Qian Dai took Chu Fan's multiplication table back to his home. In the evening, Qian Dai was still studying it carefully, because this was a document that His Majesty urgently needed. He had to quickly grasp the meaning and then compile specific teaching materials.
Just when Qian Dai was reciting in his study, his son Qian Duoduo, who had gotten up at night, heard his father's voice. Out of concern, he quietly came to Qian Dai's study.
Qian Dai looked at his son who walked into the room and asked gently, "It's so late, why aren't you sleeping yet?"
Qian Duoduo rubbed his sleepy eyes and replied, "I heard you were studying and was worried you were too tired, so I came to check on you."
Qian Dai also knew that although his son was not particularly outstanding in Confucianism, he was kind-hearted. He smiled and comforted him, "It's okay. Dad just wants to complete the emperor's task as soon as possible. That's why he stayed up late. You can go back to sleep first."
Qian Duoduo was filled with confusion. He didn't understand why his father took this matter so seriously, even to the point of being busy late into the night. After all, after His Majesty decentralized power, his father's official duties could mostly be completed during the day, and he rarely needed to continue working at home, even late into the night.
Qian Duoduo's curiosity drove him to ask, "Dad, what mission has you working so late at night?"
Qian Dai sighed deeply. He pointed to the multiplication table on the table and explained, "These are the new arithmetic formulas introduced by His Majesty. His Majesty has asked our Ministry of Revenue to quickly organize these formulas and compile them into textbooks. His Majesty plans to distribute these textbooks to students across the country so that they can learn and master them."
Qian Dai knew that these new arithmetic knowledge would become the content that all students in Wei State would have to master in the future, so it would not hurt to let his son Qian Duoduo learn about this knowledge in advance. Moreover, Qian Duoduo was a very reliable child and would never leak out what he told him.
After hearing his father's explanation, Qian Duoduo's eyes sparkled with curiosity. He leaned over to the multiplication table on the table and examined it carefully. He couldn't help but exclaim, "So this is the new arithmetic introduced by His Majesty. It does seem different from traditional arithmetic."
Soon after, Qian Duoduo took out a piece of white paper from his study and began to concentrate on his calculations. After all, as the son of the Minister of Revenue, Qian Duoduo had a certain foundation and understanding of arithmetic.
Seeing his son so focused, Qian Dai couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and relief. He then spoke, tentatively asking, "Your Majesty is planning to establish an imperial examination system to select outstanding talents. What are your thoughts on this?"
Out of respect for his father, and realizing he seemed to be referring to something of extraordinary significance, Qian Duoduo temporarily put down his pen and turned to Qian Dai seriously, replying, "This is undoubtedly something extremely beneficial to the State of Wei. Through the imperial examination system, we can discover and select more talented individuals, who will be able to contribute to the development of the country."
Qian Dai nodded in agreement. However, he still felt a little curious and wanted to know more about his son's cunning. So Qian Dai continued:
"As the son of an official, aren't you worried that those humbler students will take your place? After all, the imperial examination system isn't solely based on family background; it relies on genuine talent and knowledge. How could someone like you, with only a passing understanding of Confucianism, possibly compete with those diligent and studious students from humble backgrounds?"
Qian Duoduo said indifferently: "Dad, if a second-generation official is taught by his father or elders every day, but cannot even pass the exams of those poor students who can only study basic books, it only means that they themselves are not working hard enough or lack talent.
Regardless of the reasons, they were unsuitable for officialdom. Therefore, for the development of the Wei state, the imperial examination system was essential. It ensured that only those with true talent and knowledge would emerge, rather than relying solely on family background and inherited power. This method of talent selection was undoubtedly beneficial to the long-term development and stability of the country.
Qian Dai hadn't expected his son to say such words. He was stunned for a moment, his eyes filled with indescribable satisfaction for his son. He looked at Qian Duoduo with a surge of pride. This child not only possessed extraordinary wisdom, but also possessed maturity beyond his years and a profound understanding of national affairs.
In fact, this is often the case. Children of officials are exposed to various court affairs every day, and they should have an advantage. In addition, the elder officials will teach their juniors various ways of being an official and the philosophy of life, which are resources that poor students cannot reach.
If these resources can be used properly, they will undoubtedly help them adapt to officialdom more quickly and serve the country better. However, if they fail to cherish these advantages and instead indulge in pleasure and lack ambition, then these advantages will become a burden for them, putting them at a disadvantage in the competition.
However, if even so they are still no match for the children from poor families, then it is either that the children from poor families are too strong, or that the second-generation officials are really too useless. No matter which aspect, it is better for these second-generation officials not to enter the court, otherwise they may become the culprit of their own family's demise.
After all, if political enemies can't find flaws in clever senior officials, how could they find flaws in a fool? Once they enter the vortex of the court, the slightest misstep could implicate their family. Therefore, for those second-generation officials without the necessary skills, choosing a path that suits them might be the wisest course of action.
Qian Duoduo continued, "Furthermore, the imperial examination system's selection mechanism not only incentivized the children of officials to be proactive and diligent in their studies, but also provided a platform for talented students from poor backgrounds to showcase their talents, thereby fostering a positive and competitive atmosphere in society. Such a system has an immeasurable positive impact on the country's long-term stability and prosperity. Therefore, I believe it is a very wise and beneficial national policy."
Qian Dai looked at his son approvingly and said, "You are indeed my son. You have unique insights and a profound understanding of the essence of governing a country. Then let me ask you another question. Your Majesty's imperial examination system is different from that of other countries on the Shengwu Continent.
Your Majesty plans to include practical subjects such as arithmetic, military strategy, and farming in the examinations, aiming to break the limitations of traditional Confucianism and cultivate well-rounded talents who can adapt to various practical needs. As a child of an official, are you willing to accept such a reform?
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