Chapter 162 The Queen Brings the Civil Service Examination into the Palace
In the current Daxia Palace, there are six bureaus and one department.
In fact, it is also called Six Bureaus and Twenty-Four Departments. Because there are twenty-four female officials under the Six Bureaus, each with their own duties, it is also called Six Bureaus and Twenty-Four Departments.
But in the real sense, it is called six bureaus and one department, because the six bureaus here are the six bureaus of the Shang Palace Bureau, and the one department is the Gong Zheng Department where Li Xingyue is going to work.
Because the Gongzhengsi was under the jurisdiction of the Taichang Temple, it was not a true palace department.
However, because the Gongzhengsi Yamen is located in the palace and the Gongzhengsi Gongzheng reports directly to the Empress Dowager, many people also count the Gongzhengsi as part of the palace, hence the saying of six bureaus and one department.
The six bureaus and one department, plus other palace servants and eunuchs in the imperial palace, totaled more than 7,000 people.
It looks like there are a lot of people, but actually the number is quite small!
During the previous emperor's period, because there were no other concubines, only one queen and one Li Nishang, the number of people was reduced in order to reduce the expenses in the palace.
Otherwise, according to Su Changan's understanding, during the time of Xia Fengxiang's grandfather, there were more than 40,000 people in the palace.
Therefore, the list actually occupies more than half of the official document in front of Su Changan.
After all, Li Nishang has monopolized power in the harem for the past three years and eliminated dissidents, so many palace maids and eunuchs are naturally her people.
None of these people can be left alive, otherwise there will be hidden dangers.
so.
Su Changan is so tired.
As the cool breeze blew, Su Changan picked up a snack and stuffed it into his mouth. He felt that he was not satisfied with the days when he was bored and rolled around on the hall floor every day. He even felt that he was too idle!
"Miss, just now there are people who are not from the six bureaus and one department, but are implicated in them. Here is the list of personnel from the three bureaus, namely the Shangyi Bureau, the Shangfu Bureau, and the Shanggong Bureau. Among them, there are people who are definitely related to Li Nishang. There are 49 female officials and 956 palace servants from the three bureaus. All of these people's names are circled with red pen, and only those who are related are crossed out. Of course, those with crossed out cannot be kept."
Concubine Sun spread out three scrolls on Su Changan's desk.
The scroll was full of names, and basically all of them were circled, with only a few people remaining safe and sound.
Su Changan glanced at them, feeling helpless. He naturally understood why these people couldn't stay, but...
If these people cannot stay, it means that a large number of people will have to fill the vacancies, and all of these people will need to be arranged by him.
It doesn't matter if it's an ordinary palace maid, but any female official, even the lowest-ranking palace maid in charge, must get his permission.
Moreover, these are only the people from these three bureaus. Just now there were also people like Hua Fang who did not belong to the six bureaus and one department.
In addition to these, many young eunuchs among the eunuchs also had to be sent out of the palace and then replaced.
All together, the number of people is huge!
"Among them, I can help you screen the ordinary palace maids first. I can decide for some palace maids to stay, but the appointment of these female officials and some specific palace maids requires your Majesty to make the decision personally. In addition to the people from the six bureaus and one department, the people implicated this time are the Grand Music Bureau and the Admonition Bureau. Although they are affiliated with the Taichang Temple, the dancers also live in the palace. These cannot be selected by the people of the Taichang Temple, and you need to make the decision. Moreover, more than half of the Taichang Temple will be imprisoned this time, so it is a bit tiring and..."
Sun Shang Gong was talking over there.
Although Su Changan heard it in his heart, he looked at the list of the Shangyi Bureau.
When Li Nishang was in power, it could be said that all the people in these three bureaus followed the empress dowager. After all, the three bureaus were controlled by Xiang Hong alone. Even those who were unwilling to follow would be thrown out and replaced by her own people.
