Chapter 42 042 I am satisfied.
His Majesty the Emperor was certainly not so crazy as to use that "firearm" to wipe out all the dissenting nobles in one fell swoop. Everyone knew this, but they still couldn't help but feel terrified when they saw that terrifying thing!
This silent deterrent is impossible to ignore, and upon closer examination, one can discern something. Aside from those fortunate enough to be born into the imperial family, where do the remaining titles come from? Civil officials make up too small a proportion; one must achieve groundbreaking feats in military affairs. Since the founding of the Great Yong Dynasty, meritorious service has been used to recruit warriors. If they want to coerce His Majesty into backing down, they only resort to "passive resistance."
Alas, it is heartbreaking that his unworthy descendants cannot pass on the family business, and unfortunately he fell ill and could not stay alive, unable to serve his country. That is quite reasonable, isn't it?
But now that weapon is out there, unparalleled bravery, superhuman strength, and the ability to take the enemy general's head amidst a thousand troops are all just a matter of moments! The thunderous explosions are enough to send people soaring to the heavens! Look at the Duke of Qin's smug grin that stretches to his ears—thinking he's something special just because he's ahead of the curve?!
However, this is no longer a matter of whether the family business can be passed down to future generations; it's that they themselves are about to be swept away by the next generation. Even if His Majesty is magnanimous and doesn't take this opportunity to find fault with them, allowing them to remain in their positions peacefully, what about the future? Who will be able to wield that powerful tool? What if their descendants are incompetent and fail to inherit the title? No problem, discipline will prevail. As for obstructing the examinations, that's impossible.
The astute nobleman had already begun to consider his options, glancing at his colleagues and thinking, "I'm sorry, but I am a loyal subject. How can I hinder His Majesty's grand plan for the future because of my own selfish interests?!"
Before they could speak, Li Zhaoci cupped her hands again and said, "Besides muskets, cannons are also under research. When the time comes, opening up mountains will be a piece of cake, and in the future, when we fight against the barbarians, our Great Yong army will be invincible!" She spoke with great passion, and the effect was somewhat exaggerated, but everyone has to have dreams, right?
The nobles trembled with fear, their faces still pale, before Li Zhaoci's bold words had completely drained them of their color.
The Duke of Yingguo, then serving as the Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department, glanced at the Duke of Qin and cursed the old scoundrel for being so dishonest, not revealing a single piece of information. Completely forgetting his earlier impassioned opposition to the policy, his old face flushed red, he exclaimed, "I believe that Minister Xie's earlier words are quite correct. To serve in government, one must learn! One must study in youth and enter officialdom in adulthood. Even if one does not serve in the court as a high-ranking official, as a member of the nobility, one is still a reflection of the nation's honor. One should advance through virtue and be promoted based on talent!"
The Duke of Yingguo's sudden change of heart made those nobles, who were feeling like ants crawling all over their hearts, even more uneasy. With that thing in hand, what was the point of giving advice? Immediately afterwards, the dukes and marquises of Dayong echoed the Duke of Yingguo's words. Even the Minister of the Imperial Clan and the Duke of Lu, who were from the imperial clan, praised: "Your Majesty is wise."
Who can blame them for all the recent misfortunes caused by the sons of noble families? Who can blame them for His Majesty having divine assistance and wielding powerful weapons?
But... since they're all completely convinced, shouldn't we also broaden their horizons and get them involved in the research?
At this moment, the hearts of both civil and military officials were being tormented. No one present was a fool. Even if someone was truly oblivious to the atmosphere, those who were vigilant would tell their colleagues to shut up. What if they accidentally made a sound and got caught in the crossfire? How could mortal beings possibly contend with divine artifacts?
Zhao Jialing exhaled the breath he had been holding, feeling refreshed and at ease, as if he were in a divine realm.
However, this matter is probably not over yet. Xie Lanzhao remained silent, which was somewhat unusual.
Zhao Jialing took the initiative to ask, "What does Xie Zhongshu think?"
Xie Lanzhao's thoughts were in turmoil. Although she was equally shocked when she suddenly saw gunpowder and firearms, she quickly calmed down and began to analyze what was to come. The nobles were momentarily stunned, their backs bent under the weight of this miraculous event, and dared not utter a word of objection. Deep down, they might still harbor a strange sense of "confidence," but when their descendants needed to inherit titles but failed the examinations, they might not be as composed as they were now.
