My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Fang Yi'ai blinked, thought for a moment, and realized that the people his father had mentioned earlier had all ended up being killed by their masters.

As Fang Yi'ai thought about these things, a chill ran up his spine: "Father, if what you're saying is true, does that mean our Fang family is really going to suffer a disaster?"

Fang Xuanling was so angry that he sat down on a chair by the table and took a long time to catch his breath.

Fang Yizhi quickly poured a cup of green tea and handed it to Fang Xuanling with both hands.

Fang Xuanling took the teacup and took a small sip.

Then, he said to Fang Yi'ai, "You've managed to escape this calamity by sheer luck."

I need to think things through more carefully from now on.

"I understand," Fang Yi'ai said.

"Back then, Huo Guang was highly trusted by Emperor Wu of Han. When Emperor Wu was on his deathbed, he entrusted Liu Fuling to four important ministers: Huo Guang, Jin Midi, Shangguan Jie, and Sang Hongyang."

Among them, Huo Guang was the main figure.

Huo Guang was extremely loyal to the Han Dynasty. It can be said that Emperor Wu of Han made the right choice in entrusting Huo Guang with the task, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

It was only because Huo Xian was momentarily confused and blinded by greed that he...

She wanted to marry her daughter to Emperor Xuan of Han.

He then bribed the female physician Chunyu Yan to poison Xu Pingjun, Emperor Xuan of Han's first wife.

Xu Pingjun died at the young age of nineteen.

Emperor Xuan of Han was devastated.

After learning about this, Huo Guang did not expose Huo Xian, but instead kept it a secret.

This sowed the seeds for the annihilation of the Huo family.

Emperor Xuan of Han was no ordinary emperor.

He is also very famous in history.

but,

Emperor Xuan of Han was extremely harsh and ungrateful. When he learned the truth,

An imperial edict was issued to exterminate the entire Huo family.

Therefore,

You all need to remember this,

From now on, stop talking about how great your contributions are.

No matter how great our achievements are, they can't compare to Huo Guang's, and that doesn't mean our Fang family will be safe forever.

Since ancient times,

Kings can share hardship, but not prosperity.

How many meritorious officials did Liu Bang kill after he seized power?

Han Xin, Peng Yue, and Ying Bu all made great contributions to the Han Dynasty.

Could Liu Bang have won the Battle of Gaixia without their help?

However, they were all eventually killed.

During this period, you must not see Qiu Tianjiao again.

"I understand."

Just then, Li Tai walked in from outside, bowed, and asked, "Your Excellency, what are you doing now?"

Fang Xuanling looked up and saw...

Seeing Li Tai in a flustered state, covered in sweat, I felt a bit displeased.

He thought to himself that Li Tai was still no match for Li Chenggan.

Is Li Tai really that incompetent ruler?

If that's the case

Did I bet on the wrong horse?

Fang Xuanling thought about it again and realized that this was a good thing, because if Li Tai was too wise and powerful, he would be difficult to control in the future.

This is why Zhou Bo and Chen Ping of the Han Dynasty wanted to make Liu Heng emperor.

They felt that Liu Heng was taciturn, honest, and easy to control, while Liu Xiang and Liu Zhang were too fierce and difficult to control.

but,

They misjudged it.

Liu Heng was even more formidable than Liu Xiang and Liu Zhang; he was truly a shrewd and calculating man.

Fang Xuanling trusted his judgment and was certain that Li Tai was not Liu Heng and could not possibly be as cunning and calculating as Liu Heng.

Fang Yi'ai's idea to kill the two thieves in the Dali Temple prison was also a bad one suggested by Li Tai.

If Li Tai hadn't instructed Fang Yi'ai to do this,

Fang Yi'ai wouldn't do that.

However, in this way,

It almost killed Fang Yi'ai.

Fang Xuanling, feeling angry at this thought, did not return the courtesy: "This unfilial son must be punished."

"What brings you here so late?"

