activa-t Chapter 168 Abolish the recommendation system; the imperial examination system is imperative!
Chapter 168 Abolish the recommendation system; the imperial examination system is imperative!
Xianyang Palace, Qilin Hall.
As dawn broke over the eastern horizon, golden light bathed the entire palace.
Ying Zheng did not sit on the dragon throne, but stood with his hands behind his back in front of the palace, gazing alone at the rising sun.
He was clutching a letter tightly in his hand.
The letter contained no lengthy memorials, nor any flattering greetings!
Only a few words, yet each one struck like thunder:
[Abolish the recommendation system; the imperial examination system is inevitable!]
Ying Zheng withdrew his gaze from the rising sun and landed on these eight characters, his eyes surging with emotion.
He swept across the land, standardized the gauge of carts, the written language, and the weights and measures!
He believed he had laid a foundation for the empire to last forever!
However, the core power structure still follows the aristocratic system of the old six states.
One radish, one hole!
Official positions were firmly controlled by families of all sizes, so even the most talented people from humble backgrounds had no chance of rising to prominence.
This is the root of decay!
He considered making changes, but the resistance was too great; changing one thing would have far-reaching consequences.
But now...
Ying Zheng suddenly grinned, letting out a deep and hearty laugh.
"Hehe... Hahahaha!"
"Excellent! Abolishing the recommendation system is a good idea; the imperial examination system is imperative!"
"Indeed! While I can still live a few more years, while these old bones can still move!"
"Why not abolish this outdated and corrupt system?"
His eyes were filled with excitement.
"Zhang Fan, that kid's got some interesting skills!"
Ying Zheng clenched the letter tightly in his palm. "I'll play this game with you!"
He turned abruptly and gave an order to the eunuchs standing to the side:
"Prepare the carriage! Head to the main road in the city!"
"I want to see with my own eyes how the immortal master of my Great Qin will... advise me on governance!"
……
Before long, the magnificent imperial procession appeared on the main road of Xianyang.
When the sun, moon, and dragon flag appeared, the previously noisy and crowded crowd instantly fell silent.
"It's His Majesty! His Majesty has come in person!"
"This humble subject pays respects to Your Majesty!"
The people knelt down in unison, their heads pressed to the ground.
"Long live the Qin Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty!"
"Long live the Qin Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty!"
Ying Zheng slowly rose from his dragon carriage, his gaze sweeping over the masses, his heart filled with boundless pride.
As the shouts subsided, a eunuch stepped forward and unfurled the imperial edict.
"His Majesty has decreed—!"
"Today we have Zhang Fan, a pillar of the nation and a guardian immortal master, who understands the people's plight and cares deeply for the country!"
"A special 'Qin Dynasty Political Inquiry' platform has been set up! Anyone with a grievance may sound the drum!"
"Anyone found guilty of corruption can be reported!"
"The trial will be personally conducted by the Immortal Master Zhang Fan, and I, the Emperor, will personally attend! So be it!"
The moment the imperial edict was issued, the people were in an uproar.
After a brief moment of shock, whispers arose from the crowd.
"Did you hear that? His Majesty ordered us to report corrupt officials! And the Immortal Master will be personally handling the case!"
"Sigh, forget it, bro."
A well-traveled vendor nearby curled his lip in disapproval.
"You actually believe that? It's probably just a formality, a show for us."
An old farmer with a face full of wrinkles sighed.
"Officials are protecting each other! My three acres of prime paddy fields!"
"Last year, it was taken by the county magistrate's brother-in-law. I reported it to the county government, but they said it was under the jurisdiction of the prefecture."
"I complained to the county government, but they said there wasn't enough evidence and sent me back!"
"These officials are all of one mind; they're all loyal to outsiders."
Another man selling steamed buns chimed in:
"you do not say!"
"My neighbor, Old Wang, was arrested and thrown into jail on a whim just because he blocked the Wang family's path to wealth at the street corner. Their house was even confiscated!"
"What can ordinary people like us do to fight them?"
"If you cry foul here today, you might end up dead in some stinking ditch tomorrow."
The people were talking about it, and the vast majority of them felt that it was just a show.
Experience has taught them that fighting against officials is like throwing an egg against a rock.
Just then.
The carriages of a group of officials also arrived one after another.
Upon seeing the emperor's arrival, the military officers were overjoyed, their faces beaming with excitement.
Meng Wu stroked his beard and smiled at Wang Ben beside him:
"Haha! This is going to be good!"
"With His Majesty personally overseeing the operation, it seems a high-ranking official is about to lose his head today!"
Meanwhile, the civil officials were all pale-faced and huddled together in fear.
Those who are usually unclean will feel their legs go weak and break out in a cold sweat.
Li Si stood in the crowd, his brows furrowed.
When he heard the words "Qin Dynasty's Inquiry into Politics" and "Zhang Fan's Personal Trial," he already understood.
He sighed inwardly; it was indeed Zhang Fan's doing!
Such a shocking and ruthless act could only be done by him!
I just hope I won't be dragged into this again!
Sudden.
A young official, unaware of the situation, asked in a low voice:
"Huh? Why aren't Lord Wu and Lord Luo here?"
"Weren't they always the ones who loved to join in the fun at these kinds of events?"
The voice just fell.
An official standing nearby immediately changed his expression and pulled him away forcefully.
He lowered his voice and warned:
"Are you out of your mind! Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask!"
The young official immediately shut his mouth in fright, but his doubts only deepened.
At this moment, when everyone was watching and the atmosphere was strange.
A figure walked slowly and deliberately onto the platform.
He was dressed in a simple blue robe, with a handsome face, but his eyes were as cold as frost.
It was Zhang Fan!
Several servants followed behind, carrying it!
It's a projector!
Upon witnessing this scene, all the officials, whether excited military officers or terrified civil officials, were astonished!
Whether it was Li Si, who had already guessed it, they all gasped at this moment!
This idea of consulting on governance in the Great Qin Dynasty was definitely proposed by Zhang Fan!
Where is Zhang Fan really?!
There is no peace anywhere!
Despite having "Fan" in his name, he's a troublemaker!
Zhang Fan walked to the center of the platform and turned around first.
He bowed deeply in the direction of the imperial carriage.
"Your subject, Zhang Fan, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Ying Zheng sat upright on the dragon chariot, nodded slightly, and said in a deep voice:
"Immortal Master, no need for formalities! Begin, for I and all my subjects are watching!"
"Here you go!"
Zhang Fan straightened up, turned around, and slowly scanned the dark mass of people below the stage.
The noisy discussions gradually subsided.
He spoke slowly, his voice carried through the loudspeaker to everyone's ears:
"Fellow citizens of Xianyang! People of the Great Qin!"
"Today, I, Zhang Fan, am not standing here for a show put on for you all!"
"I know what you're thinking, what you're afraid of! You're afraid of officials protecting each other, afraid that if you cry out for justice today, you'll suffer the consequences tomorrow!"
Zhang Fan paused, then his voice suddenly rose.
"But I, Zhang Fan, here today, before His Majesty and the people of the world, solemnly promise you!"
"Today's political consultations focus solely on justice, not on power or position!"
"Judging by crime, not by origin!"
"Behind me lies His Majesty's divine might!"
"I possess overwhelming evidence!"
"Anyone who dares to bend the law for personal gain, anyone who dares to protect another official, will only face death!"
After saying that, he suddenly waved his hand and said something that shocked everyone!
"I already have someone in mind for the first group of people to be questioned today!"
"Guards! Summon Wu Liang, the Prefect of the Imperial Stud, and Luo Lang, the Minister of Ceremonies, to the platform!"