Chapter 102: The Sudden Rise of the Strange Peak (Part 2)

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Li Xian was not particularly tall; although his martial training had made him sturdier than most boys his age, he was still in the process of growing and remained merely a youth. His gait was steady and measured, lacking any grand flourish. Yet, even in such an ordinary manner, he exuded an overwhelming and unstoppable aura. Not only did the assembled court officials fall silent from their whispered debates, but even Emperor Gaozong found himself momentarily taken aback, his radiant smile stiffening. As for the Crown Prince Li Hong, his anxiety rendered him breathless, his once pale and handsome face flushing crimson in an instant.

“Xian’er, do you also have a memorial regarding the river works?”

Perhaps due to nervousness, the emperor spoke before Li Xian had fully entered the hall.

“In reply to the Father Emperor, your servant believes the memorial submitted by the Crown Prince concerning the river works is nearly flawless. Its implementation would surely benefit the state greatly. Your servant humbly requests Your Majesty’s wise judgment.” Without heeding the astonished gazes of the assembled ministers, Li Xian walked directly to the center of the hall, bowed respectfully before Gaozong, and delivered his response with utmost reverence.

“Hmm, good, very good. Ministers, do any of you have further remarks?”

Emperor Gaozong secretly wished to bolster the Crown Prince’s position. His summoning of the two brothers, Li Xian and Li Xian’s elder brother, to court was merely a means of balance, not an indication of a genuine intention to replace the heir. Before the morning court session, the Crown Prince had cleverly created a momentary gap, sending away eunuchs such as Gao Hesheng, and handed the memorial to the emperor in advance. Upon careful reading, Gaozong found it agreeable and intended to stage a political play with Li Hong in the court. His only concern was whether the two princes would resist. When Li Xian had previously spoken up, the emperor had been worried, but he was pleasantly surprised to find Li Xian agreeing with the Crown Prince’s proposal. Nevertheless, he remained uneasy until Li Xian’s explicit endorsement. Now, upon hearing Li Xian’s agreement, Gaozong finally breathed a sigh of relief, his joy plainly evident.

“Your Majesty’s wisdom is profound; we have no objections.”

Objections naturally existed. Not only did Empress Wu’s faction resist the Crown Prince’s control over the river works, but many senior ministers coveted the lucrative post of river governor. Ten million strings of cash was a substantial appointment—one could easily pocket a hundred thousand in extra expenses without being overly greedy. It was only natural to envy such a position. Yet at this juncture, who dared to speak out against it? Even the two brothers had submitted. At this point, there was no alternative but to praise.

“Very well, since all ministers are unanimous, I approve this memorial. Where is Yang Wulian?” Raising his voice after noting the ministers’ unanimous consent, Gaozong immediately called out.

“Your servant is here!”

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Yang Wulian, as the Chief Architect, held the high rank of third grade official, a prestigious position, though his role afforded him little influence in court discussions. He seldom spoke up during sessions and was usually a mere observer. When the river works issue stirred fierce debate at the previous court, Yang had been eager to make his mark, but the political strife then made him cautious, so he only watched silently. After court adjourned, however, he immediately went to the Eastern Palace to assist the Crown Prince with strategic planning. The memorial submitted was actually based on Yang’s recommendations; his goal was to secure the river governor post. Now that the court had resolved the matter, with the river governorship within reach, Yang was nearly uncontrollable with excitement. Hearing Emperor Gaozong call his name, he practically leapt from his place, his aged face flushed bright red like a monkey’s behind.

“Minister Yang, the Crown Prince has recommended you to oversee the river works. Do you dare undertake this responsibility?”

Yang was famed for his skill in constructing palaces and imperial gardens. Gaozong had always admired his talent and held high hopes for him as river governor. Still, protocol required a formal inquiry, so the emperor smiled and asked.

“I am deeply honored by Your Majesty’s trust. I shall devote myself wholeheartedly to the task and will not fail Your Majesty or the Crown Prince’s expectations.” Yang, eager to claim the coveted post, responded gratefully and earnestly.

“Good. Your words are noted. I shall issue the official edict soon. Remember, the river works affect the security of the realm; do not take this lightly. I expect you to achieve great merits quickly.” Gaozong was clearly pleased with Yang’s pledge and nodded with approval.

“Your humble servant thanks the emperor for this blessing. I will serve with my life.” Yang, overjoyed beyond measure, kowtowed several times before stepping aside, still beaming with happiness.