Although the chief officer of the Shangyi Bureau is the Shangyi, the Shangyi needs to be appointed by His Majesty or the Queen, and the Queen Mother does not have this power. Therefore, Xianghong is the Siji, in charge of the Shangyi Bureau, followed by Siyue, Sibin, Sizan and so on. Apart from these, the rest are female officials of lower ranks such as Dian, Zhang, and Nushi, and below them are the palace servants in the bureau.
Su Changan knew that there were six bureaus and one department in the palace, each with its own responsibilities, and all matters major and minor in the palace were clearly divided into responsibilities.
Among them, the Siji of the Shangyi Bureau was in charge of the teaching of classics and history, paper, pens, and desks. The Siyue was in charge of music and rhythm. The other two were in charge of the exchanges of guests, as well as matters such as audiences and banquets.
Thinking of this, Su Changan was suddenly stunned.
Because he found that although eighty to ninety percent of the people on the list were circled or crossed out, there were still some maids and ordinary palace servants who were safe and sound, and it was obvious that they were not Li Nishang's people after screening.
At this time, Sun Shang Gong had just finished speaking.
Su Changan looked up at Sun Shanggong and asked, "Aunt, each of the six bureaus has its own duties. The chief of the Shangyi Bureau is Xiang Hong. Does she know anything about classics and history?"
Sun Shang Gong shook her head: "She won't do that, and not only her, but all those people who follow Li Nishang here are randomly placed by their own people, and they won't do that. The same is true for some female officials in the Shangfu and Shanggong Bureaus. If there is something going on, and there are people in the palace who can do it, they will find them to do it."
Su Changan thought for a moment and then asked, "Is there anyone in the other three games who understands what is going on in these three games, or has any other problems?"
Sun Shang Gong nodded: "Xiang Hong arranged those who were trusted by her, but she was also smart and knew that she couldn't lose those who were really capable of these things, so she kept them by her side. Under coercion and inducement, those people served as palace servants. Therefore, some of the Shang Gong Bureau and Shang Shi Bureau on my side were originally capable people in those three bureaus, but because they didn't want to follow Li Nishang, they were kicked out. So of course she understands."
As she spoke, Sun Shang Gong glanced at the female official beside her and said, "Young lady also knows Huang Sibu. She used to be a bookkeeper in the Shangyi Bureau, but because she did not obey Xiang Hong, she was kicked out."
After saying that, Sun Shang Gong thought for a while, looked at Su Changan and asked, "Miss, do you want me to recommend you? Although this can save trouble, I think I should still take a closer look. Although I feel at ease with the person who recommended me, it is inevitable that they will have some small thoughts in their hearts. They think that I recommended them, and I have your Majesty and you behind me. If they do something bad again, it doesn't matter if my reputation is ruined, but I am afraid that it will disturb your Majesty and you. Therefore, although it may be a little tiring, you still have to be careful in your selection. I, the old servant, and others will always be there to assist you."
Su Changan looked at Sun Shang Gong. He was not surprised that Sun Shang Gong said this. After all, Sun Shang Gong had no people of her own in the palace and had always used capable people. Xuan Xia and the others had talked to him about this a long time ago.
So Su Changan smiled and shook his head and said, "Aunt misunderstood. I meant the exam."
Sun Shang Gong was stunned for a moment, a little confused.
Su Changan thought for a moment and said, "It can be understood as an imperial examination in the palace, but it is very different from the imperial examination. For example, in the two departments you just mentioned, the Grand Music Bureau and the Admonition Bureau, if someone wants to serve as a female official there or wants to enter there, they must be proficient in music and musical instruments, and the examination subjects are also about this. Others, such as the Shangyi Bureau and the Shanggong Bureau, each have their own duties. If you want to take the exam for the Secretary of Records, you must understand the classics, history, and collections. Otherwise, you, as the Secretary of Records, cannot understand these at all, and outsiders will laugh at you, so you definitely don't want to take it. The same goes for others."
