C158. Imperial Examination (III).

C158. Imperial Examination (III).

The Zhou Mansion was large, and when Zhou Gongdan learned that the students from Jingzhou had no place to stay in Ye County, he invited them to stay at his mansion.

Delighted, Wang Qianzhi and the others gladly accepted. Over the next few days, they visited Zhou Gongdan frequently, seeking guidance on various topics and bringing books for his advice.

As they became more familiar with Zhou Gongdan, Wang Qianzhi asked about the "physical examination" related to the imperial examinations.

"Sir, what is this 'physical test'?"

Although the Imperial examinations allowed candidates to choose their subjects freely, there were requirements to follow. After the examinations, candidates had to undergo a "physical examination" arranged by the Wen government.

The "physical examination" included a medical check-up, where a physician would examine the candidates for conditions like heart disease, asthma, infectious diseases, among others, as those with such illnesses were ineligible for the Imperial examinations.

After the medical check-up came the physical test, mainly a running assessment. It was a simple test with low standards that any average person could complete.

If they fail to pass, they will also be unable to participate in the imperial examinations.

Yuan Li adopted the methods from future generations for a simple reason - he needed officials who were physically healthy, capable of working at the grassroots level, and able to serve as officials for many years without compromising their health.

This time, Yuan Li would recruit at least six hundred officials, most of whom would be required to work at the local level in various counties. This was a physically and mentally demanding task, and if they couldn't even pass a simple physical test, they would not be able to handle the strenuous work.

Occupying a spot in the imperial examinations but failing to fulfill the duties would be pointless - either they couldn't last a few years or would be worn out by their position. What would be the point?

When Yuan Li introduced the physical test, some were concerned that talented individuals might be eliminated for not passing.

However, Yuan Li remained unmoved.

He did not care if talented individuals were eliminated because officials working at the grassroots level did not necessarily require exceptional talent. They needed good health, average intelligence, and effective management skills.

Where would so many talented individuals come from?

The majority of a government's operation depends on unknown officials. Even if there were talented individuals who were eliminated, Yuan Li did not regret it - his circle already had many talented individuals.

Whether one more individual or one less, missing out on someone would not affect Yuan Li or the Wen government.

If there were truly talented individuals too sick to pass a test that most people could, it was evident their health was precarious.

No one could guarantee how long they would live - what could someone with poor health achieve?

Would Yuan Li really burden them with endless busyness, intellectual exertion, and the responsibility of handling official documents with a fragile body?

It might seem harsh and unfair to those with poor health, but Yuan Li held a sense of responsibility towards both his subordinates and others. His officials were genuinely too busy, with numerous tasks at hand. As their lord moved swiftly, they had to keep up - if someone couldn't maintain good health and died within a few years, it would be a tragedy for Yuan Li, his officials, and the people under their administration.

Zhou Gongdan explained this to Wang Qianzhi and the others, easing their concerns.

Unlike modern examinees who focused solely on academics, scholars of this era, regardless of their background, had to master a variety of skills including horsemanship and archery. Even those from humble origins weren't solely focused on reading because they didn't have abundant resources - they had to seek knowledge through physical exploration and hardship, similar to Guo Mao's travels to gain his knowledge.

Those who failed the physical test were usually those with weak foundations or those who neglected their health, perhaps due to excessive use of herbal remedies.

Ten days later, these students underwent the "physical test," which Yuan Li personally observed.

Observing some students with pale faces and gasping for breath after running, and others collapsing to the ground with weak legs, Yuan Li shook his head in dismay. In his mind, he decided to prioritize organizing annual physical examinations for officials.

The body is the foundation of revolution, and while Yuan Li couldn't force officials to exercise regularly, he insisted on the importance of the yearly physical exam.

After the physical tests, only a few students were eliminated. Even those with weak bodies gave their all and managed to pass the test by gritting their teeth.

Ten days later, the day of the imperial examinations arrived.

The Jingzhou students temporarily living at Zhou Godan's house all passed the physical tests. However, due to the large number of participants in the imperial examinations, they became increasingly nervous, forsaking sleep and food to study diligently.

With boldness, they approached Zhou Gongdan, seeking advice on what to focus on and what topics might be covered in the examinations.

Zhou Gonydan raised an eyebrow, "Do you wish for me to break the law and share the exam topics with you in advance?"

The others hesitated, but Wang Qianzhi immediately refused, "No, sir, we have no such intentions. We just want to know if the exam will cover classical texts, Confucian classics, and poetry and essays?"

