Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

He neither executed Zhang Liang immediately nor forcibly subdued him.

Instead, they used Zhang Liang as a key pawn, a reason to visit the holy land of Confucianism.

The trip to Xiaoshengxianzhuang will determine the ultimate fate of Confucianism.

Inside the secret chamber of the ink core, the dust settled.

The Mohists submitted, the Daoists rejoined the Confucian school, the third leader of the Confucian school was captured, and all the remaining members of the Xiang clan were captured.

The will of the empire, like this shattered mechanical city, has been proclaimed to the world.

A new era is slowly unfolding with the fall of the Mo Clan's Mechanical City.

Chapter 74 discusses the suppression of Xunzi and the submission of Confucianism.

Before the dust had settled on the Mo Clan's mechanical city, the empire's will had already shifted like a giant ship turning in a new direction.

Qin Chuan entrusted Wei Zhuang with all matters, including incorporating the Mohists, dealing with prisoners, and taking over the ruins of the Mechanized City.

Although this Lord of Quicksand was defeated by Gai Nie, his ruthless and efficient methods made him the best candidate to handle the aftermath of the war.

Wei Zhuang's golden vertical pupils swept across the ruins without any objection; he simply nodded coldly.

Qin Chuan, along with Xiao Meng and Zhang Liang, whose internal energy was temporarily sealed and who was guarded by elite guards, left the dilapidated Mechanical Mountain Range in a luxurious yet understated carriage and headed towards the land of Qi and Lu, the sacred place of Confucianism—Xiaoshengxianzhuang.

When Qin Chuan's carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the simple and solemn gate of Xiaoshengxianzhuang, the gate was already wide open.

Led by the sect leader Fu Nian, followed closely by the second-in-command Yan Lu, all the prominent disciples and instructors of the Confucian school, dressed in solemn Confucian robes, stood respectfully on both sides, bowing in welcome.

The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, with a sense of impending storm in the air.

Fu Nian's face was solemn, and deep in his eyes was a profound worry and helplessness.

He knew all too well that in the face of the imperial iron hooves that had destroyed the Mohists and subdued the Daoists, and in the face of this unfathomable imperial emperor, the so-called "leadership" position of the Confucian school was as insignificant as a feather.

He has neither the right nor the ability to negotiate terms.

Therefore, before Qin Chuan could speak, Fu Nian stepped forward, bowed deeply, and spoke in a calm and cautious voice:

"The arrival of Lord Chuan brings great honor to our humble abode, Xiaoshengxianzhuang. Your Majesty's intentions are clear to us. All Confucian scholars will follow the orders of Uncle Xun. If Your Majesty wishes to discuss the Way of the world, please move to the Bamboo Grove Hermitage on the back mountain and meet with Uncle Xun."

He pointed out the core issue directly: the only person who could make decisions within the Confucian school was Xunzi, the most senior and learned scholar.

Qin Chuan nodded slightly, acknowledging Fu Nian's pragmatism. His gaze swept over Yan Lu, who remained silent to the side, and Zhang Liang, whose expression was complex, before finally settling on the secluded bamboo forest behind the manor.

"Thank you for leading the way, Mr. Fu Nian."

The bamboo grove is quiet and secluded, and the elegant residence is serene and refined.

An elderly man with white hair and beard, and a slender face, dressed in a plain scholar's robe, sat quietly on a futon, as if he had become one with the bamboo forest.

Xunzi was the last remaining pillar of Confucianism, a great master of Confucianism after Confucius and Mencius.

Qin Chuan entered the study, and Xiao Meng stood quietly beside him, exuding extraordinary grace.

Zhang Liang was left outside to guard the door.

Xunzi slowly opened his eyes. His eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life, were calm and still, as if he had already seen through everything.

He did not get up, but first looked at Qin Chuan and nodded slightly.

Immediately, his gaze shifted to Zhang Liang's indistinct figure outside the door, a hint of pity flashing in his eyes.

“Zhang Zifang acted rashly and offended the wrath of Heaven. Thanks to His Majesty’s magnanimity, his life was spared and he was brought back to Xiaoshengxianzhuang.”

