A family of loyal martyrs, starting with nine wives to continue the family line.

Wei Zhao nodded slowly.

He looked at the locations on the military map that Fang Fuyao had marked, and tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the edge of the imperial desk.

Military merit system.

These three words sound simple, but when applied to the world, they become an axe capable of splitting the bones of an old dynasty.

He had previously wanted to implement the imperial examination system, recruit talented individuals, and bring all those from humble backgrounds, border officials, accountants, craftsmen, and doctors into the new dynasty's network.

But the problem is right in front of us: the world is not yet settled, the examination halls have not yet been established, the examiners have not yet been cleaned up, and powerful families still hold the power of pen, paper, academies, recommendations, and reputation.

Pushing forward with the imperial examination system now may not be the solution.

It might just be giving those old foxes a new bowl to eat meat from.

When the time comes, the Wang, Zheng, and Cui families can simply turn around and stuff their children into the examination hall, keeping the poor families out of the exam, and then write a few articles praising the new Wu Shengming.

Good guy.

I worked so hard to conquer the world, only to have you continue your monopoly in a different way?

That's wishful thinking.

However, the military merit system is different.

The military merit system was crude.

It's as thick as a knife.

If you have the ability, go to the battlefield and make a name for yourself.

It can kill enemies, capture flags, defend cities, protect grain, make crossbows, heal the wounded, and scout ahead—all count.

This is the kind of path that aristocratic families dislike the most.

Because they can monopolize the academy, but they can't monopolize life on the battlefield.

You can buy articles, but you can't buy the courage to charge into battle.

Students and former subordinates can praise each other, but they can't expect a peasant to cut off the enemy general's head and then pretend nothing happened.

This is what Wei Zhao wanted.

First, promote a group of people using the military merit system.

A group of people who fought their way out from among the common people, soldiers, craftsmen, doctors, and border officials.

They were ruthless, had merits, owned land, held titles, and were bound to the new Wu dynasty.

These people wouldn't have known etiquette from the start, nor would they necessarily be able to write beautiful articles; some of them even spoke so crudely that they could drive the Ministry of Rites crazy.

But they are loyal.

At least when the new Wu Dynasty gave them land, official positions, and a way to turn their lives around, they were more willing to serve the new dynasty than those aristocratic lords.

Because the old dynasty wouldn't give them a way out.

Xinwu was given.

This is enough.

When the war is over, the rebel kings are quelled, the Holy Fire Sect is disbanded, the land is re-registered, and the prefectures and counties are re-established, what will these newly rich military merits do?

They will make sure their children go to school.

They'll spend money to hire a doctor.

They would send the brightest children in the village to school.

This will force those poor scholars who could only copy books for wealthy families to finally have the opportunity to stand in the spotlight.

At that time, reopening the imperial examinations will not be just a matter of an imperial edict.

Rather, there is already a group of people in the world who are really looking forward to this road opening up.

Wei Zhao's eyelids twitched slightly at this thought.

This woman didn't come to offer advice.

She was drawing up the framework of the new Wu Dynasty for the next few decades for him.

Military merit comes first, then the imperial examination.

First, use the battlefield to break down barriers, then use exams to hold the door open.

Fang Fuyao stood in front of the imperial desk, neither urging him nor taking the opportunity to say a few more words to elevate her own status.

This made Wei Zhao even more satisfied.

There are many people who can talk.

There are few people who know how to shut up.

Especially when the emperor is already interested, being able to refrain from showing off further is a skill in itself.

Wei Zhao knew, of course, that this wasn't just one idea; it was a series of messy problems strung together into one.

No money?

Smash the rebel king, confiscate the property of those who sided with the rebels.

No food?

They seized the rebel king's granary and opened the secret granaries of powerful clans.

No morale among the soldiers?

Granting land to soldiers based on their military merits made them understand why they fought so hard.

Is the Holy Fire Cult coercing displaced people?

Then let the refugees see that following the sacred flame only means drinking a bowl of porridge, while following the new Wu Dynasty to quell the rebellion will truly mean receiving land.

Are the established families adopting a wait-and-see approach?

Then tell them that if they stand on the wrong side, the land is their reward; if they stand on the right side, they still have to give up a portion in exchange for their lives.

Is there no one capable in the court?

Promote those who have made military achievements, select those who have made outstanding contributions, and then gradually introduce the imperial examination system.

The game was originally in disarray, with money, supplies, and troops all stuck in a rut.

Fang Fuyao's mention of the military merit system managed to pry open a loophole in the deadlock.

Wei Zhao felt much less tired.

it is good.

Finally, someone who can get things done has arrived.

He is not someone who kowtows, writes empty words, or only advises him to repent.

This girl is useful.

Moreover, they should be reused.

The Vice Minister of Rites, having endured it for so long, finally couldn't hold back and knelt down, saying:

"Your Majesty, the granting of land based on military merit is a matter of national importance. Although Miss Fang has insightful views, she is still young and holds no official position. If she were to participate in state affairs, I'm afraid..."

Wei Zhao looked at him.

The vice minister stopped mid-sentence.

