The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 17: The Winter Examination

Chapter 17: The Winter Examination

“Indeed, it’s the Winter Examination.”

Xu Ying promoted Xia Chenglie and granted him fertile lands and manors based on his military achievements, then handed all subsequent matters to Xu Lang.

Xu Lang and Xia Chenglie obtained the special merit record booklet containing the fingerprints of both recorders and those recorded. After thoroughly reviewing and verifying all entries, they jointly compiled the promotion and demotion list according to the military’s advancement system.

Both signed their names and stamped their fingerprints to confirm accuracy, then promptly delivered the drafted list to Xu Ying.

Xu Ying glanced over it initially without much concern, until one name caught her attention.

“Niu Pengnan?” Xu Ying grew alert, recalling that a major rebel leader was supposedly named Xia Pengnan.

Xia Chenglie, Niu Pengnan, Xia Pengnan – how had they become separated?

Xu Ying urgently asked Xu Lang: “Where is this Niu Pengnan from?”

Xu Lang was familiar with this name, as Niu Pengnan was somewhat special – Xia Chenglie had specifically mentioned him. He immediately explained: “This man’s family hails from Hongchang Hejiang. Originally a military cook named Niu Liu, he was permitted to fill a vacancy when a vanguard soldier was wounded, as Captain Hou recognized his potential. He contributed to capturing the Northern Barbarian Elite Warrior Tanmuhu. During the return journey, Niu Liu requested Xia Chenglie to grant him a formal name, thus receiving the characters ‘Pengnan’ and becoming Niu Pengnan.”

The details didn’t quite match – Xia Pengnan was from Hongchang Liushui and rose from infantry ranks – but to be safe, Xu Ying said: “This Niu Pengnan shows great promise. Transfer him to my service.”

Xu Lang, though puzzled, assumed Xu Ying had her reasons and replied: “Very well, I’ll send someone to inform General Xia shortly.”

“Additionally, General Xia and I discussed setting military promotion and demotion rules to rhyme and spreading them through army songs. This would help soldiers understand merit boundaries and consequences clearly, encouraging self-discipline while strengthening military order and morale. What does Your Majesty think?”

It being merely a song, Xu Ying permitted it: “You two may proceed as decided without further reporting to me.”

Xu Lang noted this, then continued: “Another matter – how does Your Majesty intend to handle the Northern Barbarian Khan Xiong Dage and Elite Warrior Tanmuhu? Should we order Xia Chenglie to pursue the escaped Yabgu Yanjie? With the northern campaign concluding, when will Your Majesty begin capital relocation plans?”

Facing this series of questions demonstrating Xu Lang’s growing administrative competence, Xu Ying paused thoughtfully before responding carefully: “If the Northern Barbarian Khan surrenders sincerely without further rebellion, enfeoff him as a provincial prince under house arrest in Youzhou, while sending officials to pacify the Northern Barbarian populace. As for Tanmuhu, assign him temporarily wherever there’s vacancy until the Khan arrives.”

“Yabgu Yanjie… likely poses no serious threat. No need to dispatch Xia Chenglie.”

Finally addressing Xu Lang’s primary concern about capital relocation – having been away from Chang’an for half a year with no progress – Xu Ying, surprised by her own prolonged survival while secretly criticizing Liu Xu’s inefficiency, said: “With the Spring Examination approaching, scholars nationwide will gather in Chang’an for testing. However, since Chancellor Liu controls Chang’an, the selected candidates may not all serve our purposes. Therefore, I plan to hold a special examination in Youzhou to recruit practical talents capable of developing Youzhou.”

This was something Xu Ying had carefully considered. The Spring Examination was administered by the Ministry of Rites, which would first screen candidates. Those who made it to the metropolitan examination were already one in ten thousand, and after the Ministry of Rites eliminated more than half, it would be difficult to single out troublemakers from the remainder. It would be better to hold their own examination, lower the threshold, and let the waves wash away the sandthe probability of selecting mediocre talent would instantly rise.

