The fifteenth year of Qianyou (962), spring, February.
Due to the spring, Tokyo was obviously more lively. Scholars from all over the world gathered in the capital to add a bright color to the prosperous scene of Tokyo.
The development of things is sometimes bizarre. In the early years of the Qianyu reign, there were gaps in all the canons, but the emperor paid special attention to scientific examinations. He wished that they could be held every year, and every time he recorded The number of Jinshi scholars is several times or even ten times greater than that of previous generations.
However, with the development up to now, the imperial court's various systems for imperial examinations have been very complete, and the three-level examination system from local to central government has also been established. However, since the ninth year of Qianyou, there have been several delays. Only in the autumn of the twelfth year of Qianyou, an examination was held to quench the thirst of scholars in prefectures and counties who were waiting for examinations.
Speaking of which, this spring ceremony is nominally the second regular event since the founding of the country. According to the emperor's wishes, from now on, the exam will be held every three years as a regular examination.
However, compared with the previous year when all students were admitted, the requirements for scientific examinations are now higher. For literati, the benefits of the early years have faded a lot, and the number of people enrolled in each subject has also dropped sharply and is strictly controlled. One is that there are not so many positions available for big men, and the other is that if it is ruined, it will be worthless.
However, when Liu Chengyou came to power, no matter how things changed, he still valued the practical and comprehensive abilities of scholars more. People who are obsessed with reading are difficult to discern. No matter how good their articles are, Liu Chengyou can only work as a clerk or a clerk. If he doesn't have any knowledge of politics and government affairs, he can't even do clerical work well.
Of course, Liu Chengyou still respected erudite people and learned scholars very much. The Third Hall and the Hanlin Academy also accepted a large number of talents, and the local government also gave them more treatment. In terms of academic research and ethics, he still supported them.
Even so, the literati's enthusiasm for the imperial examination has not faded, but has become more active, almost sharpening their heads to get in. Especially going to Beijing to take the exam is an opportunity to get a starting point for an official career.
With the return of the country, politics gradually stabilized, and the economy became more prosperous. In the current Han Dynasty, the spring of literati has not yet completely arrived, but the era of warriors showing off their ferocity has completely passed. The improvement of various systems can be seen as a broad road for civil servants.
This year's examiner is Liu Wensou, the Minister of Rites. This man is quite accomplished in selecting talents through imperial examinations. He is very well-known for his ability to recognize people.
While the scholars were preparing for the examination, Emperor Liu Chengyou left the palace in civilian clothes and paid a private visit incognito, but the interview was not about the public sentiments of the people. Under tight security, the car stopped in front of the palace, and Liu Chengyou, who was dressed in dark silk clothes, got out of the car.
"Daddy!" The crisp call was very sweet.
"Don't worry!" Liu Chengyou's stern face showed a gentle smile, looking at the delicate-looking girl standing on the shaft of the car.
He wanted to hug her, but she was not willing, so he let Liu Cheng hold her hand and jumped to the ground by himself. This girl is naturally the eldest princess Liu Jia, the emperor's favorite daughter, now nine years old.
"Go and call the door!" He ordered a chamberlain beside him who had changed into regular clothes.
"yes!"
Liu Chengyou's head eunuch changed again. This time he was an old eunuch, over fifty years old, named Sun Yanjun. He had served as a chamberlain in both the Tang and Jin courts.
As for the previous Sun Yanxi, he had been executed on the order of Liu Chengyou. The reason also lies in the construction of Zhaolie Temple. During the period of supervision, he killed many civilians and made it too ostentatious. In order to provide for the construction, he also disturbed the local area.
The emperor attached great importance to the Zhaolie Temple, so all aspects of its construction were cooperating, which gave Sun Yanxi an opportunity to show off his power. Until Liu Chengyou inspected the project and noticed its abnormality, he became furious. Immediately afterwards, various crimes against Sun Yanxi came one after another, including some illegal things while he returned to Beijing to recuperate due to illness during the Northern Expedition.
As a result, he was executed. This could be said to be a trivial matter to the Han Dynasty, but for Liu Chengyou, it planted a thorn in his heart.
Sun Yanxi was once the chief chamberlain and the Emperor's personal attendant. In terms of status in the imperial palace, he was the only one besides Zhang Dejun. During the time when he was serving at Liu Chengyou's side, he was obedient to his duty. Although he was slow in speech and not quick in action, Liu Chengyou used it smoothly. However, what Liu Chengyou couldn't see was such a hateful face.
At the same time, Zhang Dejun was also angered. Would Zhang Dejun, the imperial envoy, not be aware of Sun Yanxi's crime? According to him, it is not advisable to proceed rashly until there is no evidence. But how can this excuse convince Liu Chengyou? If he wants evidence, why do reports come pouring in after he inspects the project?
The fact is that Zhang Dejun is pushing it behind the scenes. As for the reason, it is also very simple. There is a conflict between the two people. And Zhang Dejun has been silently waiting for the opportunity, waiting to seize his fatal handle, and then push him...
Knowing this, Liu Chengyou found an excuse to scold him as a warning. Facts have proved that people's hearts are unpredictable, and it is never easy to control someone, especially for a person who has a certain amount of power in his hands. People like Zhang Dejun cannot help but seek personal gain when faced with matters related to their interests and safety.
