"How could this be so! Your Majesty, Your Majesty! You are nonsense, nonsense!"
"I disagree!"
"Your Majesty, the imperial examination is too arbitrary. Such a major matter that affects the direction of the world must be carefully discussed!"
"Since ancient times, all dynasties and generations have governed the world with filial piety and integrity. Only the previous dynasty held imperial examinations, but the outcome has been seen. He died in the second generation. Your Majesty... don't be deceived, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty already has a treacherous minister by your side, and he actually leads your Majesty to make such a decision. He should be killed!"
…
When the family officials reacted, it could be said that instantly, the entire hall was completely in chaos.
Outrageous!
It’s really outrageous!
No one could have imagined that the officials above the temple would have such a violent side.
Everyone's eyes were red. They were crazy. They held high the banner of opposition and shouted wildly in the hall.
However, no one responded to them.
Li Shimin and pro-Li officials had already left.
Representatives of the aristocratic families, such as Pei Ji and Gao Shilian, were also at a loss at this time and somewhat unable to react.
Is it possible that Admiral Tiance is out of his mind? Doesn't he know how the previous dynasty perished? Are we really going to follow in the footsteps of our predecessors?
His mind...could it be that everything was full of tofu?
This time it has been quiet for more than ten years, and you are stirring up the matter again?
This is self-inflicted! At the same time, it is also self-destruction!
"What do you think, Brother Gao?"
Pei Ji couldn't help but ask.
The incident happened suddenly, and he was extremely confused at this time.
"This announcement of the imperial examination took less than a quarter of an hour from the beginning to the end of His Majesty's decision to decide on such a major matter. Changsun Wuji and others were not surprised at all. It is obvious that they are ready to fight against our family."
"Due to the death of the previous dynasty at the hands of aristocratic families, His Majesty has always been hostile to the aristocratic family. He is so decisive at this time... He must have something to rely on! You and I don't know how to make a decision."
"I'm afraid we have to go find the head of the Qiwang family of the fifth surname."
Gao Shilian narrowed his eyes slightly.
Since the beginning of the Zhenguan Period in the Tang Dynasty, these aristocratic families and the Five Surnames and Qiwang have rarely moved around.
That's not necessary!
And now….
The imperial examination was very popular.
If not one of their aristocratic families can decide what to do, they must work together to resist Li Shimin's decision on the imperial examination.
You must protect your own interests!
"Brother Gao said yes, then let's go there!!"
Pei Ji also deeply agreed.
He and Gao Shilian quickly grabbed a few more officials and walked anxiously outside.
………………
Chang'an City.
A certain restaurant.
"Chang'an City has begun to become cleaner recently..."
"Hey~ It's not just the scholars who have fled, there are a lot of people who have fled. Do you think...can we not be clean?"
"Hahaha, that's true! They want to go to Dayan to take the imperial examination, but they don't think about how far away Dayan is from our Tang Dynasty. They are afraid that people will be eaten by wild beasts before they get there~"
“….….”
A group of diners were discussing.
And soon, a diner ran in, breaking the silence and shouting hoarsely.
"A big thing, a big thing has happened. Someone saw the imperial list just now and said that our Tang Dynasty will follow in the footsteps of the Great Yan and follow the example of the previous dynasty and hold the imperial examination!"
"What, are you serious about this? No, seeing is believing, I'll go over and take a look!"
"What is the imperial examination? Hey, tell me, I think you are all very excited."
"Hey, don't you even know about the imperial examination? The imperial examination allows us scholars in the Tang Dynasty to have a channel to go to the imperial court and become officials! Of course, this channel is based on ability screening."
"What? This, this, this, it's fake. How is this possible? Scholars can also participate in the imperial examination. This has never happened before."
"Whoever says it's nonsense? If you don't believe it, just go out and have a look. I guess it's the pressure from the Great Yan Kingdom. Sure enough, competition will change it, hahaha! Now, the whole Chang'an City has completely spread the word."
"Oh my god, is it true? I remember the previous dynasty. It was because of the failure of the imperial examination. We had just lived a stable life for a few days, and then... we had to open the imperial examination again. It would not be like this era, and because of the imperial examination, it was chaotic again. Get up."