Xunzi's voice was old and peaceful, yet it carried immense power.

He braced himself on the ground with both hands, slowly rose up, and then bowed deeply to Qin Chuan!

This seemingly simple act of bowing, however, was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a storm in the hearts of everyone inside and outside the retreat!

When Fu Nian, Yan Lu, and other Confucian disciples saw this from outside, they were all shocked and pale!

Xunzi, of such high status and position, actually performed such a grand ceremony before the Lord of Chuan!

Zhang Liang was trembling violently. Seeing his uncle bowing and scraping before him, a huge wave of shame and bitterness surged into his heart, and he almost lost his balance.

Qin Chuan remained calm and composed, accepting Xunzi's bow.

Xunzi's bow actually had two profound meanings.

Firstly, we are grateful that Qin Chuan did not kill or severely punish Zhang Liang on the spot in the Mo Family's Mechanical City, giving the Confucian school a chance to handle the matter, thus saving Zhang Liang's life and preserving some of the Confucian school's reputation.

Secondly, this bow was a way of repaying Qin Chuan for sparing Zhang Liang's life.

Debts of gratitude are the hardest to repay, especially those involving life and death. Xunzi's initiative to "repay" this debt with such a grand ceremony was precisely to cut off any possibility that Qin Chuan might use this favor as leverage in the future.

He anticipated that Qin Chuan might back down or decline, thus allowing him to occupy a morally superior position and gain the upper hand in subsequent negotiations.

However, Qin Chuan's acceptance of the gift thwarted Xunzi's second plan.

This young emperor not only saw through his intentions, but also showed with extraordinary confidence and composure that he disdained to use "personal connections" to achieve his goals.

What he wanted was something on a higher level.

Xunzi straightened up, his deep gaze revealing genuine solemnity and scrutiny for the first time. The emperor before him was far more extraordinary than he had imagined.

Qin Chuan, seeing the glint in Xunzi's eyes, calmly spoke:

"Master Xun, there's no need for such formality. I spared Master Zifang's life not out of personal affection, but because his talent and learning are worthy of being cultivated, and it would be a pity to kill him. I have come here today not to question him or to seek repayment for his kindness."

His gaze was piercing, fixed directly on Xunzi:

"I wish to discuss a system with you, Master. If this system can be implemented throughout the world, it will enable children from humble backgrounds to advance their careers, bring all the talents of the world into the empire's fold, and ensure that academic thought can be standardized, passed down, and carried forward."

Furthermore, it can continuously cultivate talents needed by the nation in various fields such as governance, law, industry, agriculture, astronomy, and geography, so that the teachings of all schools of thought can be used for the prosperity of the empire and the well-being of the people.

Xunzi raised an eyebrow, his interest growing stronger: "Oh? I'd like to hear more details."

Qin Chuan slowly revealed his long-conceived plan: "This system is called the 'Imperial Examination'."

Next, Qin Chuan elaborated on the core of the imperial examination system:

The system of hereditary official positions and the abuses of recommendation and selection were abolished, and talent was selected through a unified examination.

The exam content is based on Confucian classics as its ideological foundation and moral standard, while also extensively covering the essence of various schools of thought, such as Legalism, Agriculture, Mohism, Military Strategy, and Yin-Yang Numerology. It also includes a policy essay section to test candidates' ability to handle current affairs and govern the country.

The selection process was divided into three levels: the provincial examination, the metropolitan examination, and the palace examination.

Regardless of social status, only talent matters.

The empire will establish official schools to systematically teach the necessary knowledge, providing a ladder for students throughout the land...

As Qin Chuan narrated, Xunzi's usually calm and composed face showed a dramatic change for the first time!

His eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life, widened and shone with disbelief!

He instantly understood the weight of the words "imperial examination" and its grand scope that far exceeded the scope of a single school of thought!

This will be a powerful tool to completely break the monopoly of knowledge and official positions held by aristocratic clans!

