Chapter 284: The Special Examination Concludes

Reading through the ten "Pacification Strategies," the ones Liu Chengyou favored most were naturally those by Wang Pu and Wang Qiwu. The other eight were largely there to set off these two, mostly the same old clichés—nourish the people, establish the ruler's virtue, repair armor and weapons, and so on.

It wasn't that the literati of the Great Han only had this much "insight"; it was just that Liu Chengyou's question was too broad, and being a palace examination, such answers were safe enough that no one could find major fault. This was a matter concerning one's future and the impression made on the Son of Heaven—unless one had extraordinary talent, insight, and strategy, it was better not to spout any startling remarks.

Wang Pu's essay was hardly unexpected to Liu Chengyou—the argument was very clear: first the south, then the north; first the easy, then the hard. However, what had changed was that this time he limited the south to "Huainan" and the north to "the Yan Mountains." Compared to the Zhao-Song strategy of pacifying the southern states and destroying the Northern Han in the north, it was probably only similar in form.

Moreover, Wang Pu also emphasized one point: within three years, no military action should be taken. He said much, but in summary, his advice was simply to farm well.

Perhaps because the pearl had come first, or perhaps influenced by preconceived impressions, Wang Qiwu's essay always felt a notch weaker—clearly a psychological effect. Stripping away the discursive rhetoric, what Wang Qiwu wrote held little novelty for Liu Chengyou, though it did point out a clear strategic route.

Hold the Khitan in the north, take Huainan in the southeast, recover Qinfeng in the west, then send troops north to reclaim Yanyun, then march south to pacify the southern states, then launch another northern campaign, going out through the northern mountains to destroy the Khitan.

South first, then west, north then turning south, then north again. The blueprint was grand, the ambition commendable, and it had a certain feasibility—it still pleased Liu Chengyou considerably. However, compared to long-term vision, Liu Chengyou cared more about the present, and Wang Pu had described the near-term prospects more clearly, which won him more favor.

Weighing the options, Liu Chengyou still named Wang Pu the top scholar. Of course, in Liu Chengyou's eyes, whether he was named top scholar or not made little difference—both were talents worth employing. Naming Wang Pu was, as it were, giving him a consolation prize for his age.

After admonishing them in court and offering encouragement to those "old and young" examination candidates, the palace examination came to an end. The age range of participants this time was especially wide—the oldest candidate, like Wang Pu, was already forty-two, while the youngest was just past twenty.

"Apart from Wang Pu and Wang Qiwu, all the successful candidates shall be assigned according to their strengths to the State Finance Commission, the six ministries, and the censorate, starting from deputy clerical posts to fill the vacancies in the various offices!" At dusk, Liu Chengyou summoned the chancellors and senior ministers to give instructions on the placement of the successful candidates: "Minister Yang, since you oversee the Ministry of Personnel, this matter is in your charge. Hmm, Minister Feng, you are of high virtue and reputation, and known for judging talent—you may assist!"

"Yes!" Yang Bin had not yet responded, but Feng Dao took the initiative to answer.

Yang Bin, standing below, glanced at Liu Chengyou with some surprise. That the Son of Heaven valued the examination candidates highly was known to all, but that he would entrust their placement to him—he himself could hardly believe it.

Watching Liu Chengyou's gaze, it was calm as a pool of clear water, revealing nothing. But regardless of what Liu Chengyou was thinking, after a moment's pause, he still accepted with a composed demeanor.

Liu Chengyou did not have any particularly complicated intentions—he simply felt that while Yang Bin could still do the work, let him do it. What Liu Chengyou found hardest to tolerate about Yang Bin was his arrogance toward superiors and harshness toward subordinates, but the man's ability to get things done, Liu Chengyou had never doubted.

As for his seizing the opportunity to curry favor and win hearts, or harboring ill intentions—Liu Chengyou was not so concerned about such things now. Yang Bin had promoted so many of his relatives and associates in and out of court before, yet they were all within Liu Chengyou's control, and if he truly did anything beyond his bounds, it would give them just the handle they needed.

