My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 358: Xuanwu Gate’s Matter Is Not Simple

"Cheng Qian is a kid who is too impatient."

In the Taiji Hall, Li Shimin smiled rarely when he heard that Li Chengqian's order was returned.

The prince is finally going to understand the difficulties of being an emperor.

Otherwise, he would really think that he could do whatever he wanted once he became emperor.

The eunuch Zhang Ananda said, "Your Majesty, I think the Crown Prince's idea is a good one."

Li Shimin nodded: "Yes, that's right. Nowadays, the position of examiner for the imperial examination has become a place of contention among various noble families. Whoever becomes an examiner will mostly recruit their own people."

"The method of obscuring names can indeed provide more options for poor children."

"It's just that the prince has taken too big a step. He doesn't even have control over the court. It's not easy to want to fly before learning to walk."

The eunuch Zhang Ananda asked, "What does your Majesty mean?"

Li Shimin thought for a moment and said, "Let him suffer a little first, so that he can understand my good intentions."
-
Lai Tingfang, the court.

The King of Wei and the King of Jin did not come; they are still recuperating in their palaces.

All officials came to the audience: "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Chengqian: "No need to be polite, everyone please stand up."

After all, the Lai Tingfang palace is a bit small. Now that he cannot enter the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian wants to move to the Daming Palace.

In this way, there would be no need to trouble Li Shimin to move in the future, and he could just live in Taiji Palace.

Li Chengqian was wearing the crown and robes of the crown prince, sitting upright on the throne of regent, his eyes scanning the ministers below the steps with a sharp gaze.

"Today's court meeting will discuss the reform of the imperial examination system."

Li Chengqian said in a deep voice: "I have made up my mind to abolish the system of investment bank documents and implement the method of copying documents with anonymous names. What do you think?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat Cen Wenben stepped out first and said, "Your Highness, the imperial examination system was created in the Sui Dynasty. The method of submitting bank papers and recommending candidates has been in use for many years and has selected countless talents."

"If we abolish it hastily now, something unexpected may happen. And although the method of copying the names of candidates under false pretenses can reduce fraud, it is difficult to examine the candidates' daily talents and conduct, and it may bury the real pillars of society!"

Seeing that it was Cen Wenben who stepped out, Li Chengqian frowned slightly.

Because Cen Wenben was not a member of the Prince of Wei's party, strictly speaking he should belong to the Prince's party, or the Emperor's party.

In the earlier struggle between Li Chengqian and King Wei, Cen Wenben had always remained neutral.

However, this time it involved the foundation of the aristocratic family, so he stood up directly.

The Cen family of Nanyang, Cen Wenben’s distant ancestor Cen Peng was the Chief Justice and General of the Southern Expedition in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and his grandfather Cen Shanfang served as the Minister of Personnel during the Xiao Cha regime of the Western Liang Dynasty.

His father, Cen Zhixiang, served as Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Magistrate of Handan County in the late Sui Dynasty.

Historically, in the 17th year of Zhenguan, Cen Wenben was given the title of Yinqing Guanglu Dafu and was appointed as the Minister of the Central Secretariat.

However, due to the current changes, he still serves as the Secretary of the Central Secretariat.

Cen Wenben was a good official, loyal to the Tang royal family, adhering to the people-oriented principle and advocating stable development.

But now he has stood up to oppose the reform of the imperial examination system.

Li Chengqian said calmly, "Minister Cen is wrong! Nowadays, the imperial examination is full of backdoors and power. The so-called 'examination of daily talent and character' is just a cover for the children of noble families to form cliques and pursue personal interests! Those children from poor families, even if they have amazing talents, will have a hard time making a name for themselves if no one recommends them. How can such a selection be fair?"

Minister of Rites Li Gang stepped out and said, "Your Highness, the imperial examination is the foundation of the country. One move affects the whole body. The rules of the imperial examinations in various places have already been determined. If we change the system now, time is tight and it will be difficult to prepare thoroughly. Moreover, abolishing the investment bank roll may cause panic among scholars all over the world, which is not conducive to the court winning the hearts of the people!"

Li Chengqian's eyes were like knives: "Is Minister Xu using the excuse of time constraints?"

"If we stick to the old ways and allow the malpractices of the imperial examination to grow, we will truly lose the hearts of the scholars of the world! As for the preparations, I have ordered people to formulate detailed regulations. All the prefectures and cities need to do is follow my orders. How can it be said that it is difficult to prepare?"

Upon seeing this, Chu Suiliang stepped out and bowed, "Your Highness, the imperial examination system has been perfected over several generations. The methods of submitting papers and recommending candidates allow examiners to fully understand the candidates and select those who are both virtuous and talented."

"If one's life is determined by just one exam, isn't that too hasty? Moreover, many officials in the court are admitted to the government through bankrolls or recommendations. Your Highness's move is tantamount to denying their achievements, which may chill the hearts of many ministers!"

