The Marquis Is Innocent - 165.1

Chapter 165.1

Extra Story: The Daily Life of the Emperor and the Empress (1)

The news of Great Yan’s introduction of the Imperial Examination System has been received with great joy by all scholars from humble backgrounds. Some were happy, and some were against it. Those oppositions naturally came from the old scholarly families whose vested interests have been threatened. Unfortunately, there was no way to twist the arm. Although the current Emperor has the reputation of being afraid of his wife and his administration was lenient, his methods are thunderous. He won’t be soft when he needed an iron fist, not to mention that he was not like the Liu family of the previous dynasty, who had to rely on these local clans of scholarly clans to stabilize their rule, so after a period of chaotic opposition, the issue has resolved. Also, not all of them opposed the Imperial Examination System, and it even inspired some scholars. The most famous representative was Gao Heng from the Bohai clan of Bohai County.

Gao Heng came from a famous family. Although he never joined the civil service, Gao Heng has the reputation of ‘the crown of Bohai,’ which was known to everyone. Not long after the imperial court promulgated the Imperial Examination System and the scholarly clans criticized the new policy, Gao Heng was the first person who openly expressed his support for the system. Not only that, but he also became the first scholar in Bohai County who take the first imperial examination. The news spread and Bohai County was in a hot discussion.

The Emperor attached great importance to selecting talents and eliminating fraud. Therefore, the court sent supervisors to the thirteen states. The relevant officials and scholars involved in the fraud case won’t be able to protect their heads. In other words, the scholars would rely only on their own strength.

With Gao Heng’s reputation, if he wants to be an official, he does not have to use this kind of risky way to enter the civil service. In the view of others, this move was shocking. Not to mention the willingness to lower his status to participate in the imperial examinations, but if he were eliminated, it would stain his reputation.

Gao Bohai’s relatives and friends tried to persuade him, but he did not listen. Instead of hesitating, he smiled and said, ‘The new dynasty’s system was like a fresh breeze, and the court had the heart to use talented people. It was fortunate to meet a clean government and benevolent ruler. How can you not cherish it and move forward?’

These words spread through the Bohai Sea, and everyone worshipped him.

Under the ‘star’ effect of Gao Bohai, the other scholarly clans showed their allegiance to the new Emperor and sent their children for reference. Soon, it became a trend.

Gao Bohai’s words were stylish and also full of confidence. He really had the capital to feel confident. He was talented and knew the art of shooting and riding. Without any obstacles, he passed the country exam and headed to Luoyang to participate in the last test. He was ranked third with two other scholars on the final rankings.

The chief administrator of the examination, Imperial Examiner Fang Xi, a great Confucian scholar, did not dare to make his own decision and listed the three papers individually, along with all the rest on the list, and presented them to the imperial court, asking the Emperor organize the rankings.

……

Late afternoon, the sun shines in the palace.

In the North Palace Huaguang Hall, a gold bronze Boshang furnace slowly spit curls of incense smoke.

A few palace maids in colorful clothes quietly stood in the corner of the hall, waiting for the Empress to wake up for lunch.

……

Fang Xi sat upright on an embroidered couch and commented on the test’s results non-stop.

The Emperor sat behind the desk. He listened to Fang Xi’s comments while looking at the other choices. He turned the papers between his fingers, making a slight rustling sound.

Half a year ago, after repeated tests, the artisan of the Public Works Department finally produced a paper that could replace thick silk and bamboo slips for smooth writing.

Different from the previous material, the new paper was white and pliable. Also, it was easy to write on. Compared to thick silk, the cost was much cheaper.

“Your Majesty, after reviewing and repeatedly analyzing, this old minister and others jointly elected these three test papers. Among the top three, Gao Heng …….”

When Fang Xi was talking, light footsteps came from behind. Someone was running and jumping into the imperial study.

So unruly! This place was the imperial study!

Who is so wanton? How dare they run and jump in front of the Emperor like this?

Fang Xi stopped and heard a delicate child’s voice: “Emperor Father!” Turning his head, he looked at the little girl in the doorway.

The girl was only two years old, yet already beautifully sculpted and loveable, with a cluster of black bangs in front of the forehead, snow-white skin, and pitch-black eyes. She wore a pink dress, and as if no one else, she jumped towards the Emperor and climbed his arm. Her milky voice said: “Father, what are you looking at? “

When the Emperor listened to his marking, Fang Xi felt he was distracted and unhappy.

Fang Xi felt worried, suspecting that the selection of these three articles was not following the holy intention, so he had been vigorously explaining.

However, at this moment, he saw the Emperor smile, carrying the little carrot-sized girl onto his lap and letting her sit in his arms before continuing to flip through the test papers.

Fang Xi secretly wondered. He naturally recognized that this little girl who suddenly ran into the imperial study was Princess Changning, the beloved daughter of Emperor and Empress Qiao.

He had also heard that the Emperor was fond of the princess. Not only letting her freely come and go in the imperial study, but if the princess happened to be there when he held a discussion with the ministers and did not want to leave, the Emperor would let her sit on his lap.

He did not expect that he witnessed this scene today.