For children from impoverished families to rise above their circumstances, the only way is through diligent study. This will greatly promote the popularization of education!

Confucianism, as the moral cornerstone and foundational classic, holds an unshakeable position, while other schools of thought can also find their place and play their strengths in the system of selecting talents for the country.

The empire will gain a well-structured talent pool that integrates the strengths of various schools of thought.

By basing its morality and ideology on Confucian classics, the unity of mainstream values ​​and social stability have been ensured.

At the same time, allowing and encouraging the study and assessment of the various schools of thought during the Hundred Schools of Thought period not only respected academic traditions but also guided the ideas of these schools of thought toward serving the construction of the empire and solving practical problems, thus forming an orderly academic vitality.

This is more effective than any coercive means in consolidating the foundations of the empire and stimulating creativity.

This is a perfectly legitimate and open strategy!

It is through systems, benefits, and the most upright and transparent methods that we select, cultivate, and reserve talent for the country!

Confucianism held a lofty position as an important ideological cornerstone and educational force; other schools of thought could also find avenues to realize their ambitions within the framework of the empire.

This system itself is a symbol of the empire's long-term stability and inclusiveness!

This is hardly a system.

This is simply a magnificent blueprint to lay the foundation for an empire that will last forever and to usher in a new chapter of civilization!

It transcends simple power struggles and academic disputes, pointing directly to the fundamental issue of national governance: talent!

Xunzi's breathing became somewhat rapid. Throughout his life, he pursued "transforming human nature and cultivating artifice" and "using both rites and laws," deeply understanding the importance of popularizing education, selecting virtuous and capable individuals, and being inclusive.

The scope and inclusiveness of this "imperial examination system" far exceeded his initial expectations!

It not only solidified Confucianism's position as the cornerstone of social ethics, but also paved the way for other schools of thought to participate in national governance.

The way he looked at Qin Chuan had completely changed.

It was no longer a matter of scrutiny and solemnity, but rather a profound shock and an excitement and admiration akin to "If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening"!

This emperor's vision and breadth of mind far surpassed his time!

“Your Majesty…this strategy…this strategy…” Xunzi’s voice trembled slightly, and he was speechless for a moment.

He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Qin Chuan this time, a bow that came from the bottom of his heart and from the depths of his admiration.

"Your Majesty's vision and foresight are truly awe-inspiring! This imperial examination system, which embraces all schools of thought and selects talents for the country, is indeed a great undertaking that benefits the nation and its people and will last for generations! To be able to participate in the founding of this system is a great fortune for Confucianism, a great fortune for all scholarship in the world, and a great fortune for all the people of the empire!"

He straightened up, his aged face radiating an unprecedented glow, as if he had become ten years younger:

"I, Xun Kuang, once said that I would live in seclusion and find solace in nature. But now that I have heard of Your Majesty's magnificent and all-encompassing policies, if I were to stand idly by, would I not be wasting all my learning and failing the scholars of the world?"

This old man is willing to return to public life, leading the Confucian school and dedicating all his knowledge to promoting this system for His Majesty, to educate the people of the empire, and to organize the various schools of thought, doing my utmost in my humble efforts!

Outside the hermitage, although Fu Nian, Yan Lu, and the others could not hear the specific content, Xunzi's excited voice and his final declaration of "willing to return to the mountains" could be heard clearly!

Like a thunderclap from a clear sky!

Fu Nian, Yan Lu, and all the Confucian disciples were stunned! They knew how firm Xunzi's will was; once he said he would retire from the world, he would never concern himself with worldly affairs.

What earth-shattering thing did Chuan Jun propose that could excite this Confucian master, who had long since transcended worldly affairs, to volunteer to return to public life?!

Zhang Liang was struck dumb, frozen in place!

He understood his uncle Xunzi better than anyone else; Xunzi's pride and wisdom would never be subdued by power.

What could make a teacher lose their composure like this, and so willingly submit and serve them...?

Zhang Liang's unwavering commitment to restoring his kingdom and overthrowing the Qin Dynasty seemed so pale and laughable at this moment!