Princess Promotion

Yao Chuguang was leisurely sipping tea in the room when suddenly a hearty laugh came in, almost knocking over her teacup.

As soon as she heard it, she knew it must be her impetuous uncle who had come.

"Why did my uncle come to the palace today?" Yao Chuguang put down the teacup in his hand and stood up to greet him.

Duke Li: "I have almost finished the things on hand and will return to the border in a few days."

Yao Chuguang nodded. The State of Qi had fought two wars in a row. Although it won both battles, it also suffered heavy losses and was severely damaged.

The surrounding countries have begun to stir and may take a bite at any time, so Duke Li must return to the border to take charge.

Duke Li was well aware of the complexity and subtleties of the court. He knew that the ministers who were purged deserved their punishment, but their absence undoubtedly brought a great shock to the court.

In the court, every vacancy is like a potential crack. If it is not filled in time, it may turn into an irreversible disaster at any time.

Duke Li said earnestly, "Achu, those corrupt officials should indeed be removed, but we cannot ignore the real problems at court. Those vacant positions urgently need to be filled."

Yao Chuguang nodded in agreement, "Uncle, what you said is absolutely right. What are your thoughts?"

Duke Li pondered for a moment and said, "I plan to have Xinghan bring back some civil servants from the border areas to temporarily fill these vacancies. Although they may be lacking in skills, they can at least ensure the basic operation of the court."

However, Yao Chuguang shook his head: "Uncle, your idea is good, but the border also needs manpower. If we withdraw too many civil servants from the border, I am afraid it will affect the stability of the border defense."

After hearing this, Duke Li couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

He knew that Yao Chuguang was right. The stability of the border was equally important and could not be easily shaken.

Seeing this, Yao Chuguang smiled slightly and said, "Uncle, I have a better idea."

Yao Chuguang knew very well that the hereditary system and the recommendation system had played a positive role in history.

But as time goes by, they have gradually become tools of the powerful, making social classes increasingly solidified and the flow of talent seriously hindered.

As a person with a modern soul, she clearly realized that profound institutional reforms were necessary to break this monopoly.

Yao Chuguang decided to introduce the imperial examination system to replace the existing official selection system.

She was well aware of the advantages of the imperial examination system, which not only selected talents fairly but also stimulated social vitality and creativity.

After hearing Yao Chuguang's proposal, Duke Li was deeply shocked.

He was well aware of the superiority of the imperial examination system, which was undoubtedly a good way to break the existing interest structure and select real talents.

However, he was also clearly aware that any major reform would touch the sore spots of vested interests, and the imperial examination system was no exception.

Duke Li frowned, the implementation of the imperial examination system would be a tough battle.

Once the interests of the powerful are damaged, they will surely rise up to attack, and may even trigger a political storm.

However, Yao Chuguang appeared remarkably calm and said, "Then let Cousin Xinghan go to court carrying a sword. Anyone who objects will be beaten until they submit."

After hearing this, Duke Li almost laughed out loud.

He didn't expect Yao Chuguang to come up with such a "simple and crude" method.

"Chu Guang, your method... does make some sense." Duke Li had to admit that although this method was rough, it did work.

But just because the powerful and wealthy cannot oppose it openly does not mean they will not take action in private.

Duke Li's concerns were not groundless.

In this era, life for ordinary people was already difficult. It was not easy to have enough food and clothing, let alone read and write.

However, the children of powerful and influential people are able to enjoy high-quality educational resources, and they naturally do not want to see their advantages weakened.

Duke Li was worried that the powerful and influential families would unite and no one would come to take the imperial examinations, and the imperial examination system would not be implemented.

Yao Chuguang suddenly changed the subject and asked whether Duke Li knew Mr. Liu, a retainer under Minister Wu of the Ministry of Justice.

Duke Li was bewildered, not knowing what Yao Chuguang was up to, but he still answered truthfully that he didn't know.

Seeing this, Yao Chuguang smiled slightly and asked, "Then you should know Minister Wu, right?"

Duke Li nodded, indicating that he did know the Minister of Justice.

