Chapter 1535: Is This the Truth?

After hearing Zhao Pu's counsel, Liu Yang sank back into thought. Though his face showed little expression, he was clearly quite conflicted. And being conflicted meant he was somewhat tempted.

Yet, after hesitating for a moment, Liu Yang ultimately shook his head. He understood Zhao Pu's meaning, and his mind hadn't truly sorted things out either, but it was almost instinctive for him to refuse.

Once he spoke, however, Liu Yang's tone was resolute: "Since the facts are as they are, why need we conceal them? I know Chancellor Zhao's concern—fear of provoking more criticism and speculation!

But since the court has investigated thoroughly and confirmed the facts, simply making the situation public will suffice. If we try to cover things up, wouldn't that only make us look more guilty and invite more suspicion?

Stopping people's mouths is easy; winning their hearts is hard. Plugging one's ears while stealing a bell is not something to be done. Besides, when the court renders a judgment, why should it need to hide anything?"

The Crown Prince's words were righteous and stern. Yet, as Liu Yang made this statement, his mind had already sorted things through—beyond the considerations in his words, it was also because this second review had so many people involved that the matter had already leaked; it probably couldn't be guaranteed that the results wouldn't spread just by giving a few instructions.

Zhao Pu, facing the upright Crown Prince, felt no shame of having played the petty role, and only replied calmly: "What Your Highness says is reasonable. This minister's considerations were inadequate!"

In fact, in Zhao Pu's view, this matter was also easy to resolve. If one wanted to prevent leaks, sufficient deterrence would do—for instance, should anything be divulged, all those who knew the situation would be dismissed together.

Of course, such an approach might seem extreme. However, Zhao Pu was merely offering a suggestion, making clear to the Crown Prince his attitude and position on the matter. As for whether to adopt it, that would depend on the Crown Prince's choice.

Liu Yang's choice was soon expressed clearly and forcefully: "As for the second review's circumstances, your lordships' judgments, and the two name lists—report everything truthfully upward, and await the imperial decree!"

Liu Yang was clever after all—the final word would still rest with Emperor Liu.

"Is Wu Jichuan on the new list?" Liu Yang suddenly asked.

Zhao Pu nodded, and his tone was suggestive: "He is! Not only on it, but ranked among the top three!"

"Among the newly drawn-up nine, is that Xu Shilian included?" Liu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Still not!" Zhao Pu's gaze was clear, his tone certain.

At this, Liu Yang was somewhat surprised, and said: "I also received that Xu Shilian earlier. Though somewhat arrogant and self-important, he does have some real talent. Can he truly not be admitted as a jinshi?"

At this mention, Zhao Pu fell silent for a moment, then turned and took an examination paper from the desk, handing it to Liu Yang: "Your Highness, this is Xu Shilian's policy essay. After you look it over, you'll understand!"

Somewhat curious, Liu Yang took it, spread it open, and read it seriously. After reading a section, he looked up and said: "Well written—quite insightful!"

Zhao Pu: "Please, Your Highness, read the latter half!"

Liu Yang buried his head again. Soon, a furrowed brow squeezed away all curiosity and doubt, and even his eyes showed a hint of deep gravity. He slowly raised his head and uttered a single sentence: "This Xu Shilian—he's gone too far in his arrogance! Does His Majesty's achievements need his evaluation? The court's great policies—how dare a mere scholar criticize them recklessly? Having served as a county clerk and knowing a bit of paperwork, he thinks he can direct the realm?"

"Your Highness, calm your anger!" Zhao Pu offered a perfunctory word of appeasement.

Sensing his own loss of composure, Liu Yang heeded the advice and quickly collected himself. He lowered his head and browsed through Xu Shilian's policy essay once more, and his calm returned.

Clearly, for something to make even the Crown Prince lose his composure, Xu Shilian's essay was quite extraordinary. On the topic of the governance of the Qianyou and Kaibao eras—a very broad subject—most scholars chose to discuss a segment, an event, or a single policy.

But inevitably, there were those of exceptional talent, like Wu Jichuan, Song Zhun, and Xu Shilian. Wu Jichuan unreservedly sang praises, showcasing literary flair and displaying insight—with such an essay, which examiner would dare give a low score?

Xu Shilian was different. He insisted on standing apart, evaluating the Qianyou and Kaibao eras from a macro perspective. He did acknowledge Emperor Liu's achievements, especially singing high praise for the unification during the Qianyou era.

But within the affirming tone, he also introduced some new angles—for instance, explicitly pointing out the suffering of the common people of the Great Han during the Qianyou era, the excessive tax burden, and the excessive corvée labor.

For instance, he noted that Emperor Liu's reforms of various institutions did not follow Confucius and Mencius, did not revere the sages, and he also touched on the imperial examinations' unfriendliness toward scholars of the realm, especially those from humble backgrounds.

