The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 52: Submitting Petition

Chapter 52: Submitting Petition

“To jointly submit a petition to His Majesty.”

Local officials received letters from old friends and slammed their teacups in frustration. They had no desire to wade into these troubled waters, yet serving in the court required mutual support and reciprocity. Returning to the capital as officials would inevitably require relying on these connections.

But if they actually complied with the request, with the Spring Examination approaching, it would be inappropriate to arrest scholars. Delaying the imperial examinations would drive those scholars mad, and they might even go to Youzhou to appeal directly to the emperor.

However, if no arrests were made and only verbal warnings were issued, it was uncertain whether this would serve as an effective deterrent. Moreover, the Spring Examination papers would likely contain additional commentary, and if the matter were exposed, they themselves could be implicated.

The provincial governors were deeply troubled. They closed their doors to visitors and contemplated for several days before finally deciding to dispatch constables to patrol the streets under the pretext of maintaining public order, urging citizens to return home early and avoid lingering outdoors.

This still wasn’t enough. The scholars were busy organizing poetry gatherings and building connections everywhere. The Governor of Qingzhou was at his wit’s end when his Chief Secretary proposed: “Why not use Spring Examination preparation as a pretext to gather the scholars at the government office? We can assess their studies, following His Majesty’s example with the Winter Examination. Those who perform exceptionally well could receive monetary rewards and be escorted by officials to Youzhou to take the examinations. This would redirect their focus entirely to the Spring Examination and prevent them from entertaining wild ideas. Furthermore, if any scholar passes the examination, it could help foster goodwill.”

The Governor of Qingzhou stroked his beard and nodded, then raised a crucial question: “Where will the reward money come from?”

He wasn’t as wealthy as His Majesty and couldn’t afford to pay from his own pocket. Besides, if he provided funds this year, he’d likely be expected to do the same next year and the year after, creating an unnecessary financial burden.

The Chief Secretary suggested: “Why not discuss this with others and pool resources? In the end, we could even seek recognition from His Majesty for our efforts.”

The Governor of Qingzhou approved and instructed the Chief Secretary to summon the others to discuss the matter.

When superiors demanded contributions, how could one refuse? Everyone had to offer something, however small. They didn’t expect any particular benefitsonly hoped to avoid offending anyone and maintain their positions securely.

All Qingzhou scholars were summoned to the government office for surprise academic inspections, where the scholarship program was announced. Exceptionally outstanding performers would have the chance to be recommended by the Governor.

This announcement caused an immediate uproar.

Worried it might not be attractive enough, the Governor pondered carefully and decided to invite prominent local figures to give lectures at the government office. Liu Zongxian, cousin of Left Prime Minister Liu Xu, was highly respected in Qingzhou, with scholarly achievements rivaling those of Liu Xu’s father, a true Confucian master.

After hearing the Governor’s proposal, Liu Zongxian readily agreed, laughing heartily to ease the Governor’s tension. He leisurely brewed tea and remarked, “The Governor is very thoughtful. I too would like to assess the potential of the younger generation.”

With Liu Zongxian’s support, the Governor found it much easier to invite others. Many even approached the Governor voluntarily upon hearing Liu Zongxian’s name. Seeing this response, the Governor knew the plan would succeed.

Sure enough, while many had initially complained about the surprise inspections, the mere mention of Liu Zongxian’s name made the scholars’ eyes light up with fervent excitement, immediately redirecting their attention.

Qingzhou launched a Spring Examination intensive program, creating a strong academic atmosphere. Officials from other regions, not wanting to fall behind, immediately followed suit with great fanfare. Those with access to famous scholars invited them, while those without traveled elsewhere to recruit them. The voices of political dissent gradually faded away.

Although public discussion had ceased, this measure ultimately addressed only the symptoms rather than the root cause. After the Spring Examination, those scholars would become idle again and likely revert to their old habitsthey needed to be kept occupied.

Liu Xu was reviewing the Imperial Academy Erudites’ preliminary evaluations of the young nobles. Many showed considerable potential, but the most gifted was undoubtedly Prince Yong’s Heir, who possessed a photographic memory and could effortlessly recite everything he learned. His only shortcomings were his sluggish temperament and reticent nature.

