58: Wang Anshi (First Order)

Chapter 58 Wang Anshi (Asking for first subscriptions)

November 15th of the fourth year of zhengyong.

The Great Yu imperial special examination was officially held. Over five thousand four hundred scholars from all over Great Yu gathered in the capital to participate in the special examination.

Nominally, the chief examiner of this test was Emperor Zhengyong, but the specific executor was the newly appointed Minister of Rites, Kong Xiangsi.

The contents of this special examination were all listed by numerous officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel, and personally selected and set by Zheng Yi.

According to the investigations of the Jinyi Guard, quite a few aristocratic families and factional forces in the court vied for numerous rankings in this special examination.

However, because of Yang Xuansu's treason case, Zheng Yi executed numerous officials along with their nine clans, shaking the world with his prestige for a time.

Therefore, during this special examination and imperial examination, no one up and down the court dared to act recklessly.

No imperial examination malpractice occurred, and at most, only a few Jinshi and Juren quotas were fought for.

However, Zheng Yi made some modifications to the contents of the imperial examination.

The content mostly leaned towards decisions regarding the war with Wu Country, how to suppress rebellious people, and how to pacify commoners.

Three days later, the examination ended.

Out of the over five thousand Juren participating in the special examination, only one hundred and twelve people passed the exam to become Gongshi!

On the day the results were posted, the entire capital was extremely lively because of this matter.

Outside the Tribute Examination Hall, at least tens of thousands of participating Juren, relatives, and locals of the capital gathered here, shoulder to shoulder, all crowding toward the Tribute Examination Hall.

"The results are out! The results are out!"

"Hahaha! I passed! I passed!"

"Tang Bohu! There is my name, Tang Bohu! Hahaha..."

"I didn't pass! This old man has been taking exams for more than thirty years and still hasn't passed. Oh Heavens above..."

"One hundred and twelve people. The number of people passing the special imperial examination is still so few. It seems there is no hope in this lifetime..."

"Didn't pass. Young master didn't pass either..."

"Wang Anshi from Subei! Twenty-four years old, not yet married, quickly snatch him up~!"

"Among these one hundred and twelve people, aristocratic Family Disciples make up less than one-third..."

"Your Majesty's great grace! Executing Yang Reverse and occupying northern Wu, who dares to defy Your Majesty's orders in the court today!"

"Hey, Your Majesty is good at everything, except that he shouldn't search for those illusory and untraceable immortals!"

"Hmph! I have already passed with high honors, and during the palace examination, I will definitely submit a petition to Your Majesty in person, requesting Your Majesty to revoke the Immortal-Seeking Decree!"

Countless people crowded outside the Tribute Examination Hall, some watching the commotion, some checking their scores, and others being wealthy merchants from the capital snatching sons-in-law.

At such a lively time, Zheng Yi did not attend in person, but instead focused on the martial examination category.

This martial examination was the first time the Great Yu court held one.

Under normal circumstances, the ministers in the court would never agree to this matter.

However, because of the treason of Tang King and the treason of Prime Minister Yang Xuansu, too many officials and their nine clans were killed, leading to a high concentration of imperial power.

The martial examination matter was also held smoothly.

Inside Qiankun Hall, Zheng Yi was listening to Prince Xian's report on the martial examination.

As an Innate Realm Martial Artist and an imperial uncle, Prince Xian was most suitable to be the examiner for this martial examination.

As for Zheng Yi, he didn't go to either the literary examination or the martial examination.

What if someone wanted to assassinate him? What if some unexpected accident happened?

He'd better obediently stay deep within the imperial palace and remotely command his subordinates to do the work.

Prince Xian sat at the lower seat and said, "Your Majesty, the martial examination was held very smoothly, but..."

"But what?" Zheng Yi asked. "Imperial Uncle, please speak. I have long been mentally prepared."

Prince Xian said, "This martial examination is the first of our dynasty, so not many people came to participate in the assessment."

"There were over five thousand people in the literary examination, but only over one thousand five hundred people in the martial examination."

"Most of them are still unranked Martial Artists who have only practiced a few clumsy moves, or tempered their strength for a few years, and have some rustic farming tricks..."

"These people simply cannot be called Martial Artists."