Sun Shang Gong was surprised, but after thinking about it carefully, she found that this method was feasible. After all, the position of the female officials in the palace was not the same as that in the court outside.
But there are some bad things.
But before Sun Shang Gong asked, Su Changan continued, "However, these official positions are very important. It is impossible for anyone to be allowed to take the exam. Registration is also conditional. For example, if you apply for a position in the six bureaus and one department, you must have worked in the palace for at least two or three years before you can take the exam for the position of a maid. If you want to take the exam for the position of the head of the palace or the head of the palace, you must have worked in the position of a maid for a few years. And so on, there is no need to worry about palace people applying randomly. Moreover, the higher the official rank, the more stringent the exam will be, and it will also depend on the business ability of other female officials. In addition to the basic knowledge required for the position you apply for, the exam subjects also include music, or practical operations such as tailoring in the Shangfu Bureau. And there is also an interview, otherwise it will not work even if you have ability but no virtue."
"However, considering that some palace maids from the countryside are illiterate, we can also let them take the exams for the professions they applied for directly. However, they must know basic characters. To become a female official, even the smallest female servant, they are also officials of Daxia. It is absolutely not acceptable to be illiterate and not know etiquette. Basic qualities must be possessed."
"Besides that, there is also"
When Su Changan said this, he saw that Sun Shang Gong, or the other female officials who came with Sun Shang Gong, as well as Xun Xia, Maomao, Yan Ruyu and everyone else were looking at him in surprise.
But the next second, the female officials were a little stunned, but immediately surprise flashed across their faces.
Because this method is brilliant!
Su Changan was stunned for a moment: "Did I not give enough details?"
Sun Shang Gong shook her head and said with a wry smile: "I understand what you mean, Miss. I'm just a little surprised that you can come up with this idea. This method sounds simple, but it does save a lot of trouble. And if you think about it carefully, it is indeed a way to select talents in the palace, and it also avoids the problem of appointing relatives to positions based on merit to a certain extent."
The person next to Shang Gong Sun was called Huang Jing, a clerk in the Shang Gong Bureau. Su Changan had met him several times and was considered an acquaintance.
Huang Sibu said, "Miss, this would save you the trouble, but as you just said, if you want to take the exam to become the chief officer of a bureau, you have to work in the positions of Si, Dian, and Zhang for a few years. But now there is no one in the three bureaus of Shangyi Bureau."
Su Changan said, "No, if you want to take the examination for the chief officer, such as the Shangyi Bureau, you must be in this position. But I understand your consideration. You can come from other bureaus. For example, you, Huang Sibu, are also proficient in classics, history, and literature, so you worked as a Sibu in the Shanggong Bureau. If you want to take the examination for the Shangyi Bureau's chief officer position, you can apply. However, the chief officer position is very important, so it is much more rigorous. You must first undergo a political review, that is, to make sure you are innocent, and then take a written test, followed by an interview with your aunt, and then an interview between me and His Majesty. You must get the consent of His Majesty and me before you can do it."
"But for example, you, Huang Sibu, are proficient in classics, history, and literature. Now you are a Sibu. If you want to work as a clerk in the Shangyi Bureau, it will be considered a lateral transfer. You will definitely have to take an exam, but it won't be as complicated as relying on the position of chief official."
Huang Sibu suddenly understood.
And it's not just Huang Sibu.
It was the other female officials and everyone in Lingqi Pavilion who heard Su Changan's additional explanation.
They all had sudden enlightenment.
Although they didn't quite understand some of the words Su Changan said, they could still understand a little by combining the context.
Especially Sun Shang Gong's face was full of astonishment and joy.
She had been in the harem for so many years, but she had never thought that there would be exams in the harem, and she had never thought that exams could be conducted in this way.
Because this exam basically gives everyone a chance.
Moreover, the final say still lies in the hands of His Majesty and the Queen, and no one can move it, but it also saves the time of these two great nobles.
