He offered his advice during the palace examination, and the emperor was greatly pleased.
On the day of the imperial examination, the Golden Palace was solemn and dignified. On the dragon throne, the Great Jing Emperor, his expression majestic, surveyed the assembled candidates below, his gaze finally settling on Shen Qingci with a hint of expectation. The examiners stood solemnly on either side, their writing implements already prepared, and the air was thick with tension and reverence.
The candidates took turns answering the questions, some quoting classical texts but lacking substance, others hesitant and unable to express their own opinions. When it was Shen Qingci's turn, he stepped forward steadily, knelt down and bowed, his voice as clear as a bell: "Your subject Shen Qingci pays respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise." The emperor raised his hand. "We are currently plagued by deep-seated problems in the administration and the Xiongnu are harassing our borders. I wish to hear your strategies for governing the country. Speak frankly."
Shen Qingci rose, his posture upright as a pine tree, his gaze clear and resolute: "Your Majesty, governing a country is like managing a household; it requires addressing both internal and external factors, as well as the root causes and symptoms. I believe we should begin with four aspects:
First, we must rectify official corruption and strengthen the foundation of the government. Currently, corrupt officials are lining their own pockets, military pay and provisions are being embezzled at every level, and soldiers on the borders are suffering from hunger and cold. How can they possibly defend against the enemy? We should establish censors to inspect all directions, severely punish corruption, and clearly define a system of performance evaluation and rewards/punishments, ensuring that honest officials are promoted and corrupt officials are brought to justice. Only then can we achieve a clean and honest political climate and ensure the smooth implementation of government policies.
Secondly, we must prioritize agriculture and rural development to ensure the well-being of the people. The people are the foundation of the nation; a stable foundation ensures national peace. We should reduce or eliminate excessive taxes and levies, encourage the people to cultivate wasteland, and build water conservancy projects to combat natural disasters. We should also establish granaries to store grain in good years and provide relief in famine years, ensuring that the people have enough to eat and wear. Only then can we win the hearts of the people and strengthen the nation.
Thirdly, we must strengthen our military and secure our borders to defend against foreign aggression. The Xiongnu are skilled in horsemanship and archery, and move swiftly like the wind. Our dynasty must capitalize on its strengths and avoid its weaknesses: on the one hand, we must reinforce border fortifications and repair cities to form a deep defense; on the other hand, we must carefully select our soldiers, strengthen their training in horsemanship, archery, and battle formations, improve our weaponry, ensure that military pay is paid in full and on time, and boost morale. Only in this way can we wait in comfort for the enemy to tire themselves out and repel their invading forces.
Fourth, appease the people and unite their efforts. The border people have suffered greatly from the ravages of war; those displaced should be properly resettled, given land and seeds, and allowed to live and work in peace. Only when the people and the army are of one mind and support each other can they form an impregnable wall, leaving the Xiongnu no opportunity to exploit.
His words were earnest and his arguments were clear. He pointed out the crux of the problem and offered practical solutions, without uttering a single empty word.
The emperor nodded repeatedly as he listened, his eyes filled with increasing approval. After Shen Qingci finished speaking, the emperor clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Excellent! Well said! Shen Qingci possesses extraordinary talent and a deep concern for the country and its people; he is truly a pillar of our Great Jing!"
The examiners and ministers in the hall all turned their heads, secretly admiring the young scholar's foresight and wisdom. Although Su Yunqing was not in the hall, she had been anxiously waiting at home, thinking of Shen Qingci's usual diligence and ambition, her heart filled with certainty and pride.
After the palace examination concluded, the emperor immediately declared: "Shen Qingci's insights are unique and his words are sincere, which greatly pleases me. I hereby appoint Shen Qingci as the top scholar in the first class, and appoint him as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. He shall immediately assume his post and compile the national history to serve as my advisor!"
Shen Qingci knelt down again to express his gratitude, his voice filled with barely concealed excitement: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! I will devote myself to the cause until my dying breath, serving the people and the nation with the utmost loyalty and dedication!"
Sunlight streamed through the latticed windows of the Golden Palace, illuminating his young yet resolute face and the future he and Su Yunqing had long awaited. The news of his passing the imperial examination with top honors spread like wildfire throughout the capital. Both the Shen and Su residences were brightly decorated, eagerly awaiting the arrival of this childhood sweetheart couple to begin a new chapter in their lives.
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