Three Kingdoms: At the beginning, Lu Bu was mistaken for his father-in-law

Chapter 366 Chapter : The Foolish and Loyal Son-in-law Lu Lin

Liu Xie understands politics. Even though he has been a puppet for so many years and the government has been under control for a long time, it does not mean that he does not know how to balance the situation.

During the meeting at the Golden Palace, he did not first raise the issue of the imperial examination system, but instead proposed a direction: he would revitalize Taiyuan University.

Taixue College was first established during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty. Liu Che adopted Dong Zhongshu's suggestion of the Three Strategies of Heaven and Man and established the Taixue Institution, which was responsible for the collection of classics. It can be regarded as the highest institution for inheriting Confucian classics.

After Cao Cao ran away, he took away a large number of officials. However, since the institutions at all levels were not damaged, they could actually function as long as these gaps were filled.

In the past, Cao Cao didn't pay much attention to the Taiyuan Academy, and Liu Xie had no intention of taking care of it. Now if he raises it rashly, everyone will just think that the emperor has just returned to the capital and wants to show favor and power. Of course, there is no reason to refute.

All that needs to be done is to select the dean and academicians of Taiyue College. This institution has no power. Even to participate in court meetings, only the dean is qualified. It is almost like a royal registrar, and no one cares about it.

However, when Liu Xie asked the chamberlain to pass the list of responsibilities of Taiyuan College to everyone, everyone realized the seriousness of the problem.

In the future, Taiyuan College will have a new responsibility, compiling the imperial examinations conducted twice a year by various states and counties. The results of the imperial examinations will be directly included in an important indicator selected by officials.

In other words, in the future, the examination questions from Taiyue College can directly produce officials at all levels. In this way, Taiyuan College, which was not taken seriously in the past, will become an employer in one fell swoop, with immeasurable power.

Liu Xie was very smart and knew what to do and what to say to minimize the turmoil. He only mentioned the Imperial College's official examination, but did not immediately explain the issue of abolishing the inspection system.

But this was enough to make everyone in the court stunned. The imperial examination system was still too advanced for this era. It was difficult for these knowledgeable ministers to look at this issue beyond the shackles of the times.

However, human nature is always to think subconsciously. Whether the implementation of this policy will be beneficial or harmful to oneself.

Judging from the responsibilities of Taiyue College conveyed by the chamberlain, it is obvious that the power of the Dean of Taiyue College has been increased. After all, he is the person responsible for setting the questions. If he wants to leak secrets, wouldn't it be equivalent to directly opening a back door?

"Your Majesty, I would like to ask if this imperial examination is going to replace the imperial examination." The first person to speak was the current Situ Yang Biao, who was over sixty years old.

Even though he had been deprived of his official position by Cao Cao, he still had the power to investigate and prosecute, so this issue was his biggest concern now.

This question also made the entire Golden Palace quiet. Everyone held their breath and waited for the answer.

"I want to pool our wisdom and open up a way for the world's scholars to gather talents. With this imperial examination, from now on, no matter how rich or poor, all talented people can be loyal to the country."

After Liu Xie finished speaking the cliché, he changed the topic and brought up the most troublesome issue, "As for the inspection and examination process, although it has gone through changes, it is still a single channel. The purpose of gathering talents is not as good as the imperial examination. Let it be done. Go over there."

There was the first uproar in the court.

You know, even when Cao Cao was in power, things were always quiet here.

But today, Liu Xie's words caused an uproar among the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty. Except for a few people who knew the inside story, everyone was talking about it, and it became like a vegetable market.

This kind of situation can actually be regarded as a loss of status. It can also be said that you despise the imperial power.

But Liu Xie's heart suddenly became excited.

Because at this moment, he finally found a trace of the dignity of the emperor.

One word of his can make the civil and military officials in the dynasty suddenly change their expressions. Is this the feeling of having imperial power?

After all, Liu Xie has been a puppet for so long that this kind of political whirlpool can make him feel a little refreshed.

