Imperial City, in the main hall.
Ying Jiuxiao sat casually, and below him sat Zhang Yi, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Wang Tang, the Minister of the Ministry of Hubu, and Yan Du, the Minister of the Ministry of War.
Ying Jiuxiao's eyes were sharp and he said in a deep voice: "Early this morning, Qi State's envoy Liu Gui came to see him and said that Qi State was willing to form an alliance with Qin State and jointly send troops to attack Yan State. This matter was mentioned by Lin Feng before when he returned to Xianyang. I didn't take it to heart. Now I mentioned this matter again, and it was the Emperor of Qi who specially sent envoys. It can be seen that Tian He really intends to unite with Qin to send troops, what do you think?"
"Your Majesty, I am opposed to attacking Yan State."
Wang Tang spoke directly.
Ying Jiuxiao asked: "What's the reason?"
Wang Tang said: "The reason is very simple. First, Qin's finances cannot support a war with Yan. Our Qin State has always had conflicts and wars with Yan, and wars on the border have also been going on."
"Such a war is within Qin's control. Once a large-scale war breaks out, it will be beyond Qin's ability to bear and will be detrimental to Qin."
"Second, the focus now is to absorb the Yanzhou and Guanzhong areas to ensure that Bai Shuai can steadily sweep the area in Yanzhou. Once there is another large-scale war with Yan State, the frontline troops will have to withdraw. This is not good for us. It will This makes Yanzhou neglect its defense."
"Thirdly, although Qi and we are allies on the surface, in fact, they are still enemies after all. Qi cannot give Qin any benefits, because Qin will become stronger and stronger after getting benefits, and Qi will be affected accordingly."
"I believe that Qi State must have other motives for proposing an alliance."
Wang Tang talked eloquently and said: "For now, a Qi State that is relatively stable with us is more beneficial to us. For the time being, we still need to stabilize the situation and make fewer enemies. We must first completely control Yanzhou and Guanzhong and then Think about next steps.”
Ying Jiuxiao nodded slightly, but did not express his position.
He stroked his beard and thought about it. He also had his own ideas about the alliance with Qi, but he just wanted to seek opinions from many parties.
"Your Majesty, I support the First World War."
Yan Du took a stand.
He took the initiative and said: "Your Majesty, the reason why I agreed to send troops is very simple. We have conflicts with the Yan State. The Yan State has always had the most confrontations with us. This time, the Qi State is willing to take the initiative to intervene and attract some of the Yan State's troops. .”
"We take this opportunity to send troops to destroy the Yan State and defeat the main force of the Yan State."
"It is difficult to say that it is difficult to destroy the Yan State. Even if the Yan State is defeated, it can still escape far away in the desert. It is difficult to find in the vast desert. But weakening the Yan State will give us more opportunities to expand domestically."
"To fight against the internal situation, we must stabilize the external situation. If we can't even solve external problems, how can we stabilize the internal situation?"
Yan Du said: "Your Majesty, please think again."
Ying Jiuxiao still nodded, without directly expressing his position, and said again: "Zhang Yi, what do you think?"
Zhang Yi said slowly: "Reporting to your majesty, I believe that we should not send troops. The reason is simpler. Is it good for us to raise troops to fight against Yan? We cannot expand our territory for the time being, and there will be no benefit in gaining territory. Since There is no benefit, so what’s the point of fighting?”
Yan Du frowned slightly.
Both Zhang Yi and Wang Tang objected, which made the matter difficult. For him, a battle is naturally the best. Only through war can the importance of the Ministry of War be highlighted.
The three of them expressed their opinions, all looking at Ying Jiuxiao.
Everything depends on Ying Jiuxiao's decision.
In today's court, Ying Jiuxiao's prestige is unprecedentedly high. He follows his words completely, and no minister can refute Ying Jiuxiao. Looking at the kings of the Qin Dynasty, Ying Jiuxiao was the first one to send his army eastward, and he was also the first king to directly destroy Xia.
Everyone in the Qin Dynasty supports Ying Jiuxiao.
This is the prestige that comes with destroying a country.
Ying Jiuxiao pondered for a while, and when he was about to make a decision, a sound of footsteps came in. A young eunuch stood still, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Zhenguo wants to see you."
"What a coincidence."
Ying Jiuxiao laughed and said: "While we were talking about Qi Guo's strategy, Lin Feng came again. Just in time, let's see what he said."
"Xuan Linfeng!"
Ying Jiuxiao has expectations in her eyes.
Not long after, Lin Feng entered the main hall, bowed and said: "Grandfather."
Ying Jiuxiao said directly: "Lin Feng, Song Yi has started to establish a science and technology institute. Here in Quyuanli, I have also asked Li Yan of the Ministry of Industry to promote it quickly. I have already made arrangements for the forging of weapons."
"Imperial Grandfather Shengming."
Lin Feng smiled and spoke.