There was a hint of sneer in Chu Suiliang's tone.

Previously, it was just because of the Prince of Wei's fight for the throne. Now the prince has become confused and is trying to offend the noble families and officials of the court before he even ascends the throne.

You must know that 80% of the officials in the court now came to power through investment banking papers. To deny the investment banking papers is to deny them.

Such a thing, let alone the Crown Prince, even His Majesty may not be able to accomplish it.

Li Chengqian interrupted without hesitation: "Doctor Chu, are you speaking for the children of the noble family?"

"Virtue and talent? Nowadays, many children of aristocratic families can get into the examination hall by relying on their fathers' power and submitting some flashy poems and essays, while children from poor families study hard for ten years but cannot even enter the examination hall."

"Is this what is called having both moral integrity and talent? As for denying the ministers' achievements, I reformed the imperial examination system in order to select real talents for the sake of the Tang Dynasty. How could it be an unwarranted denial?"

Li Chengqian really didn't want to argue with him, but the imperial court was like the courts of later generations. You couldn't just kill someone if they had objections.

Doing this can easily lead to chaos.

Of course, if Chu Suiliang did anything else that violated the law, he would not be tolerated in the slightest.

After court is dismissed today, I will ask someone to investigate.

Historically, Chu Suiliang had a reputation for being greedy for money.

This won't cure him?
Seeing this, Changsun Wuji also stepped forward to advise: "Your Highness, although what Doctor Chu said is biased, the reform of the imperial examination system is indeed of great importance. Now that His Majesty has temporarily appointed Your Highness as regent, wouldn't it be safer if we could discuss this matter with His Majesty before making a decision?"

Many members of the Changsun family also entered the officialdom through investment banking. This time, Li Chengqian's attack was indiscriminate.

Obviously, Changsun Wuji did not want to support the reform of the imperial examination system.

Fang Xuanling had been silent the whole time, but now he stepped out slowly and said, "Your Highness, I am not against the reform, but this method of transcribing under false names may encounter many difficulties in its actual implementation."

“For example, how do we ensure that the transcription process is not tampered with?”

"How to quickly and accurately identify the handwriting of candidates? If these details are not handled properly, the reform will not only fail to achieve the expected results, but will cause more confusion."

Li Chengqian looked at Fang Xuanling with some surprise.

Because Fang Xuanling's words, although seemingly an objection or questioning, were actually a genuine discussion of the pros and cons of the imperial examination system reform, rather than simply finding various reasons to oppose it like others did.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Fang is right. I have ordered people to study countermeasures and set up a special transcription agency supervised by trusted officials. We will use multiple means to ensure the process is fair and transparent. As long as the plan is comprehensive, these problems can be solved."

However, the ministers still refused to give in.

"Your Highness, the reform of the imperial examination system concerns the future and destiny of scholars all over the world, and also the stability of the imperial court."

"Yes, Your Highness, this move has wasted the hard work of many scholars."

"The imperial examination system is supposed to take into account both talent and character. The examination papers can be used to test students' interpersonal skills and adaptability. If this system is abolished, wouldn't it be like cutting off the court's way of identifying talents?"

"It's better to be stable."

"Your Highness, please think twice."

All the officials bowed and said, "Your Highness, please think twice."

The ministers shouted that this was not much different from forcing abdication.

However, facing such a situation, Li Chengqian still said coldly: "I have made up my mind. Three days later, the imperial examination reform decree will be officially issued."

"If any official dares to pretend to obey but actually disobey and obstruct the reform, don't blame me for being rude!"

"Dismiss the court!" After saying that, Li Chengqian stood up and left, leaving the ministers looking at each other in bewilderment.

After the prince left, Chu Suiliang whispered: "The prince is so stubborn and self-righteous, I'm afraid the Xuanwu Gate Incident is not far away."

The sound was not loud, but several people nearby heard it.

Fang Xuanling looked at Chu Suiliang.

This guy is crazy.

Changsun Wuji looked at Chu Suiliang deeply, said nothing, turned and left.

Any disturbance in the court here will be reported to Your Majesty.

Naturally, the same is true of what Chu Suiliang said.

Anyone with common sense knows that this is Chu Suiliang, delivering a message to His Majesty.
-
Lai Tingfang backyard.

Wen Zhong hesitated several times to speak.

Li Chengqian took a look and said, "Just say whatever you want to say. Don't act like you're holding it back."

Wen Zhong bowed and said, "Your Highness, I just think this is a little hasty."

"The reform of the imperial examination system will naturally benefit the Tang Dynasty."

"Just now, for now"

Li Chengqian chuckled: "You mean to say that I don't know the importance of priorities, right?"

"Your Majesty is eyeing me covetously, and the Princes of Wei and Jin are also intent on seizing the throne, but I don't want to deal with them. Instead, I have to offend the aristocratic families and reform the imperial examination system."