"Who knows, but I see the trend in the imperial list, and His Majesty is determined to hold it."
"Hahaha, if nothing else, this is really a great thing. It's such a great thing that we ordinary people can also be officials!"
…
In the restaurant.
Originally, a group of people were still discussing the recent things about Great Yan or the locust plague in Youzhou, but when the news of the imperial examination came, the content of the words changed.
Imperial examination!
The impact this has on the people can be said to be huge.
For the common people, this selection system, which promotes filial piety and honesty, completely blocks the channels for people to rise.
Those officials from aristocratic families who recommend talents cannot recommend people, but only their own families.
And now.
The imperial examination is open again!
This is a relatively fair road. The most important thing is that it does not lead to Great Yan. Scholars in the Tang Dynasty need to travel across mountains and rivers to participate. This imperial examination is in the Tang Dynasty, right at their feet...home!
Imperial examination matters.
Changsun Wuji and others were already making arrangements yesterday, so after His Majesty's announcement today, all parties came out. In just two hours, the news spread throughout the streets and alleys, even the farmers working in the fields had heard about it.
At this time, when they heard the news about the imperial examination, the scholars in Chang'an City were filled with runny noses and tears. Reading was finally useful, and they were madly grateful to His Majesty for his kindness.
And those scholars who originally came to participate in the Dayan Imperial Examination and prepare to go north also stayed in Chang'an City again because of their own affairs in the Tang Dynasty Imperial Examination. They looked excited and went to the bookstore to buy books, preparing to stay in Chang'an City for a long time and prepare for the Imperial Examination.
Strive to win the ranking in one day!
Not only did they buy books, but many common people also went to bookstores to buy books. For them, since the imperial examination provided a channel for becoming an official, they had to try their best to get it.
They know best how capable and majestic those officials are, and they want to be one of them.
A short time.
Countless people poured into bookstores. Those bookstores in Chang'an City that had been suffering from bleak business suddenly experienced an outbreak of terror, and the doors of the bookstores were completely broken down.
.
….….….….….
The Li family in Longxi.
Lobby.
Although the Li family in Longxi has the fifth surname and Qiwang, there are never many guests at home.
The head of the Li family in Longxi likes to be clean, so he usually asks those people to go to the branch office to discuss things that are not too important with the person in charge.
And today.
The threshold has been crossed.
Heads of aristocratic families who had rarely interacted with each other in the past came to his home, including the head of the Qiwang family of the fifth surname.
"Absurd, General Tiance! He goes too far! He really dares to practice the imperial examination!"
"Hmph, we tricked him the last time there was a locust plague in Youzhou. He has long wanted to get some relief. The young man is so angry. This time the Great Yan Imperial Examination gave him a chance to do justice. This is really normal."
"Normal? Such a stupid decision, no matter how angry he is, he shouldn't have made it!"
"But he just stepped down. Is his position as emperor enough? Do you really want to... take the initiative to turn this world upside down?"
"Li Shimin became emperor as soon as he was introduced. He is not worthy of such an important task in politics."
All the prominent figures from the aristocratic families were talking about it.
at this time.
As the host, the head of the Li family in Longxi did not speak, but his brows were filled with anger, and his mood was not much better than those present.
Imperial examination….
He hadn't heard these two words in more than ten years.
"Admiral Tiance, if you want to weaken our family through the imperial examination, you are really digging your own grave."
The head of the Li family in Longxi spoke slowly.
Seeing him speak, everyone present stopped talking.
If they can choose the Li family in Longxi for discussion, they are ready to take the lead in obeying the arrangements of the head of the Li family in Longxi, as long as the decision is not too outrageous.
"Master Li, please tell me, what should we do?"
"Yes, General Tiance's actions were swift and lightning-fast. He, Changsun Wuji and others have completely publicized the imperial examination. In just two hours, everyone in Chang'an City knew about it. It is estimated that not long after, everyone in the world You will also know that the Tang Dynasty re-established the imperial examination."
"We should have an idea."
Everyone looked at the head of the Li family in Longxi.
"Everyone, it seems that you all trust Lao Chen, and Lao Chen is very pleased."