Pondering Xu Ying’s meaning, Xu Lang tentatively asked, “Your Majesty means… to establish a Winter Examination?”

Xu Ying felt the term Xu Lang proposed was excellent and immediately confirmed it: “Yes, precisely, the Winter Examination.”

“But we lack the personnel to administer such an examination, and with Youzhou being bitterly cold, would scholars even come to take it?”

Organizing an examination comparable to the Spring Examination was no easy task. From setting the papers to grading them, the process was complexeasy to talk about but difficult to execute.

Addressing Xu Lang’s concerns, Xu Ying patted her chest and declared, “I will set the papers myself. For the venue and manpower, we can requisition them from the official offices. As for the scholars, there’s no need to worry. The Winter Examination is specially established to recruit talent without rigid standardsregardless of status, gender, or age, all are welcome to take it. I doubt we’ll lack participants.”

Hearing this, Xu Lang grew even more concerned. She said, “The law explicitly forbids those of base status from taking the imperial examinations, and women participating in the exams is unheard of. I fear that if Your Majesty issues this decree in the morning, Minister Liu will be in Youzhou by evening to remonstrate with his life.”

“Let him remonstrate; I’ll do as I please. It doesn’t matterhe wouldn’t dare assassinate me openly.” Xu Ying was dismissive, but suddenly inspired by Xu Lang’s words, she recalled the former prime minister who had died tragically due to his reforms.

Both in this world and in the New History, Meng Ji’s affairs were treated vaguely, as if everyone feared to mention him. Presumably, his reform measures had harmed the interests of the majority.

Xu Ying hurriedly asked, “Are there any records related to Prime Minister Meng’s reform case?”

Xu Lang looked up in confusion. “The late emperor strictly forbade any mention of Prime Minister Meng, decreeing that his crimes were heinous and anyone who spoke of him would be charged with treason. All his records were burned. Why does Your Majesty suddenly think of him?”

Even if she wanted Meng Ji to oversee the Winter Examination, he had long passed away.

“It’s nothing. The imperial examinations just reminded me of talents like Prime Minister Meng, who achieved the top three honors in succession, and I grew curious.”

She wanted to see what measures Meng Ji had proposed that so terrified those officials. Could it have been communism?

Xu Ying’s thoughts wandered wildly.

“Don’t worry about the Winter Examination; I’ll handle the arrangements. Send someone to summon Xia Chenglie. Since there’s important business to assign him, there’s no need for you to make an extra trip, sister.” Having made her plans, Xu Ying thought it convenient that Xia Chenglie had returned to assist with this matter.

If Liu Xu was inefficient, she would crack the whip to speed him up.

Before long, Xia Chenglie arrived.

Xu Ying began by lamenting to him, sharing her difficulties: “Minister Xia, you were the one who escorted me from Chang’an. You must be aware that Minister Liu controls the court, wielding power and influence. Whenever I think of it, I lie awake all night.”

Xia Chenglie deeply agreed. “Minister Liu monopolizes authority and scorns Your Majesty. It is indeed an overstep and discourtesy, making him unworthy to lead the officials.”

Xu Ying gently lifted her chin, gazing up at the roof beams, and said melancholically, “The officials only know Minister Liu and not the emperor. This is a consequence of my leniency and neglect, truly my fault.”

“Now, I wish to remedy this mistake and ask for your assistance, Minister Xia.” Xu Ying turned her head, looking sincerely at Xia Chenglie.

Xia Chenglie did not even have a moment to think, immediately dropping to one knee and cupping his fist. “Your Majesty, please give the order. Xia Chenglie would not refuse even ten thousand deaths.”

Xu Ying said with satisfaction, “Good. I command you to immediately muster troops and proceed to the Chang’an courier station. Issue orders to all regional couriers that from now on, memorials shall bypass Chang’an and be sent directly to Youzhou. Anyone who disobeys this order shall be executed.”

