From cute to empress

Chapter 62 Recruiting talented people

"Pass the order down! This year's imperial examination...is postponed!" I practically gritted my teeth as I spoke. Minister Wang was visibly taken aback, seemingly unprepared for such a decision, but he quickly withdrew.

"Your Majesty, why the postponement?" Zhen Youcai asked in confusion, his handsome brows filled with worry. "This is a major matter concerning the country's talent selection!"

I rubbed my aching forehead and handed him the secret letter. "Take a look for yourself."

Zhen Youcai took the letter and read it carefully, his expression growing serious. "It seems they're planning to use the imperial examination to create chaos and take advantage of..."

I nodded and said in a deep voice, "Although Prime Minister Li's faction has been destroyed, their remnants are still hiding in the shadows, attempting a comeback. The imperial examination is of great importance. If there is any mistake, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Your Majesty is wise," Zhen Youcai agreed. "However, postponing the event is not a long-term solution. Those students who have studied so hard cannot wait too long."

Don't I understand this truth? The imperial examination is the only way for countless children from poor families to change their fate. I can't deprive them of the opportunity to realize their ambitions because of a false threat.

"Pass the order down. Strengthen security in the examination halls and ensure the fairness and impartiality of the imperial examinations!" I took a deep breath, my eyes gleaming with determination. "I want to see what tricks they're up to!"

My order was quickly passed down, and the entire state machinery was put into motion, preparing for the upcoming imperial examinations. Students from all over the country also set out for the capital, and for a time, the capital was overcrowded and bustling.

On the day of the exam, I, in casual clothes, accompanied by Zhen Youcai, made a private visit to the examination hall. Seeing the orderly atmosphere inside and outside the examination hall, and the candidates writing furiously, I finally felt relieved.

However, just when I thought everything was under control, an accident happened.

"Your Majesty, this is bad!" A guard came running over in a panic and knelt before me. "Someone outside the Imperial Examination Hall is accusing the examiner of leaking exam questions and cheating for personal gain!"

My heart sank, and a bad feeling came over me. "Take me to see it!"

I hurried to the outside of the Imperial Examination Hall and saw a ragged scholar kneeling on the ground, crying at the top of his lungs, holding a test paper high in his hand.

"Your Majesty, I feel wronged! The exam questions were clearly leaked to him in advance, which is why he was able to answer them so fluently. I studied hard for ten years, but ended up like this. Where is justice?"

The crowd immediately began to talk, and many candidates gathered around, expressing their support for the scholar and demanding a thorough investigation of the matter.

I took the test paper and took a closer look. My face immediately turned pale. The answers on this test paper were exactly the same as the answers to the test questions I had reviewed before!

"Youcai..." I turned to look at Zhen Youcai and said word by word, "Investigate this matter thoroughly and show no mercy!"

Zhen Youcai took the order and left. I knew how efficient he was. Within three days, he returned to the imperial study with the results of the investigation.

"Your Majesty, I have already found out that the leak of the exam questions was indeed done intentionally, and..." He hesitated to speak, his brows furrowed.

"And what? Feel free to tell me." I put down the memorial in my hand. My intuition told me that this matter was far from as simple as I had imagined.

"Furthermore, I have discovered that not only the examiners were involved, but also some officials within the imperial court. They colluded secretly, accepted bribes, and leaked the exam questions to designated candidates in order to manipulate the results of the imperial examination." Zhen Youcai said in a heavy tone, presenting a list. "This is the list of those involved that I have found. Your Majesty, please review it."

I took the list, and the more I read it, the more horrified I became. There were several familiar names written on it, some of them even important officials in the imperial court! They held high positions of power and authority, and should have been helping the country, yet they had done such vile things. They were truly unworthy of the emperor's grace and the people!

Anger burned in my chest. I took a deep breath and suppressed the anger in my heart. "You did a great job on this matter. Thank you for your hard work."

"It is my duty to share the emperor's worries." Zhen Youcai said with a fist salute.

I nodded, put the list away, and said with a firm gaze, "I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give an explanation to all the students in the world!"