Li Tai first helped Fang Yi'ai up, patted the dust off him, and complained, "Honestly, why do you always make your father angry?"

Fang Yiai thought, "Can you blame me for this? Isn't it because you made me poison those two thieves?"

However, he didn't dare say this to Li Tai's face.

Li Tai looked worried: "The palace will be completed on the eighth or ninth day of the twelfth lunar month. The court will hold a civil service examination, and I have already registered to participate. My goal is to win first place."

Xiao Wang wants to convince all the scholars and intellectuals in the world that he has reached his current position not because of anything else, but because of his own true talent and learning.

Emperor Yang of Sui once said that if he were allowed to take the imperial examination one day, he would still be able to become the top scholar. Is it possible that I, the young prince, am inferior to Emperor Yang of Sui?

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard: "It's excellent that the King of Yue has such ambition and confidence!"

"That being said, Xiao Wang also has his concerns," Li Tai said, his brows furrowing.

What are you worried about?

Li Tai took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Xiao Wang heard that there are a lot of people participating in this written exam."

Among them are many experts.

For example, Lu Zhaolin was a great talent.

Other than that,

Also included were Li Chengan, Xu Hui, and others.

Fang Xuanling smiled slightly: "What's the big deal?"

You are capable of compiling the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land), and your knowledge is vast.

Since we're going to take the exam, let's take it well.

With your talent, becoming the top scholar shouldn't be too difficult for you."

Li Tai shook his head: "Although you are one of the examiners, don't forget that Su Dan is also an examiner."

Su Dan is Su Wan's father and Li Chengqian's father-in-law. How could he not side with Li Chengqian?

Therefore,

If Li Chengan can successfully return to Chang'an and participate in the civil service examination, Xiao Wang feels the outcome is uncertain.

Fang Xuanling chuckled inwardly upon hearing this, thinking to himself, "So you're still afraid of Li Chengqian after all this time. You're worried that you're no match for Li Chengqian."

Fang Xuanling nodded slightly and asked, "Isn't Li Chengqian in the Japanese kingdom?"

I don't know when he'll be back yet. By the time he gets back, the written exam will probably be over.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai shook his large head like a rattle drum: "Your Excellency, you are mistaken."

Think about it, with something this big, how could Su Wan not tell Li Chenggan?

Moreover, Gao Biaoren has already arrived in the Wa (Japanese) country.

He will definitely tell Li Chenggan about this.

If Xiao Wang's guess is correct, Li Chenggan should be on his way back to Chang'an.

If Li Chengan returns safely, things will get complicated.

Fang Xuanling lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then said, "What you said makes some sense. So, what do you plan to do?"

"I heard that when Cao Cao built the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, he then had his princes compose poems about it."

Cao Zhi then wrote the famous "Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace".

Xiao Wang also read that poem; its language was exquisite, its imagery profound, truly a masterpiece.

but,

It was precisely because of that poem that he lost the opportunity to become the heir apparent.

The reason is that the poem didn't resonate with Cao Cao's feelings.

"You're right. Beautiful language is no good if it doesn't make sense."

Cao Pi was quite shrewd and prepared two articles.

He observed Cao Cao's words and expressions and discovered that Cao Cao harbored ambitions to become emperor.

He then submitted the poem praising Cao Cao's achievements and containing an urging him to ascend the throne.

This was exactly what Cao Cao wanted.

Cao Cao then decided to make Cao Pi his heir to the throne.

"Cao Pi is indeed very clever," Fang Xuanling nodded. "So, what you mean is...?"

Li Tai closed the door and lowered his voice: "I intend to follow Cao Pi's example and write a couple of articles as a backup plan."

However, the theme for these two articles has not yet been decided.

Fang Xuanling asked Fang Yizhi and Fang Yi'ai, "Do you two brothers have any ideas?"

"no."

Both brothers shook their heads.

Fang Xuanling couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

He stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying, "Why haven't either of you made any progress?"

Fang Yizhi lowered his head.

