Chapter 36 036 I understand.
The school's restructuring was a highly confidential matter for the military and the state. It went through three provinces and was also displayed on the bulletin board for communication between higher and lower levels.
After returning to his sleeping quarters after court, Zhao Jialing's gaze fell upon the notice board disguised as a screen, which indicated that the reform of the imperial examination system was complete. The major reform of the imperial examination system was primarily institutional; it only required the government order to be conveyed to the prefectures, and officials and scholars to be notified. Previously, the issue had been stalled by the "Military Supervisor," but now that the Military Supervisor and Mingde Academy had been merged, the reform of the imperial examination system was naturally concluded.
As for the Imperial Academy's task of collating and printing the classics—
After being sent back to rewrite it, the word "bad" finally disappeared. However, the previous line with the word "bad" did not disappear directly; instead, a long red line appeared.
[Historical records show this is called being nailed to the pillar of shame.] said the Wise Ruler System.
Zhao Jialing: "..." She pondered for a while. She could finish carving the rhyme books needed for the imperial examinations, but the printing workshop couldn't just sit there gathering dust. She had to put it to use. As for the content to be carved, the previous plan was to include classics, historical records, and other materials, mainly for those preparing for the imperial examinations. But now it seemed she had to make some changes.
Because under the "Mingde Academy" creation task in the next column, there are options such as "prepare textbooks, recruit teachers, and enroll students." The so-called "textbooks" are probably the books previously rewarded by the system. Although it is unknown how many students there will be, at least each student should have a set, and it is even possible to promote them to the general public for those who are interested in learning.
“The students of the Imperial Academy are ignorant and incompetent. To them, the classics are nothing more than crazy things like asking the sages to ‘ascend to heaven.’ Let’s put them aside for now,” Zhao Jialing muttered to himself.
After sorting through his thoughts, Zhao Jialing received his achievement reward—the "Da Yong Edition Nine-Year Basic Education Textbook".
Several large stacks of books appeared out of thin air on the couch. Even though Zhao Jialing already knew about the system's miracle, he couldn't help but gasp and stare in disbelief at the mountain of books.
Her eyelids twitched.
General knowledge, literature, calligraphy, mathematics, law, medicine, engineering, chemistry, agriculture, natural history, military science—
There are nine books in total for literature, mathematics, and calligraphy, three each for elementary, primary, and university levels, with content progressing from simple to complex. General knowledge consists of only three books, covering only the elementary level. As for the remaining subjects, there are six books each, covering only the primary and university levels.
Zhao Jialing gasped, feeling dizzy.
Moreover, this does not mean that there are only these books. Zhao Jialing picked up the literature she could understand and glanced at it. There were many references to the books in it, and they would have to be published separately.
Will I be able to live to see the day when the reforms take effect?
[Don't be nervous, host. These are basic books for young children starting from scratch. Adults like you who have already studied the books won't find the ninth one a problem; you'll be able to get into it after a little familiarization. If you don't believe me, keep reading.]
Zhao Jialing nodded.
Although each has nine volumes corresponding to nine years, this does not mean that mediocre people can finish reading them in nine years. Similarly, people with a foundation can naturally skip the "early childhood" and "elementary school" stages.
No, I cannot be the only one shocked.
If there are good things, they should naturally be shared with the prime minister.
Therefore, Zhao Jialing urgently summoned his ministers to the palace.
After sharing this vast amount of unfamiliar knowledge with his ministers, Zhao Jialing didn't even bother to explain where it came from, and simply said, "I want it printed out, and I'll recruit talented teachers from all over the country, starting enrollment early—as for the number of teachers, each subject and grade will be limited to forty initially..."
Some strange words appeared, and the ministers tried their best to digest and understand them.
Xie Lanzhao's eyes flickered, and she asked, "Is there an age limit for the trainees?"
Zhao Jialing: "Ages four and above, regardless of background."
Xie Lanzhao then asked, "The age gap is too large. How does Your Majesty plan to arrange this? Children and adults are ultimately different. Moreover, apart from the talented, ordinary people have limited energy. How can they master all subjects?"
Zhao Jialing said, "After nine years of study in literature, mathematics, and calligraphy, general knowledge is only taught in early childhood. After three years, students can choose one subject to study in depth according to their personal interests." Just like the students studying the classics at the Imperial Academy, it was not required that scholars be proficient in all subjects; many only studied one classic. The selection of subjects was also similar to this system.