The forging of Quyuan plow and new weapons will be of great help to the Qin State in the future.
Ying Jiuxiao continued: "Now there is another matter, and you should also pay attention to it in detail. Liu Gui, on behalf of the Qi State, formally issued a proposal to our Qin State to unite to attack the Yan State. What do you think of this matter?"
Lin Feng said: "I object."
"Oh, I thought you would agree."
Ying Jiuxiao smiled and said: "Liu Gui is your senior brother. It's normal for senior brothers to help each other. What's more, it's not difficult to jointly attack the Yan Kingdom. I didn't expect that you would speak out against it."
Lin Feng said solemnly: "Emperor Grandfather, when it comes to the interests of the Qin State, I am a Qin citizen first, and I consider the Qin State first. Then, the relationship between brothers and sisters. The prerequisite for attacking the Yan State is that I can get benefits."
"If you can destroy the Yan State, then you can fight. Even if you can seize the place and assimilate it into the territory of the Qin State, then you can give it a try. If you can't do it, then you won't send troops for the time being."
"It just so happens that this can't be done."
"Because the territory of Yan State is mainly grassland, and the people of Yan State have no fixed settlement. You kill him and he escapes. As soon as you leave, he comes again."
“That’s hard to take away.”
"What's more, in my opinion, even Qi and Jin have never weakened or suppressed, so why talk about destroying Yan? There is such a huge Yan State, stretching across the north. If you want to fight hard, he will run away. Even if we fight now and After winning, he comes back again after a while.”
Lin Feng said: "Therefore, I am opposed to going to war."
A look of approval appeared in Ying Jiuxiao's eyes, and he said directly: "Lin Feng's analysis is also what I mean. Zhang Yi has this attitude, and I have the same attitude. We, the Qin State, send troops and cannot waste food in war. The more we fight, the poorer we will become. We must consider Qin’s interests.”
"In this case, I am ready to reply to Liu Gui and reject Qi's request."
Win Jiuxiao has already made up his mind.
Lin Feng said: "Grandfather, you can actually agree to Qi's request. By agreeing to Qi, we won't offend Qi and we won't lose anything. We still rely on the strength at the border and pretend to attack. If Qi sends troops , it is best. If Qi State does not send troops, then forget it. In short, our focus is still on domestic development, this is fundamental. "
Wang Tang's eyes lit up and he said in approval: "Your Majesty, I second your proposal."
Zhang Yi said: "I second my opinion."
Yan Du knew that he couldn't afford to fight, so he said no more and said directly: "Your Majesty, I also second my proposal."
Ying Jiuxiao nodded and said: "In that case, it's settled. I will arrange for the Ministry of Rites to contact Liu Gui."
After a pause, Ying Jiuxiao said, "Lin Feng, why did you enter the palace?"
Lin Feng said solemnly: "I sincerely request your majesty to set up examinations in the Qin State, open subjects to obtain scholars, select talents, and enrich the Qin State."
Ying Jiuxiao was stunned for a moment.
Open a subject and get a scholar.
What is this?
He had never heard of it.
Ying Jiuxiao asked: "Lin Feng, what is to open a subject to get a scholar, and how to open a subject to get a scholar?"
Wang Tang, Zhang Yi and Yan all looked at Lin Feng with curious expressions in their eyes. Lin Feng caused many changes in Qin. The biggest reform before was to spread the land from one person to another, which enriched Qin's finances.
The reform of apportioning a small person into an acre has been smoothly advanced and has been standardized.
Now, another person is opening a new subject to get a scholarship.
Surprising.
Lin Feng said seriously: "The so-called imperial examination is to open a subject to obtain scholars. The imperial court sets unified examination questions and the scholars refer to them. Then, based on the results of the imperial examination, the top talents are selected and appointed."
"This is the imperial examination."
"This method of selecting talents is different from today's recruitment and examination system. At least relatively speaking, it is fairer and more extensive."
"The system of conquest and examination and promotion adopted today only involves the children of wealthy families. Most of the scholars from poor families cannot rise to the top. The talent reserve in the court is also far from insufficient. Many people in the local area cannot fulfill their ambitions. Opportunity."
Ying Jiuxiao's eyes lit up when he heard this.
What he was thinking about was deeper. The recruitment of talents will be more extensive, and if you think about it at a deeper level, the situation in which the noble sons of the big families in the imperial court will be in power will be broken. Many scholars from poor families in the world will gradually have the opportunity to enter the imperial court, adding another force to the imperial court.
This is a good thing.
In the court, if there are more factions, it is better than a single family.
Ying Jiuxiao thought it through in a blink of an eye, nodded and said: "I think Lin Feng's proposal is very good, what about you?"
Zhang Yi wanted to understand in the blink of an eye, and he said slowly: "Your Majesty, I think it is a good thing to hold the imperial examination. But this matter will definitely cause a big shock and will be boycotted. The aristocratic families in the country, especially the old nobles of Qin , will oppose it. Because after the imperial examination is launched, it will seize the living space of these powerful people."