Zheng Yi said, "These people can all be eliminated. What about the rest?"

Prince Xian continued, "The rest mostly originated from four directions."

"The first is the military, which are all troops implicated in the treason matters of Tang King and Yang Xuansu."

"For example, the Forbidden Army, people who were somewhat close to the treasonous criminals, but after screening, were found not to be suspicious and were released."

"Because these people have stayed in the army for many years, they are very good at military formation fighting. Perhaps they want to rely on this opportunity to make a comeback."

"The second is aristocratic Family Disciples."

Prince Xian said, "Most aristocratic families nowadays have spanned for hundreds of years, and their clan influence is extremely strong."

"Under the legitimate eldest son inheritance system, many concubine-born or illegitimate children are kicked out."

"Most of these people can only be shopkeepers at the edge of the Family, or be allocated a few storefronts."

"There is also a small portion of people who can only enter the military or open martial arts schools through practicing martial arts."

"The third is the many martial arts schools opened within the capital."

"Most of these people Cultivate hard-body techniques, and very few have brilliant Internal Skill Mind-Cultivation Techniques."

"These people have strong practical combat abilities and are very suitable for enlisting in the army."

"However, these people's Heart-Nature has not settled, and they like to gather crowds to cause trouble, so it takes a lot of time to discipline them."

When Prince Xian said this, Zheng Yi also remembered something.

On the night of Yang Xuansu's treason, he bribed a large number of Martial Artists from martial arts schools in the capital as one of the rebel forces to attack the imperial palace.

These people would call anyone mother for milk.

Although they were heavily purged by Zheng Yi in a wave, after all, quite a few people still remained.

"The fourth is the many Sects on good terms with our Great Yu Dynasty."

Prince Xian said, "Disciples from Sects such as Taiyi Sect, Zhenwu Teaching, Longhu Mountain, and Shushan Sword Sect came to participate in the martial examination with the intention of gaining experience, but there is also no lack of people enthusiastic about fame and official career."

"These people are individuals that our court can vigorously win over."

"Upright and orthodox Sects, huh..."

Zheng Yi said, "How many people can pass the initial screening?"

"Seventy-six people!"

Prince Xian said, "Among them are fifty-four third-grade Martial Artists, eighteen second-grade Martial Artists, and only four First Grade Realm Martial Artists!"

"As for above Grandmaster... not a single person."

"Four First Grade Realm Martial Artists..."

Zheng Yi said, "What are their identities? Is there anyone the Imperial Uncle values?"

"There is."

Prince Xian said succinctly, "The first person is Cui Xiawu, a person from the Qinghe Cui Family, twenty-eight years old. He Cultivates the Cui Family martial art 《Ice and Fire Swimming Dragon Palm》, and has advanced to a First Grade Realm Martial Artist for seven years. There is a great probability of Breakthrough to the Grandmaster Realm."

"Although this person is from the Qinghe Cui Family, he is a collateral branch of a collateral branch, and has almost no contact with the main Family. He is a person who can be won over."

"Also, this person is a distant cousin of Consort Cui. Your Majesty, please take note."

"Consort Cui?"

Zheng Yi furrowed his brows slightly. He had not met this woman until now.

It seems he has to find some time to go take a look.

After all, as a consort, her noble status is only below the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

He didn't know why she was made a consort by Emperor Zhengyong back then!

"The second person, Zhao Tieshan, was originally an ordinary squad leader of the Forbidden Army. Implicated in Yang Xuansu's treason case, it was finally investigated and found that he only hurt a few people due to throwing a drunken tantrum after drinking too much alcohol. He was released back after being detained for a few days."

"This person's Cultivated Cultivation Techniques are very miscellaneous. He has practiced things like the Five Tigers Severing Door Saber, Piguas Saber Technique, Vajra Palm, and Iron Cloth Shirt."

"His main Cultivation Technique practiced is still the Hundred Battles Blood Fiend Saber, which is a simplified version issued by the military."

"However, this person is born with Divine Power, and his physique is as tall as eight feet. Ordinary hard-body Cultivation Techniques appear to have great power on this person."

"The third person, Tian Yiguang."