Wang Qianzhi understood the seriousness of leaking exam topics and refrained from such thoughts. He knew that regardless of Zhou Gongdan's response, they shouldn't consider such unethical methods.

Determined to showcase his abilities fairly, Wang Qianzhi valued knowledge over rankings. He recognized Duke Wen's emphasis on meritocracy and fairness.

Impressed by Wang Qianzhi's integrity, Zhou Gongdan nodded approvingly, "Even if you ask me, I cannot provide you with the topics as I am not informed by the lord about what will be tested. All I can tell you is that the questions will be personally set by the lord."

This was common knowledge among them.

Disappointed, they sighed and respectfully thanked Zhou Gongdan before returning to their studies. Only Wang Qianzhi's face revealed a glint of understanding.

Observing their departure, Zhou Godan chuckled and shook his head, remarking, "Ah, the youth."

In the following days, Xu Kang and the others noticed a change in Wang Qianzhi's behavior. He no longer focused on Confucian classics or texts but instead delved into water management, agriculture, and even arithmetic.

Curious, they asked Wang Qianzhi, "The imperial examinations are fast approaching, why are you focusing on these subjects instead?"

Putting down his book, Wang Qianzhi looked at them and replied subtly, "The topics for this examination are personally set by Duke Wen."

Perplexed, the group questioned, "Isn't that how it should be? What's wrong with that?"

Wang Qianzhi sighed, "Have you heard of Duke Wen's achievements?"

"Of course," Xu Kang answered. "He is a renowned scholar, well-versed in classical texts and Confucian classics as a disciple of Ouyang Ting. If he sets the questions, they should naturally revolve around these subjects."

Shaking his head, Wang Qianzhi explained, "Although Duke Wen is a disciple of Ouyang, both are practical individuals. Duke Wen once gained the favor of Cui Xuan's son, Cui Yan, with a few arithmetic questions, establishing a strong friendship. This demonstrates his proficiency and passion for arithmetic. Since arriving in Youzhou, he has focused on improving water management and agricultural practices, showcasing his dedication to these fields. Many candidates from humble backgrounds are participating in the imperial examinations. If Duke Wen were to focus solely on Confucian classics or texts, these candidates would struggle. I believe Duke Wen aims for fairness and inclusivity. Therefore, the exam will likely cover a wide range of topics, including national policies, water management, agriculture, and practical knowledge relevant to the people, considering his past business dealings with merchants."

Upon hearing this, the group suddenly understood and eagerly put down their books to delve into other miscellaneous texts.

As Wang Qianzhi predicted, Yuan Li indeed prepared mostly practical and arithmetic questions, rather than focusing on classical texts. He sought individuals with practical skills and abilities to assist in governing the realm, not mere scholars with theoretical knowledge.

The exam questions covered various aspects such as politics, agriculture, water management, commerce, and law, diving deep into grassroots issues to assess the candidates' true abilities.

On the tenth day of September, the inaugural imperial examinations of Duke Wen's realm officially commenced.

A total of six thousand four hundred candidates from thirteen provinces across the realm registered for the exams, mostly from the northern regions. This staggering number prompted Yuan Li to increase the number of successful candidates from the initial six hundred to one thousand.

The exam day was blessed with pleasant autumn weather - a gentle breeze and moderate temperatures. The candidates sat in the square, each with a table and writing materials before them provided by Duke Wen's household. Before entering the square, the candidates underwent a simple body search to prevent cheating.

The square was guarded by soldiers under Wang Er's command, stationed at each corner, ten paces apart, wearing armor and armed with large swords. They encircled the candidates in the center. In the middle of the square, a patrol team consisting of soldiers from Youzhou passed by the candidates' tables periodically, their eyes scanning each candidate like torches to prevent any prohibited actions.

This arrangement created a solemn and tense atmosphere that engulfed the entire square. The candidates sat upright, not daring to look around, their eyes fixed on their desks, palms sweating nervously.

When the gong sounded, the attendants immediately distributed the examination papers to each candidate.

The answering time lasted until evening, allowing candidates to leave once they had finished. Those who completed the questions early could also depart ahead of schedule.

As the candidates read the questions, their expressions varied from furrowed brows to thoughtful contemplation or visible anxiety. Observing this, the examiners – Liu Jixin, Zhou Gongdan, Xiang Hongyun, and Guo Mao – found the scene intriguing.

