Joy of Life: I am Li Chengze, and I have mastered the Eight Wonders

Chapter 22: Establish a heart for heaven and earth

"Your Majesty, I dare to speak frankly that the fairness of the Spring Imperial Examination is the cornerstone of selecting talented people.

If we allow the ministers and the powerful families to interfere, it will inevitably lead to an imbalance in the ecology of the court, with the cronies in power and loyalty difficult to maintain, which is really detrimental to the country." Li Chengze said solemnly.

Emperor Qing looked deep in his eyes and motioned for him to continue.

Li Chengze took a deep breath and continued, "Therefore, I believe that the imperial examination and selection systems should be strictly independent to prevent the infiltration of aristocratic families and the powerful.

Let the children of aristocratic families compete with poor scholars on the same stage, select only the most talented, and then have the Ministry of Personnel select them fairly and send them to various places to serve, so as to weaken the power of the aristocracy and promote the flow of talent and social justice.

What is particularly important is to give fair competition opportunities to those scholars from poor backgrounds, as they are the hope for the country's future.

Only in this way can we inspire their fighting spirit, make them grateful, and make them absolutely loyal to Your Majesty and the country.

Just imagine, if the court were all filled with such loyal and brave men, why would Daqing not prosper or become strong? "

After he finished speaking, Li Chengze noticed the rare smile on Emperor Qing's face and felt relieved.

Emperor Qing said slowly: "Li Chengze, I am deeply pleased with your insights and loyalty.

If all the court officials can be like you, Daqing will surely prosper. Just go ahead and do it. I will be your strongest supporter. "

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Li Chengze bowed and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

He took the opportunity to say: "Your Majesty is diligent in governing and brave in innovation. I am deeply inspired and I have written a new poem to show my respect."

As he spoke, Li Chengze took out a scroll of poems from his sleeve and presented it respectfully.

Emperor Qing took it and read the short poem of 20 words and 4 lines carefully. He couldn't help but be delighted and praised it repeatedly. His eyes looking at Li Chengze were full of praise and love.

This scene was seen by Eunuch Hou who was standing far away. He secretly thanked God that his previous worries were completely unnecessary.

He knew very well that today's events not only demonstrated the Second Prince's wisdom and courage, but also brought His Majesty's trust and love for the Second Prince to a new level.

Emperor Qing gently unfolded the scroll, and four powerful short words appeared before his eyes. He recited in a low voice:

"Establish a heart for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living and the people, carry forward the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations!"

"Wonderful, wonderful!"

After reciting the poem, Emperor Qing turned his gaze towards Li Chengze, and a ripple appeared in his heart:

Did he really write this poem? Or was it written by Fan Xian, or was it planned behind the scenes?
The imperial power cannot be violated, so Emperor Qing decided to test Li Chengze's true talent and knowledge: "Chengze, this poem has a profound meaning. Tell me, what is the meaning of presenting it to me?"

Li Chengze replied calmly:

"Your Majesty is wise and powerful. You have led Daqing with your civil and military achievements and made the country prosperous. I admire you deeply, so I use this poem to express my admiration. Your Majesty strongly advocates returning the Spring Examination to justice, which is to establish the mind of the world and seek the well-being of the people.

At the same time, restoring the clean and fair imperial examination system can revive the literary world of Qing State, make it complement the military strength, inherit the will of the predecessors, revive the culture, and demonstrate the national prestige of Qing State. As for the last sentence, it is to hope that Your Majesty can lead Qing State to long-term peace and stability, and if you can unify the world in the future,
Incorporate Dongyi City and Beiqi into the territory and realize true eternal peace. I am willing to serve your majesty and work together to achieve this grand blueprint!"

His words fully revealed his loyalty and determination. Li Chengze knew very well that only by gaining Emperor Qing's complete trust could he have a chance of survival in this vortex of power.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qing was delighted and agreed immediately: "Okay, I will summon the court officials tomorrow and announce that you and Fan Xian will jointly handle the Spring Examination. I am your strongest supporter, and you must go all out."

"I will obey your command and will definitely fulfill the mission!" Li Chengze bowed to express his gratitude and felt a little relieved.

However, Emperor Qing changed the subject and mentioned the matter of the eldest princess, which made Li Chengze's heart tighten: "I value family affection, and you should do the same. Why didn't you reply to your aunt's letter?"

Although Li Chengze was shocked, he remained calm on the surface: "Your Majesty, my aunt did write to me, and she was full of concern. But I have been busy with the Spring Examination recently and have neglected to reply. May I ask your Majesty, do I need an immediate reply?"

With these words, Li Chengze made his position clear. He made it clear that he had drawn a clear line between himself and the eldest princess and was completely loyal to Emperor Qing. Any contact from the eldest princess would be subject to the approval of His Majesty.

Emperor Qing straightened Li Chengze's clothes, patted his shoulder, and said with a satisfied smile: "My son has grown up and has become more like me."

Li Chengze smiled secretly in his heart, but responded respectfully on the surface. He was thinking about how to move forward steadily in this complicated situation, gradually increase his strength, and finally realize his grand ambitions.

Li Chengze quickly adjusted his expression, showing great joy and respect, and waited for Emperor Qing's instructions on his relationship with the eldest princess: "Your Majesty is right. I will remember your care and concern in my heart. I will take the reply seriously so as not to disappoint this family relationship."

Emperor Qing smiled and said slowly, "Chengze, you are very smart, and I don't need to say much about your reply.

Just respond sincerely according to the normal affection between aunt and nephew.

However, I have one more thing that you need to pay attention to. If your aunt has the opportunity to return to Kyoto in the future, you need to convey a few greetings and instructions to her on my behalf..."

Li Chengze secretly speculated that the words of Emperor Qing seemed to be intended for him to maintain superficial harmony with the eldest princess, but avoid getting deeply involved in the palace intrigue. He realized that he might become a bridge for the subtle connection between Emperor Qing and the eldest princess, but the hidden mysteries and risks in it forced him to be more cautious.

"Your Majesty, I will follow your will, not only maintaining the relationship between aunt and nephew, but also strictly observing my duties and not overstepping the line."

Li Chengze's answer not only stated his position, but also revealed his clear understanding of the complex situation.

As for becoming a double agent and infiltrating potential rebellion plans, this thought flashed through Li Chengze's mind, but he immediately suppressed it. He knew very well that in the game of imperial power, the slightest mistake would lead to eternal damnation.

Therefore, he decided to remain highly vigilant and not easily get involved in any vortex that might endanger himself or his family.

"I will act carefully and live up to your majesty's expectations." Li Chengze bowed again and secretly vowed in his heart to find a way to protect himself and realize his ambitions in this treacherous court struggle.

"My son, I understand."

Emperor Qing waved his hand, signaling him to leave, but after Li Chengze turned around, he grabbed his second prince and shook his head: "You are still too weak. Didn't I ask you to improve your martial arts and increase your strength?"

If I practice diligently and level up at the speed of light, won’t you kill me?

Li Chengze looked like he hadn't finished his homework: "I thought there were many masters in the palace, and I didn't need to be strong to protect your majesty's safety, so I slacked off for a while and didn't practice well."

(End of this chapter)