After speaking, Xu Ying untied an imperial token from her waist and handed it to Xia Chenglie. “This is the Golden Decree, representing my personal authority. Take this token and garrison the Chang’an courier station. If you discover anyone secretly delivering memorials to Chang’an, regardless of their official rank, you need not reportexecute them on the spot.”

The weighty token fell into his handboth a symbol of trust and a heavy responsibility.

What the Empress was asking him to do was a crucial step in reclaiming imperial authority. Xia Chenglie understood the importance of this matter. Touched by her trust and resolved in his heart, even if it meant making enemies or bearing criticism, he would ensure this task was completed flawlessly.

Xia Chenglie declared firmly, “This subject will not fail Your Majesty’s heavy trust!”

Having returned only a few days prior, Xia Chenglie once again took three thousand soldiers and hurried back to Chang’an at full speed.

With Xia Chenglie gone, the task of composing music fell solely upon Xu Lang. Having no experience in song composition, she borrowed several musicians from the provincial governor for assistance, but the results could only be described as unsatisfactory.

Noticing Xu Lang’s apparent dissatisfaction, the musicians recalled someone and spoke up, “Your Highness, Youzhou is remote with few outstanding musicians. However, there is one person with unparalleled musical talent who can effortlessly handle everything from refined classics to popular folk tunes.”

Xu Lang’s eyes brightened. “Who is this talented person?”

The musicians froze, exchanging glances, their mouths opening and closing as they hesitated to speak.

Seeing their difficulty, Xu Lang said gently, “It’s just a name, no harm done. Speak freelyI pardon you in advance.”

After much hesitation, the musicians finally whispered a few words: “Meng Jie from Taiping Lane.”

At these words, Xu Lang’s expression changed immediately. Taiping Lane was where exiled criminals and their families resideddecent folk would avoid passing through there.

Seeing the change in Xu Lang’s expression, the musicians immediately held their breath, kneeling and bowing to the ground as they trembled, “Your Highness, please forgive us! We humble servants have spoken wrongly!”

Coming back to her senses, Xu Lang recalled Xu Ying’s words about how all people, regardless of status, were subjects of Great Jin. These criminals had been people of clean backgrounds before their exileperhaps they had strayed from the path or faced other circumstances. She shouldn’t dismiss a talented person without deeper understanding.

If Meng Jie’s crimes weren’t severe, or if he had been exiled due to association with others, Xu Lang considered allowing him to atone through service and reduce his punishment.

“For what crime was Meng Jie exiled here?” Xu Lang asked.

At this question, the musicians turned pale, shrinking back and becoming even more unwilling to speak.

The musicians remained determinedly silent, as if they had encountered flood or wild beasts. Suspicion growing in her heart, Xu Lang pressed them, first gently then firmly: “These words will remain only between us, forgotten after hearing them. Speak freely. Otherwise, I’ll go ask the provincial governor for clarification immediately.”

If Xu Lang went to ask, the governor would certainly trace the source. How could they dare to let things reach the governor? If the governor learned they had mentioned Meng Jie before the Princess, he would definitely not let them off lightly.

The singing girls suddenly panicked, quickly raised their heads, swallowed hard, and glanced around to ensure no one was nearby. Only then did they lower their voices and cautiously reply, “Your Highness, Meng Jie is the youngest son of Chancellor Meng Ji…”

Xu Lang was taken aback by this revelation.

The Meng family actually had surviving descendants, and right here in Youzhou!

Remembering how Xu Ying seemed concerned about the Meng family’s affairs, Xu Lang immediately grew attentive. Suppressing his expression, he told the singing girls, “I won’t let anyone know you told me this. You may all withdraw.”

After the singing girls departed, Xu Lang tidied the disordered desk and headed toward Xu Ying’s Azure Wave Study.

Author’s Note:

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2023-04-04 20:53:23 and 2023-04-05 20:50:22~

Special thanks to the little angel Mo*Yan for throwing a landmine~

Gratitude to the little angels for nutrient solutions: 123 is 123 (20 bottles); A Yu, Rating: -∞, Kou Kou (10 bottles each).

Thank you all for your support. I will continue to work hard!