"Father, Father..."
As soon as he got home, Han Yi shouted, "Look at today's newspaper! A new imperial examination is going to be held in the capital..."
Han Wen'an, who was cooking, was stunned when he heard the news. He said, "Father is getting old and won't participate in the imperial examinations. It will be fine if he can find a job in the community near us."
"father,"
Han Yi stepped into the kitchen and said, "Look at what the newspaper said. From now on, whether it's the provincial government, county government, or district government, all public officials will have to take the new civil service exam. Only those who pass the new exam can be appointed."
"Yeah?"
Han Wen'an was taken aback for a moment, then said, "This is quite different from before."
"Yes, Father!"
Han Yi nodded and said, "Back in Dongning, some district officials were literate and served directly. Old Liu from our district even became a county magistrate. I never expected things to change so much here in the capital."
"That's for sure!"
Han Wen'an put the noodles into the pot and, while burning firewood, said, "Things are different now than they were back in Dongning. Back then, Dongning was short of people and food; finding even a few scholars was considered good. So, the requirements in the districts and communities weren't high. Now it's different. His Majesty has entered the Central Plains, and the entire Daqian Kingdom belongs to His Majesty! The whole country has dozens of provinces, hundreds of prefectures, thousands of counties, and tens of millions of people, so naturally there's no shortage of people. These government officials will naturally have to undergo some kind of assessment."
"father,"
Looking at Han Wen'an's long-winded explanation, Han Yi chuckled and asked, "Are you confident you can pass the exam?"
"Why not?"
Han Wen'an, however, did not feign modesty. Instead, he said with a face full of pride, "No matter what, I was a local official in Huaibei back then, and I passed the imperial examination. I still have that foundation. Besides, I also worked in a district commune in Dongning. Even if it was a new imperial examination, how new could it be? It was nothing more than governing the people and managing farmland and water conservancy."
"Forehead?"
Hearing Han Wen'an's words, Han Yi was stunned for a moment, and said, "Father, you were prepared for this?"
"Yi'er,"
Han Wen'an smiled and said, "Since you've made up your mind to find something to do, you naturally need to be prepared."
"I want to learn from my father!"
Han Yi said with a smile.
"Alright, go wash your hands and get ready to eat."
Han Wen'an took the bowl and began serving rice.
While serving rice, Han Wen'an said, "Yi'er, there are some things I need to ask you. This new imperial examination will test astronomy, geography, arithmetic, geometry, physics, and chemistry. There are many things that your father hasn't figured out yet."
"Alright, Dad!"
Han Yi smiled and replied, "If there's anything you don't understand, I'll teach you. I've brought the textbooks I used in Dongning with me, Father, please take a look."
"good!"
Han Wen'an nodded.
After finishing his meal, Han Wen'an sat by the candlelight and began to read.
Han Yi, meanwhile, was explaining things from the side.
Looking at the flickering candlelight, Han Yi said, "Dad, when the power lines reach our area, let's get an electric light installed. The streetlights are so bright, much better than candlelight."
"OK!"
Han Wen'an said with a smile, "Installing a light will make it easier for Yi'er to study."
The father and son talked while looking at the book.
...
Time passed little by little.
News of the new imperial examination in the capital city spread throughout the entire Great Gan Kingdom.
Although it was only a pilot program in Beijing, this new imperial examination in the capital was not limited to the applicants' place of household registration.
Therefore, many scholars who heard the news flocked to the capital to take the exam.
On the 22nd day of the first lunar month, when registration began, the entire capital city became increasingly lively.
It was even more lively than during the Lunar New Year.
In many places, the guesthouses were full of people.
Beijing University has also started its semester.
Han Yi successfully enrolled at Beijing University.
Han Wen'an, on the other hand, continued to study his textbooks and study guides, preparing for the exam.
By the 28th day of the first lunar month, the registration period had already ended.
Meanwhile, the staff began to count the number of applicants.
While counting the number of applicants, they also printed more exam papers for the new exam.
By the 30th day of the first lunar month, the number of applicants had been tallied.
Wuying Hall.
"His Majesty,"
Yu Maocai sat down in his chair and said, "The number of applicants has been tallied. There are a total of over 16,500 applicants this time."
So many?
Li Xin was also somewhat surprised.
To my surprise, so many people signed up.
But thinking about it, it makes sense. It's been a long time since any scientific expeditions have been conducted, and people from all over the country who heard the news would come to Beijing to take the exams.
Even some technicians and employees from manufacturing bureaus and factories signed up to take the exam.
Looking at Yu Maocai, Li Xin asked, "With so many candidates, have the exam papers been reprinted yet?"
"His Majesty,"
Yu Maocai replied, "The exam papers have all been reprinted. In the past two days, various departments have drawn personnel to coordinate the exam venue and invigilation arrangements."
"oh?"
Looking at Yu Maocai, Li Xin asked, "How were these arrangements made?"
"His Majesty,"
Yu Maocai replied, "Originally, the examination venues were set up in the Beijing Political Affairs School, Beijing University, and Beijing Military Academy. However, there are too many candidates now, so we are temporarily organizing people to clear out middle and primary schools in Beijing to use as examination venues."
"As for the invigilators,"
Yu Maocai continued, “The teachers of these schools will be considered as part of the staff. In addition, the staff of various departments will also be considered as part of the staff. As for the remaining personnel, the Cabinet has already coordinated with the General Political Training Department of the Privy Council to draw some from the political training officers. The invigilators have also been prepared.”
"That's good!"
Li Xin nodded in satisfaction and said, "So, all the preparations are complete, and we're just waiting for the exam!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Yu Maocai nodded and said, "The staff printing the exam papers are under closed management. They will not be released until after the exam. In addition, the exam papers for each exam room have been sealed in bags. The exam room rules and regulations have also been formulated. Starting tomorrow, exam rooms will be assigned. In addition, the invigilators for each exam room will receive training on exam room rules."
"In addition, the Cabinet has also made contact with the Police Department, the Capital Police, and the Capital Garrison. When the new imperial examination begins on February 2, the police and the garrison will jointly maintain the security of the capital."
Hearing Yu Maocai's words, Li Xin nodded in satisfaction.
A bright smile also graced his face.
This Yu Maocai is indeed a talented person!
Every aspect has been considered very thoroughly!
Everything is ready, just waiting for the exam to begin!
Li Xin nodded in satisfaction and said, "Grand Secretary Yu, thank you for your hard work!"
Yu Maocai quickly clasped his hands in greeting and replied, "Selecting talent for the country is my duty!"
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