To ensure the fairness of the imperial examinations, I decided to personally participate in the formulation and review of the examination questions. I summoned the scholars of the Hanlin Academy and worked tirelessly day and night to discuss the examination questions, striving to make them innovative, practical, and able to truly select talented and virtuous people.

It was late at night and I was still reviewing memorials under the lamp when Zhen Youcai walked in and placed a cup of ginseng tea on my desk. "Your Majesty, it's late. You should go to bed early."

"I'm fine. I haven't finished reviewing these memorials yet." I rubbed my sore temples. The imperial examination is approaching, and there are so many things to do that I hardly have a moment to rest.

"Your Majesty, you have been sleepless for several days in a row. If you continue like this, your body will not be able to bear it." Zhen Youcai looked at me worriedly, his eyes full of heartache.

"I know. I'll have a good rest after the imperial examination is over." I picked up the ginseng tea and took a sip. The bitter taste spread in my mouth, but it also made me a little more sober.

"Your Majesty, you don't have to do everything yourself. You can leave some things to me." Zhen Youcai said.

"I believe you, but this matter is of grave importance. I must personally inquire about it before I can rest assured." I put down my teacup, my eyes determined. "I cannot let those students who have studied so hard lose the opportunity to compete fairly because of the schemes and tricks of some scoundrels."

Zhen Youcai wanted to say something else, but I had already picked up a test paper and began to review it carefully.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the imperial examination arrives. On this day, I, donning my imperial robe, personally inspect the examination halls. Seeing the orderly atmosphere inside and outside, and the examinees focused and furiously writing, I'm filled with anticipation, hoping that this examination will select true talents to serve our country.

Just then, a guard hurried in and whispered something in my ear. I frowned slightly and said, "Bring him to me."

The guard took his orders and left. A moment later, he returned with a young man in a blue shirt. He was thin, with a handsome face and a heroic air between his brows. Even in this solemn examination room, his talent could not be concealed.

"I am Zhang Qingyuan, a commoner, here to pay my respects to His Majesty." He knelt down respectfully and saluted, his voice clear and neither humble nor arrogant.

"No need to be polite." I raised my hand slightly, motioning him to stand. "I heard you performed very well in the imperial examination and wrote an excellent essay. Is that true?"

"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty. I am just doing my best." Zhang Qingyuan answered modestly with a confident smile on his face.

I picked up a test paper on the table, which was Zhang Qingyuan's policy essay. The handwriting was neat, the language was sharp, the analysis of the problem was incisive, and the suggestions put forward were quite feasible. I couldn't help but nod secretly. This is indeed a rare good article.

"Your essay is excellent. I admire your talent and insights." I handed the test paper to Sun Daru beside me. "Lord Sun, what do you think?"

Sun Daru took the paper, examined it carefully, stroked his beard, and smiled, "Your Majesty has a keen eye for talent. This candidate's essay is truly a rare and excellent piece of writing. The writing is fluent, the ideas are profound, and the insights are extraordinary. I admire you."

"Your Majesty, Lord Sun, I am unworthy of this honor." Zhang Qingyuan saluted humbly again.

"With such talent, you should serve the country and work for the welfare of the people." I looked at Zhang Qingyuan and said solemnly, "Are you willing to serve the court?"

"I am willing!" Zhang Qingyuan answered without hesitation, with a determined light in his eyes.

I nodded with satisfaction. This is exactly the kind of person I want, talented, ambitious, and with a sincere heart to serve the country and the people.

"Okay, I look forward to your future performance." I looked at Zhang Qingyuan, my heart full of hope.

After the imperial examination, I personally presided over the palace examination, ultimately admitting a group of outstanding talents. For his outstanding performance, I personally selected Zhang Qingyuan as the top scorer and appointed him to the position of editor in the Hanlin Academy. Looking at these energetic young faces, I seemed to see the future of our great country and the hope of a prosperous dynasty.

However, I know this is just the beginning. Selecting talent is only the first step. What's more important is how to train and employ them, allowing them to truly unleash their talents and contribute to the country. Thinking of this, I looked out the window. The setting sun dyed the sky golden, illuminating the road ahead... "General Zhen, pass on the order. I have an important announcement to make at tomorrow's morning court..."