The examination content of the Jinshi degree is divided into three parts. The first is "Tie Jing", which is similar to dictation and filling in the blanks in later generations; the second is "Miscellaneous Essays", which is similar to composition questions and tests the candidate's writing ability; the third is "Policy Essays", which tests the candidate's views on national policies and some current affairs.
The most important thing here is the policy theory, and the least important thing is also the policy theory.
When selecting officials, the state naturally looked at their governing abilities and policies. Therefore, policy essays were crucial. A good one could earn extra points, and even lead to the examiner or the emperor making an exception for the candidate.
Then why do people say that policy essays are not important? Because given the current level of scholars in the Qi Dynasty, it is simply a fantasy to expect them to write a policy essay that will impress people.
These people spend all day reading books of sages, but how many of them can understand the deep meaning of world affairs and some policies of the court?
Even the top scorer in each imperial examination could not be immediately entrusted with important tasks by the court. Instead, they had to be sent to some noble government offices to study hard. Only after they had their own political insights and understood the situation of the entire country would they be reused.
Since everyone's policy essays are not very reliable, most people will focus on the first two questions.
The method proposed by Lu Chen now is to control the number of candidates from the north and the south through policy essays.
These candidates may not be able to understand the affairs of the entire Qi State, but they should at least know something about the things happening around them.
If the policy essay question is about how to control the Yellow River floods, would the scholars in the Yellow River basin have more say?
Or if you ask how to solve the border issue and how to deal with the relationship with Western Xia, Liao and Jin, then don’t the candidates in the north have more say and can they speak more meaningfully?
You, a candidate from the south, will not get a high score even if your essay is flowery and all your ideas are superficial.
After listening to Lu Chen's explanation, Li Zhuo couldn't help but clap his hands and shouted "good" three times!
He was so excited that he wanted to issue an order to grant Li Mingyue a marriage right away.
What a good man! Li Zhuo felt that if he didn't tie such a man to the royal chariot quickly, he would be crazy!
Look at the level and pattern of Master Lu. Not only did he easily solve the major problems that had existed for so many years, but he also strengthened centralization and expanded the power in the hands of the emperor.
If things were done as Lu Chen said, the emperor would be able to control these officials even more easily in the future.
In the future, if there are any problems in the country, the emperor can increase the number of questions in this area during the imperial examination. As long as the emperor has a long-term vision and can discover problems in advance, he will never lack talents in his pocket!
These students kept nagging Li Zhuo all day long, and Li Zhuo was really fed up with it.
He wanted to see whether these scholars would still dare to show off in front of him when he holds the power of life and death over the scholars in the north and south in his hands!
Li Zhuo was happy, but at this moment the other officials were regretting it to the core.
If they had known Lu Chen's idea, they would never let Lu Chen speak no matter what!
Many people glared at Wei Yong, thinking to themselves, "You old man, are you really bored? Why did you provoke him?"
The corners of Wei Yong's mouth twitched. He had never expected that after arguing so fiercely in the court, they would end up making things easier for the emperor.
The power conflicts between local and central governments and the checks and balances between emperors and officials were born along with the feudal dynasties.
Officials all knew that if the emperor was stronger, they would have less power and their lives would be more difficult.
But now that things have come to this, what can they say? Anyone with a discerning eye can see that doing so is indeed of great benefit to the court.
Besides, look at the emperor's expression of having eaten magpie shit. I'm afraid he has already approved this plan in his heart.
Since there is no way to prevent the implementation of this plan, can we postpone its implementation?
Liang Licang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Master Lu's method is truly refreshing to us. We believe this plan will benefit the court and the country. However, the problem is that the imperial examination reform design is too extensive. The Spring Examination will begin in less than a year. If we make changes now, we are afraid that many things will be too late."
As soon as Liang Licang finished speaking, someone immediately stood up and echoed, "Yes, yes. This sudden reform will probably make it difficult for many candidates to adapt. If any mistakes or problems arise, wouldn't it be a waste of the good intentions of the Imperial Master?"
The others also frowned. Do you think that less than a year is really too short? Actually, it's not really, but it's always good to have more time.
Moreover, they also need to let their children and nephews adapt to this sudden change in the scoring method. If they can postpone this imperial examination and wait for another four years, then there will be no problem.
Before anyone else could voice their opinions, Lu Chen burst into laughter and said, "Lord Liang is indeed a senior official at the imperial court. He saw the problem immediately. Indeed, the sudden introduction of a completely new grading system will indeed leave the examinees and some officials feeling overwhelmed."
"But I already have a plan. The reason everyone is so anxious is because they are unfamiliar with it. In fact, the solution to this problem is very simple. It's nothing more than more practice."
"Therefore, I suggest that Your Majesty issue a court bulletin to inform all students preparing to take the exam about the grading system. Also, starting from today, the court can organize a mock exam every two weeks to familiarize everyone with the new exam process."
Liang Licang opened his mouth to say something, but Lu Chen interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "Of course, Lord Liang will definitely say that this will cost money, and the national treasury is currently empty and cannot afford such a tangle."
"It's okay. Actually, I've already considered this. So, the cost of these mock exams will be covered by the Chinese Academy of Sciences!"
"Then the question is, since it's the Chinese Academy of Sciences that's paying for it, shouldn't the mock exam be held there? We can even prepare lunch for the candidates. We're all contributing to the country, after all."
"And the entire process doesn't have to be a mere formality. If Your Majesty so desires, we can conduct actual exams every time, and we'll also provide all the necessary writing materials, ink, and paper."
"I'm going to be frank. The reason those students out there are making a fuss is because they're just bored. Find them something to do, let them experience what a high-intensity exam is like, and they'll all calm down!"
As he said this, Lu Chen spread his hands towards Liang Licang, the Minister of Finance of the imperial court.
Sao Rui! If you have money, you can do whatever you want!
Before, I was thinking about how to use couplets to attract some smart scholars, but now Lu Chen said that only children make choices, I want them all!
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