“Hmm? Xian’er, do you have anything further to submit?”

Seeing the river works matter resolved so smoothly, Gaozong was greatly pleased. He scanned the ministers and was about to offer words of encouragement when he suddenly noticed Li Xian standing still in the hall while the others had already stepped back. Startled, he glanced at the young prince’s solemn expression and hesitated before asking.

“In reply to Father Emperor, your servant indeed has a memorial to present.”

Li Xian bowed respectfully and then drew from his broad sleeve a memorial bound in yellow silk. Holding it with both hands raised above his head, he spoke calmly.

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“Ah, very well, Xian’er, present your memorial.”

Though Gaozong had entrusted the river works to the Crown Prince, he secretly felt somewhat guilty toward the Li brothers who had first proposed the project and wished to compensate them. Yet he worried that Li Xian might attempt to complicate matters. Now that Li Xian was standing in the hall, the emperor could not deny him the chance to speak. After a brief pause, he gave permission.

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s generosity, your servant’s memorial concerns the imperial examinations. Our dynasty’s examination system follows the precedent of the previous Sui dynasty, remaining largely unchanged for three generations. Since the founding ancestor, fifteen grand examinations have been held, with fewer than a hundred successful candidates each time. Does this mean there is no talent in the realm? Far from it. Many gifted individuals remain undiscovered among the common people. Why is this so? It is because of the flaws in the Mingjing branch of the exams. While the court selects many capable candidates through the Mingjing examination, opportunists abound. Many can recite scriptures by rote but do not grasp their true meaning. If this continues, fewer and fewer commoners will pursue learning. Times change; reforms are needed. I believe the current imperial examination system no longer serves the Great Tang and must be overhauled!”

Li Xian’s eloquence, honed through years of official service, was impeccable. His argument was clear and compelling, striking the assembled ministers like a hammer blow. The hall fell silent for a moment before erupting into a cacophony of debate.

The Mingjing examination originated in the Han dynasty, covering the Five Classics, Three Classics, Two Classics, a singular study of the classics, Three Rites, and Three Commentaries. The examination process involved written and oral tests, including questions on the grand principles and current affairs. Though seemingly broad and deep, the truth was different. Since the Tang dynasty, a strict rule limited eligibility for the Mingjing exam to those recommended by dukes or ministers of high rank. As a result, only the privileged elite could participate; ordinary scholars from humble backgrounds were shut out and forced to take the more difficult Jinshi examination. As the saying went: “At thirty, old Mingjing; at fifty, young Jinshi.” Moreover, the Jinshi exam admitted very few—at most nine in a session—far fewer than the over one hundred admitted by the Mingjing exam. Passing the Mingjing exam almost guaranteed an official post; passing Jinshi did not guarantee appointment if the Ministry of Personnel rejected the candidate. In short, the current examination system was but a playground for the aristocracy, with no real fairness in talent selection.

Li Xian’s memorial directly exposed the defects and corruption of the system without any obscurity. The ministers understood perfectly well. They had long known these truths but dared not expose the scandal for fear of losing vested interests, let alone propose reforms. Among the entire court of civil and military officials, fewer than ten percent came from humble origins, mostly military officers. With Li Xian’s bold disclosure, the ministers were shocked and flustered, whispering anxiously below but no one dared challenge his statements. Even Emperor Gaozong was momentarily at a loss for words, his mouth agape in stunned silence.

“Your Majesty, this humble official also has a memorial to present!”

Amid the clamor, a figure dressed in the imperial censor’s robes suddenly stepped forward from the back ranks and hurried into the hall, loudly announcing his presence. Instantly, all eyes turned to him. Upon recognizing him, many ministers exclaimed in surprise, for this was none other than the renowned literary figure Luo Binwang.

“Ah... the elder statesman, well done, such courage!” the ministers murmured excitedly. Li Xian privately breathed a sigh of relief, for the next phase depended on this venerable scholar’s literary talent. Without Luo Binwang’s participation, the memorial on the imperial examinations would not resonate across the realm, at least not to the effect Li Xian desired. Frankly, Li Xian had prepared himself for Luo Binwang’s possible retreat under pressure, as their acquaintance was not especially close and the atmosphere in court was daunting. Li Xian could not guarantee Luo Binwang’s support. Now, with Luo Binwang stepping forward at just the right moment, Li Xian felt reassured and allowed a faint smile of satisfaction to touch his lips...