The imperial edicts issued by the emperor immediately sparked heated discussions among countless scholars and officials.
The restoration of Li Ying's official position, the lifting of the ban on political parties, and the recruitment of talented individuals for assessment in Luoyang have greatly excited opposition party members and scholars across the country.
However, the public did not pay much attention to curbing land annexation and investigating corrupt officials, since these were two things that emperors of all dynasties would do upon ascending the throne.
After receiving the imperial edict, officials from various counties and prefectures surrounding Sili also traveled far and wide to search for talented individuals to recommend to the central government. These individuals were all subject to the emperor's evaluation, so they dared not be careless. Furthermore, if the talents they recommended became the emperor's protégés and were given important positions, then they, as the recommenders, would also benefit greatly.
Yingchuan
After bidding farewell to Liu Hong that day, Xi Zhicai returned directly to this place. In addition to studying, he often traveled among the students in Yingchuan, spreading Liu Hong's virtuous reputation. As a result, many young students in Yingchuan, like Xi Zhicai, who came from poor families, also admired Liu Hong, this young emperor.
At Yingchuan Academy, Xi Zhicai was discussing current affairs with several friends, among whom Xi Zhicai and Zhong Yao were the most learned.
Although they viewed the emperor as a rare restorer of the dynasty, his current situation was far from optimistic. Ascending the throne as a vassal, the emperor had virtually no foundation. Even if he had some ambition, it would be difficult for him to achieve anything given the control of the court by eunuchs and his relatives.
"Since the reign of Emperor He, eunuchs and imperial relatives have taken turns controlling the court, vying for power and profit. This has led to the continuous decline of our Han Dynasty's national strength over the past few decades, a lax military, a corrupt political system, rampant corruption, and widespread suffering among the people. Externally, we are surrounded by barbarian tribes such as the Western Qiang, Xianbei, Wuhuan, and Xiongnu. Such a situation can be described as fraught with crisis..."
Zhong Yao's words were well-reasoned and supported by evidence, drawing cheers and praise from the crowd.
“Yuan Chang’s words are profound and thought-provoking. Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne and changed the era name, it signifies that our Great Han Dynasty will also begin anew. We students should follow in the footsteps of the Emperor and work together to build a brand new and unprecedented Great Han Dynasty... Only in this way can we live a worthwhile life!”
Xi Zhicai's eloquent and rhythmic speech resonated with those around him. They were young and passionate, and who didn't dream of following a wise and powerful emperor to build the ideal country in their hearts?
Just as everyone was getting excited, a young student ran up to them.
"Zhi Cai, Yuan Chang, the Emperor has issued an edict to lift the ban on factionalism and to recruit virtuous and talented individuals. He has also ordered scholars from all over the country to come to Luoyang to undergo examinations!"
"Oh? Is that really true?"
Zhong Yao looked at the newcomer with a look of surprise and delight.
The man nodded. "That's for sure. The imperial edict has already reached the prefect!"
"Let's go take a look."
Xi Zhicai and Zhong Yao exchanged a glance, then walked towards the prefectural governor's residence, with the others following closely behind.
Julu
Is Tian Yuanhao at home?
Tian Feng, who was reading inside, heard the shouts outside and went outside. He saw five or six people standing outside, the leader of whom was wearing an official robe and was the magistrate of Julu County.
Upon seeing this, Tian Feng quickly stepped forward and bowed.
"Tian Feng, a commoner, greets the County Lord."
The magistrate smiled and nodded: "Yuanhao, the Emperor has issued an edict requiring scholars from all over the country to go to Luoyang to take the examination. I have heard of your talent, Yuanhao, and have recommended you to the central government!"
"Accept the assessment...?"
Tian Feng was slightly taken aback, then his face lit up with joy.
He knew that the new emperor had ascended the throne and changed the era name, and he had heard about the emperor. Therefore, he was willing to be loyal to the emperor and serve the country. Now that he heard that he had been recommended to the central government to be tested by the emperor, he was naturally very excited.