Fang Yi'ai, however, said: "Recently, I have been practicing martial arts. I feel that reading those books is of little use."

"Nonsense! Who says studying is useless?"

Even if you are highly skilled in martial arts, can you compare to Cao Zhang?

Why did Cao Pi (Emperor Wen of Wei) abandon and not employ Cao Cao, who was so brave and capable?

Fang Yi'ai was speechless.

Fang Xuanling said to Li Tai: "Back then,

When Emperor Wu of Han ascended the throne, a great Confucian scholar arrived, namely Dong Zhongshu.

Dong Zhongshu presented Emperor Wu of Han with three strategies concerning Heaven and Man, pointing out that Emperor Wu's succession to the throne was ordained by Heaven.

Emperor Wu of Han greatly admired him.

There's a prevailing opinion among the people now, and I shouldn't say it, that your grandfather and father were traitors and rebels of the Sui Dynasty.

Because your imperial grandfather was originally the Duke of Tang in the Sui Dynasty, and he was a cousin of Emperor Yang of Sui.

That is why Emperor Yang of Sui valued your grandfather so highly, leaving him to guard Jinyang and defend against the Turks.

however,

Unexpectedly, your grandfather and father raised an army in rebellion in Jinyang.

Finally, they captured Chang'an.

They overthrew the Sui Dynasty.

Furthermore, your father was not originally the crown prince; the crown prince was Li Jiancheng. Your father launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident, killing Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

Your grandfather had no choice but to make your father the crown prince.

Later, your father forced your grandfather to abdicate and become the retired emperor.

Your father has just ascended the throne.

So, when your father ascended the throne, wasn't it perfectly legitimate?

How do the people of the world view this?

It's likely that opinions will vary from person to person.

of course,

We must admit that your father was a very capable monarch, able to conquer the world on horseback and govern it on foot.

The Zhenguan era he initiated surpassed the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, gradually enriching the people of the Tang Dynasty, which is commendable.

You might as well use this as a topic, emulating Dong Zhongshu's three strategies on the relationship between Heaven and Man, to vindicate your father.

The general idea is that your father's succession to the throne was ordained by Heaven and the will of the people; it was a matter of necessity, not because your father was cruel, heartless, or disregarded brotherly affection.

"Yes, yes, Your Excellency, you're absolutely right. How come I didn't think of that?" Li Tai's eyes shone as he rubbed his hands together. "The people in the Wang Literature Academy are completely helpless. They don't have a single idea when faced with a problem."

Thank goodness for your guidance.

So, what else should Xiao Wang pay attention to?

Fang Xuanling picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "Back then, Cao Cao built the Bronze Sparrow Terrace with the intention of taking over Jiangdong and then capturing Qiao Guolao's two daughters, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, to keep them in the Bronze Sparrow Terrace to entertain him in his old age."

Jiucheng Palace and Tongquetai are different.

Jiucheng Palace was renovated and expanded on the basis of the original Renshou Palace from the Sui Dynasty.

This is fundamentally different from Emperor Yang of Sui's construction of Xianren Palace and Jiangdu Palace.

Emperor Yang of Sui, driven by his own selfish desires, squandered public resources and caused countless deaths and injuries among commoners and craftsmen in the construction of Xianren Palace and Jiangdu Palace.

Therefore, when writing, you should pay attention to distinguishing between wise and foolish rulers, even when both involve building palaces.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai admired Fang Xuanling even more, thinking to himself, "Indeed, old ginger is spicier."

Fang Xuanling is widely recognized as the greatest strategist of the Tang Dynasty, and this reputation is well-deserved; he truly possessed exceptional talent and learning.

Li Tai's face flushed red: "Your Excellency, then, what should I write about for the other article?"

Fang Xuanling sipped his tea slowly and deliberately: "Some things you still have to figure out yourself. As for the other article, you'll have to think about it yourself."

"This—." Seeing that Fang Xuanling was keeping him in suspense, Li Tai didn't press further.

