Chapter 117: Personally Appointed Top Scholar (Requesting Subscriptions)

"Scholar Fang, the 'Ode to Light and Grace' is easy to understand, but what of 'Broadening Education'? How should that be implemented?" someone shouted, disregarding the presence of Emperor Wu Qingdi, for what Fang Xian had just spoken had truly shocked many.

"The Imperial Court should take the lead in establishing schools across the realm. Every child over the age of five must be taught to read and write. After five years, those who show academic excellence may continue their studies, while others may be sent to learn various trades. Over the next decade or two, literacy will flourish, the nation’s culture will thrive, and the civil service examinations will yield a wealth of talent. With more capable officials to govern, the burden on the Imperial House will be eased," Fang Xian said, bowing.

"This is improper," a voice boomed. It was the elderly official who had previously opposed Fang Xian. He sneered, "If all the common people are literate, not to mention the lack of teachers, the fundamental problem lies in the shortage of books and paper. Moreover, the greatest danger is that once the populace becomes literate, they will make more demands upon the Throne, seeking greater benefits, which will surely lead to rebellion."

Fang Xian smiled and bowed. "My lord, you are mistaken. The sages once said that when granaries are full, people learn courtesy. When the people have enough to eat, they should also learn to read and understand propriety. If you believe the common people are ignorant and thus wish to keep them in the dark, you are gravely wrong. The more literate and cultured the people are, the more they will support the Imperial rule; otherwise, only harm will come of it."

"If, as you say, all the people are made literate, does that not mean everyone could become an official?" another minister asked. The other officials glared at Fang Xian, sensing that their own interests were being threatened.

"My lords, literacy and the ability to hold office are two different things. Teaching commoners to read is merely ensuring they are not blind to the world; they are still a long way from being officials. Of course, if the entire nation were literate, the ranks of scholars would grow unprecedentedly, and the pool of talent would expand. The competition in the civil examinations would intensify, but the officials the court selects would be far more capable. Is this not a good thing? Or are you afraid that your own status will be affected, or that your descendants might not outperform scholars from humble backgrounds? Rest assured, even if my vision were to be realized, it would take decades—it is far off indeed." Fang Xian looked around and smiled.

Though the ministers had much to retort, they dared not speak further, for they could see that Emperor Wu Qingdi was listening intently, his face illuminated with excitement. Sensing the shift in the Emperor's mood, they knew that to oppose Fang Xian now would be to risk the Imperial wrath. They were seasoned politicians; they knew that if the Emperor truly intended to implement these strategies, it would require extensive preparation and time. They could simply set obstacles in the path later to ensure these policies failed, so there was no need to clash with Fang Xian at this moment.

"Fang Xian, the 'Diligent Training of Troops' is easy to understand, but what do you mean by 'Reserve Military Service'?" the Emperor asked, moving on to the final part of Fang Xian’s proposal.

"Your Majesty, I believe the safety of the Wu Kingdom is the safety of its people. We cannot rely solely on border guards, regional garrisons, and the Imperial Guard; the entire nation must defend itself. I propose that all able-bodied men between eighteen and thirty be enrolled in a militia. Each winter, after the harvest, the local government should gather them for military training. This would build their physical strength, hone their military skills, foster loyalty to the state, improve their ability to fight in unison, and allow them to help suppress local bandits. If this reserve system were implemented, should the nation face foreign invasion, these men could be quickly organized into regular troops, reducing the need for basic training and allowing for rapid mobilization," Fang Xian explained.

"Militia, a reserve military system..." Emperor Wu Qingdi murmured, his gaze falling upon Chen Lin, the Minister of War. "Lord Chen, as the Minister of War, do you believe this proposal is feasible?"

"Your Majesty, if the people of the Wu Kingdom were prosperous and well-fed, this system could certainly be implemented. But as it stands, people go hungry in the winter; many laborers must head into the mountains to gather firewood or charcoal, or abandon their homes entirely. In most regions, the conditions for such a system simply do not exist." The Minister of War, though impressed by the idea, could not help but report the harsh reality, leaving the Emperor silent for a long time.

The Emperor was well aware of the state of his kingdom, and he felt a deep sense of frustration. To him, Fang Xian’s strategies were brilliant, yet implementing them in the current state of the Wu Kingdom was dauntingly difficult.

"Scholar Fang Xian possesses great talent; I hereby appoint him as the top scholar (Zhuangyuan). Scholar Xia Zhenghong is well-versed in both letters and martial arts, and is appointed as the second-place scholar (Bangyan). Scholar Lu Kunrong is diligent and pragmatic, and is appointed as the third-place scholar (Tanhua). All other scholars are granted the rank of Jinshi, with rewards to be distributed by the Ministry of Personnel and the Imperial Academy according to established regulations."

Emperor Wu Qingdi stood abruptly and announced the top three finishers before retiring to his study, eager to record Fang Xian’s strategies and ponder them further.

"No, this is impossible! How could this be?" As the scholars kowtowed to express their gratitude, Shi Hongchang was stunned. Not only had he failed to become the top scholar, he had not even placed in the top three. From the fourth rank onwards, they were all merely ordinary Jinshi, meaning he was no different from the other twenty-six scholars, entitled at best to a low-level official post.

"Congratulations, Top Scholar Fang, Second-place Scholar Xia, and Third-place Scholar Lu. We are all colleagues now."

"Congratulations, Scholar Fang."

"A toast to Top Scholar Fang!"

"Scholar Fang, let us drink together another day."

"I hope you will look out for us in the future, Top Scholar Fang."