It’s really a good idea.
but
Xiangluo, one of the four palace maids in Lingqi Pavilion, couldn't help but ask, "Miss, if little palace maids like us want to take the exam, we can pass it as long as we meet the requirements. It's like what you just said, that we have been in the palace for two or three years or more."
After saying this, Xiangluo saw that Sun Shanggong and others were looking at her.
He immediately lowered his head and cursed himself inwardly, forgetting that Sun Shanggong and the others were all here now, and this was no longer the Lingqi Pavilion where he could talk freely as in the past.
He immediately bowed and confessed his guilt.
Although they were somewhat dissatisfied with Xiang Luo's sudden interruption, she was Su Chang'an's close attendant after all, so even if they were dissatisfied, Huang Sibu and others could not say anything.
Su Changan didn't care about these. He looked at Xiangluo with a smile and said, "It's fine as long as the conditions are met. However."
At this point, Su Changan looked at the Palace Lady Sun and said, "But I have only been in the palace for a short time, and I don't know many things about the harem. The specific examination regulations or rules need your help to improve. For example, if a palace maid wants to take the examination, can she become a maid in the Six Bureaus and One Department as long as she has worked there for a few years, or must she be a palace maid in the Six Bureaus? I need your help, aunt and everyone."
"Her Majesty is busy with the Li Nishang rebellion. Although we are very anxious here, I think we can get this out and show it to Her Majesty. If she thinks it is okay, we can implement it. This way, we can get twice the result with half the effort. It is always faster than thinking about it one by one. Besides, Xiang Hong and others are still being interrogated by the Palace Administration Department. They may be taken to the Ministry of Justice. We have to wait and see who is involved. We can't be careless about this matter."
Hearing this, Lady Sun smiled and nodded, "Young lady, you are very thoughtful. I think this matter of the exam is amazing. I am really happy that you can think of this method. I know that you are smart, but I didn't expect you to come up with such a method immediately. His Majesty will definitely praise you when he hears it."
Su Changan felt a little ashamed.
After all, it was Su Changan who moved the civil servants of his previous life, as well as the things related to the horizontal transfer and promotion examinations in his body.
But there are some shortcomings in many places. Now that it has been brought into the harem, there are many places that need to be changed.
As for filling vacancies, since there was an exam to back it up, Sun Shang Gong felt that the issue could be put aside for the time being.
However, those who have direct contact with Li Nishang or are slightly involved must be dealt with as soon as possible.
So Sun Shanggong then asked: "Miss, you said that those who are slightly implicated should be released from the palace and not be employed. But what about those who are directly related? They are all guilty, but there are too many people. Should we punish them all, or..."
Su Changan looked at the circled names, thought for a moment and then asked, "Let's try them first. In the end, it will still depend on the guilt and whether they have taken advantage of Li Nishang's power to bully others. But aunt, send out a notice to the people in the palace, saying that they can report, but there must be solid evidence, not one-sided statements, and they must not frame others because of personal grudges. Otherwise, if they are found out, they will be punished together."
Sun Shang Gong nodded and said, "This can save the Gong Zheng Division some trouble. Otherwise, Zhang Gong Zheng of the Gong Zheng Division and other female officials have brought in bedding from home because there are too many people to be tried."
Huang Sibu on the side said, "Miss, I would like to borrow a pen and paper. Now the officials of Li Nishang's party are being interrogated outside, and we cannot fall behind. When the time comes, we will announce it to the world, and also to the people in the palace. If we are slow, those outside will say that we are not doing our job well."
Su Changan nodded and glanced at Xunxia.
Xunxia immediately took Huang Sibu to the study.
Su Changan suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at Sun Shanggong: "Aunt, how is Xiang Hong's interrogation going? That person should know a lot of things."
Hearing this, Sun Shang Gong frowned and shook her head: "If you don't say anything, I'm afraid you know that you will die. It's better to say less. That person used to be like this."
Zhou Qianhong came up at this time: "Miss, Lu Cai is back."
(End of this chapter)
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