Minglou's meaning is very clear.

If the empress wants to take action against Yang Yingguang or Kong Lingda's party, she needs the help of these nine surnames. At the very least, please don't make trouble.

Only then did he promise a benefit - to make use of the children of the nine surnames.

This is undoubtedly good news for the nine families.

Ever since Yan Aotian ascended the throne and Zhang Jiangling came to power, he has been using various means to reduce the voice of the nine surnames in the court and reduce the number of children from aristocratic families serving as officials.

If Yan Jiaoran hadn't been lazy about government affairs and devoted himself to cultivating immortality, they would probably have completely withdrawn from the court within ten years.

I never expected that this empress would actually want to reverse history?

Is she serious?

Everyone in the aristocratic family was a little surprised.

This deal seems like too much of a bargain!

Sima Dazhong shook his head and said, "Don't be ridiculous, Master Ming! This goes against our ancestral rules!"

This is a hint to Minglou.

Yan Aotian established the imperial examination system to recruit scholars in order to dilute the influence of the aristocratic families.

The Empress now wants to reuse the children of the noble families. How does she plan to do so?

This is bound to lead to gossip.

Can she withstand the gossip of the people all over the world?

Minglou replied, "Your Majesty is naturally aware of this matter."

"So, Your Majesty, don't make it too obvious."

"Your Majesty has decided to prioritize both talent and virtue in the imperial examinations, and to recommend a certain number of selection slots for current and retired officials of the third rank and above in each prefecture."

As soon as these words were spoken, a wave of controversy immediately arose.

“Okay, okay, okay!”

"Today's officialdom is filled with talented but unethical individuals. They abuse their power for personal gain, pervert the law, and exploit the people. The people have long been overwhelmed and suffering. Your Majesty's actions will truly benefit generations to come!"

"With these virtuous men joining the government, we will surely clean up the court, rectify the problems, and wipe out this decadent atmosphere. Your Majesty is wise!"

“…”

Everyone was praising him crazily, and nice words were coming out of his mouth like they were free.

For the nine surnames, this measure of the empress was tantamount to giving them the green light in terms of quota.

For them, it is indeed a huge benefit.

"That's not all. His Majesty also said—"

Minglou continued:

"Your Majesty intends to abolish the system of anonymous examination candidates and announce the eight candidates for chief examiners one year in advance of each imperial examination."

"I think you all understand the profound meaning of this, right?"

"I understand, of course I understand!"

Everyone smiled at each other.

The exam will no longer be anonymous.

They even announced the "exam marking team" in advance. Even if Minglou is the team leader, are they afraid that they can't bribe the others?

This is indeed giving concessions to the wealthy families!

Minglou was right. This was indeed a good deal for their family.

Seeing that everyone was so ecstatic and could hardly suppress the joy on their faces, Minglou couldn't help but curl his lips and show even more disdain.

A bunch of pigs.

He was sold but still happy.

Who was he fighting against in the first half of his life?

Why was he so discouraged by this group of people that he resigned from his official position and returned to his hometown to teach?

By the time Yan Aotian unified the world, I would be fifty years old. How could I have any desire to work?

He really couldn't resist Zhang Jiangling's persuasion, so he was appointed as a Grand Secretary and the chief examiner of the imperial examination.

The older I get, the more useless these people seem to me.

Why was it that I was restricted at every step and couldn't move forward back then?

It's a weird thing!

Minglou was filled with emotion, unable to express himself, and began to doubt his life.

"By the way, everyone, His Majesty, in order to show his sincerity, specifically asked me to tell you that as long as you agree, we will work together to wipe out the Yang and Kong factions."

"She told everyone the two main ingredients of the fertilizer elixir."