"Your Majesty, it sounds like the imperial examination is a way to recruit talents for the court. However, if you think about the disadvantages carefully, it will lead to endless troubles."

The first person who refused was Yang Biao. He straightened his stooped back and said in a deep voice: "In accordance with the implementation of the imperial examination, the Imperial College needs to set examination questions and then set up examination centers in various states and counties.

Your Majesty, there are so many counties in the Thirteen Prefectures of the Han Dynasty. If this imperial examination system is adopted everywhere, how many people will be needed to maintain the examination room and mark the examination papers. It will take a long time and consume manpower. It's a big loss and a heavy loss of financial resources. Forgive me for my words, this is a very unrealistic approach. "

Indeed, compared to the imperial examination system, officials only need to be sure of the character and talent of the recommended person before they can directly recommend it to the court, and then after passing a certain assessment, they can be put into use immediately. The imperial examination method does seem to count. It's a waste of money and people.

Yang Biao's words are not unreasonable.

With Yang Biao leading the way, others began to pour out.

"Your Majesty, I believe that this method of talent selection not only wastes people and money, but also has a great risk of fraud. Please imagine, Your Majesty, once the test questions are released, no matter how confidential they are, they will always be transferred from the capital to the state governments, and then to counties at all levels. Yamen, how many manpower are there, who can guarantee that the test questions will not be leaked.

And once it's leaked, wouldn't it be possible for the participating candidates to pretend to be fake? "

"Your Majesty, I would like to second my opinion. This method not only wastes people and money, but also poses the risk of leaking secrets. What is more serious is that if candidates only need to answer questions to serve as officials, then who can guarantee their character? If there are any serious evildoers, If someone is lucky enough to pass the exam, the people in that place will be plunged into a fiery state."

"Your Majesty, this method is absolutely unfeasible. If we rashly take back the power of inspecting the affairs of state and county officials, it will definitely cause local instability. This method will do all the harm and no good!"

"Your Majesty, my minister seconded the proposal!"

Oops, the battle is quite big.

Lin Mo, who had been silent the whole time, counted the courtiers who were out in detail. Although he was prepared, he was still shocked by the movement.

The officials headed by Yang Biao can be said to be from all factions, including Fu Wan, Geng Ji, Zhong Ji and others from the imperial faction, Guo Tu, the Xin brothers, Pang Tong and others from the Lu Lin faction, and even Cao Cao left. Xun Yu, who only focused on doing things in the end, jumped out and objected.

The Imperial Party, Lulin Party and Yingchuan Faction are interesting, interesting. If it were not for the majesty of the Emperor, Liu Xie would even want to laugh.

Since he came to the throne, this is the first time he has seen so many people from different factions come together to oppose or support one thing.

This is the court I want. It is no longer about who has the say, but where a hundred flowers can bloom, and he will make the final decision.

"Lin Sikong and Lieutenant Lu, why don't you two speak?" Liu Xie looked at the two men standing at the head of the civil and military officials.

Throw the question to them, you're the one who's going to sing it anyway.

"Your Majesty, I have only known about fighting in recent years and have not been involved in state affairs much."

Lu Bu was quite low-key. He bowed his head and said, "But I must remember this sentence: If you want me to die, if I don't die, it will be disloyal! This matter is extremely difficult. As long as your majesty is determined to do it, then I will do it." Even if you are in trouble, I will definitely help Your Majesty do it!"

"The lieutenant's words are wrong!"

Yang Biao retorted on the spot, "This matter is related to the foundation of the country. It is not about whether the ministers are loyal or not. As ministers, we do not support His Majesty without principles or positions, but to support His Majesty's stable administration and implement virtuous policies!"

Lin Mo wanted to laugh a little, and it was true that his father-in-law was morally kidnapped as soon as he opened his mouth. According to what you said, those who do not support His Majesty are disloyal.

However, when Lu Bu spoke this way, many people did object, but their voices became much quieter.

Apart from Guo Tu and the Xin brothers, they didn't dare to say anything anymore. Even Pang Tong became more honest, and everyone from Lu Lin's faction retreated.