Because if you keep asking questions, it will make you seem like you have no opinions of your own, just like Liu Shan, the ruler of Shu.

Liu Shan was also an oddball.

It is said that when Liu Bei was seriously ill, he summoned Liu Shan to his bedside and asked, "A Dou, what will you do after your father passes away?"

Liu Shan cried and said, "Father, you are the Emperor, and the Emperor will not die."

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew in from outside, extinguishing the lamps and plunging the palace into darkness.

Liu Bei then asked, "What should you do if the light goes out?"

Liu Shan remained obsequious: "Father, I don't know what to do. I will do whatever you say."

After reading it, Liu Bei sighed and shook his head repeatedly: "It seems that our Shu Kingdom is going to perish in your hands."

Li Tai thought for a moment and said, "Alright, may I ask, Your Excellency, how can we stop Li Chenggan from returning to Chang'an?"

"Once Li Chengan passes the Laba Festival and the written exam is over, we'll have no more worries."

Fang Xuanling continued pacing back and forth in the hall. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he suddenly stopped.

His expression was fierce. Then, he held his hand horizontally and slid it quickly through the air, clearly indicating that he wanted Li Tai to kill Li Chenggan.

Li Tai's eyes widened: "Is what we're doing appropriate?"

"King Yue, no man is without ruthlessness. Throughout history, those who accomplish great things have generally been ruthless and vicious."

Putting aside everything else, let's take your father, the Emperor, for example.

It was I who persuaded him to launch the Xuanwu Gate Incident and kill Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

If your father is indecisive and dares not kill Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji

So, can he become the crown prince and inherit the throne?

"Don't even mention that he can't be the crown prince and inherit the throne; he'd probably be dead long ago."

Li Tai thought for a moment and nodded: "That's true!"

"This time, Li Chengqian is not in Chang'an. He is on his way back to Chang'an from the Japanese kingdom. This is a perfect opportunity."

You can have an assassin strike along the way; how exactly to do it is up to you.

Upon hearing this, Fang Yizhi quickly tried to dissuade him: "Father, I don't approve of you doing this."

Why?

"First of all, Li Chengqian is the rightful crown prince, and the order of seniority has been established long ago."

As subjects, we can only accept this established fact.

If an assassin were sent to kill Li Chengqian, the secret would be leaked and could lead to their death.

It should be noted that Li Chengan was no ordinary person.

I heard that he once fought and killed a unicorn and a brown bear with his bare hands.

He fought and killed a giant squid in the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

On the battlefield of Yanqi,

He and Qu Zhili used the Perfect Union Divine Sword to defeat the giant centipede.

Recently, I heard that Li Chengan fought and killed a giant crocodile on the sea.

This shows that Li Chengqian's martial arts skills are now vastly different from what they used to be.

Ever since he fell ill that time, he seemed like a completely different person after waking up.

His thinking became more progressive, his physique more robust, and his combat prowess skyrocketed.

What kind of assassin could possibly kill Li Chenggan?

What if you fail to assassinate them and are instead controlled by them?

Wouldn't that assassin have implicated us all?

Since we're going to take the written exam, I think we should do it openly and honestly, without resorting to any underhanded tactics.

Why don't we all have a fair competition?

Since the King of Yue was able to compile the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land).

He must have read quite a few books, so is he really no match for Li Chengqian?

I think that's unlikely.

Fang Yi'ai, however, did not think so.

He bowed again: "King Yue, Father, I have a different opinion."

Although the King of Yue and Li Chenggan were brothers, they were sworn enemies.

Since ancient times, royalty has had no close relatives; there's nothing that can be done about it.

Putting everything else aside, let's just talk about Yang Guang.

How did Yang Guang rise to power?

If Yang Guang hadn't used some underhanded tactics, would he have been able to become the crown prince smoothly?

That's almost impossible.

Yang Guang was adept at disguising himself; he was clearly a lecherous man.

He knew that his mother opposed the prince taking concubines.