"Regarding this matter, I do have a plan, but... to be more specific, it is a plan jointly carried out by the seven family heads of our five surnames and seven families."
"Everyone, in the early years, my father united with the heads of the six families and began to plan a solution to this problem. Originally, it would have been fine if the two sons of the Li family were in peace, then they would have stayed within the boundaries of the river, but now... haha, he has crossed the line."
"Then... don't blame us for being ruthless. It's time for everyone in the world to suffer."
The head of the Li family in Longxi laughed angrily and drank tea with a smile on his face in front of everyone, feeling confident.
"This...Master Li, what is your clever plan?"
Pei Ji couldn't help but ask.
The heads of other aristocratic families also subconsciously moved closer, wanting to hear this clever plan first.
"Well, this is...banned books!"
The head of the Li family’s voice was extremely calm.
Since the disadvantages to the aristocratic families after the previous dynasty held the imperial examination more than ten years ago became apparent, the previous family heads of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes started discussing what to do in the future dynasties if the current emperor held the imperial examination? Make a discussion.
After discussing this matter for several months, we finally found a safe solution.
That is, banned books!
If you want to hold the imperial examination, you need scholars to be knowledgeable, and where do scholars get their knowledge?
Of course it’s a book!
As long as the books are banned and only the children of his aristocratic family can study, and with the support of the officials of the aristocratic family in the court, then what's the problem if the imperial examinations are opened all over the world?
Their aristocratic family participated after studying, but everyone in the world did not study to participate. Even if the members of the aristocratic family are idiots, they can pass the exam of "scholars" who have not studied, right?
After confirming the "banned book" plan, Wu Xing Qi Wang began to make arrangements.
then.
Not all books in the world are controlled by their family.
Therefore, they, Five Surnames and Seven Hopes, are working together. If they want to gradually encroach on all Sanren bookstores or other family bookstores, they must firmly control all the books in the world in the hands of Five Surnames and Seven Hopes.
It was difficult at first.
The Qiwang family of the fifth surname spent a lot of effort to acquire a total of more than a dozen bookstores around the world.
but….
After gaining experience in acquisitions, future acquisitions will become faster and smoother, and they will derive their own set of reasonable acquisition experience.
The acquisition of bookstores has been completely turned into an industry.
Acquisition of bookstore terminals, bookstore front-end printing boards and other industries.
After more than ten years, not only all the books in the world are controlled, but at least 90% of them are controlled!
It can be said that as long as the five surnames and Qi Wang have an idea, 90% of the bookstores in the world will tremble.
"Banning books? Is this plan really possible?"
Pei Ji didn't quite believe it.
Physically clearing out all the scholars in the world is a really vicious move.
At that time, people all over the world will watch the imperial examination come out, but there will be no books for them to read, and they may even criticize the imperial court, saying that the imperial court is just pretending to let those family members have a good reputation.
What a great plan!
but….
Can it really be done?
He knew how powerful the Five Surnames and Qiwang were.
But...how big is the whole world?
No matter how powerful the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes are, can they ban all books in the world?
"Haha, Pei Ji, I know your worries very well and think it's impossible when things happen. This is why your Pei family has you in charge and high-ranking officials, but you have never been able to join the top family."
"I have five surnames and seven hopes. Whenever I encounter something, I will turn the impossible into possible, no matter how outrageous it is. But you, Pei Ji, are not like that."
Looking at Pei Ji thoughtfully, the head of the Li family in Longxi withdrew his eyes and continued to speak.
"All over the world, haha, it sounds very impressive, but if you check it carefully, you will find that you only need to control a part of the books."
"Since the imperial examination was abandoned more than ten years ago, the common people have realized that studying is useless, and they have thrown away books and burned books. Even if there are onlookers, there has been no movement in the imperial examination for more than ten years, and their psychology will be shaken, and they will continue to be disappointed again and again. Abandon books."
"For the common people, practicality is the most authentic thing. Reading is useless and has no future at all. In their view, it is just reading in vain and wasting time. Naturally, they will not spend huge amounts of money to buy books."
Books were extremely precious in the Tang Dynasty.
A copy of it requires a lot of money, and not an ordinary family can afford it.