What are you afraid of?

Is it possible for those from poor families to rise up?

Is it possible that new military elites are emerging?

I'm afraid that you people who have relied on the old dynasty's recommendations for decades will be kicked aside.

Wei Zhao smiled.

"Is this against ancestral customs?"

The Vice Minister of Rites pressed his forehead to the ground and said, "Your subject dares not."

"If you're scared, shut up."

Wei Zhao's voice was not loud.

The Vice Minister of Rites immediately bent his back even lower.

The faces of the former officials in the hall all turned grim.

Wei Zhao saw it very clearly.

It's not that they don't understand Fang Fuyao's methods.

It is precisely because I understood that I am afraid.

Once the military merit system was implemented, the official positions held by former officials became worthless.

The academies held by aristocratic families were no longer the only entrance.

Those who emerge from the battlefield, workshops, and supply lines will squeeze into the imperial court, carrying with them blood, sweat, and merit.

Of course, this group of people was afraid.

Just be afraid.

If the new Wu dynasty continues to let them sleep soundly, then I might as well let Lu Song come back and sit on this dragon throne.

Wei Zhao raised his eyes and looked at Fang Fuyao.

Fang Fuyao.

Fang Fuyao bowed, "Your subject is here."

"Did your grandfather send you here to pave the way for Fangmen, or to serve the world?"

That's a very direct question.

Su Qingyun glanced at Wei Zhao but didn't interrupt.

Hua Jieyu's smile faded slightly.

Nie Yinniang stood in the shadows, her fingers close to her sleeve again.

If Fang Fuyao answers even one wrong word, there will be no more disciples of the Fang Sect in the Taihe Hall.

Wei Zhao was short of people, but he would not accept the use of his reputation to blackmail his ancestors.

Fang Fuyao looked up, her eyes steady.

"My grandfather's reputation cannot protect me for a lifetime."

She paused.

"If Fang Men only cares about his reputation and does nothing, then he is no different from those upright officials of the old dynasty."

Several former officials in the hall twitched their faces.

Fang Fuyao continued:

"I came to Xinwu not to pave the way for Fangmen, but to seek a path for myself where I can make a living. If I fail, Your Majesty can execute me, and my grandfather will have no grounds for complaint."

Wei Zhao narrowed his eyes.

it is good.

This answer is much better than empty words.

She didn't say anything about dying for the people, nor did she bring up Fang Zhaoru to intimidate others.

She was talking about getting things done.

If it can't be done, cut it down.

simple.

Clean.

Wei Zhao liked these kinds of words.

Because the current Wu Dynasty has no shortage of people who shout slogans, but it lacks people who are willing to risk their lives to get things done.

Liu Jingshuang suddenly spoke up: "The army uses a merit-based system. What happens if a general falsifies his report?"

Fang Fuyao turned to her, "You'll be held jointly responsible."

Liu Jingshuang looked at her.

Fang Fuyao said, "If a battalion makes a false report, the commander will be demoted, and the military judge will be punished accordingly. Those who claim credit for others will have their credit revoked, and those who commit serious offenses will be executed. If the person whose credit was claimed can provide evidence, their credit will be increased by one level."

Huo Qingluan also looked up, "How will the credit for breaking the formation be divided?"

"Record the actions of the front, middle, and rear of the formation. Luring the enemy, blocking the breach, cutting down the flag, and stabilizing the formation should all be recorded separately. Don't just reward the first person to charge in."

Huo Qingluan remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

Shang Wanqing abruptly asked, "Who verifies the craftsman's merits?"

Fang Fuyao looked at her and said, "The Ordnance Department, the frontline commander, and the battalion using the crossbows must sign a document. If a crossbow breaks on the battlefield, the person who made it will be punished. If a crossbow saves a battalion, the person who made it will be rewarded."

Shang Wanqing's eyes lit up.

Xie Daoning said softly, "What if the wounded soldiers die after the physicians treat them?"

Fang Fuyao answered quickly, "I will review the initial diagnosis of the injuries, the medication used, and the records. Those who fail to provide aid when they could be saved will be punished, while those who do their utmost but fail to save the patient will not be punished. Those who save the seriously injured will be commended."

Xie Daoning gripped his sleeve with his fingertips, his eyes a little red, but he didn't ask any more questions.

Seeing this scene, Wei Zhao felt completely at ease.

This is not just empty talk.

She can handle every question.

It would be a waste to keep someone like that as an ordinary advisor.

Should it be placed in the Six Ministries?

He will be dragged down by the old officials using the regulations.

Give me a position as a vice minister?

If the name is not correct, it cannot control people.

If you're going to use her, you have to give her a position that no one else dares to touch.

Wei Zhao raised his hand, and the hall immediately fell silent.

"deliver an imperial order."

The official in charge of ceremonies was taken aback for a moment, then quickly knelt down and said, "Your subject is here."

Wei Zhao looked at Fang Fuyao and said, word by word:

"Fang Fuyao has rendered meritorious service in offering his strategies and possesses the means to govern chaos. From this day forward, he shall be appointed as the new Imperial Preceptor of Wu."