The word "repeatedly" is firmly engraved in everyone's heart.
Xie Lanzhao raised her eyes and met Zhao Jialing's gaze for a moment. She calmly and composedly said, "I believe that since many ministers in the court have many sons, and since we need to select the virtuous through examinations, I request that all the legitimate children be allowed to take the exams!" It was not that she looked down on the children of collateral branches, but everything had to be done step by step. Moreover, eliminating the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children would not cause much trouble for ordinary families, but it might disrupt the royal family's rules.
Previously, the nobles wanted to "ease" the situation and took the initiative to propose that women could also inherit titles. Xie Lanzhao happened to bring this up at this time.
[Hmm, host, that's a good idea. For nobles, using a secondary account after their main account is useless increases the probability of passing on the title within the family, while also increasing fair and effective competition.]
As Xie Lanzhao said, nobles—especially those without official duties who spend their days eating, drinking, and having fun—often have many children. Moreover, human nature is unpredictable, and few can treat their children equally. Those who uphold family rules will care about the eldest son, but some will favor the youngest son, even leading to various disputes over titles and ugly squabbles among brothers.
Of course, some old-fashioned people wanted to object to Xie Lanzao's attempt to bring in her own "personal agenda," but after their eyes swept over the smiling Li Zhaoci, they immediately shuddered and could only stand there woodenly without uttering a sound.
All was quiet.
Only Zhao Jialing's innermost thoughts echoed.
[Xie Qing has me in her heart; she is the only one who truly and sincerely cares for me.]
Of course, Xie Qing was also quite considerate of the overall situation and planned for the descendants of the nobles, but why aren't these people grateful?
courtier:"……"
Does His Majesty think Xie Lanzhao is perfect in every way?
If their true feelings hadn't been leaked, who would have guessed they were secretly plotting something?
"I think Xie Zhongshu's proposal is acceptable. If all the sons and grandsons of a family are virtuous, and only one person can inherit the title, what should be done with the others? Of course, they can take other paths, but I think it is appropriate to implement the policy of 'extending favor'. All the sons and daughters of meritorious officials who can pass the examination can inherit the title with a lower rank." Another court official suggested.
The Minister of Revenue frowned slightly, exchanging glances with the officials from the Imperial Treasury beside him. One more titled official meant one more mouth to feed! But then he thought, how could all those mediocre candidates possibly pass the exam? Besides, His Majesty hadn't even specified what the exam would be about. Judging from the extent of His Majesty's promotion of the Mingde Academy, it was probably related to the academy's new curriculum. By the time he needed to worry about those who were just there for show, she would probably have already been promoted and wouldn't need his attention anymore.
Thinking this way, the Minister of Revenue calmed down.
It certainly wasn't because they were frightened by firearms.
Zhao Jialing nodded: "Does anyone have any further objections? If not, the Secretariat will draft an edict to implement it."
[Congratulations, host, on your departure and achievement of "True gold fears no fire" and "Know yeah, know yeah."]
[Achievement Rewards: "Metal Refining Method" and "Metal Forging Method"]
Zhao Jialing hissed.
As she interacted more with the system, she gained a better understanding of some unfamiliar terms.
The Minister of Works stared wide-eyed and couldn't help but gasp.
What a wonderful gift from the gods! If anyone objects, will the gods take it back?
No, he absolutely won't allow it!
He glared menacingly at the ministers around him, as if he would punch anyone who dared to voice a dissenting opinion.
Who exactly wants to hinder his progress?
Some civil officials were loudly protesting because of "ancestral laws," but for the nobles, it was a matter of vested interests. When the nobles decided to back down for the sake of "advancement," things suddenly became more manageable. Even if the eldest son was useless, the younger one could still fill the gap, and as long as they met their academic goals, they could all get a share of the spoils—what harm was there? If none of the children could be outstanding, they might as well be dead.
After pondering for a while and realizing it wouldn't affect them, the nobles beamed with joy, now truly convinced. Their shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" completely drowned out the feeble protests of some diehards.
