The emperor faked his death? Never mind, I will ascend the throne directly!

"Examiners are not limited to those old scholars in the Hanlin Academy.

"It would be wise to select experienced people from all walks of life. Only in this way can we select truly talented pillars of society."

Li Chengfeng listened with great interest and nodded in agreement from time to time.

He originally only wanted to address the symptoms, after all, the resistance to reform was very great, but he did not expect that this young man would come up with a fundamental solution.

Thinking of this, he raised his head and motioned Zhang Yuan to continue.

"As for the admission criteria,"

Zhang Yuan paused for a moment, "How can one judge a person's ability based on just a test paper?"

"I boldly suggest that, in addition to the written test, an interview session should be added, personally assessed by Your Majesty to examine their adaptability and practical skills."

Interview? Zhang Yuan's suggestion was exactly what Li Chengfeng was planning to do.

This is just like modern job recruitment.

As he spoke, Zhang Yuan's eyes lit up: "In the long run, we can set up a special institution to select and train talents and reserve talents for the country."

"This way, we can break the monopoly of the imperial court by the aristocratic families and give more talented people the opportunity to serve the country!"

Li Chengfeng nodded: "We no longer need to rely on recommendations from aristocratic families, and the country can continuously obtain fresh blood."

"Zhang Yuan,"

There was a hint of appreciation in his tone. "What you said is very much in line with my opinion. I will leave the matter of the imperial examination reform to you."

After a pause, Li Chengfeng raised his voice, "From today on, I appoint you as the 'Director of the Seal Verification Department of the Ministry of Personnel', with full authority over this matter."

"The selection of examiners for the imperial examinations and the election of civil servants are solely under my control. I have no control over other officials!"

Zhang Yuan suddenly looked up, his heart pounding, and a surge of blood rushed to his forehead.

The emperor actually entrusted such an important task to me!

Imperial examination reform, what a big deal!

Many old ministers and scholars were discouraged, but I, a fledgling student, actually won the favor of the emperor!

Your Majesty, what a magnanimous person you are!

His career was so smooth, it was like a miracle.

Zhang Yuan secretly made up his mind that he would not let down His Majesty's expectations and would go all out to implement the imperial examination reform and select talents for the country!

"I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

After dealing with the imperial examination, Li Chengfeng rushed to the Prime Minister's Mansion without stopping.

He needed a strong ally, and Prime Minister Song Zelin was undoubtedly the best candidate.

Song Zelin was reading in the study at this time. When he saw Li Chengfeng coming, he quickly stood up to greet him.

"Your Majesty, how come you have time to come to my house today? These servants! Why didn't you even inform me?"

Song Zelin bowed respectfully.

Li Chengfeng didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "It was I who didn't let them speak."

"It's urgent. I intend to personally supervise this year's imperial examinations and review the exam papers as well."

Song Zelin stroked his beard. Why did His Majesty suddenly have this idea? Is he going to take action against the imperial examination system?

Thinking this way, he asked, "Your Majesty, this move is truly brilliant. I, this old minister, would like to speculate, do you have any ideas about the reform?"

Li Chengfeng nodded and told Song Zelin about Zhang Yuan's suggestions on imperial examination reform in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The latter was more and more shocked the more he listened.

Such a brilliant idea actually came from the mouth of a student who has not yet entered the official career?

He himself had studied the imperial examination system for decades, and had never thought of such a bold reform!

Song Zelin couldn't help but applaud, "Mr. Zhang's words hit the nail on the head and point directly to the chronic problems of the imperial examination system."

He was also a little worried: "However, such a drastic reform may affect the interests of the aristocratic families, and the resistance will definitely be considerable."

"That is why I need your help, Mr. Song."

Li Chengfeng's eyes lit up, and he was eagerly anticipating the next move. "I have handed over the full responsibility of this matter to Zhang Yuan. Lord Song, please support him."

Then he said, "I have another favor to ask of you. I would like to invite Miss Song to participate in this matter."

Li Chengfeng had long seen that Song Yuwei was a talented person. She had insights into the students' path to education and would be a great help in the future.

The Left Prime Minister couldn't help but understand his Majesty's intentions. He stroked his beard and replied with a smile, "Okay, okay, I'll call her right away."

When Song Yuwei appeared in the lobby, she seemed a little hesitant.

She had also recently heard about some of Li Chengfeng's actions, such as meeting with students and rectifying the administration of officials.

Although she thought that Li Chengfeng's enterprising spirit was a good thing, she had some doubts about the reform of the imperial examination system.

The imperial examination system of the current dynasty has been in place for nearly a hundred years. It is so complex that it is not easy to change it.

She was worried that Li Chengfeng would be too reckless and would have the opposite effect.

But Song Yuwei finally agreed. She also wanted to know what Li Chengfeng would do.

At the same time, in a secret courtyard in the capital, Li Chenghao was conspiring with a group of people.

These people were dressed simply, but their eyes were cold and stern, and it was obvious at a glance that they were not ordinary people.

They were all former princelings. After Li Chengfeng ascended the throne, they disappeared and hid among the people.

"Everyone, now that a tyrant is in power and the government is in chaos, this is the perfect opportunity for us to make a comeback!"

Li Chenghao sat alone on the high platform and said, "We must work together to overthrow the tyranny. The restoration of the dynasty is just around the corner!"

Everyone responded and expressed their willingness to follow Li Chenghao to the death.

Li Chenghao nodded with satisfaction and continued, "I've contacted Liu Zhenshan, the King of Pingxi. He has a large army under his command. If we work together from within and without, we'll surely succeed!"

Pingxi Palace.

Liu Zhenshan was sitting in the study with a frown on his face.

After receiving Li Chenghao's secret letter, he felt both excited and nervous.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Li Chengfeng is focusing on preparing for the imperial examination and certainly has no time to care about him who is far away in Xijing.

"Your Highness, what are you still hesitating about? Li Chengfeng's foundation is not yet stable, so this is a good time for us to raise an army!"

Liu Zhenshan's subordinates were all generals who had fought side by side with him, and they all hated Li Chengfeng to the core.

If we raise an army immediately, we can reach the capital and lay siege to the city in less than a month.

"You're right! Fortune and honor are won through risk! Pass the order down, in three days, raise the army!"

He didn't care about that anymore. If he didn't get up now, he would never have another chance.

In the imperial study, the scent of sandalwood wafts through the air.

Li Chengfeng and Song Zelin sat opposite each other, with black and white chess pieces intertwined on the chessboard, and the battle was in full swing.

Song Zelin was twisting a white piece, frowning, and was reluctant to put it down. Li Chengfeng supported his chin with one hand, looking at him with a half-smile, as if he was sure of winning.

On the side, Zhang Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, watching the fight quietly.

He seemed to be watching the game, but in reality his mind was not on the game at all.

He was originally planning the restructuring when Li Chengfeng suddenly called him over without telling him the reason, which made him feel a little uneasy.

Could it be because of the incident in Xijing? He couldn't help but think of Qian Youliang's smug look at the court this morning, and felt disgusted.

At this time, a eunuch from the inner court bowed and walked to Li Chengfeng's side, saying softly, "Your Majesty, a spy from Xijing requests an audience."

Li Chengfeng calmly hummed a "hmm," took the teacup offered by the eunuch, took a sip, and then said to Song Zelin nonchalantly, "Song Aiqing, it seems that today's chess game has to end here."