The least promising was undoubtedly Xu Lian, son of Qing Wangdisrespectful toward teachers, indulgent in pleasures, sleeping through lectures, and causing mischief after class. Today he might steal chickens, tomorrow harass dogs. He had even sneaked into an Erudite’s home at midnight and trimmed the man’s beard while he slept.

Upon hearing that a remarkable Automaton Wooden Cart would appear at the Spring Festivalone that could move on its own when mechanisms were activatedXu Lian became so fascinated that he skipped classes to join the artisans, spending entire days studying the wooden contraption.

“Rotting wood cannot be carved!” Liu Xu flipped past the report briskly, preferring not to dwell on such frustrations.

The Ministry of Personnel Director entered despondently, complaining: “Minister, someone must rein in those Imperial Edict Scholars. They nitpick over trivialities until it becomes unbearable.”

Though Zhao Yingzhong had become more restrained after his illness, his faction remained like fliesnot causing real harm but endlessly irritating.

“You should take this matter to His Majesty. I cannot make such decisions,” Liu Xu replied calmly. Having identified promising talents to nurture, he maintained equanimityshort of heaven collapsing, nothing could disturb his composure.

Seeing how Liu Xu’s authority had diminished, the Director felt a wave of despair. “Is there no way to drive those people away?”

“There are plenty of methods,” Liu Xu said. “The question is whether you can persuade His Majesty.”

“This humble official has an idea: most court officials must complete local postings before returning to the capital. These scholars are young and inexperienced. Why not assign them to regional posts? Let the local magistrates deal with their annoyances. Once they’ve faced enough setbacks, smoothed their edges, and learned governance through practical experience, they may return to the court properly tempered.”

“An excellent proposal. You should present it to His Majesty.” Liu Xu looked up with approval, recognizing the Director hoped he would lead the charge. But Liu Xu lacked the energy for such battles now. “I’ve recently displeased His Majesty and doubt he would heed my advice. If you submit a memorial yourself, he might at least read it and consider the suggestion.”

A draft slipped into the Director’s mouth, chilling his teeth. Realizing Liu Xu couldn’t assist, he slowly raised his lowered gaze and exhaled in resignation. “Thank you for your guidance, Minister.”

After this exchange, the Director sought alternatives elsewhere.

Returning to his office, the Director encountered Zhao Yingzhong during inspection rounds. Suppressing his emotions, he walked past with an impassive face.

Zhao Yingzhong bowed respectfully in greeting, made a perfunctory round through the Ministry, and departed.

Once he left, officials immediately clustered together, whispering: “Last time he impeached me for having documents on my desk and tea residue in the slop bowl. I wonder what he’ll target today…”

Desks couldn’t hold books or documents; slop bowls had to remain spotless and emptyenough to drive anyone mad.

If asked to identify the most detested official at court, Sun Zhuo would have previously held the title. But now, Zhao Yingzhong surpassed even hima single encounter could churn one’s stomach.

When the Director reported Liu Xiang’s response, the room filled with disappointed sighs. He proposed: “Shall we gather more supporters and submit a joint memorial to His Majesty?”

But the risk would have to be borne by themselves.

“Then let’s submit the memorial! I can no longer endure these days. Even if His Majesty punishes us, let him banish me from the capital quickly!”

After a moment of silence, the Vice Director scratched his head and jumped out, his face full of impatience.

The others also took a deep breath, clenched their fists, stepped forward with heads held high, and exclaimed excitedly, “Let us submit a memorial to His Majesty!”

The Ministry of Personnel, united as rarely before, went to find other officials they had worked with to persuade them to join the memorial, determined to drive out Zhao Yingzhong and his associates.

These days, the officials had been suffering immensely under the torment. When the Ministry of Personnel proposed a joint memorial, they agreed without a second thought, wishing to have these troublemakers transferred away immediately.

However, some still worried: “Even if we transfer Zhao Yingzhong, there are other scholars outside. What if His Majesty summons more of them?”