Wang Tang said: "I also agree with Zhang Shangshu's analysis. Once the imperial examination is opened, I am afraid that there will be turmoil in the country."
Yan Du said: "Your Majesty, I second your proposal."
All three supported the imperial examination and conservatively mentioned possible problems. Under this premise, Ying Jiuxiao must consider possible problems if he wants to implement the imperial examination.
Ying Jiuxiao thought in his heart.
Lin Feng looked calm and said calmly: "Emperor Grandfather, opening up science to obtain scholars is the foundation for Qin's strong foundation. Only in this way can Qin have a continuous stream of talents. I will only tell you a high probability. , Generally speaking, after a country is at peace, the country is no longer at war, and its talents gradually receive less experience."
"Talents will also begin to show signs of aging, and even one generation will be inferior to the last."
"Why has the Qin State continued to produce talents over the years? Because the Qin State has always been surrounded by powerful enemies and has to constantly deal with pressure and invasion from its surroundings. This has forced the Qin State to dare to fight and kill, and has honed many talents. .”
"Enjoy the future. If the Qin State destroys Qi and Jin and unifies the world, the Qin State will be at peace. The future Qin people will not have the baptism of war or the training of logistics. Their abilities will be comparable to those who founded the country. Is it honorable?"
"It's incomparable."
"Perhaps under the premise of peace, they have received more education and read more, but they have not experienced these struggles, and without these experiences, they will be worse after all. Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that some talents will emerge."
"There are talents in any era, but for most nobles, I still emphasize that there is a majority. Most people will start to indulge in pleasure if there are no foreign troubles. Don't doubt human nature, this is the most basic human nature."
"So in the future, if we still use the recruitment and examination system to select talents, these talents will not be enough after the talents of the aristocratic families begin to decline. Even these recommended talents may be dead. So how to solve it?"
"The imperial examination is the key to the solution."
Lin Feng looked determined and said: "Only by introducing living water can the whole game of chess be put into play. Without these imported scholars from poor families, without these more merchants' children, without these unsuccessful big family's children, the world will gradually collapse. Therefore, the imperial examination is needed to enrich talents."
After Ying Jiuxiao heard this, the expression on his face became even more serious.
Lin Feng's words make sense.
Why Qin has been on the rise? Because Qin needs to continue to develop, and because Qin is facing a lot of pressure. Once the Qin State pacifies the world and enters a period of peace, without the pressure of war and external pressure, the country will be able to sing and dance at peace.
People's hearts gradually become addicted to pleasure.
This is human nature.
Something has to change.
Ying Jiuxiao no longer had any doubts. He flicked his sleeves and said forcefully: "I have decided that the imperial court will hold imperial examinations to promote talents in Da Qin. It is not even limited to Da Qin, but people from Jin, Qi and other places can also Come and participate. As long as they are talented people, I will not refuse anyone who comes. I can even imagine that once the imperial examination is held, all the unsatisfied talents in the world will come to Xianyang. By then, all the talents in the world will be in my arms."
When Wang Tang saw this, he knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. He said directly: "Your Majesty is wise!"
Zhang Yi said: "Your Majesty, I also support this."
Yan Du said: "I also second my opinion."
Everyone expressed support because they were all convinced by Lin Feng's analysis.
Born in sorrow, he will work hard to become stronger.
Born in peace and happiness, it is easy to become addicted to happiness.
The imperial examination introduced talents, which could at least solve the problem of lack of talents to a great extent.
Ying Jiuxiao continued: "Lin Feng, when it comes to opening imperial examinations, this policy may not be easy to implement. Tomorrow morning, I will hold a court meeting. You will also participate in tomorrow's morning court and participate in the debate. It will be up to you to convince everyone. Is there any grasp?"
"I will definitely live up to my grandfather's high expectations."
Lin Feng answered directly.
This was something he was happy to see come to fruition, and it was his duty to do so.
Ying Jiuxiao said: "Everyone, please step back."
Lin Feng bowed and left hand in hand with Zhang Yi, Wang Tang and Yan Du. Zhang Yi and Yan both left first, but Wang Tang stopped. He looked at Lin Feng and said worriedly: "The public examination is indeed a good thing for the country and the people. However, it will touch the interests of many people. You have to Be careful. Once the court meets, the crowd will be fierce and difficult to resist. Of course, my royal family supports the Duke."
Lin Feng smiled and said: "The soldiers will block the water and cover it with soil. There is nothing to be afraid of. Uncle, don't worry, I will pay attention to it."
Wang Tang nodded and left.
Lin Feng returned to the Lin family. He had not mentioned the establishment of Bailu Academy to the emperor yet. He would wait until the imperial examination was settled.
Everything, step by step.
Work it out slowly.
Da Qin's reform was not accomplished overnight, but slowly changed point by point.