After more than ten years, there have been very few private collections of books, and 90% of the bookstores in Tang Dynasty are controlled by their aristocratic families. As long as they ban them, where can the people buy books from?
The number of people who know how to read will be greatly reduced.
In disguise, there will be fewer obstacles for members of their family to gain fame.
"Just wait and see, Pei Ji, and everyone else, let me see how I can show you such a jaw-dropping show!"
The head of the Li family in Longxi smiled even more.
He immediately drank the tea and walked out quickly.
He wants to arrange everything!
Logically speaking, all he needs to do is give an order to the people below to do these things.
but.…
The imperial examination was a very big matter, and in addition, he had to make a decision in front of many heads of aristocratic families, so he couldn't tolerate any mistakes.
Among the big families of the Five Surnames and Qiwang, only the head of his family, that is, the head of the Li family in Longxi, is in Chang'an. The Five Surnames and Qiwangs are all prosperous and one is damaged. He wants to go and maintain the relationship for the absent heads of the Five Surnames and Qiwangs. ….The power and inviolability of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes!
….….….….….….
When the decision of the head of the Li family in Longxi came out.
In an instant.
The secret guards belonging to their family were dispatched in groups and rushed to bookstores in all directions of Chang'an City.
Suzaku Street.
A certain bookstore.
"Shopkeeper, I want to buy a copy of [Mencius]."
"[Book of Songs], I want [Book of Songs]."
"I want [Sun Tzu's Art of War], and I want to be a general."
The bookstore was packed to the brim, and there were countless calls to buy books.
"Okay, okay, everything is there."
The bookstore owner smiled from ear to ear. Such a grand occasion has not happened for nearly ten years. It is not easy.
Just as he was about to instruct his clerk to sell books, out of the corner of his vision, he saw the exclusive secret guard of the Longxi Li family walking towards them.
The bookstore owner was shocked.
Immediately put down all actions and wait for that person to arrive.
The secret guard walked into the bookstore, leaned into his ear, whispered a few words and left.
The bookstore owner's eyes widened when he heard the order.
Immediately, as if facing a formidable enemy, he told the staff not to open the store. They would not sell any books today and would just close the store.
"What's going on? Why is the shopkeeper closed?"
"Shopkeeper, I haven't bought my [Book of Songs] yet."
"Shopkeeper, open the door. Open the door. The children at home are anxiously waiting for their books to be read!"
"Why don't you suddenly stop selling books? What did that person say to you just now? Shopkeeper, open the door quickly! Stop making trouble!"
Countless people slapped the bookstore door vigorously.
There was a clattering sound.
They are anxious.
In their hearts, they were completely... panicked!
Now that the imperial examination decree has just come down, it is already in the sprint stage, but why are there no books sold now?
What's going on?
The fire that had been dormant for a long time in the hearts of many scholars was ignited again because of this imperial examination, but now it seems as if the wind has been taken away, and the flame will eventually burn out, and they are now in a situation where the fire is constantly fading.
Scholars gathered in front of the bookstore, no one wanted to leave. After all, they had been waiting for this opportunity for all these years.
The imperial examination was launched in the previous dynasty, and from that time on, many people began to study, and the term "children from poor families" appeared in the world.
Then, the previous dynasty perished.
The newly rising disciple from a humble family suddenly fell back into the ice hole.
From the founding of the Tang Dynasty to the present, the selection of officials is still based on the principle of filial piety and honesty. However, in the past ten years, although the number of children from poor families among the common people has decreased, it has not disappeared. The seeds of scholars from poor families have always been there.
After all, there are lessons learned from previous dynasties. Many scholars have become famous because of their exams, and have led their families to become new aristocratic families. One person is inferior to ten thousand people. How majestic!
This ladder leading to the world has been opened before, and countless people are waiting for it to be opened again.
Just like that sentence, if I have never seen the light, I can always endure the darkness, but the light once shined on the world, so naturally, countless people will miss the light.
When that light appears again, I will hold it firmly.
Therefore, when the Great Yan Imperial Examination appeared, most scholars would run to participate even if they had to travel across mountains and rivers. They no longer wanted to be at the bottom, and they did not want to be among the current elite.