The Director of the Ministry of Personnel said, “That is the root of the problem. Our ministry has considered thiswe must find a way to divert the scholars’ attention. We ask everyone to pool their wisdom: how can we redirect their focus back to the proper path?”

In the silence, one person spoke up: “If we can transfer Zhao Yingzhong on the grounds of seniority, then perhaps we can make use of the seniority system?”

“Those scholars outside haven’t even entered official service yet. How can we use seniority as an argument?” the Director asked curiously.

“Once they enter official service, seniority will always matterthey cannot avoid it. Since that’s the case, why not start early? Send those scholars to assist in various localities, just like His Majesty’s Hall of Gathered Talents. Though not formally appointed to office, they can help manage miscellaneous tasks.”

This way, busy with trivial matters, they would have no time to wander about idly gossiping. Alternatively, let them personally experience what it means to govern and administer. If they have lofty opinions, let them try to implement them themselves.

Everyone discussed among themselves, refining the details, until they felt the plan was nearly complete. They drafted a proposal for the Ministry of Personnel and agreed to submit a unified memorial.

Liu Xu’s authority was gradually weakened, and his duties were transferred to Zhang Yu. Zhang Yu soon received news that the Ministry of Personnel had joined forces with other officials to submit a memorial requesting the transfer of Zhao Yingzhong and others.

“Let them be,” Zhang Yu said indifferently.

He was, however, surprised that those officials were capable of doing something sensible.

To be honest, Zhao Yingzhong had tormented the civil and military officials to no end. Even Zhang Yu himself had been impeached several times and found it hard to bear. Now that someone was stepping up to sacrifice themselves, he felt both pleased and guilty toward His Majesty.

Weighing the two sides, Zhang Yu had no choice but to apologize to His Majesty in his heart.

After a period of quiet below, Xu Ying was just beginning to wonder what was happening when she received the memorial requesting the transfer of Zhao Yingzhong and others.

They argued that Zhao Yingzhong was too inexperienced and often misinterpreted the regulations of various ministries. He should be sent to the provinces to gain experience for twelve years before returning. They cited examples of several officials in the Censorate who had made achievements in various posts, emphasizing that Zhao Yingzhong and his group should be no exception.

Zhao Yingzhong likely caught wind of the matter. As soon as Xu Ying finished reading, a palace maid entered to announce that Zhao Yingzhong was requesting an audience.

Xu Ying permitted him to enter. Before she could decide whether to approve the memorial, Zhao Yingzhong threw himself to the ground, weeping bitterly, and cried out, “Your Majesty, this humble official is too inexperienced for his current position. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to go to the provinces and start learning from practical affairs.”

Being forced out by others or voluntarily stepping downthe latter was more dignified. Moreover, it could win His Majesty’s favor and make his future days slightly easier.

Upon receiving the news, Zhao Yingzhong felt greatly alarmed. Without thorough deliberation, he rushed over in haste to state his position.

“Are you truly willing to leave Youzhou?” Xu Ying asked.

Zhao Yingzhong bowed his head and affirmed, already filled with regret. He should never have spoken recklessly from the start, presuming to discuss court affairs, nor should he have accepted the summons.

Seeing Zhao Yingzhong trembling uncontrollably, Xu Ying realized it wasn’t just the officials who were traumatizedZhao Yingzhong’s psychological scars ran deep as well. If he stayed any longer, he might collapse completely.

“Very well, you shall go supervise the prefectures and counties for me. The requirement remains the same: ten questions daily, submitted monthly.”

After all, once assigned to local regions, she wouldn’t have time to verify their authenticity. For Zhao Yingzhong, this should have been an easy task.

Xu Ying believed she was being considerate, yet upon hearing this, Zhao Yingzhong’s eyes rolled back and he fainted dead away.

“Summon the imperial physician”

Author’s Note:

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2023-05-11 02:23:46 and 2023-05-11 22:18:06~

Special thanks to Meng Yuxi for 30 bottles of nutrient solution, and Samoyed, KID. for 1 bottle each~

I am deeply grateful for everyone’s support. I will continue to work hard!