— The Nine-Rank System.
Lu Yu was all too familiar with it. More than familiar, in fact; his opinion of this system could be summed up in four characters: utter disgust.
In his view, the unification of the realm under the Jin dynasty, and subsequently the Eight Princes Rebellion and the Uprising of the Five Barbarians that plunged the entire Han populace into near-annihilation, were all rooted in one thing: the "Nine-Rank System"!
As Cao Cao had just mentioned, the Nine-Rank System divided official selection into nine grades. "Middle-rank officials" would assess candidates, and their evaluations would be submitted to the Ministry of Personnel, which would then promote or dismiss officials based on these reports.
Admittedly, it had, to a certain extent, solved the problem of lacking standards in official selection, bringing about a period of clean governance. It had also greatly appeased the aristocratic clans, easing the tensions between them and the established gentry.
It had, in a way, laid the foundation for the "peaceful transition" of "Wei replacing Han."
However, the "Nine-Rank System" had a massive flaw: the selection of these "middle-rank officials."
This meant that as long as the great aristocratic families and powerful gentry controlled the "middle-rank officials," they could, through their hands, control the appointment and selection of court officials.
Gradually, this evolved into a situation where "high ranks had no commoners, and low ranks had no gentry." It not only failed to weaken the clans and gentry but instead led to further chaos in the aristocratic system. The "Wang and Ma ruling the realm together" during the Jin dynasty, and the rise of the Langya Wang clan to a status comparable to the imperial Sima clan, clearly demonstrated the system's flaws.
Lu Yu meticulously explained the drawbacks and loopholes of the Nine-Rank System's official selection to Cao Cao.
This included the contention and unfairness in selecting "middle-rank officials," and how scholars from humble backgrounds still couldn't attain "high ranks."
These were merely continuations and inheritances of the Chaju system—they couldn't fundamentally solve the problem.
These words…
Initially, Cao Cao listened calmly. But as he heard more, he couldn't help but fall into deep thought. The implications were chilling.
Cao Cao's eyes gradually narrowed.
It seemed that from Yu'er's words, he perceived a deeper meaning.
"Yu'er, you wish to implement the Imperial Examination System, do you not?"
"Precisely!" Lu Yu nodded. "There is no absolutely fair method in this world, but the Imperial Examination… is undoubtedly the fairest, most just, and most open method possible amidst unfairness. It can fundamentally improve the system of employing talent and selecting officials!"
"As for… the Imperial Examination System, it is not merely about testing knowledge from books. Besides civil tests, martial tests will also be established… serving to select and train generals for the Great Wei. From a farmer in the morning to an official in the imperial hall at night, scholars and children from humble backgrounds with ability will have the opportunity to enter the court and showcase their talents… This way, officials will flow, and as officials flow, the influence of aristocratic families and magnates will gradually weaken… the imperial power will continuously strengthen. This is a system entirely different from the Han dynasty's Chaju system."
In truth…
Lu Yu had many other ideas regarding state affairs, such as further promoting the 'Flattening of Taxes and Corvée,' abolishing the governorship system while maintaining the 'Three Mutual' law, restoring the supervisory system of the Provincial Inspectors, prohibiting eunuchs and maternal relatives from interfering in politics, and so on!
However, the implementation of any of these systems required ensuring one major prerequisite: "talent…"
As the saying goes, a nation prospers with talent!
No matter how good a system is, without people to drive it, it will eventually become an empty promise!
The talent here refers to talent that aligns with the times, not talent controlled by aristocratic families. This is crucial for the Great Wei and for the future transformation of the realm…
Subtly, Lu Yu had increasingly adapted to his current role. His mindset had undergone a fundamental shift. He was no longer working for others; this was his own realm. Every decree… every step he took in the future, he had to ponder carefully!
At this moment, after hearing the comparison between the Imperial Examination and the Nine-Rank System, Cao Cao's expression remained cold, his mind still troubled.
Because…
No matter how good the Imperial Examination was, there was one significant difficulty.
That was that the "Imperial Examination," once introduced, would offend the aristocratic clans of the entire realm.
This could potentially cause another upheaval in the Great Wei, which had only just pacified all the wartime chaos!
"Yu'er…"
Lu Yu guessed Cao Cao's concerns from his troubled expression.
Lu Yu spoke first, "Father King's worries are nothing more than the opposition from the aristocratic clans. Without a doubt… the Imperial Examination will cause a stir among all the clans, and there will certainly be resentment… The Qin dynasty perished within two generations due to its violent reforms… as a cautionary tale, the Great Wei must be vigilant… However…"
Lu Yu blinked his eyes, his gaze drifting out the window… towards Xuchang.
"There is currently someone who is bearing this resentment for us… He has witnessed the truth behind the Han dynasty's decline, he knows the truth behind the tragic deaths of his father and elder brother. He seems to have decided… to dispel the darkness from this era and welcome the light!"
Hmm…
Hearing this, Cao Cao's heart leaped. He knew very well who Lu Yu was referring to!
He had been wondering why the Emperor had stopped the redemption of national debt, abolished the Chaju system, and implemented the "Imperial Examination System," stirring up public indignation at such a sensitive time when the Great Wei and Great Han coexisted.