He then sent all the concubines and palace maids away, leaving only Empress Xiao by his side. This created a false impression for Empress Dugu, making her believe that Yang Guang was very fond of Empress Xiao.

Emperor Wen of Sui opposed extravagance and waste, and advocated diligence and thrift.

He decorated his residence very simply, even the mat he used for sleeping was the most ordinary one.

It's not much different from what ordinary people use.

This misled Emperor Wen of Sui into believing that he was a diligent and frugal person.

This was not actually the case. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he revealed his true colors.

He vigorously built Xianren Palace and Jiangdu Palace, which cost a huge amount of money. The number of people who died or were injured in the construction of these two palaces was more than a million.

Therefore, to seize the position of crown prince, one must use certain methods and tricks.

At this moment, Li Chengqian was on his way back to Chang'an, and this was indeed an excellent opportunity to kill him.

Once he enters Chang'an, it will be very difficult to kill him.

Moreover, under these circumstances, killing the crown prince could be done without anyone knowing.

No one could find out how the crown prince died.

Perhaps the ship capsized, perhaps we encountered ferocious beasts like jackals and tigers, or perhaps we met with enemies; therefore, we can completely shirk responsibility.

Fang Yi'ai became more and more excited as he spoke, and the more he spoke, the more reasonable his arguments seemed.

Finally, he said, "King of Yue, I support your decision to send an assassin to kill Li Chenggan."

"You can't do that! If you do, our Fang family will soon be in trouble!" Fang Yizhi said.

Unexpectedly, Fang Xuanling scolded Fang Yizhi, who left in a huff.

Seeing that his father was supporting him, Fang Yi'ai became even more enthusiastic.

Then,

He took out a map and spread it on the table.

He introduced the route to everyone, saying, "From the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom to our Chang'an, we will pass through many places..."

We can set up ambushes in these locations.

"As long as we plan carefully, Li Chenggan is doomed."

the next morning.

The Taiji Hall, the morning court session.

Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne with a gloomy expression, his eyes fixed intently on the crowd.

The civil and military officials knelt on the ground: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"No need for formalities, please rise."

After the civil and military officials stood up, they lined up on both sides.

at this time,

The chief eunuch, Wang De, shouted loudly: "If you have something to say, speak now; if not, roll up the curtain and leave the court."

Chang He stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, when I was patrolling the Pingkang Ward in Beili, I encountered Chu Suiliang."

He was criticizing the government there, and I have already arrested him!

Li Shimin was furious when he thought about this.

At this moment, he felt that there was a reason why Qin Shi Huang and Liu Bang did not like Confucian scholars.

Li Shimin issued an order: "Bring him up!"

"promise!"

Chang He agreed and waved to the guards outside the door. Two guards then brought Chu Suiliang in.

"Kneel down!" Chang He shouted.

Chu Suiliang stood upright without kneeling, his eyes fixed on Chang He!

"You rude brat!" Chang He was about to resort to violence on the spot.

Li Shimin waved his hand: "Forget it, don't force him!"

The two guards withdrew.

Li Shimin carefully examined Chu Suiliang.

Chu Suiliang was tall and handsome, and appeared to be around thirty years old.

Li Shimin, upon seeing this, felt a certain liking for him and asked, "Are you Chu Suiliang, son of Chu Liang?"

"Exactly!"

"General Chang He said you were drinking in Pingkangfang and had some complaints about our court. Is that true?"

Chu Suiliang, head held high and chest puffed out, said, "Indeed! I am not entirely satisfied with the imperial examination system of our Great Tang Dynasty."

"Oh, what are you unhappy about?"

"The Han Dynasty court selected talents through the recommendation system. For example, Cao Cao was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official."

For example, Cao Cao recommended people for the civil service examination.

but,

The recommendation system was clearly unscientific.

In other words, whoever has a close relationship with the official recommending talent is more likely to receive the recommendation opportunity first.

Cao Cao died, and Cao Pi succeeded him.

Cao Pi directly ousted Emperor Xian of Han and became the emperor of Wei.