"As for class assignments, aside from those who are illiterate, perhaps an exam will be held to determine their level." The age of the first batch of students cannot be restricted, but they will gradually become more similar in the future.
"This money—" An awkward silence fell over the hall until Xiang Yanyi, the Minister of Revenue, broke it. Her face was bitter; the thought of the expenses made her head spin. The Military Academy, now known as Mingde Academy, wasn't located within Chang'an City. It was converted from a large temple with thousands of buildings in the southern suburbs. Originally, the Military Academy belonged to the Ministry of War and was a legitimate official school. But what should be the status of Mingde Academy? And where would the necessary funds come from?
Zhao Jialing said, "It comes from the inner storage."
The Inner Treasury differed from the Left and Right Treasurys, belonging to the emperor's private coffers. However, when the emperor wanted to access the Left and Right Treasurys, he would mix them together, and the court officials couldn't stop him, leading to occasional laxities in the system. For example, during the reign of the late emperor, an edict was issued stating that "the Crown Prince may not restrict the use of treasury funds." While this sounded like not using national treasury money, the lack of a proper system could have resulted in even worse outcomes.
Xie Lanzhao knew what Xiang Yanyi was worried about, and she said, "I think that the Huangyong Printing House could be placed under the Mingde Academy."
Upon hearing this, the prime minister couldn't help but glance at Xie Lanzhao. His Majesty doesn't restrict the learning of woodblock printing from the common people, and even allows artisans to pass on this skill. Does this mean the Imperial Printing House is unimportant? No, the distinction between official and private printing will always exist. Officially printed books are more numerous and cover a wider range, and they can spare no expense in manpower and resources, producing high-quality editions. Privately printed books, due to various constraints, tend to be somewhat rough and inferior.
The money that Huangyong Printing House brought to Mingde Academy was secondary. In the future, when the official printed books would have the words "Mingde" and "Huangyong", the "Mingde edition" would be the best choice. So, would the Imperial Academy still be the academic holy land in the hearts of scholars?
Because of the restructuring, the students were placed in the newly built Mingde Academy, which greatly pleased the officials of the Imperial Academy.
His Majesty and Xie Zhongshu may seem to have backed down, but they actually have much bigger plans in mind!
Zhao Jialing nodded and said, "Okay." She pointed to the "mountain of books" and added, "These books need to be printed. Even if Mingde Academy has no students yet, they should be distributed to all directions."
After a moment's consideration, Xie Lanzhao said, "Why not print the *General Knowledge* first?" Other subjects, especially the unprecedented fields of engineering and chemistry, are too difficult, and even if printed, they might not be widely disseminated. The *General Knowledge*, on the other hand, is comprehensive and richly illustrated. Its purpose is "early learning," similar to a primer for children.
Zhao Jialing frowned and said, "Very well." He paused, then added, "It's just that the Imperial Academy is incompetent and hasn't allowed them to do it. Who should copy this book?"
"Your Majesty, why don't you entrust this matter to the Secretariat?" the prime minister suggested.
Zhao Jialing looked hesitant.
There are many people in the Secretariat who value reputation. If they look down on technical skills, won't they cause a great disaster, just like the Imperial Academy?
"Xie Qing, what do you think?" Zhao Jialing stared at Xie Lanzhao.
"Why not invite a Hanlin Academician to do it?" Xie Lanzhao said. After the sudden enlightenment she had received, she reorganized her thoughts and no longer focused on important positions.
There are two types of court attendants in this dynasty. One type is the Chancellery Attendant, who comes from the imperial examination system. Most of them hold high positions and are appointed to their posts with their own official titles. They can draft imperial edicts and participate in government affairs, which is the path to advancement for scholars. The other type is the Attendant in the Hanlin Academy. They are not selected through the imperial examination system, but rather possess special skills, such as playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, yin-yang theory, five elements, or being a monk or Taoist priest. Many of them do not hold official titles and are favored officials. They may be promoted due to the emperor's favor, but their background will always be looked down upon by other officials. This type of Attendant only obeys the emperor's orders and is considered a "petty person."
Zhao Jialing had little interest in this and couldn't even remember the servants who had attended him, so he didn't need them to accompany him at the banquet. This made the Hanlin Academy scholars even more obscure.
