Qian Duoduo excitedly replied, "Father, if Your Majesty really changes the imperial examination system to not only be limited to Confucian classics, but also to assess from multiple perspectives, that would be great news for me!"
Qian Dai also understood why his son was so excited, because the main beneficiaries of the reform implemented by His Majesty were the children of the aristocratic families, but it also provided more opportunities for those students from poor families, allowing the Wei court to absorb more people with practical talents, thereby making the governance of the entire country more efficient and practical.
Qian Dai continued to ask, "Then, could you please elaborate on the merits of the reforms Your Majesty has implemented? I very much look forward to hearing your opinion."
Qian Duoduo began to elaborate on his point. "First, I want to talk about the benefits of this reform for us, the children of officials. In the past, the national imperial examinations in Shengwu Continent were almost entirely focused on Confucian classics. This made it almost impossible for us, the second generation of officials who were unwilling to bury ourselves in book knowledge, to gain promotion through the imperial examinations. Now, through multifaceted assessments, we can also obtain corresponding official positions based on our actual abilities and knowledge, no longer restricted by a single Confucian knowledge."
Qian Dai interrupted and said, "Can you explain your idea in detail?"
Qian Duoduo understood that his father was testing his thinking, so he patiently explained, "For example, under your father's careful instruction, I have developed a deep understanding and mastery of arithmetic. If arithmetic could be included in the imperial examination, I would have the opportunity to demonstrate my expertise, rather than relying solely on Confucian knowledge to determine success or failure. This way, I would have the confidence to surpass those Confucian scholars who only knew how to memorize in arithmetic, and thus have the opportunity to obtain an official position and serve the country."
Furthermore, the Mu family's peers also possess impressive accomplishments in the art of war. They've always been dissatisfied with those Confucian scholars who only study rote learning. If the imperial examination now includes a military assessment, they'll be able to distinguish themselves with their true talents and knowledge, rather than being overlooked.
In this way, we, the children of aristocratic families, can gain the recognition of His Majesty the Emperor and the court through our own strength, and can contribute to the country while realizing our personal value. This is really a win-win situation.
Moreover, such reforms will not only avoid people's doubts about our family background, but will also win us more respect and trust. Therefore, I fully support the reform proposed by Your Majesty.
Anyone who objects to this is simply ignorant of current events. It's also possible that the younger generation of officials in their families, who possess no special talents other than studying, understand that such reforms will deprive them of their advantages within the court, preventing their descendants from entering it and, consequently, losing their voice and status within it.
Qian Dai seemed to truly understand his son for the first time. He had never expected that his son could so clearly see the beneficial aspects of His Majesty's reform. This made him very pleased, because as a father, seeing his son have such a high level of awareness, his heart was naturally filled with pride and satisfaction.
More importantly, as long as he could guide his son correctly, he knew his son would be able to support the future of the Qian family. Even when he grew old, the Qian family would continue to flourish under his son's leadership. This reassured him, allowing him to more confidently follow the Emperor's lead and offer advice to the country.
Qian Dai said, "I'm very pleased that you think this way. This shows that you've matured and begun to understand the pros and cons, no longer limited by a narrow perspective. From now on, you need to work harder to improve your abilities. Not only should you make achievements in arithmetic, but you should also not fall behind in Confucianism. Your Majesty needs a well-rounded pillar of talent."
In the future, only those with strong comprehensive abilities can gain a firm foothold in the court and earn the respect and trust of more people. You must understand that when your father grows old, the Qian family will need your support. You must become the pillar of the family, bringing honor to the Qian family and serving the country with loyalty.
After hearing this, Qian Duoduo said respectfully, "Dad is still in his prime, and the Qian family still needs you to steer the ship. But I will remember your teachings and live up to your trust. I will study hard and work hard to create my own world."
After hearing this, Qian Dai said admiringly, "You are indeed a son of the Qian family, ambitious and responsible! But you should go back and rest now. Only with a good rest will you have the energy to fulfill your promise tomorrow."
Qian Duoduo nodded and responded, "Dad, take some rest too. I'll leave first."
Such conversations weren't limited to the Qian residence; similar exchanges also occurred in the residences of the six ministers. The younger generations in these residences actively expressed their support and approval for His Majesty's reforms. They believed that through such reforms, they could, with their true talents and knowledge, gain a firm foothold in the court and earn the status and respect they deserved, without being questioned or criticized.
We have to admit that the descendants of the six ministers are by no means mediocre. If they really lack wisdom and ability, then the families of the six ministers would never have cultivated such talents.
After all, in this world, men from aristocratic families often marry more than one wife, and their families are home to many outstanding young men. Therefore, competition within the family is extremely fierce, and its intensity far exceeds the imagination of ordinary people.
The children who grow up in such an environment have naturally undergone rigorous selection and training. They not only possess extraordinary talents, but also have the ability to survive and compete in a complex environment.
If the heirs of these prominent families truly lacked wisdom, how could they stand out in such a competitive environment? Why would the elders of the family choose such people as the family successors and invest so much resources in their training?
In fact, in ancient society, the so-called dandies were usually those abandoned children who were not valued by their families, or those who did not belong to the real aristocratic families. These people would roam the streets and alleys, and their bullying behavior made them the talk of the town.
In contrast, the true heirs of aristocratic families undergo rigorous screening and meticulous training, imbued with the family's mission and responsibilities from the moment they are born. They receive the highest quality education, and when they reach the appropriate age, the family utilizes its resources and connections to arrange various opportunities for them to gain experience, guiding them gradually into the imperial court and ultimately becoming ministers, rather than allowing them to waste precious time in the streets and indulging in meaningless pleasures.
Therefore, these children of noble families were actually extremely intelligent and resourceful. They would find favorable opportunities within the Emperor's decrees, accurately grasping the timing, assessing the situation, and leveraging favorable circumstances to achieve their goals. They would never blindly resist the Emperor's decrees like those short-sighted individuals.
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