So, it turned out… he was willing to bear this hatred!
Hoo…
Cao Cao let out a long sigh and gently patted his chest.
"So that's how it is, so that's how it is…"
"So, my cousins who advised me to ascend were not just because the 'national debt' caused them losses, but because the abolition of the Chaju system struck at their very foundation… No wonder Yu'er said that the time for 'Wei to replace Han' has not yet arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu nodded heavily.
"The time for 'Wei to replace Han' has actually arrived. However, if Wei wishes to eliminate the corruptions of Han, it needs to wait a bit longer, to let Han bear all the resentment. And when an empire is filled with the hatred of its scholars, a new empire will surely usher in a new chapter for this era!"
Who would have thought…
Within the former residence of the Cao clan in Qiao Pei, King Wei Cao Cao and his son Cao Yu… had already begun to discuss the Great Wei's new chapter!
Just like in the past…
Lu Yu had formulated the strategy for breaking the deadlock in Yan Province for Cao Cao, the strategy for revitalizing the Central Plains, and the overall strategic direction of "looking east, encompassing west, navigating south, harmonizing north, and stabilizing the center."
This was like a cycle… a cycle of Cao Cao's hegemony setting sail and then weathering the storms. The current task was no longer just about conquering the realm, but more about defending it!
Cao Cao had indeed said, "If destiny is with me, I shall be King Wen of Zhou!"
But… in reality.
When the popular will truly converged, and when the Han Emperor, with utmost sincerity and expectation, handed over the Imperial Seal to him, Cao Cao? How could he not choose to take that step towards the pinnacle of power!
Just as the Han dynasty was to bear that resentment, if history must record someone bearing the infamy of usurping the Han, then let it be Cao Cao!
…
…
The Secretariat.
Xun Yu wrote the names "Lü Lingqi," "Ma Yunlu," and "Sun Shangxiang" on bamboo slips with evident satisfaction.
The fifteenth of next month was an auspicious day, most suitable for weddings.
And the arrangements for Crown Prince Cao Yu's wedding had been finalized.
Three auspicious times were chosen that morning, and the three brides would be received from the Eastern Palace and the guesthouses in order. The order was Lü Lingqi, Ma Yunlu, and Sun Shangxiang…
Following this, over a hundred rituals would be performed, with the entire process precisely timed to the hour!
After these were completed, and the grand banquet hosted, the arrangements for the bridal chamber would also follow this order.
After writing these…
Xun Yu let out a long sigh of relief, feeling unburdened.
Chen Qun could not help but give a thumbs-up. "Lord Xun, you truly have your ways!"
"Haha…" Xun Yu smiled contentedly. "The Ma clan of Xiliang, Lü Fengxian of Jiuyuan, and the Sun family of Jiangdong are all warriors by nature, valuing martial prowess. Their daughters are of comparable standing, so it's only natural that someone would establish this order amongst them. This outcome was decided through combat, and they will have no objections!"
Xun Yu didn't say everything, but Chen Qun understood the meaning.
After all, the facts were there…
The achievements were there…
In a competition, Lü Bu deservedly took first place;
Ma Chao was second…
And Taishi Ci, although his halberd countered the spear, was a step behind both Lü Bu and Ma Chao…
This outcome… was settled!
Although somewhat unwilling, Sun Quan and Sun Shangxiang could not raise any objections. To say more…
Would only make them appear petty.
With this matter concluded, both Xun Yu and Chen Qun felt considerably more relaxed.
Chen Qun brought up another matter. "Lord Xun, speaking of which… the Emperor's cessation of national debt redemption and the abolition of the Chaju system this time, that's truly poking a hornet's nest!"
When this topic arose…
Xun Yu's expression visibly faltered.
The Xun clan of Yingchuan had purchased a considerable amount of national debt. What concerned Xun Yu even more was the abolition of the Chaju system.
After all…
Under the Chaju system, the greatest beneficiaries, apart from the gentry of Qiao Pei, were the aristocratic clans of Yuzhou, with the Xun clan of Yingchuan at the forefront!
It was equivalent to them firmly holding over half of the official selection power in the Great Wei.
Seeing Xun Yu's silence, Chen Qun continued to probe, "Your residence, Lord Xun, must have been swamped with visitors lately, right?"
"You mean those officials?" Xun Yu replied blandly.
"Surely they've come to ask Lord Xun to take the lead and urge King Wei to proceed further, haven't they?" Chen Qun seemed to know everything.
Although preoccupied with the Crown Prince's wedding recently…
The Chen family had no shortage of people to inform Chen Qun about the general situation.
If the Chaju system were truly abolished, how would the Chen family ensure… their future prosperity?
"Urge him to ascend?" Xun Yu narrowed his eyes at this moment… He didn't say much, as if he had seen through everything, preferring to remain in the fog rather than dispel the smoke around him.
Just then.
A clerk entered and reported, "Lord Xun, the Emperor's envoy Zhang Yin and the Grand Judge Zhong Yao request an audience!"