The subjects at Mingde Academy included divination and crafts, and Hanlin scholars were selected to copy them. Similarly, suitable talents were chosen from among them to be placed in the academy.
Zhao Jialing suddenly realized that she could understand Xie Lanzhao's meaning without her having to click on it.
Her task of selecting a teacher is saved! Otherwise, being in the palace, waiting for news would take forever.
Zhao Jialing: "However, I also want to give others a chance. If there are those in the Imperial Academy or the Secretariat who have turned away from darkness and embraced the light, after examination, they will be allowed to enter Mingde Academy as teachers or students."
The prime minister: "..."
No way, Your Majesty, you've even gone so far as to abandon darkness for light?
Students of the Imperial Academy might be able to find new paths, but would those already in official positions be willing to give up their posts and go to Mingde Academy?
The creation of Mingde Academy was like a pebble falling into the center of a lake, creating ripples that spread outwards.
Scholars traveling to the capital to await the examinations were most concerned about such uncertainties, but most lost interest upon hearing that they were unrelated to literature and scholarship. However, some were exceptionally astute, realizing that significant changes might occur in the future. These days, small, printed books, not handwritten, have appeared on the market at very low prices.
Despite the lack of merit in the content, some people still bought the small book and took it home, asking a few questions along the way. They knew that woodblock printing originated from the palace, and the Huangyong Printing Workshop was currently part of the still-under-construction Mingde Academy. Regardless of which government agency these two belonged to, their relationship with the palace was undoubtedly close! If the common people printed small books, what about the palace? It must be large books! Even if they didn't want to study at the academy, they still needed to understand it.
The former residence of the Pei family in Shengyefang.
Pei Wuwei rested her chin on her hand, gazing at Xue Yuanshuang. Although her brother held a sinecure, he was still in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and could gather a lot of information. She asked, "Sister Xue, what are your thoughts?"
There are too many variables this year. Everyone says that it's easier to pass the imperial examination in the capital, but it has been changed to a "blind grading system" and mutual recommendation is not allowed. It all depends on one's own ability. Of course, she believed in Xue Yuanshuang's abilities.
"My initial plan was to achieve a good ranking in the exam and obtain a more prestigious official position, thus making future promotions easier. But now—"
"How are things now?" Pei Wuwei stretched and asked with a smile.
Xue Yuanshuang said, "Regardless of success or failure, I will go to Mingde Academy to study!"
Pei Wuwei: "There is a set of secret teachings in the palace that belong to Mingde Academy. I will try to get it for my sister."
"Hey? Don't—" Xue Yuanshuang said.
“Sister, don’t worry. The palace is heavily guarded. Even if I were a legendary thief who appears and disappears like a ghost, I wouldn’t be able to retrieve the item.” Pei Wuwei turned to Xue Yuanshuang and teased, “I met a noble lady who is devoted to Taoism at Shangqing Temple. We had a very pleasant conversation. I solved a problem for her, and she is willing to do something to repay me.”
"A noble person from Shangqing Temple and Chongdao?" Xue Yuanshuang's eyes flickered slightly. "Could it be Princess Jinxian?"
“Exactly.” Pei Wuwei nodded. “She’s afraid of snakes, yet she’s looking for one. It’s quite strange.”
In the palace.
Zhao Jialing is admiring the painting that Xie Lanzhao gave her.
One painting per year is too few.
[Fine, it's only fair to return the favor; I'll also present her with a portrait of myself.]
Wise Ruler System: [?]
Xie Lanzhao's painting of the host?
Is the host's return gift also a drawing of himself?
[Paintings done for one's own enjoyment ultimately lack a certain spirit. But my paintings are different; the ink and brush retain their fragrance.]
She is already exhausted from handling state affairs every day; I cannot burden her hands any further.
The Wise Ruler System couldn't help but ask: "Can she draw the host?"
Zhao Jialing chuckled softly: "Who else could she paint besides me?"
Zhao Jialing sighed softly, his thoughts turning serious: "Privately commissioning a portrait of the emperor is not the proper etiquette for a subject. It's one thing for me to give it to her privately, but if the Xie residence truly possesses a painting of me, I fear I will be impeached by the censors. I will paint one for her now to avoid such trouble."
Just as Zhao Jialing was happily painting.
News of Princess Jinxian being bitten by a snake reached the palace.
Zhao Jialing: "..."
Those wicked people, can't stand to see her having a peaceful time?
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