Chapter 22 Establish a heart for heaven and earth
"Your Majesty, I boldly say that the fairness of the Spring Imperial Examination is actually the cornerstone of selecting talents.
If officials and clans are allowed to interfere, it will inevitably lead to an ecological imbalance in the court, with cronies in power and loyalty difficult to guarantee, which is really detrimental to the country and the community. "Li Chengze said seriously.
Emperor Qing looked deeply and motioned for him to continue.
Li Chengze took a deep breath and continued to elaborate: "Therefore, Erchen believes that the imperial examination and selection system should be strictly independent to prevent the infiltration of the hands of aristocratic families and powerful people.
Let the children of the noble families compete with the poor scholars on the same stage, and they will be selected based on their talents. They will then be fairly selected by the Ministry of Personnel and sent to various places to serve, in order to weaken the power of the noble families and promote the flow of talents and social justice.
It is particularly important to give those scholars from poor backgrounds a fair chance to compete. They are the hope of the country's future.
Only in this way can they inspire their fighting spirit, make them grateful and absolutely loyal to His Majesty and the country.
Just imagine, if all the people in the court are such loyal and brave people, why should I be unhappy during the celebration, and why should I be afraid of not being strong? "
After finishing speaking, Li Chengze noticed the rare smile on Emperor Qing's face and felt a little relieved.
Emperor Qing said slowly: "Li Chengze, I am deeply gratified by your insights and loyalty.
If all the courtiers can be like you, why worry about not being prosperous in Daqing? Just go ahead and do it, I will be your most solid backing. "
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!" Li Chengze bowed and saluted, a warm current welling up in his heart.
He took the opportunity to say: "Your Majesty worked hard and was brave enough to innovate. His Majesty was so inspired that he composed a new poem to express his respect."
With that said, Li Chengze took out a volume of poetry manuscript from his sleeve and presented it respectfully.
Emperor Qing took it and read the short twenty-four-line poem carefully. He couldn't help but express his joy and praise. The eyes looking at Li Chengze were full of praise and affection.
This scene was seen by Eunuch Hou who was standing far away, and he was secretly glad that his previous worries were unnecessary.
He knew very well that what happened today not only demonstrated the wisdom and courage of the second prince, but also made his majesty's trust and love for the second prince reach a new height.
Emperor Qing gently unfolded the scroll, and four sonorous and powerful short words came to 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 on the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations!"
"Wonderful, wonderful!"
After chanting, Emperor Qing turned to Li Chengze with a deep look, and his heart couldn't help but ripples:
Did this word really come from him? Or is it Fan Xian's ghostwriting or even the behind-the-scenes planning?
The imperial power cannot be violated, so Emperor Qing decided to test Li Chengze’s true talent and knowledge: “Chengze, this word has a profound meaning. Please tell me, what does it mean to dedicate it to me?”
Li Chengze calmly replied:
"Your Majesty is wise and wise, and he led the Daqing with his literary and martial arts and made the country prosperous. My sons and ministers are deeply in admiration, so I express my admiration with this word. Your Majesty's insistence on returning the spring to the throne with justice is to set the heart for the world and to benefit the people."
At the same time, only by restoring the purity of the imperial examination can we revitalize the literary world of Qing Dynasty so that it can complement the military strength, inherit the legacy of the sages, revive culture, and demonstrate the national prestige of Da Qing. As for the last sentence, I hope that Your Majesty can lead the Qing Kingdom to long-term peace and stability. If he can unify the world in the future, he will include Dongyi City and Northern Qi into the territory to achieve true eternal peace. I am willing to work for Your Majesty on this grand blueprint! "
His words were full of loyalty and determination. Li Chengze knew that only by completely trusting Emperor Qing could he find a chance of survival in this whirlpool of power.
When Emperor Qing heard this, Long Yan was overjoyed and immediately agreed: "Okay, I will summon the courtiers tomorrow and announce that you and Fan Xian will govern the Spring Festival together. I am your most solid backing, and we must go all out."
"My son, I accept the order and will definitely fulfill my mission!" Li Chengze bowed to thank him and felt a little at ease.
However, Emperor Qing changed the topic and mentioned the matter of the eldest princess, which made Li Chengze feel nervous: "I value family ties, and you should do the same. Why haven't you replied to your aunt's letter?"
Although Li Chengze was shocked in his heart, he remained calm on the surface: "Your Majesty, my aunt has indeed written a letter with words of care. It's just that I have been busy with spring recently and have temporarily neglected to reply to the letter. Your Majesty, do you need an immediate reply?"
As soon as he made this statement, his position was clear. Li Chengze made it clear that he had drawn a clear line with the eldest princess and was completely loyal to Emperor Qing. Any contact from the eldest princess would be decided by His Majesty.
Emperor Qing arranged Li Chengze's clothes, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a satisfied smile: "My son has grown up, and he has become more and more like me."
Li Chengze smiled secretly in his heart, but responded respectfully on his face. He was thinking about how to move forward steadily in this complicated situation, gradually increase his strength, and finally realize his ambition.
Li Chengze quickly adjusted his expression, showing great joy and respect, waiting for Emperor Qing's instructions on his relationship with the eldest princess: "What your majesty said is absolutely true. I will keep my aunt's concern in mind, and you should take your reply seriously, lest you I failed this family relationship.”
A smile appeared on the corner of Emperor Qing's lips, and he said slowly: "Chengze, you are extremely smart, so I don't need to say much to reply to your letter.
Just follow the normal warmth between aunt and nephew and reply sincerely.
However, there is one more thing I need you 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 Emperor Qing's words seemed to be intended to allow him to maintain superficial harmony with the eldest princess, but avoid getting deeply involved in palace intrigues. He realized that he might become a bridge between Emperor Qing and the eldest princess, but the hidden mysteries and risks made him have to be more cautious.
"Your Majesty, I must strictly abide by the Holy Will. I will not lose my affection as an aunt and nephew, but also strictly abide by my duties and never go beyond the rules."
Li Chengze's answer not only stated his position, but also revealed a clear understanding of the complex situation.
As for becoming a double agent and infiltrating potential rebellion plans, such thoughts flashed through Li Chengze's mind, but he immediately suppressed them. He knew very well that in the game of imperial power, a little carelessness could lead to disaster.
Therefore, he decided to remain highly vigilant and not easily get involved in any whirlpool that might endanger himself or his family.
"My son, I must act with caution and live up to His Majesty's high expectations." Li Chengze bowed and saluted again, secretly vowing 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, indicating that he could 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 improve your strength?"
Then if I practice diligently and upgrade at the speed of light, you are not allowed to kill me?
Li Chengze looked like he had not finished his homework: "I thought that there were many masters in the palace and that I could protect His Majesty's safety without being strong, so I slacked off for a while and did not practice properly."
(End of chapter)