"Is that what you mean?"

Wen Zhong knelt on the ground with a plop: "I dare not."

Li Chengqian shook his head slightly: "Get up."

"I did this to reassure your majesty."

"Your Majesty, what are you most worried about now?"

"Your Majesty is gradually recovering, so I, as the regent, will not be able to remain in office for long."

"In Chang'an City, we still have 30,000 Shenwu troops and hundreds of artillery. Your Majesty has never been at ease."

"There are so many spies coming to the courtyard every day, and they all have plans."

"If you want to reassure His Majesty, you have to let him see what he wants to see, but he understands."

Wen Zhong suddenly realized.

It turned out to be the case.

It turns out that they were all for His Majesty to see.

But he hesitated and said, "But regarding the reform of the imperial examination system, officials may not obey the order."

Li Chengqian sneered, "Don't they think I'm arrogant? Then let them see."

"Let me ask you, is the Chang'an Gazette still under control?"

Wen Zhong replied, "Please rest assured, Your Highness. Since Your Highness returned to Chang'an City, I have contacted the court newspaper manager. They have not forgotten Your Highness's kindness and are willing to serve Your Highness."

The Chang'an Dibao was founded by Li Chengqian when he was in the Eastern Palace.

The worker manager inside was also promoted by himself.

Although Your Majesty was in charge of the Chang'an Newspaper when he went on the Eastern Expedition to Goryeo, Your Majesty only replaced the person in charge.

After opening the paper mill, Li Shimin realized that the prince's set of regulations was obviously perfect and smooth.

It would be difficult to replace all the workers in charge of the Chang'an Dibao. Besides, these workers are skilled in their work and replacing them would easily cause trouble.

After Wen Zhong came back this time, after a little contact, naturally a large number of people immediately pledged their allegiance.

The prince's rebellion seemed to have become an open secret.

But for ordinary people, now it is the prince who is regulating the country.

The crown prince is the heir to the throne.

Li Chengqian ordered: "Regarding the rules of the imperial examination reform, have someone copy them on the latest court bulletin. Prepare enough court bulletins and spread them throughout the country as quickly as possible."

After thinking for a while, Li Chengqian said, "When the time comes, my seal as the crown prince will be stamped on the official report."

Wen Zhong was shocked when he heard this: "This, Your Highness, this."

By stamping the prince's seal on the official gazette, does that mean that everyone knows the details of the prince's seal?
Wen Zhong fell to his knees again with a thud, his forehead pressed against the blue brick, his voice filled with anxiety: "Your Highness! You must not stamp the prince's seal on the official newspaper! This prince's seal is a token of identity. Once its full appearance is made public, the consequences will be disastrous!"

Li Chengqian stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes cold: "It's just to let the world know that the reform of the imperial examination system was decided by this prince, what's wrong with that?"

Wen Zhong raised his head, his eyes full of worry: "Your Highness, if the Five Surnames and Seven Families and the people who oppose the court knew the style of the prince's seal, they would definitely copy it secretly."

"In the future, if they forge religious orders, transfer troops, or act in your name to confuse the public, your Highness will not be able to clear himself even if he jumps into the Yellow River!"

"Moreover, the King of Wei and the King of Jin are eyeing you covetously. If they get hold of the details of the seal, they can forge an order to stir up trouble, frame your Highness, and use the opportunity to incite the ministers to impeach you, or even encourage your Majesty to become suspicious of you. All your hard work will be ruined in an instant!"

It makes sense, but Li Chengqian didn't listen.

"The prince's decree seems to be useful, but it actually has many restrictions."

"The seal is used for the imperial newspaper. Anyone who copies it will be killed along with his entire clan."

"For some things, the more people know about them, the less people will dare to oppose them."

"Forget it, you won't understand even if I tell you this, just follow my instructions."

"Have 100,000 more copies of the imperial gazette printed, stamped, and sent to all prefectures overnight. I want to see who dares to question this reform of the imperial examination system!"

If there really is someone with ulterior motives, let alone the seal, he would even dare to forge an imperial edict.

Since ancient times, there have been only a few people who have the ability and courage to forge imperial edicts.

Moreover, whether it was the prince's edict or the emperor's imperial decree, the ability to spread outside the palace was never based on this seal, but on personal ability.

Otherwise, if he is just a puppet emperor, what is the point of this edict?

in contrast.

Li Shimin is wary now, but if he uses his seal to announce it to the world, firmly tying the reform of the imperial examination system to the authority of the prince, then if others want to stop it, wouldn’t that be directly going against the royal family?

Even if Li Shimin wanted to stop the reform, the first thing he had to do was to depose the crown prince.

This move is called retreat to advance.

There is a stalemate in Chang'an City. The only way to break the siege is to make things more chaotic.

It is not so easy to go through Xuanwu Gate.

(End of this chapter)