Traveling through the emperor, overthrowing the empress dowager at the beginning

Inside the Taiqian Hall, scholars were whispering and discussing among themselves.

Ye Chen sat upright on the dragon throne, watching all this quietly.

He knew very well that this was the first time the imperial examination was being implemented. It would be a fantasy to want to directly replace all the civil servants in the court with the scholars selected through the imperial examination.

He first served as a Grand Secretary and became familiar with how the six ministries operated.

Then, step by step, replace the old officials of the six ministries.

While establishing the civil service system, Lin Ziyun also wanted to build grassroots civil servants across the country.

These scholars were sent out with the mission of education, and they were allowed to prove their abilities through the results of their education.

The reason for choosing Longxi

This is because the powerful families in Hedong, Bingzhou, Yanzhou, Jingzhou and other places near the capital have already started fighting and are obviously on the same side as Yang Dechang.

However, there has been no unusual movement of troops in Longxi. It is not because the local nobles in Longxi cannot afford to support too many soldiers, but because most of Longxi's troops are stationed on the border to resist the invasion of the Qiang people.

Moreover, the main general of the northwest border has now been controlled by Ye Chen.

Under such circumstances, it is quite appropriate to strengthen grassroots control over Longxi and send these students there.

In addition, Ye Chen knew very well that among many of the students present, many children from poor families had already acquired the ability to educate the people in the capital through practice, and they would be more likely to stand out in this competition.

Children from poor families are easier to win over and more trustworthy.

Of course, if there is a young man from a noble family with extraordinary abilities, Ye Chen will also make use of him after examining him.

At this moment, Ye Chen slowly opened his mouth, his voice low and powerful, like a huge bell echoing in the hall.

"Quiet."

In the entire Taiqian Palace, everyone looked at Ye Chen.

"This is the first time that the imperial examination is being held. I intend to use you to replace the civil servants in the court, but this cannot be accomplished overnight; it requires a gradual process.

"I intend to promote grassroots civil service throughout the country and send you to various places in the name of education."

"But the first place I have chosen is Longxi."

"Let's start casting lots from the Golden Urn now. Stop whispering."

Ye Chen's gaze swept over everyone again, and his majestic eyes made everyone dare not look directly at him.

His imperial aura was clearly felt by everyone present, as if he could decide everyone's fate with just a glance.

This invisible pressure makes the students feel both awe and anticipation.

The Golden Urn Lottery began.

As for the assistant ministers needed by the six ministries, each ministry must retain at least eight, which means that among the more than 300 candidates, only one out of six can directly enter the six ministries.

Only the top three and second place in the imperial examinations can directly become ministers.

Ye Chen gently picked up the golden bottle and began to shake it slowly.

The maesters stared at him without blinking, their eyes full of tension and expectation.

Jade sticks were cast one after another, and the fate of each scholar was decided. Jia Ban stood in the crowd, his figure slightly thin, but he exuded a resolute aura.

When he saw that he did not become a minister, he felt helpless and unwilling, but when he learned that he was assigned to the Ministry of War and became the head of the Ministry of War's Grand Secretary, he had the power to manage other bachelors.

He was immediately satisfied.

As the lot-casting process progressed, the candidates' expressions varied: some were ecstatic at having been chosen, while others looked dejected at having had bad luck.

Finally, the selection of all students has been completed.

Ye Chen said in a low voice: "Back off."

The eunuch who delivered the message then repeated it.

After everyone left, Ye Chen looked at Cheng'en with a hint of concern in his eyes: "Cheng'en, tell Qiu'er to settle all these people.

If there are children from poor families who are having a hard time, give them some money."

Living in the capital is not easy.

It’s okay for the aristocratic families.

But he was from a poor family.

Only after completely replacing the positions of those assistant ministers will the students' income increase significantly.

Ye Chen must at least ensure that those children from poor families do not have any financial worries for the next two or three months.

Cheng'en bowed respectfully and replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will see to it."

After Ye Chen chose the person, he stood up and walked out of Taiqian Hall with steady steps.

Then he sat on the emperor's ceremonial procession and headed towards the Yangxin Palace.

Along the way, he was in a good mood, with a slight smile on his face, and even humming a little tune.

As soon as he stepped into the Yangxin Palace with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, he just wanted to have a good rest.

These days, the imperial examination has also affected his rest.

However, before he could summon Cheng'en to find Madam Xue to listen to the music, Cheng'en came hurriedly like a gust of wind, holding a letter respectfully in his hand.

"Your Majesty, this was sent in from outside the city."

Ye Chen raised his eyebrows slightly, gently took the letter, unfolded it, and scanned the contents of the letter.

"Ah!"

Ye Chen laughed.

"It seems my strategy of sowing discord has worked. These local noble families are truly not of one mind."

Ye Chen then stood up and walked to the window, looking into the distance, thinking about his next plan.

"The number of Jingzhou soldiers has decreased, which proves that they won't be here for long. Once they retreat, Hulao Pass will be in our hands. By then, that old thief Yang Dechang will be gone too."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Ye Chen's eyes.

As soon as Yang Dechang leaves office, there will definitely be a reckoning!

Ye Chen will kill all of Edward Yang and his followers

He turned to Cheng En and said, "Give orders to continue to closely monitor the movements of the Jingzhou army. Do not slack off in the slightest."

Cheng En quickly responded, "I obey your command."

After Cheng'en left.

Ye Chen asked someone to invite Madam Xue.

At this moment, he just felt that everything was fine today, the important matters had been dealt with, and he could take a break.

In the prime minister's house.

Yang Dechang sat alone in the courtyard, drinking by himself.

In the past, he often indulged in debauchery during the day and enjoyed luxurious pleasures, but now, he no longer has the mind to do so.

He knew in his heart that Ye Chen's series of actions today were like a sharp sword, stabbing directly at the civil service foundation he had painstakingly built up over the years.

The system he painstakingly built was being systematically dismantled by Ye Chen.

Yang Dechang's face seemed calm and deep, but his heart was like a lit powder keg. The anger almost swallowed him whole, and he was so angry that his lungs were about to explode.

However, he could only endure it and not act rashly.

He knew very well that the current situation was not favorable to him and he had to maintain stability.

His influence in the entire capital, the court, and even the surrounding areas has been greatly weakened, and he no longer has enough power to stop Ye Chen.

Just as he was drinking in boredom, the steward of the Prime Minister's Mansion hurried over in small steps, came to his side, and respectfully handed him a piece of brocade.

Yang Dechang took the silk and slowly unfolded it. His eyes swept over the contents, and the corners of his mouth immediately raised upwards. A sinister smile flashed in his eyes, and he said, "Very good, let Cai Tian continue, and let the little emperor let down his guard!"

"Yes!"

The butler trotted off to deliver the order.

Yang Dechang picked up the wine glass and drank it all

Although he has to endure sometimes, it doesn't mean he can't do anything!

He is going to teach Ye Chen a good lesson now.

When Ye Chen understood the consequences of insisting on his own way and provoking the powerful families!