Also, that Emperor Liu was lenient with military officers but harsh with civil officials—though the truth was not quite so, for many literati who had come through the Qianyou era, that was how it seemed.

As for after the Kaibao era began, Xu Shilian pointed out even more problems. Things like over-generously enfeoffing meritorious officials with excessive treatment. Things like repeatedly waging war and launching campaigns without end, wasting national strength on poor, barren places where revenue didn't cover expenses. As for extravagance and the endless stream of tribute goods—those were minor matters.

Xu Shilian's thoughts were committed to paper, the words perhaps somewhat veiled, but between the lines, the surging intent was plain to see for any examiner reading.

Liu Yang mused for a while, then looked up at Zhao Pu and asked in a tone of seeking guidance: "In Chancellor Zhao's view, did Xu Shilian write this essay to stand aloof and attract attention, or out of sincere loyalty and bold remonstrance?"

"Hard to say." Zhao Pu sighed softly: "This old minister has only met the man once so far—I truly don't understand him!"

Pausing, Zhao Pu continued: "However, being able to produce such an essay, one cannot deny the man has some learning. It's just that he's overly rash, knows no reverence, and speaks recklessly—being rejected by the examiners is hardly unjustifiable!"

Liu Yang largely concurred with Zhao Pu's view. However, looking back through this policy essay from the start, with Xu Shilian being so bold and reckless, arrogant and self-important yet unaware of it, after failing the examination, doing something like beating the drum at the petition drum to seek an audience with the emperor was hardly beyond him.

If that were the case... was he overthinking things? Liu Yang couldn't help but ponder privately.

"Your Highness!" Zhao Pu called softly.

"If that's the case... how should this matter be concluded!" Liu Yang let out a light sigh, his expression looking somewhat troubled.

The root cause of Xu Shilian's failure was found, and the twists and turns were sorted out, but how to handle it—Liu Yang was somewhat uncertain.

"Your Highness, Xu Shilian, arrogant in his talents, proud and haughty, recklessly discussing court affairs—considering his youth, not charging him with crimes and punishments, and simply not admitting him, is already the court's leniency and care!" Zhao Pu said:

"Yet instead of reflecting on his own errors, returning home to close his door in contemplation and planning for the future, he harbors resentment, blaming the court's unfair selection of scholars, slandering the chief examiner, and reproaching his fellow candidates.

Through his narrow-mindedness and willfulness, he has stirred such a great wave in the court, causing such a vile and harmful influence, leading the court's talent selection to fall into rumors of fraud.

All of this is Xu Shilian's fault. This old minister believes that Xu Shilian should be additionally punished for his crimes, to set the record straight and to warn those who come after!"

"Would that not be too harsh?" Liu Yang said with an unchanging expression: "Xu Shilian is certainly arrogant and willful, but since the court set the examination topic, it is naturally meant for people to discuss, to hear their views, and to select the best for admission. This talk of 'recklessly discussing court affairs' seems rather inapt when applied to this matter.

This man's views, though bold and biting, if punished for them, would likely do damage to His Majesty's virtuous reputation as a ruler!"

Hearing Liu Yang say this, Zhao Pu smiled lightly and offered a compliment: "Your Highness is truly a benevolent master! However, this old minister's recommendation is not about his policy essay, but about his failure to distinguish right from wrong, black from white, arbitrarily lodging accusations and slandering great ministers.

This matter has already affected the court's prestige, deluding people's hearts and corrupting court discipline. If what he said were true, that would be another matter. But now the facts are clear—everything was Xu Shilian's conjecture—and such evil consequences have resulted. How can he not be punished!"

Zhao Pu's opinion was firmly held. Faced with his insistence, Liu Yang had to give the chancellor some face and couldn't directly question him further. After musing for a while, he said: "Let us first report to His Majesty, and await further discussion!"

"That would be fine as well!" Zhao Pu gave Liu Yang a brief appraising look, inwardly praising him.

Clearly, with people like them vouching for him, Li Fang's wrongful accusation of fraud could basically be washed clean. In such a situation, Liu Yang should have felt relieved.

Yet not a trace of it showed on his face. Every word and action of Liu Yang's carried a sense of care and caution. For a Crown Prince, it wasn't about making remarkably conspicuous achievements—on the contrary, being steady and reserved, and not making mistakes, was more important.

Additionally, Zhao Pu had also noticed that the Crown Prince's depth of thought was growing day by day. This wasn't reflected in reticence, but in his style of conduct.

The Crown Prince was simply too steady—unmoving as a mountain, the kind of steadiness where one's expression doesn't change even if Mount Tai collapses before one's eyes.

"I must trouble Chancellor Zhao to prepare a memorial presenting the results of the second review!" Liu Yang said in a gentle tone: "I should also draft a report to submit to His Majesty!"

"That is as it should be!" Zhao Pu said calmly.