Prince Xian suddenly smiled and said, "Your humble minister appreciates this person very much; he has quite a bit of this minister's demeanor back in the day."

"Oh? How so?"

"This person's martial arts cultivation is at the First Grade Realm, but he is not very infatuated with martial arts. The Cultivation Technique he practices is only the 《Raging Wind Saber Technique》 and his self-created lightness kung fu movement technique."

"Even so, this person stepped into the First Grade Realm with superb talent."

"He lingers in brothels and courtesan houses all day long, reciting poems and composing couplets. Moreover, it is rumored that he has some relations with several well-known heroines in the Jianghu. He truly is a marvelous person."

Zheng Yi frowned and said, "Fond of female beauty? He wouldn't be a flower-picking thief kind of trash, would he?"

Prince Xian shook his head and said, "Your humble minister has checked, and he is not."

"Although this person is fond of female beauty, he has not provoked decent women. On the contrary, there are quite a few decent women and heroines chasing after him~"

"If this minister were twenty years younger, I would definitely drink a few cups with this person, Hahaha..."

Zheng Yi also laughed: "Since the Imperial Uncle has said so, then I also want to meet this person."

"What about the other person?"

Prince Xian's expression suddenly became a bit strange, and he said, "The fourth person is a woman."

"A woman?"

"Correct."

"Chen Hongxiu, thirty-one years old, daughter of the former Xiaoqy Camp Captain Chen Dao!"

Prince Xian said, "Nine years ago, Xiaoqy Camp Captain Chen Dao was imprisoned by Yang Xuansu under the crime of 'mutiny commanding officer, suspected of treason', and was beheaded to show the public. His other Family members had their properties confiscated and were exiled."

"It wasn't until Your Majesty ascended the throne and granted a general amnesty to the world that the Chen Family's crimes were pardoned. The entire Xiaoqy Camp was gradually won over and divided by Yang Xuansu, and now only an empty shell remains."

"Later investigations showed that it was merely a means used by Yang Xuansu to win over the military and suppress dissidents."

"Back then, Chen Hongxiu was only twenty-one years old and was already a Third Grade Martial Artist. With her Family murdered and her entire clan exiled to be slaves, she had long harbored a death wish."

"After Your Majesty ascended the throne and issued a general amnesty to the world, this person returned to the capital and launched a total of seven assassinations against Yang Xuansu within four years!"

"One of them was almost successful, but it unfortunately fell short at the very end."

"After Your Majesty annihilated Yang Xuansu's rebellion, confiscated his property, and executed his entire clan, Chen Hongxiu suddenly disappeared. Who would have thought she would reappear during this Martial Examination, defeat more than a dozen competitors in one fell swoop, and successfully complete the Martial Examination assessment!"

"It seems she wants to inherit her father's legacy?"

Prince Xian praised, "This woman hates evil like a deadly foe, possesses a heroic and bold nature, and has avenged her father for over a decade as if it were just yesterday. She is truly a model in the military!"

Zheng Yi also became interested. "Chen Hongxiu, you say? She truly is an extraordinary woman, and I would like to meet her as well."

"Your Majesty, the Palace Examination will take place in three days, and Your Majesty can inspect her in person."

After Prince Xian left, Zheng Yi called for Lu Lian.

"Take some men to investigate those participating in the Martial Examination. You must thoroughly check everyone's background!"

"Understood!"

"As long as anyone's background is vague or they have disappeared for a few years in the middle, I will not employ such people at all!"

Three days later, at Baohe Hall, the Civil Examination Palace Examination took place.

The topic given by Zheng Yi was very simple: two words, "Pacifying the People".

This topic seemed very simple, but its scope was exceptionally large.

Across the entire examination hall, over a hundred provincial graduates began to pick up their brushes and answer, and Zheng Yi also sat atop the dragon throne, watching with keen interest.

This imperial examination had indeed produced quite a few talents.

There were children of noble families, and there were also children from humble backgrounds.

Of course, not a single one came from ordinary, impoverished commoner families!

It was already extremely difficult for impoverished commoners just to stay alive, let alone study for the imperial examinations!

At this moment, more than a dozen examination papers were placed on his desk.

These were the excellent examination papers selected by the cabinet from over five thousand submissions. After inspecting them, Zheng Yi found them to be truly decent.