"I am grateful for the county magistrate's kindness in helping me."
Tian Feng was so excited that he trembled slightly, and he bowed deeply to the magistrate of Julu County.
The magistrate stepped forward to help Tian Feng up and said with a light laugh, "Yuan Hao, there's no need for that. His Majesty is a young and valiant ruler, a wise and capable monarch. With Yuan Hao's talent, he will surely pass the examination and become a disciple of the Emperor. At that time, Yuan Hao will need to wholeheartedly assist His Majesty."
"I will certainly follow the magistrate's instructions!"
"Good... As expected of a talented young man from Hebei. Yuan Hao, prepare yourself. I will send someone to escort you to Luoyang for the assessment."
"promise."
Meanwhile, other renowned scholars and students from surrounding counties who had been recommended also packed their bags, bid farewell to their families, and headed towards Luoyang.
Those poor scholars who were not recommended also headed towards Luoyang with firm steps. They wanted to use their talents to prove to the emperor that even without the protection of aristocratic families, they were still no less capable than others. Among them were Xi Zhicai, Cheng Yu, Guan Ning, Ju Shou, and others.
For a time, Luoyang seemed to become a holy land for students all over the world. Countless students, with longing in their eyes, rushed towards Luoyang as if on a pilgrimage.
Liu Hong's several imperial edicts greatly excited the scholars of the land, and the court was bustling with activity.
After Li Ying was reappointed as the Commandant of the Capital Region, the first thing he did was to send people to investigate everywhere. Once he obtained evidence of an official's corruption, he would immediately order his arrest and confiscation of property. In just one month, Li Ying arrested no fewer than fifty officials of all ranks.
Impeachment memorials poured onto Liu Hong's desk like snowflakes, and some even reached Dou Miao, demonstrating Li Ying's decisive and ruthless actions, which offended almost all the officials in the court.
"Hmph~ What is this Li Ying up to? The eunuchs are still not eliminated, yet he has turned his sword against his own people. Could it be that he has already sided with those eunuchs?"
Inside the General's mansion, Dou Wu roared angrily at Chen Fan, who was sitting down, venting his dissatisfaction.
Because many of the officials arrested by Li Ying during this period were recommended and promoted by him, but Li Ying showed no restraint and even killed many of them. This was undoubtedly a slap in the face for him, and how could Dou Wu tolerate it?
Seeing Dou Wu's appearance, Chen Fan was even more disappointed in him. He had originally thought that Dou Wu was loyal to the Han Dynasty and the emperor because he was close to scholars and opposed eunuchs. But today, it seemed that the maternal relatives were still maternal relatives. How could he care about the interests of the country?
"I wonder if the Grand Tutor could offer some advice to Li Ying?"
Having received no response from Chen Fan for a long time, Dou Wu frowned and spoke with some displeasure.
Chen Fan also said bluntly, "General, you know that Yuan Li has always hated evil as if it were his enemy. He was like this when the late emperor was in power. Now, it's just that those people behaved improperly and were punished by having their property confiscated and being beheaded. They deserved it!"
"this...."
Dou Wu was speechless for a moment. Recalling his behavior just now, it seemed that he had already displeased Chen Fan. Although he was annoyed, Dou Wu did not explain anything.
Thus, Dou Wu and Chen Fan parted on bad terms, and a rift appeared between them, which had previously made their close cooperation even more strained.
Watching Chen Fan's departing figure, Dou Wu was filled with mixed feelings. Dou Wu also realized that since his daughter became the Empress Dowager and he was appointed as the Grand General, these scholars had begun to slowly distance themselves from him. Internally, there were eunuchs who were at odds with him, and externally, there were scholars who were distancing themselves from him. Originally, he wanted to be like Huo Guang, but now he had begun to have a slight obsession with power.
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