In order to win over powerful clans and aristocratic families, Cao Pi adopted the Nine-Rank System.

In other words, if the father is an official, his son or grandson may also become an official.

As a result, it is very difficult for people from poor families to enter officialdom.

This system has continued for many years.

In the early Sui Dynasty,

Emperor Wen of Sui and Empress Dugu implemented the imperial examination system.

Regardless, Emperor Wen of Sui did make contributions in this regard.

From then on, people from humble backgrounds also had the opportunity to become officials and serve the imperial court.

Although the Sui Dynasty has fallen, it also produced many talented individuals.

but,

Since the beginning of this year, the imperial examination system in our Great Tang Dynasty has become virtually non-existent.

Many scholars and literati gathered in Beili.

I visited several places there and found many scholars who had been taking the exams for years without success. Does that mean they all lack talent?

Li Shimin's face turned grim: "Chu Suiliang, are you implying that I am a foolish ruler?"

"I'm just stating the facts. If the imperial examination system is to be promoted nationwide, then it must be fair and just."

Li Shimin nodded: "Then tell me, where is it unfair, where is it unjust?"

"Our Tang Dynasty's imperial examination system was an improvement on the Sui Dynasty's system, gradually forming a basic framework with 'regular examinations' and 'special examinations' running in parallel."

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "That's right."

Our imperial examination system is centered on the "Jinshi" and "Mingjing" examinations.

Then, there were two ways to select talents: "students" and "local tribute students".

The two-tiered examination process goes from the local "preliminary examination" to the central "provincial examination".

Let me speak for myself, excluding others.

I have taken the "Standard Examination" three times, and failed each time.

I'm not convinced.

All the officials and civil and military officials found it amusing to hear Chu Suiliang say such a thing.

Fang Xuanling said, "If you take the exam and don't get good results, it means your level isn't good enough. You need to study hard and hone your skills. How can you complain?"

Chu Suiliang looked at Fang Xuanling and said, "Your Excellency, I dare not compare myself to Jia Yi, Dong Zhongshu, or anyone else, but..."

I think my writing is alright!

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling's face darkened: "You really are a madman!"

did you know,

Who are these people standing in front of you?

Kong Yingda, Li Gang, Gao Shilian, and Su Dan—they were all men of immense learning and exceptional talent!

"I have great respect for Confucius; he was a sage."

Not only was Confucius remarkable, but his disciples Zilu, Zigong, Yan Hui, and Zai Yu were also remarkable.

However, the descendants of Confucius are getting worse with each generation.

Especially by the time of Kong Yingda's generation, all they knew was how to beg for land and houses.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Kong Yingda misled and corrupted students.

Upon hearing this, Kong Yingda's beard trembled with anger: "Since accepting His Majesty's appointment, Kong and Lu Deming have worked tirelessly day and night, fearing nothing more than to betray His Majesty's trust in us."

Today, we educate the crown prince to be outstanding, proficient in both literary and martial arts.

Is there anything else you're not satisfied with?

The Crown Prince is very outstanding.

He could be compared to any crown prince in history.

But are those your achievements?

That's because the crown prince is very perceptive; he figured it out on his own.

"You!" Kong Yingda pointed at Chu Suiliang, his beard trembling with anger.

Fang Xuanling advised Li Shimin: "Chu Suiliang has slandered the court, uttered wild words, and insulted the descendants of Confucius. This is really too much and too outrageous."

"He should be beaten to death with sticks as a warning to others!"

Li Shimin asked Dai Zhou of the Court of Judicial Review: "According to the laws of our Great Tang Dynasty, what crime should Chu Suiliang be convicted of?"

After all, Dai Zhou was a kind-hearted person who also valued talent.

He said loudly, "Your Majesty, if the charge of slandering the court is established, it is punishable by death."

However, in my humble opinion, Chu Suiliang's words also have some merit.

Therefore, I suggest that Your Majesty give him an opportunity to write an article in public.

Then, I ask all the ministers to conduct an assessment.