Xun Yu's eyes narrowed. Chen Qun, however, spoke up, "One before and one after, they really know how to pick their timing."
Xun Yu quickly said, "Announce them!"
The clerk hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked, "Lord Xun, who should be announced… first?"
Upon hearing this, Xun Yu himself froze. Did such matters require explanation in the past? One was the Emperor, the other a minister; naturally… but…
Xun Yu suddenly seemed to understand something…
Ever since the "cessation of national debt redemption" and the "abolition of the Chaju system," the Emperor's majesty… or rather, the Han dynasty's authority had fallen to its lowest point. Even to an ordinary clerk, the scales between the Emperor and the ministers were about to tip!
Xun Yu let out a soft breath and said, "Naturally, the Emperor's envoy!"
A moment later, the Emperor's envoy Zhang Yin strode in and bowed to Lord Xun. "Your subject Zhang Yin, envoy from the High Ancestral Temple, is here by the Emperor's command to deliver an imperial decree!"
None of the clerks present knelt.
Xun Yu, however, lifted his robe and knelt. "What is His Majesty's command?"
Envoy Zhang Yin unfolded the imperial edict and read: "I hereby command the Secretariat to issue an edict, consulting you, King Wei… In the past, Emperor Yao abdicated to Yu Shun, and Shun also entrusted his task to Yu. The Mandate of Heaven is not constant; it only rests with the virtuous. I lament that the ways of Han have been in decline for a long time. Fortunately, King Wei Cao Cao, by virtue of his destiny, has displayed his divine might, eradicating the wicked and violent, and bringing peace to the realm. Now, Cao Cao carries on the legacy of his predecessors, his supreme virtue shining brightly, his influence reaching all corners of the land, his benevolent governance spreading through the eight regions; the Mandate of Heaven is truly upon your person. In the past, Yu Shun performed twenty great deeds, and Fang Xun abdicated the realm to him; Da Yu's achievement was the control of floods, and Chong Hua abdicated the imperial throne to him. The Han dynasty inherited the mandate of Yao and has the righteousness of passing on the sage. With the favor of the spirits and the succession of Heaven's bright mandate, I send the Acting Grand Censor Zhang Yin, holding my seal and the imperial regalia. King Wei, you shall accept it!"
Upon hearing this…
Xun Yu was greatly astonished. Chen Qun was also shocked.
This was an abdication edict. The Emperor wished… to have the Secretariat transmit this edict to King Wei, wishing to abdicate to King Wei!
After Zhang Yin finished reading, he cupped his hands and said, "I hope Lord Xun will have someone carry this edict to King Wei by fast horse. His Majesty implores King Wei to accept the Mandate of Heaven soon!"
This…
Xun Yu quickly asked in surprise, "Was this edict written by His Majesty?"
Zhang Yin nodded. "It is absolutely true. Lord Xun may also go to the imperial palace to inquire directly with His Majesty."
"Gulp"… Xun Yu swallowed hard. "Why has His Majesty issued such an edict?"
Zhang Yin paused for a moment.
He sighed and softly murmured, "Does Lord Xun not know?"
"Because of Crown Prince Yu?" Xun Yu asked in return.
Zhang Yin's eyebrows twitched visibly, but he offered no confirmation, nor did he speak… He quickly withdrew.
Watching Zhang Yin's retreating figure, Xun Yu held the imperial edict and fell silent for a long time.
A nearby clerk reminded him loudly, "Lord Xun, Grand Judge Zhong Yao is waiting outside the door!"
"Please… please let him in quickly…"
Xun Yu's voice trembled slightly.
Chen Qun also opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words.
After about ten breaths, Xun Yu came back to his senses. He looked at Chen Qun and lamented, "Changwen, oh Changwen, now His Majesty wishes to abdicate, and Zhong Yao…呵呵, and all the officials are urging ascension. Heaven's will… is it all Heaven's will?"
"Isn't this good?" Chen Qun's eyes focused. "At least, if Wei replaces Han, then… to pacify the people's hearts, the Han dynasty's national debt will have someone to assume it, and the Chaju system…"
"Heh heh…" Before Chen Qun could finish speaking, Xun Yu chuckled, but his laughter was somewhat cold.
He murmured in感慨.
"Meticulously planned, attacking the enemy's heart… Truly remarkable, Crown Prince… Your Highness!"
Clearly, Xun Yu's words held hidden meanings, full of implications!
…
…
Jiangdong. Wu Commandery.
Inside a wine shop…
A young woman veiled in black gauze gracefully walked from the stairs to the second floor. Amidst the eager gazes of many men, she reached the center and sat down at the main seat.
"Wu Commandery Branch, eighteen people at or above the rank of Chief Libationer, pay their respects to the Saintess…"
A man in black led the way, respectfully performing a "Dao"礼.
Then, the other seventeen also bowed and said, "We pay our respects to the Saintess!"
The veiled woman… slightly raised her slender arm.
— "What did the previous Chief Libationer instruct you? I heard he intended to… use that method to throw Jiangdong into chaos? To make the Great Wei overwhelmed, is that right?"
…
….
Milk Candy Candy Candy reminds you: Remember to collect after reading.