A loud voice is both an expression of respect for His Majesty and a deliberate attempt to drown out those who have already cowered and softened their voices.
Shut your mouth! What does the inheritance of the title have to do with you?! Aren't you being a bit too ambitious?! His Majesty is so great, he cannot possibly make a mistake.
Thus, this dramatic and eventful feast returned to a harmonious and joyful state.
Following the old custom, Zhao Jialing bestowed upon the court officials silks, brocades, and perfumes—originally there were also bath beans, but now they were using soaps and perfumes produced by the An family, which could be considered as a way to enhance her reputation.
An Yuchan makes money, that's her making money.
Gifts are given in varying degrees of importance, depending on the recipient's status and the closeness of the relationship.
The court officials didn't mind that they had less silk than the prime minister.
But this time, only Xie Lanzhao received the musket bestowed by His Majesty!
Why should I?! I'm so upset, I'm going to make a scene!
Zhao Jialing couldn't care less about those yearning eyes, after all, she had even ignored the hints from Princess Jinxian and her husband.
After the grand banquet, she and the Empress Dowager returned to the palace. Before leaving, she asked Yin'e to give Xie Lanzhao some instructions.
"Let me take a look?" Gao Shao's gaze was fixed on Xie Lanzhao. The princess's residence was full of novelties, but he had never seen a "firearm" before.
“The princess keeps quite a few pets at her residence; I’m afraid we might frighten them,” Xie Lanzhao said slowly, putting away her musket.
Gao Shao choked and muttered, "It's not like there aren't any open spaces."
Xie Lanzhao chuckled softly and changed the subject: "How's your reading of natural history books going?"
Gao Shao: "..."
Xie Lanzhao asked casually, without much intention of urging. Mingde Academy was not yet completed, and His Majesty had previously been worried about the students. However, some people are quick-witted and should be able to guess something.
The hereditary titles of nobles are assessed on moral character, but it's not just about moral character; they also have to take exams. Whether the exams should follow the simple classical texts and policy questions previously used by the Hongwen and Chongwen academies, or be rewritten, is still undecided. However, since the "examination" has been proposed, Xie Lanzhao is determined to link it to the "new curriculum reform" at Mingde Academy. She doesn't want anyone to obstruct the academy's development or create unnecessary complications in the future. As for the measures, the natural approach is to bring certain groups together on the same boat.
After today's upheaval, will the stubborn still cling to their prejudices? The eldest sons, raised with family precepts, will not abandon their past studies, but what about the grandchildren? What about those young children just beginning their education? Sending one to Mingde Academy is entirely feasible. It would demonstrate loyalty to His Majesty and provide them with more options for the future.
His Majesty's stack of books has already been copied by the Hanlin Academy scholars, and the "General Knowledge" has been entrusted to Huang Yong for printing. In some time, the "General Knowledge" should be circulating throughout the streets and alleys of Chang'an.
"I think I believe what you said now." Gao Shao crossed his arms and sighed again.
Xie Lanzhao snapped out of her daze and realized after a few breaths that Gao Shao was referring to His Majesty.
A gentle smile appeared in her eyes, and Xie Lanzhao nodded, saying, "Yes."
Gao Shao then asked, "Won't you regret that this moment came too late?"
Xie Lanzhao: "There's plenty of time in the future."
Gao Shao: "But after all, it's an isolated iron chain hanging on a cliff. Will we be able to reach the end smoothly?"
Xie Lanzhao paused for a moment. She didn't know when it started, but what appeared in her mind was no longer defensiveness and doubt, but those noisy yet sincere thoughts.
A determined glint flashed in her eyes, and she nodded, saying, "Yes."
"But under the influence of power, it is easy to become unrecognizable" before Xie Lanzhao could finish saying the four words "become unrecognizable".
Xie Lanzhao smiled and said to Zhao Xianju, who was not far away, "Your Highness, the驸马 (the驸马) said that she will not be returning to the manor today."
Gao Shao: "?"
In broad daylight, how could someone spout nonsense in public without showing the slightest reaction or shame?!
"I didn't—" Before Gao Shao could finish speaking, Zhao Xianju, who had turned hostile, dragged him away.
Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes.
Despite the same amount of noise, she was indeed more patient with His Majesty.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