If his writing is indeed quite good,

"His crimes can be forgiven."

Li Shimin was still furious: "Very well, as you say. I will give Chu Suiliang the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to write an article."

If it's written well, not only can it avoid punishment,

"I can also allow him to participate in this civil service examination."

If your writing is offensive, then you will be punished according to the laws of the imperial court.

Chu Suiliang agreed.

At this moment, discussions broke out in the court, and the civil and military officials stepped aside.

The chief eunuch, Wang De, took out a stick of incense, lit it, and placed it in the incense burner.

Then he brought out the Four Treasures of the Study and laid them on the desk.

Chu Suiliang rolled up his sleeves, picked up his brush, and quickly wrote down the "Large Character Yin Fu Jing".

After he finished writing, everyone glanced at the incense stick, which was only half-burned.

The civil and military officials were immediately stunned by Chu Suiliang's calligraphy.

Prior to this, people considered Li Tai's calligraphy to be already outstanding.

However, Chu Suiliang's calligraphy is vigorous and powerful, with a unique style.

Everyone agreed that if Chu Suiliang's calligraphy was second to none in Chang'an, then probably no one would dare to claim first place.

Moreover, this article is well-reasoned and supported by evidence; it is indeed a fine piece of work.

Li Shimin's expression relaxed: "It seems your literary talent and calligraphy are quite good. Well then, I will give you a chance."

On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Jiucheng Palace will be completed.

We will be holding a written examination, and I will grant you a place to take it.

Chu Suiliang did not expect Li Shimin to be so magnanimous and not hold his rudeness against him.

Chu Suiliang asked, "Can this examination be conducted fairly and impartially?"

Li Shimin leaned back on the dragon throne and smiled slightly: "You can ask the Grand Secretary."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and said, "Don't worry, this exam will be jointly reviewed by multiple examiners, ensuring absolute fairness and impartiality."

"In that case, alright."

I will arrive as scheduled on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Li Shimin ordered Chang He to release Chu Suiliang on the spot.

After dealing with this matter, Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief: "My dear ministers, it seems that I have indeed made mistakes."

Wei Zheng stepped forward: "Your Majesty need not blame yourself."

The imperial examination system of our Tang Dynasty was further improved upon the system of the Sui Dynasty, and it was much better than before.

"Let's take Mi Heng from the Three Kingdoms period as an example, putting aside other matters."

Cao Cao invited him to dinner, and he gave Cao Cao a severe scolding.

Cao Cao knew that Mi Heng was a great talent of the time and couldn't bear to kill him.

He sent Mi Heng to Liu Biao, intending to observe his future actions.

Unexpectedly, Mi Heng scolded Liu Biao again.

but,

Liu Biao was not as magnanimous as Cao Cao.

He harbored resentment towards Mi Heng. Even though he knew Huang Zu was a ruthless warlord, he still sent Mi Heng to Huang Zu.

Mi Heng seems to be used to cursing, and he started cursing Huang Zu again.

Huang Zu was cruel and tyrannical.

He doesn't care whether someone is talented or not.

He killed Ni Heng on the spot.

Therefore, later generations felt that Ni Heng died unjustly.

So, why did Ni Heng die?

Where does the root of the problem lie?

If Chu Suiliang had met Cao Cao, would his fate have been the same as that of Mi Heng?

Therefore,

Your humble servant congratulates Your Majesty and the Great Tang Dynasty. It is undeniable that Chu Suiliang is a rare talent.

They will surely become pillars of the imperial court in the future.

The reason he had the opportunity to rise to prominence was because he encountered a wise ruler like His Majesty.

Li Shimin's expression softened slightly after hearing Wei Zheng's words.

Because he also knew that Wei Zheng's words made some sense.

Mi Heng was arrogant and looked down on everyone, cursing anyone he met.

In the end, he died at the hands of Huang Zu.

Objectively speaking, Cao Cao did not want to kill him; it was actually Liu Biao who wanted to kill him!