Zhang Dejun was smart in not touching the bottom line and limiting his affairs to the internal fighting between house slaves and lackeys.
The palace is not the palace of a prince or a county prince, but the residence of Wang Pu, the prime minister and the great scholar of Chongzhengdian Palace. The courtyard is medium in size, not luxurious, not gaudy, and has few servants, but the rules are strict.
Just like an unwelcome guest who came to the door without being informed, Liu Chengyou directly asked him to take charge of his affairs and led him to see Wang Pu. The accompanying guards were also unceremonious, occupying various places and sealing off the courtyards.
After passing through several winding corridors, the cautious steward led him to the hall where Wang Pu was. Before anyone arrived, several coughs could be heard, and the air was filled with a faint medicinal fragrance.
Stepping into it and looking around, what he saw was Wang Pu lying on the hospital bed. Beside the couch, his eldest son Wang Qian was serving medicine respectfully. When he looked up and saw Liu Chengyou, both father and son's expressions changed slightly.
Wang Qian put down the medicine bowl, stood up and knelt down directly, while Wang Pu struggled to get up: "Why do you need Your Majesty to come in person?"
"Don't get excited, you are inconvenienced, just lie down!" Upon seeing this, Liu Chengyou said immediately, and then motioned to Wang Qian.
Seeing this, Wang Qian also quickly stood up, took the pillow, and helped his father sit up. Liu Chengyou sat directly next to the couch, and Princess Liu Jia also sat down with him. She weighed her calves. She was usually lively, but she was also very obedient when she should be well-behaved.
"I didn't know you were seriously ill!" Liu Chengyou sighed as he looked at Wang Pu's sallow, thin face.
Wang Pu's voice seemed weak, but still showed his awe for the emperor, and said: "It is my sin to pollute His Majesty's holy body with the bad luck caused by the decoction due to illness!"
"You don't have to be like this!" Liu Chengyou comforted, "Since I am the Holy Body, I am naturally invulnerable!"
Compared with the official history, Wang Pu has been extended a lot of life, but in the end, it is just an extension of his life. With his investment in state affairs, he has worked hard and exhausted his body. It is no longer easy to survive until now. In the past three years, I had been hesitant. It was not until last winter that I finally became ill.
Speaking of his condition, there are only four words: he became sick due to overwork.
"You are an important minister of the country, a person of meritorious service. You have worked hard for the country for more than ten years. You still need to take good care of yourself. Don't take care of yourself!" Liu Chengyou said emotionally.
Hearing this, Wang Pu opened his mouth slightly, a smile appeared on his sickly face, his eyes were sunken, but his eyes were full of energy, and he responded: "I can only repair this rotten skin with medicine and stones. Those who are still persisting in the hope of redemption can only hope to see the unification of the Han Dynasty with their own eyes, then they will have no regrets even if they die!"
Wang Pu's words were full of enthusiasm for unification and the country, and Liu Chengyou couldn't help but be moved. Looking at each other, Liu Chengyou spoke concisely and concisely, like a solemn promise: "Your wish will come true!"
"With your majesty's great talent and broad strategy, you can accomplish this!" Wang Pu was also sure, looking at Liu Chengyou: "Is your majesty planning to launch a southern expedition?"
Nodding, Liu Chengyou did not shy away from this matter: "After three years of resting the army to support the people, it's time to end this troubled world and separate regimes!"
"Then I will congratulate Your Majesty in advance for sweeping across the south of the Yangtze River, clearing the inner world, and restoring peace!" Wang Pu's old voice seemed a little more powerful.
Seeing that he was a little excited, Liu Chengyou quickly comforted him.
"You have been idle at home for three years, right?" In order to take care of the patient, Liu Chengyou talked with Wang Pu for a while and then turned his attention to Wang Qian.
Wang Qian was in his early thirties, with a mustache, ordinary appearance, and thin body. In terms of demeanor, he was completely incomparable with his father, but there was a hint of shrewdness in his eyes.
When he heard the question, his mind moved slightly and he quickly responded: "Your Majesty, that's right!"
Wang Qian was originally an officer in the Forbidden Army. His highest military position was the commander of the Third Army of the Left Wing of the Wujie Army. He was later transferred to the Ministry of War. Three years ago, he had a quarrel with his colleagues and was dismissed from his post. It was also because of Wang Pu's relationship, otherwise he wouldn't have been beaten to the end.
"It's okay to stay at home all the time. It's time to come out and do things for the court!" Liu Chengyou said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wang Qian was immediately overjoyed and said hurriedly.
He frowned a little, and to be fair, he should be more or less humble, especially when he was in front of his old father's bedside.
Here, Wang Pu dismissed Wang Qian and said to Liu Chengyou with emotion: "Your Majesty wants to use Wang Qian because of the face of the veteran, and I feel this in my heart. However, I know that a son is nothing like a father, and Wang Qian is a middle-aged man. He has short talents, but is narrow-minded and eager for quick success. Your Majesty can use them, but not for great use..."
Looking at Wang Pu, the look of surprise on Liu Chengyou's face quickly faded, he pondered for a moment, and then sighed: "You are so public-spirited, you are the ultimate minister!"
When leaving the palace, Liu Chengyou felt a little heavy. Wang Pu's condition was not optimistic. As he said, he was almost holding on, hoping to see the day when he would dominate the world...