The names of several people among them had already been remembered by Zheng Yi.

Soon, the Palace Examination concluded, and the many examinees left the hall to rest.

As for Zheng Yi, he picked out the examination papers of those few individuals and began to review them.

Cui Xia Zhao was once again a person from the Qinghe Cui Family.

However, this person was a direct descendant of the Cui Family and the eldest grandson of Cui Jinghao, one of the current cabinet ministers.

He possessed a considerable literary reputation, could compose essays effortlessly as soon as he opened his mouth, and had been known as a 'prodigy' since childhood.

His examination paper took "Pacifying the People" as its theme. Every single sentence explained what the people were and why they were the people, stating that they needed to settle down, establish themselves, restrain themselves in their actions, and not insatiably desire more.

In short, flowing on for over three thousand words, it could all be summed up in four words: "Restrain oneself and return to propriety"!

According to what Cui Xia Zhao said, if farmers farmed with peace of mind, soldiers guarded their homeland with peace of mind, and officials managed the people with peace of mind, the effect of "Pacifying the People" could be achieved.

The rhetoric was ornate, and there was even a faint intention of flattering Zheng Yi.

Zheng Yi smiled indifferently and placed this person's examination paper aside.

As expected of someone from a noble Family background; writing an examination paper was steady and full of ornate rhetoric, but unfortunately, it was all empty and devoid of any real substance.

After flipping through a few sheets, he quickly found the examination paper of the person he wanted to look for.

Wang Anshi.

This person originated from the Taiyuan Wang Clan, but he belonged to a branch of a branch, almost negligible.

According to the Jinyi Guard's investigation, when this person was born, his Family's farmland had long been sold off, and it was through his mother doing laundry, weaving, and other odd jobs that she raised him.

As for his studying, he relied on eavesdropping outside the private school. Later, he was taken in as a Disciple by the private school teacher, allowing him to study openly and uprightly.

This special imperial examination was already his fourth time taking the imperial exams.

"Wang Anshi..."

Zheng Yi muttered this name under his breath and reviewed this person's examination paper once more.

The content of the examination paper... was startling.

Although the content was not much, between the lines, Zheng Yi could clearly see a few words.

Land annexation, the scourge of noble families.

He took a deep breath. It seemed this person already harbored the intention of sacrificing his life for righteousness?

After looking at a few more papers, Zheng Yi immediately spoke, "Summon Cui Xia Zhao, Li Ziyang, and Wang Anshi for an audience!"

Soon, the three provincial graduates, led by eunuchs, arrived at the grand hall.

"Your students Cui Xia Zhao, Li Ziyang, and Wang Anshi pay respects to Your Majesty!"

Cui Xia Zhao and Li Ziyang were both children of noble families, so their poise and demeanor went without saying.

As for Wang Anshi, he truly came from a humble background. At this moment, even the clothes on his body were somewhat worn, yet they were washed extremely clean.

"The examination papers of you three satisfied me the most, and I have three questions to ask."

"First question: Do you three know the price of a catty of wheat locally?"

As soon as such a simple question came out, both Cui Xia Zhao and Li Ziyang were dumbfounded.

How much was a catty of wheat?

How would they know!

Let alone them, even the surrounding ministers looked at each other in dismay.

During the Palace Examination policy questioning, why ask such a simple question?

Not to mention these three students, even they had no idea how much a catty of wheat cost!

Cui Xia Zhao hesitated for a moment and said, "Roughly... one liang of silver per catty, perhaps?"

Li Ziyang also thought about it and said, "Your Majesty, this student only knows how to study and is unaware of such mercantile matters."

Among the three, only Wang Anshi calmly replied, "Replying to Your Majesty, the market price of wheat ranges from five to seven wen."

"However, it may change due to different environments and different regions."

"In cheap places, it is five wen a catty. In expensive places, the commoners can only buy a little over ten catties even if they sell their sons and daughters."

"How is that possible!"

Cui Xia Zhao beside him subconsciously asked, "Since wheat is so cheap, why would the commoners have to sell their sons and daughters to buy a little over ten catties?"

"Natural and man-made disasters, land annexation, coupled with rampant unlawful merchants who hoard goods and manipulate the market."

