Chapter 1689: The Guimao Year Examinations

After the palace eunuch served tea, the laughter and chatter briefly subsided. Emperor Liu's expression turned serious as he toyed with the jade thumb ring on his finger, speaking slowly to Liu Chenghsun: "I hear that in this year's examinations, the original plan was to rank Liu Chun as fifth among the jinshi, but you had it suppressed."

This year's metropolitan examination was somewhat unusual, as Liu Chun, the heir of Prince Yong, also participated. Criticism swirled like tides—though few dared to voice direct accusations, gossip and murmurs were inevitable.

Why would the heir of Prince Yong, a man of noble standing, stoop to compete with the empire's scholars and minor officials? The examinations were growing ever more difficult—more candidates each year, fewer places awarded. The immense competitive pressure not only drove many scholars to pursue niche fields like agriculture and medicine, but also forced some ambitious men to take the military examinations.

At this moment, hearing Emperor Liu raise the matter, Liu Chenghsun shook his head and explained: "I never agreed with Liu Chun participating in the first place. Seeking fame and reputation—whether or not he has genuine talent—invites criticism and causes nothing but trouble. Moreover, to be admitted as fifth-ranked jinshi..."

Liu Chenghsun did not avoid the subject; his answer was frank, and he admitted to it openly.

"Your concerns, I naturally understand! But you should have more trust in the chief and supervising examiners. Lü Duan and Li Hang are both renowned figures at court. Lü Duan is cautious, Li Hang is upright. With the two of them presiding over the examinations, are you afraid they would use their position for private gain, invite criticism, and ruin your family's reputation?"

For the twentieth year of Kaibao's examinations, Emperor Liu had appointed two "young men" to the panel of examiners: Lü Duan, Minister of Personnel and Chief Minister, and Li Hang, Secretariat Drafter.

By the spring of the twenty-first year, after months of turmoil following Lu Duoxun's downfall, the central government had once again reached a new balance of power.

Zhao Pu still served as Chief Chancellor, assisting the sovereign above and commanding the ministers below, but his authority was clearly diminished. The reason was simple: those who shared his power had markedly increased.

Zhao Kuangyi and Wang Zhu needed no mention. Song Qi had been transferred back to court, serving as Vice Director of the Chancellery and Chief Minister, wielding the power to review and veto imperial edicts. Wang You, the Administration Commissioner of Hedong, took his place in the Hall of State Affairs as Minister of Revenue and Chief Minister.

The Bureau of Military Affairs needed no elaboration—it had always been its own system. As for the Ministry of War, the military-political nexus, Zhao Pu likewise had little control over it. Those who could serve as Minister of War had always been meritorious nobles who did not heed Zhao Pu.

For instance, the current Minister of War was Han Tong, whose seniority far exceeded Zhao Pu's.

Of course, what affected Zhao Pu most was Lü Duan, who had risen from Administration Commissioner of Guangnan East Circuit to Minister of Personnel. This almost declared that the personnel authority Zhao Pu had long held in his grasp had been stripped away. As Chief Chancellor, he could still inquire into matters, but he could never wield it as effortlessly as in years past.

Lü Duan's rise was somewhat unexpected, for he had surpassed old veterans like Li Fang and Shi Xizai. In the past, many had criticized Lü Duan—his temper was too good, his performance too mediocre, and in office he was always steady and unremarkable, without outstanding achievements or contributions.

Even when he took the examinations back then, his scores were not outstanding. In previous years, many attributed Lü Duan's steady promotions to his connection with the late chancellor Lü Yin.

Yet a careful review of Lü Duan's résumé could only be described as rich and solid: born into an official family, passing the jinshi examination with distinction, serving as county magistrate, then as prefectural governor, with experience in central ministries and departments, serving for years as Governor of Kaifeng—the chief official of the capital region—and naturally not lacking experience as a circuit-level grand official.

In terms of ability and qualifications, Lü Duan's appointment as chancellor was beyond doubt. It was just that his governance was too plain, and his demeanor too low-key.

Others might underestimate Lü Duan, but Emperor Liu would not overlook him. After all, Lü Yin had once told him that he considered himself inferior to his younger brother Lü Duan. Emperor Liu held Lü Yin in high regard and trusted his judgment. Moreover, the name Lü Duan always struck him as familiar, and after years of observation, he was confirmed that this would be a great minister of the age.

Lü Duan, long regarded by Emperor Liu as a reserve chancellor, being promoted was only natural. Though his seat in the Hall of State Affairs was at the very end, the mere fact that he had become chancellor from the post of Minister of Personnel meant no one dared underestimate him. At any time, personnel authority was one of the most important powers—otherwise, how could the Ministry of Personnel stand at the head of all ministries?

