On a sunny day, two uninvited guests were welcomed into Ye Zhang's mansion in Yangzhai City today.

Looking at the First Emperor Ying Zheng in front of him and Li Si who was accompanying him, the former's expression changed and he said: "Your Majesty, the Emperor, has so many things to do, how come you have time to come to me, an idle man, today?"

He was very aware of Ying Zheng's temperament and would not go to the Three Treasures Palace for anything. He must have run into some trouble when he came here specially this time.

Hearing this, Guo Yingzheng chuckled and said, "I have not seen Mr. Ye for a long time and I am a little worried about him. I just happened to have some free time recently so I came over to see you. After all, you are also my Grand Master of the Qin Dynasty, so you can't be too distant."

Seeing that the other party was so close, Ye Zhang was more certain of his previous judgment, and then said: "Your Majesty, if you have anything to do, just tell me. If I can help you, I will not refuse."

Seeing this, Ying Zheng did not make any detours and said with a smile: "Sir, you also know that the world is just beginning to settle down and the people's hearts are unstable. Under such circumstances, it is not easy to get the people to accept the culture and laws of Qin."

Hearing this, Ye Zhang instantly understood the other party's intention, and then continued: "This matter is indeed troublesome, but it may not be impossible."

Hearing this, Ying Zheng felt something in his heart and said quickly: "Please give me some advice, sir!"

Ye Zhang thought for a moment and said, "The best way to solve this problem is to take the imperial examination."

"What is the imperial examination?"

Ying Zheng had never heard of this unfamiliar word, so he asked with some confusion.

Ye Zhang did not answer directly, but asked: "I wonder what method the court relies on to select officials now?"

Ying Zheng heard this and replied: "Since the Xia and Shang Dynasties, the country has been able to place officials with Shiqing Shilu. On this basis, our Qin Dynasty has added military merit awards and recommendations, so that more talented people can be used by the country.

."

Ye Zhang chuckled and said: "Both the Shiqing Shilu and the recommendation are extremely restrictive. If you want to be an official, you must obtain the recognition of the nobles, and this also cuts off the upward channels for countless talents. The disadvantages are not small.

.”

Hearing this, Ying Zheng raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Could it be that the imperial examination you mentioned is an improvement on this?"

"It's not about improving, it's about opening up a new path."

Ye Zhang said with a slight smile.

As soon as the words fell, Ying Zheng felt something extraordinary about it, and then said with a serious face: "Please make it clear, sir."

Ye Zhang replied: "The so-called imperial examination is to select talents through scientific examinations. Officials set questions and candidates answer them uniformly. All people in the Qin State, regardless of age, can participate.

After layers of screening, those with the highest test scores will eventually be admitted to the court as officials."

Hearing this, both Ying Zheng and Li Si were slightly shocked. Such a proposal was unprecedented. If it were really implemented, I am afraid that the original framework of the court would be completely broken.

This is not just an order, but a top-down change. Once successful, the impact will probably be no less than that of Shang Yang's reforms.

However, Ying Zheng has never been a stickler for rules. After understanding the huge impact, his eyes flashed and he asked: "Then I wonder how the imperial examination is implemented?"

Ye Zhang replied: "In my opinion, the selection can be carried out according to the level of the region. For example, the assessment can be divided into four levels, namely, the township examination, the county examination, the county examination, and the palace examination.

First of all, after registering, all candidates must take the school examination in their hometown. Those with better grades can go to the county to take the county examination.

By analogy, those who advance in the county examination can go to the county to participate in the next round of assessment. Finally, only the outstanding candidates who make it through multiple selections are qualified to go to Xianyang for the final palace examination.

And the palace examination can be presided over by His Majesty, who can personally select the scholars he likes and give them official positions."

Upon hearing these words, Ying Zheng's eyes couldn't help but flash, this proposal was really to his liking.

Not only can more officials be selected, but the monopoly of aristocratic families on career advancement that has existed for thousands of years has been broken up. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone!

At this time, Ye Zhang continued: "Previously, His Majesty said that it would be very difficult to popularize Qin's writing and laws. We might as well include all kinds of laws and Qin seal scripts as compulsory subjects.

Anyone who wants to participate in the imperial examination must pass these two tests, so that the people at the bottom will naturally accept all of this willingly and even become the most loyal supporters."

When Ying Zheng heard these words, he couldn't help but nodded. He truly understood the importance of the imperial examination system. Then he chuckled and said, "Sir, this is a great kindness. Once the imperial examination comes out, all the people in the world will be united!"

But at this moment, Li Si, who was standing aside and listening silently, had a sudden change of thought. He did not expect that Ye Zhang would have such a bold idea, and he would even say it directly in front of the emperor.

If it were put into practice, I don't know how much turmoil it would cause. After all, the interests involved were too great. Then he took a step forward and said: "Your Majesty, you need to think twice about the imperial examination!"

When Ying Zheng heard this, he raised his eyebrows and looked at the other party: "Ai Qing, what objections do you have?"

Li Si cupped his hands and replied: "Today's officials are basically selected from noble families. If the imperial examination is held, it may cause turmoil in the country."

Although his words were not completely clear, the meaning was quite obvious.

Once this kind of imperial examination appears, it will break the aristocratic family's monopoly on official positions, and it will be like destroying their lifeblood. Those nobles will definitely cause a lot of trouble.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng snorted coldly and said: "The imperial examination is an act that benefits the country and the people. As a minister, you should obey it. If anyone dares to interfere with it, you can try the sword in my hand to counteract the advantage!"

Hearing this, Li Si also saw that the other party was determined to implement the imperial examination system, and then he said no more, just silently thinking about how to operate it in order to protect himself to the greatest extent.

Ying Zheng, on the other hand, continued to talk with Ye Zhang with great interest, and also expressed some of his thoughts, and then decided on the matter on the spot.

At this moment, Ye Zhang said: "Your Majesty, the imperial examination is quite complicated and requires a specific plan. In addition, there must be an examiner during the examination who is responsible for the order of the entire examination."

Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded and then said: "This makes sense, so who should be the examiner?"

After the words fell, Li Si's eyes lit up. He knew very well what the significance of this imperial examination was. From a certain point of view, the examiner was like half of the candidate's teacher. He could directly gain countless connections and benefit from it.

endless.
Chapter completed!