The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 262 Reforming the Imperial Examination System
The twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, was so astonished by what he saw that he couldn't close his mouth.

Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile.

"If all the people in the world learned this book, wouldn't they be able to do some simple things, and some scholars could emerge from among the common people? Then there would be enough officials in the world!"

"I'm thinking of raising the salaries of officials in a while to encourage integrity!"

"However, the punishment for corrupt officials must also be increased. As long as they dare to break the law or engage in embezzlement and bribery, I will absolutely not let them off!"

Upon hearing this, the twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, fell silent.

If what Zhu Xiong Ying said is true, then this matter may actually be accomplished.

Thinking of this place made his breathing quicken.

"U.A., how did you compile a book like this?"

"The contents are so comprehensive. If they can be widely promoted, the number of literate people in our Great Ming Dynasty will definitely increase significantly in the future!"

At this moment, Zhu Bai's eyes were full of excitement, and his gaze towards Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat different. No wonder Zhu Xiong Ying didn't care about this matter at all; it turned out that he already had a solution.

At this moment, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly said.

"Nowadays, the imperial examination system in our Great Ming Dynasty is becoming increasingly rigid. It consists almost entirely of content from the Four Books and Five Classics, and there was even a fixed format called the Eight-Legged Essay!"

"This is not a good sign. The imperial examination is meant to select talented people for our Great Ming Dynasty. But if those selected are just people who can recite texts but don't understand the law, mathematics, or even the ways of officialdom, then even if such officials take office, they won't accomplish anything!"

"Therefore, I think the direction of the imperial examination should also be changed. Apart from specific official positions that require the Four Books and Five Classics, other examinations should be based on individual needs!"

"For example, the Ministry of Revenue needs a lot of people skilled in calculation and commodity management, so they need to know more about these areas!"

"Officials in the Ministry of Rites are in charge of etiquette and education, as well as exchanges with other countries. Naturally, they need to be thoroughly familiar with the situations in other countries!"

"The Ministry of Justice needs to be extremely familiar with legal provisions and act in accordance with the law!"

"In addition, the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet need to be knowledgeable about all aspects of affairs so that they can assist the Emperor in making decisions!"

……

Zhu Xiong Ying then explained all of her ideas.

Upon hearing this, the twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, felt a chill run down his spine. This was no longer a simple modification of the content of the imperial examinations; it was a complete change of the entire format.

If that's the case, then the officials of the Ming Dynasty in the future...

It will be more professional and the efficiency of the ceremony will be greatly improved.

However, I'm afraid those Confucian scholars might not agree, since these actions would harm their interests.

"Do you think this approach is feasible? Although it would certainly make our Ming Dynasty stronger, there would definitely be no shortage of people who would resist. Many of the officials in the court would oppose it, and the scholars in the countryside would probably not agree either!" Zhu Xiong Ying also had his own thoughts on this, after all, those were scholars who had studied the Four Books and Five Classics for so long.

The admission criteria were suddenly changed.

No one could accept such a thing.

Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile.

"I don't intend for them to accept it completely right away. After all, this is a long and arduous task that can't be solved in a short time. I plan to implement this method of opening doors in parallel with the imperial examinations!"

"Furthermore, the number of people admitted through the special examinations and the corresponding benefits for officials will be increased year by year. I believe that things will change in a short time!"

Zhu Xiong Ying did many things with an extreme eagerness to see results, not because he was too impatient, but because he had the strength to do so. At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the power of aristocratic families and scholars was at its weakest.

Therefore, it was the weakest check on imperial power, which meant that Zhu Xiong Ying could issue any order at the fastest speed.

The resistance from these scholars would be much less.

It was precisely because of this right that Zhu Xiong Ying was not worried about these things. However, this reform could not be accomplished overnight, so he proceeded slowly, giving everyone a period of adaptation and allowing the world to see the effects of this reform of the imperial examination system.

It took the twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, a long time to accept this matter. At this moment, he looked at Zhu Xiong Ying and said firmly.

"If you can really do all this, you will surely create a different kind of peaceful and prosperous era for our Ming Dynasty. I hope that day will come soon. Leave anything that needs to be done to me. Although my abilities are not as good as my older brothers, I can still do some things within my power!"

Zhu Xiong Ying was extremely satisfied with Zhu Bai's appearance, and then looked at Zhu Bai and said.

"Uncle Twelfth, you know what, there's something I really need your help with!"

Zhu Xiong Ying then revealed the enfeoffment reform system that he had previously discussed with Zhu Yuanzhang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

The twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, looked rather displeased upon hearing this. After all, this matter was closely related to him and represented the interests of all the vassal kings. For a moment, he did not know how to express his opinion.

“Xiongying, other things would be easier to handle, but this matter really needs to be handled with caution. Your uncles are not easy to deal with, and some of them don’t really have much ability. If we impose such restrictions on them, I’m afraid their chances of passing the test to go to the border region to lead troops or govern the area will be very slim. Wouldn’t that offend people?”

Zhu Xiong Ying sighed upon hearing this.

"I know what you're saying, but back in the Han Dynasty there was the Rebellion of the Seven States, and in the Jin Dynasty there was the War of the Eight Princes. If things continue like this, who can guarantee that such a thing won't happen again with the princes of our Great Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Bai was startled by these words and hurriedly said...

"Don't worry, Xiong Ying. Your uncles and I would never do such a thing. We were all raised by our elder brother, the Crown Prince, and we are very obedient to him. Even as for Xiong Ying, we highly recognize your abilities and would never do such a thing!"

At this moment, the twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, felt a little flustered. Could it be that Zhu Xiong Ying suspected him? Thinking about how he had been handling matters in the cabinet for some time and how there had been a lot of rumors circulating in the court and among the people, he felt a surge of panic.

Could it be that Xiong Ying heard something? Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and helped the twelfth prince, who had excitedly stood up, back down to sit.

(End of this chapter)