And Lü Duan's first important assignment was serving as chief examiner for this year's metropolitan examination. Of course, it was only nominal, but even so, Emperor Liu's preference could not have been more obvious.

As for Li Hang, he was indeed a young man. At thirty-four, he had participated in the eighteenth year of Kaibao's regular examinations, taken first place, and become famous throughout the realm. Of course, due to Emperor Liu's employment habits and the Han system of examinations that had continued for over thirty years, Li Hang inevitably bore the common traits of recent jinshi graduates.

That is, before taking the examinations, he had not simply buried himself in books and study. Instead, he had gained nearly ten years of administrative experience in his hometown of Mingzhou, and was highly regarded by his superiors—even without taking the examinations, he already qualified to shed his clerical status and become an official.

Nevertheless, Li Hang chose the "difficult" path of the dragon gate. Three years ago, recommended by Zhang Lin, the Prefectural Administrator of Mingzhou, he came to the capital to take the examinations and seized the laurels.

And thanks to his solid grassroots experience and outstanding administrative ability, Li Hang naturally did not need to grind out seniority at court like most jinshi, but was directly given important positions.

Noticed by Crown Prince Liu Yang, he was transferred to the Eastern Palace to serve as an attendant, and later reassigned as Secretariat Drafter.

The last person with such an experience was Song Zhun, and now Song Zhun was already the Administration Commissioner of Jiangxi. Though not a wealthy circuit, it was still a frontier-governor post, and his promotion had been as fast as a rocket.

Therefore, many at court had long regarded Li Hang as a second Song Zhun. And Li Hang, whether in personal conduct, integrity, or ability and talent, had not disappointed anyone.

Three years ago, he had been just one among many examination candidates; three years later, he became an examiner. Such fortune, such a transformation of identity, was quite remarkable.

With Lü Duan and Li Hang serving as chief and supervising examiners, the fairness of this year's selection was essentially guaranteed. At least on this point, Emperor Liu could believe it, and the court officials could be convinced.

On the other hand, even setting aside their personal character, given that both were in the rising phase of their careers, they would hardly do anything to destroy their own futures.

However, because of Liu Chun's participation, some disturbances arose. The grading examiners unanimously determined to admit him in fifth place. After personally reviewing the examination papers, Lü and Li both approved this ranking.

Yet this decision was interfered with by Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun. He was very concerned about the matter and applied some pressure, hoping Liu Chun would fail. Participating was one thing—there was no need to show off. He should simply wait quietly to inherit the title of Prince Yong.

But Lü Duan and Li Hang were somewhat tactless, insisting on maintaining the ranking unchanged. However, under pressure from Liu Chenghsun, they ultimately lowered the ranking somewhat.

Even so, it remained conspicuous enough—eleventh place was by no means low. This outcome left all parties dissatisfied, each harboring resentment. Emperor Liu understood this and made no direct response to the matter, ultimately tacitly accepting it.

However, tacit acceptance did not mean approval, and he could not help but harbor some resentment himself. Bringing the matter up face to face, though his words were light and casual, the warning was unmistakable.

Emperor Liu took a sip of tea, looked at Liu Chenghsun, and said slowly: "Even if you don't trust Lü and Li, you should have confidence in the examination system that the court has implemented for many years. In the matter of selecting talent, I consider ours the most complete, fairest, and most practical system in all dynasties!

If Liu Chun has talent, he is admitted; if insufficient, he fails. That is all. You worry about reputation and fear criticism, so you interfere recklessly—do you not realize that this only stirs up even greater controversy?

This time, you were modest, causing Liu Chun's ranking to drop. But if you can lower someone's rank, might you next time raise someone's?"

Liu Chenghsun had already sensed something amiss in Emperor Liu's words, but after hearing this speech, his expression finally changed drastically, realizing he had truly crossed a taboo.

He noted Emperor Liu's expression—it looked calm, but the calmer it seemed, the more uneasy he felt inside.

Liu Chenghsun had always been frank with Emperor Liu; this was his way of self-preservation. So he did not panic excessively. After pondering a moment, he cupped his hands with an embarrassed expression and said: "Your words, Second Brother, have made me break out in a cold sweat! Thinking on it now, I was indeed careless in my considerations. In this matter, my actions were improper and violated the court's regulations and procedures. I beg you to punish me—I accept it willingly and bear no complaint!"

With Liu Chenghsun's attitude so sincere, what could Emperor Liu do? He could hardly keep harping on the matter. He gave him a long, deep look, waved his hand, and said flatly: "As long as you understand. Considering that your concern clouded your judgment, this matter is hereby closed. Take it as a lesson and do not repeat it!"

"Yes!"