Chapter 1537: Such Handling

Emperor Liu's smile lasted all the way to the end, his face showing little change. He had seen all kinds of people and heard all kinds of arguments. Xu Shilian, a mere petty scholar, could hardly provoke much of a reaction from Emperor Liu even with his wild and reckless words.

However, the Crown Prince, who was familiar with Emperor Liu, still caught the momentary twitch of the Emperor's brow. Though it flashed by in an instant, it was enough to show that Emperor Liu had been somewhat stirred.

"So this is the strange talk you mentioned? Strange enough, wild enough, and new enough!" After a long while, Emperor Liu raised his head. The rustling sound of paper in his hand made the hall seem especially quiet.

The smile at the corners of his mouth looked very gentle. Emperor Liu said to Liu Yang: "You need not mince words. Some of what is said here is criticism and correction of Us and of court policy. Since we let people discuss governance, whatever stance they take, whatever views they offer—as long as they have substance, it is understandable and not surprising.

We have sat on the throne for so many years, and have not been without criticism. Back then, there were times when people chased after Us, pointed at Our nose, and said We were wrong.

But this mere Xu Shilian, of clerical origins, having just arrived in the capital, dares to speak so boldly—that is courage worthy of praise. This daring actually surpasses quite a few ministers at court!"

When Emperor Liu said this, his tone was relaxed, as if he did not take it to heart, and his words even carried a hint of appreciation for Xu Shilian. But then he added one more line: "When Xu Shilian wrote this essay, had he also been drinking?"

Perhaps calling Xu Shilian's policy essay "drunken words" was already a display of Emperor Liu's magnanimity.

Hearing Emperor Liu's assessment, Liu Yang clasped his hands and said: "Xu Shilian may have some insight, but this understanding is too crude and shallow—he only knows the surface, not the inner meaning.

After all, he comes from Shanyang, has read some books, acquired some learning, and learned something of court policy. But his horizons are ultimately narrow. His arguments, while novel, are ultimately limited.

A bit of wild talk—no need to pay it any mind!"

"So this is why the examiners did not select him?" Emperor Liu said calmly: "One can tell that Xu Shilian put considerable effort into writing this policy essay. Did Li Fang reject him just because of 'concealing faults for the worthy'?

For this courage and persistence alone, what harm in granting him the jinshi degree? Just because the man wrote an unsatisfactory essay and expressed some sharp opinions and views?

Must everyone sing praises to Us alone, and no dissenting voice be allowed on court policy? I rather think the court could use more people who dare speak unpleasant truths..."

Such words could probably only be spoken by Emperor Liu. For the ministers responsible for grading and selecting scholars, position needed to be considered, and seeking stability was also necessary.

Moreover, the afterglow of Emperor Liu's Fengshan sacrifices still lingered. Amid the court's chorus of praise, such an essay was clearly out of place—especially coming from a mere scholar.

For the examiners, making the choice was not difficult, and judging by the outcome, everyone's unanimous choice already explained the reasoning.

At the very least, not admitting this man would not cause any principled problems. But no one could have imagined that Xu Shilian would be so ignorant of his place, so rigid and sharp, unable to bear grievance, and so simple and crude in seeking a way to resolve the matter.

"However!" Emperor Liu continued sharing his views: "The special examinations and imperial examinations—the court has already held them over a dozen times, in all their variety. Among so many scholars, one as uniquely aloof as Xu Shilian is a first.

Lu Duoxun passed the examinations as a youth, ranking at the top—that was arrogant and self-satisfied enough. Who would have thought that twenty years later, someone even more self-important would appear!"

To receive such an assessment from Emperor Liu, Xu Shilian could indeed be proud.

"Without sufficient confidence in himself, he probably would not have dared to beat the petition drum and lodge a complaint. Unfortunately, his confidence went too far, and in the end he did not know himself!"

"Since the matter has been investigated and clarified, do you have any thoughts on how to handle the conclusion?" Emperor Liu turned and asked Liu Yang.

Liu Yang clearly hesitated, then clasped his hands and said: "I await Father's instruction!"

"I am asking what thoughts you have?" Emperor Liu said calmly.

Emperor Liu's gaze always carried a kind of pressure, and Liu Yang knew this well. After pondering a moment, he no longer hesitated and answered: "Your son has discussed this with Chancellor Zhao. We believe we should publicly announce the investigation results to the world, to set the record straight and dispel the rumors!

The only concern is that this matter has already caused an extremely bad influence both at court and among this year's candidates. Even if the truth comes to light, doubts and criticism will likely remain.

How to soothe the scholars' sentiments requires more consideration!"

"And what more is there to consider?" Hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately countered: "You have already ascertained the truth—Li Fang is innocent. Are you saying that because of popular doubt, we should wrong an innocent man?

The scholars at court and in the realm need an explanation—but what about the court? What about Li Fang? Should we punish our own minister because of one scholar's agitated outburst? Preposterous!"

Emperor Liu naturally knew that Liu Yang did not mean that; he was only making a point. He truly did not care so much about the outcome of this matter—he was merely observing how his Crown Prince would conduct himself.

