A poor scholar enters the cabinet
On the day the results of the autumn examinations were announced, the entire city of Chang'an was deserted.
Wu Zetian, holding the newly dressed Princess Taiping, stood side by side with Li Zhi on the gate tower of the Imperial Examination Hall.
Today, the little princess wore a pale yellow brocade dress with a collar adorned with a circle of snow-white fox fur, which made her exquisitely beautiful face appear even more delicate.
A pair of big, dark eyes curiously surveyed the bustling crowd downstairs, while tiny, lotus-root-like arms stretched out from the swaddling clothes and waved towards the list of successful candidates.
(Inner monologue: My daughter Taiping's outfit today would definitely make her a social media influencer in modern times! She looks just like me!)
The list of successful candidates in the imperial examinations was displayed high, and the names, with ink still wet, shone brightly in the autumn sun—among this year's successful candidates, eighty percent came from humble backgrounds, a sight never before seen since the imperial examinations began.
Taiping seemed to be infected by the lively atmosphere, babbling and kicking her little feet happily in her mother's arms.
(Inner monologue: It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate a person. All these years of investment in education are finally paying off! It seems my philosophy of compulsory education works in the Tang Dynasty!)
Li Zhi gazed at the list of successful candidates, his eyes lingering on the simple, unassuming names. He sighed, "Mei Niang, your insistence on implementing the official school system and building the library, despite widespread opposition, has truly changed the political landscape. From now on, the saying 'the upper ranks have no poor families, and the lower ranks have no noble families' will become history."
Suddenly, Taiping reached out her little hand and grabbed the dragon-patterned jade pendant on her father's waist, babbling, "Father...Emperor..." Her sweet, childish voice made Li Zhi's face light up with joy.
Holding the thick register, Li Hong carefully studied the distribution of the listed students' hometowns: "Your Majesty, please look. These students from humble backgrounds mostly come from official schools in various regions, and many have borrowed books on the new policies from the library. It is evident that the investment in education has indeed yielded returns."
Today he was dressed in the apricot-yellow prince's everyday robes, and his expression was as serious as a little adult.
Li Xian pointed proudly to the third line of the list: "Look! This scholar Wang quoted the 'Elementary Mathematics' that I helped compile in his essay! I heard his father was just a clerk in a county government office."
He wore a royal blue brocade robe today, and his hair was neatly combed, but unfortunately the collar was already askew.
At this moment, Taiping in her arms suddenly reached out and pointed accurately to the three characters "Di Renjie" on the list with her fair little finger.
Coincidentally, this poor scholar from the Di family of Taiyuan was the top scholar in the first class.
Even more coincidentally, he was standing downstairs at that moment, looking up, when his eyes met Taiping's.
The little princess actually gave him a toothless smile, and a glistening drool dripped from the corner of her mouth.
(Inner monologue: This child's reading speed is amazing! Is she really gifted? But she needs to stop drooling, it's ruining her image as a child prodigy!)
Three days later at the Qionglin Banquet, Wu Zetian specially ordered craftsmen to make a high chair covered with soft cushions, so that Princess Taiping could sit between the couple.
The little princess wore two little pigtails today, tied with red ribbons, looking just like a lucky doll from a New Year's painting.
When Di Renjie stepped forward to offer a toast, the little princess surprisingly raised her own honey cup and babbled, "Di...good..."
Although his speech was unclear, his appreciation was obvious.
After saying that, she clapped her little hands, and the little golden bell on her wrist made a crisp sound.
Everyone present was astonished.
Li Zhi laughed heartily, his voice echoing throughout the palace: "Even Princess Taiping knows that Minister Di is a man of great talent in governing the country! It seems that my selection of you as the top scholar is truly well-deserved!"
Taking advantage of the situation, Wu Zetian rose, embracing Princess Taiping, her clear and melodious voice echoing throughout the banquet: "To attract talented individuals, I intend to establish a seat for those from humble backgrounds in the Hall of State Affairs, specifically responsible for essential matters concerning people's livelihoods such as grain transport, agriculture, and education. Anyone with genuine talent and learning, regardless of their social standing, may participate in political discussions."
The veteran officials looked at each other, and several officials from prominent families hesitated to speak.
However, before they could object, Li Zhi had already granted his request: "The Empress's proposal is excellent. Di Renjie, I hereby appoint you as the first Councilor from a humble background, to assume office immediately."
As dusk deepened, Wu Zetian, carrying Princess Taiping, strolled through the newly built residential area for officials from humble backgrounds.
Although it is not as luxurious as the mansions of aristocratic families, the courtyard is clean and tidy, and the sound of reading aloud fills the air.
Taiping looked around curiously, her little nose twitching from time to time, as if she were sniffing the ink fragrance wafting in the air.
Looking at the impoverished students studying diligently in the courtyard, she said softly, "Taiping, remember what these people look like. They are changing their destiny through hard work and are the backbone of the Tang Dynasty's future."
(Inner monologue: If this scene were filmed, the title would be "The Road to Success for the Poor!")
That night, Wu Zetian reviewed the reports of the first batch of officials from humble backgrounds under the lamp.
Taiping lay on the soft couch beside her, her little hand holding a specially made vermilion brush, drawing a crooked circle on Di Renjie's memorial about the new canal transport policy—a way she had recently invented to show her approval.
After finishing the drawing, she proudly babbled twice, her little feet kicking merrily in the air.
(Inner monologue: Will this kid try to steal my job of reviewing official documents in the future?)
Upon seeing this, Li Zhi smiled and wrote next to the circle: "Her Highness the Princess has reviewed it and approves."
A refreshing autumn breeze blows outside the window, stirring the documents piled on the desk.
As Wu Meiniang gazed at her daughter's focused profile, she seemed to see the path from humble beginnings to the imperial court slowly unfolding in this generation.
——
[Mini-drama: The Little Princess's Criteria for Choosing Talent]
(Anecdotes from the Political Affairs Hall)
Princess Taiping has recently become a "lucky charm" for officials from humble backgrounds, which is quite interesting.
Ever since His Highness praised Di Renjie at the Qionglin Banquet, this man from humble origins who became a government official has repeatedly performed extraordinary feats.
Strangely enough, all the officials who gained His Highness's approval had exceptionally outstanding political achievements.
Today, when Councilor Di reported on the effectiveness of the new canal transport policy, His Highness listened intently, nodding and murmuring from time to time, as if offering his opinion.
During this time, His Highness drooled without changing his expression, and so did Councilor Di during his report; they truly complemented each other perfectly.
Nowadays, officials from humble backgrounds consider it an honor to gain the princess's approval.
Some people even deliberately included illustrations in their memorials, hoping to attract His Highness's attention.
Some people even privately spread rumors that Her Highness the Princess loved to read memorials depicting images of grain transport boats.
The most interesting one was the second prince, who insisted that his sister also approve of his new invention.
As a result, the automatic plow he presented was rejected by His Highness with a disdainful look, and his little mouth was pouting.
The second prince was unconvinced and demonstrated how to use the automatic plow on the spot. However, His Highness turned his head away and went to play with his doll, leaving the second prince jumping up and down in frustration.
Her Highness seems to have an exceptional talent for judging people.
The second prince, however, still needs to work harder on inventions and creations.
But to be honest, Your Highness's double bun hairstyle today is absolutely adorable!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
