash their full potential.

Zhang Zhao had served as an important official in many dynasties, so how could he not understand the deeper meaning behind Zhao Dexiu's words?

Seeing the hands supporting his arm, Zhang Zhao's serious expression softened somewhat.

After he walked out of the palace gate, he said:
"Your Highness is diligent in governing with virtue. As for the colleagues' wait-and-see attitude, this old minister will go and explain."

Zhang Zhao had a natural affinity for Zhao Dexiu.

This wasn't because Zhang Zhao wanted to curry favor; Zhang Zhao's goodwill towards Zhao Dexiu had existed since the founding of the Song Dynasty.

The reason lies in Zhao Dexiu's status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife.

From the Later Tang Dynasty onwards, Zhang Zhao would advise almost every monarch on the selection of a crown prince.

While establishing the crown prince, they also hoped that the monarch would grant titles and privileges to members of the imperial clan, using a method similar to the enfeoffment system to stabilize the situation of the country.

It should be noted that Zhang Zhao's suggestion directly touched a nerve with the local military governor.

Over the years, countless military governors have wanted Zhang Zhao dead.

Despite facing death threats multiple times, Zhang Zhao remained undaunted and steadfastly promoted his political strategies, truly deserving of the title of a great Confucian scholar.

Zhang Zhao's political strategies were not suitable for the circumstances of the time, but this only shows that he lacked foresight; his desire for peace and tranquility was genuine.

This passionate heart, when combined with the right political strategy, can unleash considerable political energy.

Zhang Zhao's words brought a smile to Zhao Dexiu's face.

Zhao Dexiu helped Zhang Zhao to the carriage. As Zhang Zhao's carriage drove away, Zhao Dexiu suddenly realized something:
Did the Emperor appoint Zhang Zhao as the chief examiner just for this day?

Several days later, in the Hall of Ten Thousand Years.

Zhao Dexiu stood beside the throne, watching Zhao Kuangyin review ten examination papers.

These ten exam papers are considered to be of high quality by most examiners.

As Zhao Kuangyin looked at the examination papers on his desk, he said to Zhao Dexiu:

"Are you familiar with the Niu-Li factional strife of the previous dynasty?"

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's question, Zhao Dexiu replied:

"Know a thing or two."

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu knew about this matter, Zhao Kuangyin said directly:
"The factional strife between the Niu and Li factions caused endless infighting in the court, needlessly depleting the nation's vitality."

One reason for the Niu-Li factional strife was that the scholars who passed the imperial examinations were students of the Ministry of Rites.

According to the old imperial examination system, students who passed the provincial examination were considered Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

This means that the power to select Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) was directly in the hands of officials in the Ministry of Rites.

The fact that officials in the Ministry of Rites directly controlled the selection process would incentivize the successful candidates to feel grateful to the examiners or the head of the Ministry of Rites, thus forming a faction around them.

In addition, students who aspire to enter officialdom will try every means to curry favor with officials who control the imperial examinations, thereby further strengthening the trend of forming a "clique of officials".

The formation of factions of ministers not only harms the country but also directly threatens imperial power.

This was something Zhao Kuangyin, who was determined to strengthen imperial power, could not allow.

Zhao Kuangyin's words resonated with Zhao Dexiu.

"Only names and tools should not be entrusted to others."

"Your status as a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) should be determined by the Emperor himself." Zhao Dexiu's political acumen earned Zhao Kuangyin's approval, who nodded in satisfaction.

"The provincial examinations this year are limited by the size of the examination halls, so they are temporarily held in the Forbidden City."

This matter gave me inspiration.

I intend to establish a palace examination in addition to the provincial and prefectural examinations.

Starting next year, the provincial and prefectural examinations will be the main selection processes, while the palace examination will be personally overseen by me to determine the status and ranking of the successful candidates.

After explaining this idea, Zhao Kuangyin continued:

“I have drawn on the lessons of history and intend to appoint a top scholar by imperial decree.”

Among these ten people, who do you think deserves the title of "top scholar"?

After saying that, Zhao Kuangyin turned his gaze to Zhao Dexiu.

Zhao Kuangyin's question made Zhao Dexiu ponder deeply.

The ten examination papers selected by numerous renowned scholars were among the best in their respective fields in terms of arguments, writing style, scholarship, and even handwriting.

But as the saying goes, there is no first place in literature, but there is a second place in martial arts.

Judging the first place among ten exam papers is a very difficult task, because there is no clear standard.

Among these ten exam papers, some supported the new policy, some did not, and some were neutral.

As long as the argument is reasonable, it is considered a good piece of writing that is relevant to the topic.

The appointment of the top scholar by imperial decree symbolized the emperor's attitude, so the political implications had to be taken into account.

The imperial court allows students across the land to speak freely, and as long as your arguments are reasonable and well-founded, it is acceptable to express your opposition to the new policies.

Fully absorbing both positive and negative opinions to lay the foundation for future policy reforms is another important aspect of this imperial examination.

However, the imperial court's support for the new policies must be firm.

Emperor Shenzong of Song is not someone to be emulated.

Having determined this main point, Zhao Dexiu narrowed down the selection to three exam papers.

Of the ten exam papers, only three explicitly supported the new policy.

Zhou Wei's name appeared on all three exam papers, but he wasn't the top scholar in Zhao Dexiu's mind.

Zhao Dexiu turned her gaze to another exam paper:
"Father, I believe Yang Li should be the top scholar in this imperial examination."

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's answer, Zhao Kuangyin asked noncommittally:

"Why?"

Under Zhao Kuangyin's scrutinizing gaze, Zhao Dexiu expressed his opinion:
Yang Li was born into a family of officials, and his family had many protégés and former subordinates in the court and among the common people.