"Whatever the price is, isn't it up to them to decide?"

"This..."

Cui Xia Zhao hesitated for a moment. He had never encountered these situations at all and could only remain silent.

Zheng Yi continued to ask, "Second question: Have the three of you ever farmed in the fields?"

Cui Xia Zhao and Li Ziyang smiled bitterly and shook their heads one after another, saying, "Your Majesty, this student has never farmed."

Yet Wang Anshi calmly said, "Your Majesty, this student has indeed farmed, but most of it was farmed by my mother and Lianniang."

"Who is Lianniang?"

"My humble wife."

"Third question: How did the three of you come to the capital to participate in the special imperial examination, and how many days did it take?"

The three looked at each other in dismay. Cui Xia Zhao said, "Your Majesty, I... this student lives right in the capital's suburbs. Coming to the capital to participate in the imperial examination was done by riding in a carriage, taking two days' time."

Li Ziyang said, "Your Majesty, my student's home is in Longxi, but I have grown up in the capital since childhood."

"I also took a carriage to the Examination Hall, taking one day's time."

When it was Wang Anshi's turn, his expression also looked somewhat peculiar.

"Your Majesty, my student's home is far away in Fuzhou. When coming here, I experienced taking boats, carriages, donkey carts, walking, and so on, taking a total of twenty-one days to reach the capital."

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "The policy questioning is over; you three may withdraw."

"Understood!"

The three were full of confusion, but they still respectfully withdrew.

"My ministers!"

Zheng Yi stood up and said, "This session of the special imperial examination has ended, and I have already personally designated the names of the First Rank."

The many ministers quickly steadied their minds. The Palace Examination had ended? So fast?

The top three of the First Rank must definitely be the three people who were just personally questioned by Your Majesty on policies.

Judging by those three bizarre questions, this session's top scholar could be none other than Wang Anshi!

Zheng Yi calmly said, "The First Rank of the special imperial examination, the Tanhua, is Wang Anshi!"

As soon as his voice fell, all the ministers present were stunned.

"Wang Anshi is the Tanhua?"

"What trick is Your Majesty playing? Just now during the policy questioning with three questions, only Wang Anshi answered most perfectly!"

"If Wang Anshi is the Tanhua, then the Top Scholar and the Second Rank...?"

A group of ministers whispered among themselves, while Lu Xiangqing, Cui Jinghao, and a few others at the very front remained quiet, their gazes steady.

Your Majesty doing this... was it to protect Wang Anshi?

"The Second Rank is Li Ziyang, and the Top Scholar is Cui Xia Zhao."

"Post the rankings!"

"Understood!"

The eunuch went to convey the imperial decree, and before long, a commotion and excited shouts came from outside the hall.

The top three of the First Rank had been decided, and they were conferred the title of Jinshi by Imperial Decree.

The Second Rank was conferred the background of Jinshi, with the first place commonly known as the Chuanlu.

The Third Rank was conferred the background of Presented Scholar, with respective assignments.

The Top Scholar Cui Xia Zhao was appointed as a compiler of the Hanlin Academy.

The Second Rank Li Ziyang and Tanhua Wang Anshi were appointed as editors of the Hanlin Academy.

The rest of the people received respective assignments.

Following the Civil Examination was the Martial Examination.

At this moment, Liu Chengen suddenly reported that an unexpected person was asking for an audience.

"Zhao Su Ling?"

Zheng Yi said in surprise. Several months ago, he had instructed Zhao Su Ling to return to the Taiyi Sect to find the Old Ancestor of the Taiyi Sect. He did not expect that after several months had passed, news would finally come.

"Quickly summon Zhao Su Ling!"

Soon, Zhao Su Ling, dusty and travel-worn, strode into Qiankun Hall. After offering a bow, she said, "Reporting to Your Majesty! The Old Ancestor has finished his seclusion and was extremely delighted to hear that Your Majesty wishes to see him."

"He has specially set up a modest banquet at Mount Jinhuang of the Taiyi Sect, inviting Your Majesty for a chat."

"Go to Mount Jinhuang?"

Zheng Yi instinctively said, "Can't you have him come to the imperial palace?"