Yao Chuguang continued, "You know, every day when Minister Wu goes to the Ministry of Justice, he basically just lies on a recliner and sleeps, but strangely, he handles his official duties quickly and effectively."

Duke Li couldn't help but frown when he heard this.

Yao Chuguang continued, "Actually, the secret lies with Mr. Liu! Mr. Liu is Minister Wu's retainer and his true right-hand man."

"Mr. Liu handles all the official business quietly behind the scenes, while Minister Wu only needs to enjoy the benefits of power."

After hearing this, Duke Li finally understood what Yao Chuguang meant.

Yao Chuguang: "There are many people like Wu Shangshu in the court. They appear to be doing nothing, but in fact they rely on the power of their retainers to maintain their status and power."

"These people occupy a large number of positions but cannot make any real contribution to the country."

Yao Chuguang stood by the window, his eyes looking through the lush green courtyard, as if he could see the guests busy in the mansions of the powerful.

Her voice was deep: "Uncle, do you know why those retainers, who are obviously capable and competent, are willing to serve those powerful and wealthy children who are not as good as them?"

Duke Li fell silent. He knew that there were often complicated reasons behind the choices made by his retainers.

Yao Chuguang continued, "Perhaps some retainers join the powerful out of gratitude or other reasons."

"But most people do it because they have no other choice. In this world, for ordinary people, being a retainer of the powerful is their best fate."

Duke Li sighed, he understood that what Yao Chuguang said was true.

Although those retainers were talented, they had to bow to reality.

They may have had lofty ambitions, but in the end they could only seek stability under the protection of the powerful.

Yao Chuguang stared at Duke Li, his eyes firm and bright, like the Big Dipper in the night sky, guiding the direction.

She spoke slowly, "Uncle, I've never worried about the implementation of the imperial examination system. Even though there are many opponents among the powerful, there will be even more who support it. All we need to do now is to open a gap, allowing those in the dark night to glimpse a ray of light."

Upon hearing this, Duke Li's heart was filled with ripples.

He was well aware of the importance of the imperial examination system, but also the difficulties and obstacles involved.

However, Yao Chuguang's words gave him hope, as if there was an invisible force pushing him forward.

Yao Chuguang continued, "Once people see the dawn of hope, they will find the direction to move forward."

At that time, talented people will no longer have to succumb to the oppression of the powerful, and will no longer have to give up their dreams for a living.

The imperial examination system would open a door to success for them and give them the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and ambitions.

Duke Li was infected by Yao Chuguang's passion, and the doubts in his heart gradually dissipated.

He knew very well that what Yao Chuguang said was true and that the imperial examination system was indeed a path worth exploring.

"Uncle, you can go back to the border and watch the show without worry. I will take care of the things here." Yao Chuguang said with a smile.

Duke Li stared at Yao Chuguang, his eyes flashing with admiration and pride, and an indescribable pride surged in his heart.

Although his niece is young, she has extraordinary wisdom and courage.

Since Yao Chuguang dared to say such words, he must be absolutely sure.

Duke Li suddenly remembered Yao Chuguang's bold words just now. She said that if any powerful person dared to oppose the imperial examination system, she would let Xinghan beat him.

At first, he thought it was just a joke, but now thinking about it carefully, with Yao Chuguang's personality and style of doing things, she could indeed do such a thing.

Thinking of this, Duke Li couldn't help but laugh, and actually felt a little sympathy for those powerful people.

He knew that although Yao Chuguang looked weak, she was as tough as iron on the inside. Once she made a decision, she would carry it out without hesitation.

Duke Li walked out of the study slowly. He always felt that he had forgotten something, but when he thought about it carefully, he had no clue.

Duke Li scratched his head and thought, "Forget it, forget it. Since I've forgotten it, it must not be a big deal."

At this moment, Li Yinhan, who was thousands of miles away, was desperately rushing towards the imperial capital.

Suddenly, Li Yinhan sneezed and his body trembled involuntarily.

"Hey, what's going on? Is someone saying bad things about me behind my back?" Li Yinhan muttered in his heart, but he didn't care too much and continued to urge the horse forward.