Once he enters the court, having supported the new policies, he will naturally attract a group of staunch supporters for them.

"Furthermore, the Yang family of Jingzhao is famous throughout the world."

As the eldest son of the Yang family, Yang Li carries the high hopes of the Yang clan of Jingzhao. If his support for the new policies becomes known throughout the land, it will influence many other aristocratic families who are still observing the situation.

The new policy is currently divided into three main parts: the official system, land ownership, and the imperial examination system.

Among these three new policies, the interests of powerful and influential families have been significantly harmed, which has aroused opposition from many people.

However, human nature is inherently contradictory. As long as there is profit to be made, some powerful and influential families are not incapable of making tough decisions and seeking transformation to support the new policies.

As the ruler of the country, one cannot rely solely on force; excessive rigidity leads to breakage.

We must learn to use gentle methods to divide and win over the minority—unite the majority and strike at the very few!

A balance of firmness and flexibility is necessary to lay a solid foundation for the implementation of new policies.

The Yang family of Jingzhao, being a prominent family in the country, could serve as an excellent point of entry.

Then Zhao Dexiu picked up a piece of pastry from the imperial desk and placed it on the blank space of Yang Li's examination paper:
"The Yang family of Jingzhao is willing to submit to the king's rule, so why doesn't Father Emperor bestow a reward upon them to appease the people's indecisiveness?"

Zhao Dexiu's words made Zhao Kuangyin burst into laughter:
"The one who truly understands me is the Prince of Jin!"

“If the Prince of Jin believes that the top scholar title should belong to him, then I will give it to him.”

After finishing speaking with a smile, Zhao Kuangyin quickly took the pastry back from the exam paper and popped it into his mouth to taste it.
"The top scholar can be given, but the pastries were presented by the Prince of Jin, and I will not give them to him."

Zhao Kuangyin's words startled Zhao Dexiu at first, but then a smile appeared on his face.

I never knew before that his father was so "stingy".

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the second year of the Jianlong reign of the Great Song Dynasty, the imperial court issued its proclamation today.

Before dawn, the area outside the examination hall was already crowded with students, mostly from poor families, since the children of aristocratic families didn't need to come and see the list themselves.

Although the list was still empty, every student's expression was filled with excitement.

As the sunlight grew brighter, the official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, holding the list of successful candidates, walked out of the examination hall.

As soon as the official from the Ministry of Rites stepped out of the examination hall, he saw a scene of overwhelming crowds.

This scene left the Ministry of Rites official feeling rather helpless.

I had anticipated yesterday that a large crowd would gather outside the examination hall today, but now that it's here, I realize that my prediction was a bit too cautious.

Fortunately, Xue Juzheng was prepared. When the Ministry of Rites official appeared with the list in hand, yamen runners from Kaifeng Prefecture stepped forward to restore order.

Despite their fervent enthusiasm, the students, well-versed in poetry and literature, remained quite disciplined.

Under the direction of the yamen runners, the students gradually made way, but while their bodies yielded, their eyes remained fixed on the list held by the Ministry of Rites official.

Thousands of intense gazes beat down on the sweat pouring from the clerk's brow.

After posting the list as quickly as possible, the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites fled from under the notice board.

As soon as the official from the Ministry of Rites left, the crowd instantly closed in, with countless heads swarming toward the list like bees.

Soon, a joyful shout rang out from the crowd:
"I got into high school! I actually got into high school!"

This exclamation of surprise came from a student from a poor family.

His ability to participate in the imperial examination this time is thanks to the implementation of the new policies.

Originally, he was just trying it out of caution, but unexpectedly he actually passed the exam.

Before that exclamation of surprise could even fade, more and more exclamations of surprise rang out.

"I won too!"

"I'm at the bottom of the list! I'm at the bottom of the list!"

Dozens of excited shouts echoed beneath the list of successful candidates.

These voices symbolize that a large portion of the more than seventy successful candidates came from impoverished families.

Zhou Wei, who had squeezed his way to the bottom of the list early on, was also delighted to see his own name.

Even his ranking was quite high, near that of the top scholar Yang Li.

Currently, there are no universal rankings such as top three, second place, and third place. Students can roughly infer their impression on the examiners by the order of their names.

Zhou Wei did not aspire to be the top scholar; he would be content to simply be listed among the successful candidates.

Zhou Wei excitedly spread his arms and squeezed through the crowd, grinning foolishly as he walked towards his temporary residence.

Although it's called a house, it's essentially a thatched hut near the city wall.

A heavy rain had just fallen in Kaifeng the day before, causing water to accumulate in many places inside the thatched hut. If the wind hadn't been so light that day, the roof of the hut would probably have been blown off.

Back in the thatched hut, Zhou Weiqiang suppressed his joy and began to tidy up the mess inside.

While Zhou Wei was busy inside the house, he heard someone calling his name outside.

Not knowing who it was, Zhou Wei went directly outside and found that the person looking for him was an official from the Ministry of Personnel.

Because Zhou Wei had just been cleaning the house, he was covered in mud, looking like a farmer toiling in the fields.

After confirming Zhou Wei's identity, the Ministry of Personnel official bowed and congratulated him:

"From this day forward, you will be a secretary in the imperial court."

Secretary Lang?
Is he the secretary in the Hanlin Academy, who resides in the Forbidden City and advises the emperor on strategies at all times?
As Zhou Wei gradually realized the honor and power that the position of secretary brought, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Zhou Wei, dressed in filthy clothes like a farmer, laughed heartily in front of him. In the past, this official from the Ministry of Personnel would have been displeased.

But he dares not do so today.

From a humble peasant in the morning to a high-ranking official in the evening, the political landscape of the court is about to undergo a major transformation!

(End of this chapter)