It was the first time they had witnessed such a spectacle of numerous candidates engaged in writing, a captivating and novel sight that kept them engrossed.

Wang Qianzhi also received his set of questions.

Upon reading them, he relaxed and a faint smile crossed his face.

As he anticipated, there was only one classical text question among them; the rest included arithmetic and policy questions.

The classical text question was straightforward, and the initial arithmetic questions were basic. It seemed Duke Wen had considered the candidates from humble backgrounds and adjusted the difficulty level accordingly.

Quickly completing these questions, Wang Qianzhi focused on the policy questions.

He had three policy questions to answer: a legal issue, a civil administrative matter, and a military topic.

The legal question posed a domestic case for Wang Qianzhi to decide on the sentencing. Given his reverence for legal studies and preference for governance through law over Confucian teachings, he found this task manageable, having memorized the legal codes of the Northern Zhou era.

The civil administrative question, related to taxation, was also straightforward. Without a deep understanding of grassroots matters, one might struggle to tackle it, but Wang Qianzhi had recently studied the topic and knew how to respond.

These two questions did not consume much of his time. Soon, he turned to the final question: how to handle the Wuhuan people in Youzhou and the Xiongnu outside the Great Wall.

This was a broad and challenging question.

It was easy to write extensively without much substance, appearing to cover many aspects but lacking in meaningful content. How should one approach the Wuhuan and Xiongnu people?

Who knew better than Duke Wen and the General-in-Chief how to deal with them?

No one did.

Even if someone did, it should not be these candidates who had never been on the battlefield.

Wang Qianzhi pondered for a while on how to address this complex policy question.

For these inexperienced youths, no matter how they answered this question, it would be largely theoretical. Clearly, Duke Wen posed this question not to solicit practical advice but to test their attitudes towards the Wuhuan and Xiongnu people.

What kind of attitude should one have towards them?

Wang Qianzhi vaguely sensed that he had caught onto something.

Suddenly, he heard a commotion ahead, but it quickly subsided, returning to calm.

Glancing forward, Wang Qianzhi saw the two colleagues who had left Zhou Gongdan's residence a few days ago approaching from the opposite side. Upon their arrival, Liu Jixin, Zhou Gongdan, and others stood up and greeted them respectfully.

Wang Qianzhi's pupils dilated.

In an instant, he recognized the identity of the two men. They were not ordinary colleagues of Mr. Zhou, but clearly Duke Wen Yuan Li and General Chu Hechao!

His heart pounded rapidly. As Yuan Li looked over, Wang Qianzhi immediately lowered his head, striving to compose himself.

With this interruption, when he looked at the final policy question again, Wang Qianzhi suddenly understood how to respond.

As he had suspected, this question did not require them to provide practical solutions for Duke Wen but rather to reveal their attitudes towards the Wuhuan and Xiongnu people...no, more accurately, how to treat the Wuhuan people.

In theory, the Wuhuan wumang people, having submitted to Northern Zhou, should be appeased and integrated to become subjects of the kingdom. However, by juxtaposing the Wuhuan and Xiongnu people in this question, it suggested that Duke Wen might view the Wuhuan people similarly to the Xiongnu.

Regarding the Xiongnu, everyone knew the saying, "Those who are not of our race have hearts that are different."

As a subject of Northern Zhou, Wang Qianzhi would undoubtedly respond to this question in a manner aligned with the kingdom's policies. But now, he was being tested by Duke Wen...as an official of Duke Wen's realm, and it seemed Duke Wen might not favor an answer suggesting the subjugation of the Wuhuan people.

Wang Qianzhi closed his eyes and made a resolution.

Dipping his brush in ink, he began writing the first line.

"The Wuhuan people are subjects of Zhou, and should be treated with kindness, serving the kingdom. Humbly, I believe the Wuhuan people, though outwardly submissive, may still harbor aspirations of rebellion..."

*

As the evening approached, the sunset tinted half the sky red, and the drum sounded thrice, signaling the end of the answering time.

The final group of candidates set down their brushes, watching as the attendants pasted their names on the scrolls, gathering them up. With this, the imperial examination came to a close, and the candidates could finally depart.

Some candidates left the square in a composed manner, while others seemed dejected, reluctantly leaving in pairs. Even after finishing the examination, they had no intention of leaving Ye County just yet.

Within a month, their results would be publicly posted by officials of Duke Wen's residence at the governmental gates.