To travel through mountains and rivers, to experience the test of life and death along the way, to go to the Great Flame, to participate in the imperial examination, just to win... that first-line opportunity to become a leader!
Many scholars go to Great Inflammation with tears in their eyes.
If Datang didn't have the chance, why would they leave their hometown and think about going to Great Yan?
Now, the Tang Dynasty also announced the imperial examination, making them cry with joy.
But no one expected that such a thing would happen.
The bookstore is closed...
It's not just this bookstore.
In just one moment of burning incense, as if agreed upon together, all the bookstores in Ancheng were closed.
"The bookstore in An Tianpu is closed, and the one on Zhuque Street is also closed."
"Hey, I just came from Zhili Pu. Is An Tianpu closed too?"
"Damn, what the hell is going on? Why are all the bookstores closed?"
These scholars were extremely shocked.
They couldn't believe that the huge city of Chang'an, with its numerous bookstores, would one day run out of books to buy.
Some scholars did not believe in evil and ran from the east to the west of the city, from the south to the north of the city. Their legs were almost broken, hoping to find an open bookstore.
But.
They were all disappointed.
"Why is this happening? The shopkeeper opens the door!"
"Hurry up and open the door, I have money! A lot of money!"
There are scholars everywhere, frantically banging on the bookstore doors.
Some bookstore owners couldn't stand the noise, so they told the readers that the books were sold out and asked them to go to other bookstores and not gather in front of his bookstore.
And how can readers believe this wording? !
They saw with their own eyes that there were a lot of poems and books placed in the bookstore, with a dazzling array of books of all kinds. How could they be gone?
It's a complete lie.
The readers were extremely reluctant.
On the contrary, it was even more fierce to slap the bookstore door.
This side of Zhuque Street.
What's more, they broke into the bookstore directly, but inside there were guards arranged by the Qiwang family of the Five Surnames to protect them. They were tall and powerful, holding spears and blades and were extremely fierce.
In addition, the scholars were weak, and knowing that they were breaking into private houses, they were at a disadvantage, so they did not dare to snatch the books in front of them.
"Let's go. The books in my bookstore are sold out as soon as they say they are sold out. Go somewhere else quickly. If you break in and die...then no one will be blamed."
The shopkeeper snorted coldly, and ordered people to drive out all the scholars who broke in. With the violent slamming of the door closing, the eyes of the people looking at the books were completely cut off.
"I can see that those guards are from aristocratic families, and it is aristocratic families that are preventing us from studying!"
"Damn it, it's them again, do they really think that the Tang Dynasty is theirs?"
"We finally got the imperial examination, and people from their aristocratic families have books to read, but we are born in a poor family, are we destined to be at the bottom of our lives for the rest of our lives? This is not fair!"
"Hmph, businessmen are lowly. I think they just want to take advantage of the eve of the imperial examination to sell at high prices and make a lot of money. This is already a violation of the court's laws. Let's sue them!"
"Yes, yes, let the court decide."
A group of scholars clamored and went to the government to report.
.
….…….….….….
Imperial City.
Tai Chi Palace.
A stack of bookstore brochures from various places in Chang'an City were handed to Li Shimin's desk.
It's a bunch, as thick as a fingernail.
"Damn it, how could this happen!"
"These aristocratic families, with five surnames and seven hopes, expected that His Majesty's people would guard the examination room for the imperial examination. If the imperial examination could not be faked, they closed the bookstores in the city, but... they resisted so outrageously."
"When did those aristocratic families master the entire Chang'an City calligraphy record without a word?"
"Outrageous, extremely outrageous! The imperial examination is promulgated, but there are no books in the world to read. If this is not solved as soon as possible, the imperial examination will definitely become a joke, and the imperial court will also become a joke, Your Majesty!"
Changsun Wuji looked anxious and angry.
At this moment.
Li Shimin's face was also extremely ugly.
Just now, he was convening Changsun Wuji and others, and he was complacent about taking action so vigorously that the aristocratic families could not react.
It is expected that the imperial examination order was issued quickly and without any hindrance. Everyone in Chang'an City knew that this had become a done thing and the family could not stop it.
Very good action.
(End of chapter)