"Yes!" Liu Yang was not flustered either, adopting a posture of receiving instruction.

"Additionally, besides clarifying the facts, your son believes that the court's examination system should also be appropriately reformed!" Liu Yang added.

"Oh?" Emperor Liu showed some interest and gestured: "Speak!"

"The reason this storm erupted, besides Xu Shilian's failure to ascertain the facts, his disregard for proportion, and his reckless complaint—the root cause lies in the chief examiner wielding excessive authority. Wu Jichuan's fellow-townsman relationship with Lord Li was merely a trigger.

The chief examiner manages the entire process before and after the examinations, and even the selection of examiners and graders is dominated by him. Your son believes that in future examinations, the chief examiner, invigilators, and grading officials should be separated to check one another, with an independent grading team established to ensure fairness and reduce the possibility of favoritism.

Additionally, more detailed regulations could be made for question review and scoring standards, to avoid unfair results caused by individual graders' preferences.

Not only should candidates have their names sealed and papers transcribed, but graders should also review without knowing names, with strict restrictions on their movements. Before the admission list is announced, no one should engage in private socializing..."

Hearing Liu Yang's words, even Emperor Liu could not help but nod in approval. Looking at him, he praised: "Your considerations are very good. Being able to draw lessons from this storm, perfect the regulations, and nip problems in the bud—that counts as a gain!"

"Your son merely gained a little insight under Father's teachings!" Liu Yang said modestly in response to Emperor Liu's affirmation.

"Since you raised this matter, you shall take the lead in perfecting and promulgating it as established regulation!" Emperor Liu instructed: "Your ideas are good. Try to avoid personal factors playing a dominant role in the scholar selection process!"

"Yes!"

"As for the individuals involved in this case, how they should be arranged—do you have any considerations?" Emperor Liu asked again.

Liu Yang: "Wu Jichuan—though his appearance is ugly, the court selects worthies and talents without regard to looks. I have also looked into this man; he does possess learning and ability. It is just that his temperament is timid. He has suffered innocently in this affair. Sending him to the Three Institutes to compile books and pursue scholarship might be a good place for him.

As for Xu Shilian—though he has talent, he is arrogant and proud, and still needs polishing. He disregarded the facts, recklessly lodged his complaint, slandered a minister, and caused a bad influence with serious consequences. In Chancellor Zhao's view, he should be severely punished as a warning!

However, your son believes that considering his youth and rashness, and that there was cause behind the matter, we should not deal with him harshly, lest it stir up more waves. Better to exile him to the frontier as a form of tempering. If he can draw lessons from this experience, reflect on himself, and cultivate his character, he may yet become useful talent for the court one day."

"You are kind-hearted, or perhaps still worried about those meaningless influences!" Emperor Liu said with a light laugh.

Seeing his thoughts seen through, Liu Yang returned a reserved smile.

"As for the discrepancy of nine jinshi candidates appearing in the two rounds of review, how should that be handled? I request Father's decree!" Liu Yang asked again.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately said: "The previous edict stated that this matter is entirely in your hands. Consider it yourself!"

Liu Yang hesitated for a moment, then said: "How about admitting all eighteen candidates from both rounds together?"

"Approved!" Emperor Liu gave a crisp response.

"And what about some other involved personnel—why did you not mention them?" Seeing Liu Yang's expression of having finished his report, Emperor Liu reminded him.

Liu Yang was slightly stunned. After thinking, he said: "Since Lord Li is innocent, the court should firmly support him and restore his reputation!"

"I am not talking about Li Fang!" Emperor Liu said calmly.

Liu Yang's brow furrowed. He truly had not grasped Emperor Liu's meaning, not knowing who "some people" referred to. After pondering again, he said: "The ministers who conducted the second review worked quite hard and should be given some reward!"

Emperor Liu shook his head and said directly: "After the petition drum case, a batch of failed candidates gathered and made a racket, causing a great disturbance at the imperial city. Have you not thought about how to deal with these people?"

"This..." Liu Yang could not help but startle, saying: "These scholars also did not know the circumstances; their actions were unintentional..."

Before he could finish, Emperor Liu rebuked: "If they did not know the circumstances, why did they gather and make trouble? Such provocative behavior—how can it be tolerated? Otherwise, where is the court's authority?

In the end, it is about personal interest—they did not accept the results and wanted to fish in troubled waters. Without their own judgment, following the crowd—such people are even more detestable than Xu Shilian!"

Liu Yang lowered his head and said, "May I ask how Father intends to handle this?"

This time, Emperor Liu did not let Liu Yang decide for himself, and said at once: "All the failed scholars who gathered at the imperial city that day are hereby disqualified from ever taking the examinations again!"

Hearing Emperor Liu's somewhat cold voice, Liu Yang shuddered in alarm—there had been over a hundred people gathered beneath the imperial city gate that day...

But seeing Emperor Liu's composed demeanor, Liu Yang opened his mouth, then still clasped his hands and answered, "Yes!"

He wanted to minimize the adverse impact as much as possible, but Emperor Liu clearly did not have so many concerns.

"By the way, Li Fang was wronged this time—you should comfort him on my behalf!" Emperor Liu added airily.