"All successful candidates shall be assessed and promoted or demoted within six months based on their work capability. Tell those scholars not to think their positions humble—do more practical work. I have high expectations for them!" Liu Chengyou said, looking at Feng Dao.

"Your servant obeys!"

As for these scholars being assigned to official posts, Liu Chengyou naturally could not entrust them with important positions right away. The court did need fresh blood and lacked officials, but what it lacked was talent that could get things done. These successful candidates passing the examination only proved they had aptitude; their actual work capability remained to be tested. On this point, Liu Chengyou's mind was perfectly clear.

Originally Liu Chengyou had planned to give these hundred-plus men concentrated training, but considering the practical situation, he decided to test them through real work—use them as they came, letting the waves wash out the sand. As for the "central party school," that could wait until the state had the conditions to run it.

"How many failed candidates are still in the capital?" After a moment's thought, Liu Chengyou suddenly asked.

Liu Chengyou's question left people puzzled, and it was Tao Gu who took the initiative to respond: "May I ask what Your Majesty has in mind?"

Glancing at Tao Gu, whose face was full of respect—this fellow was indeed sharp—Liu Chengyou said: "Go issue a notice: all failed candidates in the capital may register at the Kaifeng prefectural office, and the Ministry of Personnel shall assign them as subordinate clerks in counties and towns as appropriate!"

"The court is precisely in need of talent—anyone with even one skill may be put to use."

Tao Gu quickly caught on, his face full of admiration: "Your Majesty is benevolent. Though the failed candidates have no official standing, serving as clerks in county and town offices is well within their capabilities."

Liu Chengyou waved his hand, knowing full well that the number of scholars willing to serve as scribes in counties and towns would likely be few. They would probably rather return home and continue their studies.

Zhao Shangjiao, hearing this from the side, quickly raised this very question.

Liu Chengyou thought for a moment and directly added: "Scholars who register may continue to sit for the imperial examinations next year. The Ministry of Personnel shall send examiners, and they too shall be assessed every six months, with priority for promotion!"

What Liu Chengyou wanted was not merely a group of bookworms—if all they could do was write prose and compose verse, they would not be as useful to the state and court as one might imagine. Without practical experience in governance, at least in the current dynasty, they would not have much room for advancement.

Of course, even for those scholars, having grassroots clerical experience would greatly benefit them in future examinations and career advancement. In the future imperial examinations, besides the traditional classics memorization and prose composition, the tests would only become more practical and policy-oriented, with greater emphasis on detail.

If any of the sharp ones understood this, their chances of passing next year's examinations would be much higher.

"For this special examination, Ministers Zhao and Tao, you two managed all the affairs, toiling through much tedium, selecting talent for the state—your service has pleased me greatly! You shall be rewarded according to merit!" Raising his head and looking around, Liu Chengyou said in a relaxed tone.

"Your servants dare not claim merit!" At these words, both men perked up, and Tao Gu in particular looked at Liu Chengyou with eager expectation.

After considering briefly, Liu Chengyou ordered: "Issue the edict: promote Zhao Shangjiao to Minister of Rites, in charge of the Zhaowen Hall, with a reward of ten bolts of silk and one hundred thousand cash; appoint Tao Gu as Secretariat Drafter, in charge of drafting edicts, with the same reward!"

"We thank Your Majesty!" They both gave thanks in unison.

The material rewards were indeed rather stingy, but there was no help for it—the treasury was not full, and Wang Zhang wished he could split every coin in two. How could Liu Chengyou spend lavishly? He could only be generous with official positions and authority instead.

Originally, Liu Chengyou had planned to have Zhao Shangjiao take over the Ministry of Rites directly, making the title match reality, but considering that Su Yugui still held concurrent duties in the Ministry of Rites and had recently kept a low profile without committing any errors, it would not be right to strip his authority without cause.

As for Tao Gu, he was to take over Fan Zhi's position—Liu Chengyou had other plans and uses for Fan Zhi.