In fact, political games are not much different from strategies on the battlefield. If you fail, you will die.

They didn't know Lu Lin's attitude at all. They just felt that this policy was too detrimental to them, so of course they had to jump out and oppose it. After all, these people had complicated family forces behind them.

Now, you have made your attitude clear, but you don’t dare to fall in line randomly, that will kill people.

Lin Mo didn't speak in a hurry, but as soon as he finished retorting to Lu Bu, Zuo Rong, who was worshiped as the servant and minister, stood up and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, I feel that your Majesty's move is truly unprecedented and unparalleled, setting a precedent in history and benefiting the people of the world.

Yang Sikong said that this was a waste of people and money, but the ministers disagreed. Selecting talents for the country is the foundation of the country, and it is worth the loss. Furthermore, the improper examinations in thirteen prefectures and counties demonstrated His Majesty's love for talents. Heart?

As for Mr. Zhong's statement that virtue should be the first priority in employing people, this is indeed true, but I wonder if you have ever heard a nursery rhyme: To promote a scholar, one does not know how to read; to observe filial piety and honesty, one's father lives apart. The cold is pure and white and turbid as mud, and the high-ranking general is as timid as a chicken.

Morality is the first priority in employing people. Why do you think that the officials who have been inspected have not been used by the inspectors to cover up the truth?

As for what Mr. Chen said about the fear of causing local instability, it is simply because the state pastors and governors of various states and counties have lost the power to inspect the government.

So I dare to ask Mr. Chen, is the national policy more important, or the ideas of local state and county officials? ”    At this moment, Zuo Rong was very dazzling, and he seemed to be able to compete with all the ministers on his own.

If you just sit back and ignore it, there will definitely be another rebuttal from the aristocratic families, and it will really be endless.

When Lin Mo saw this, he stood up and bowed: "Your Majesty, I feel that what Taiqing Zuo said is really the words of a national scholar. Please accept it, and I will give you my full support!"

"Wei Chen agrees!"

"Wei Chen also seconded the proposal!"

After Lin Mo finished speaking, all the core figures of Lu Lin's faction died, including Lu Bu, Zhao Yun, Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Wei Yue and others, the Ma family father and son, Liu Ye, Lu Su, Jia Xu, and Xu Shu, who was born in a poor family.

For a moment, Liu Xie really felt that the people standing behind Lin Lu were really his own strength.

He had never felt that he was supported by so many people, and he was a little dazed.

When the confrontation formed in the court, it was obvious that the hundreds of officials and ministers took sides. The camp just now was not at the same level when it faced the real core power of Lu Lin.

Whether it is the number of people or the level of official positions, it is almost crushing.

After Yang Biao glanced at Lu Lin's team, he suddenly realized that the problem might not lie with the emperor, so he raised his hand and asked: "Your Majesty, I would like to ask your Majesty whether this matter was arbitrarily determined by His Majesty's Sacred Heart, or whether someone was instigating it from the outside. ?”

After saying that, he didn't forget to glance at Lu and Lin, but he almost didn't mention clearly that if your majesty was threatened, just blink.

"Yang Aiqing is worrying too much."

Liu Xie waved his sleeves and chuckled: "I have not discussed this matter with anyone. All the officials just learned the news."

When Yang Biao asked this, he didn't expect Liu Xie to really say that he was threatened by Lu Lin. After all, even Cao Cao's dictatorship Liu Xie always said that Cao Sikong was patriotic.

They just wanted to see Liu Xie's reaction. One's eyes cannot deceive others.

In the past, when Cao Cao was in Xuchang, Liu Xie's eyes were always full of fear and uneasiness, but in front of him, he was not only free and easy, but even a little proud.

Then this matter is really the emperor's intention.

Just think about it, and it is indeed true. If Lu Lin wants to disrupt the government, it is impossible for the Sangong and Jiuqing to accommodate other people. They still have a lot of people who have not been arranged.

After receiving overwhelming support, Liu Xie's imperial examination policy was safely passed, but the implementation of the decree was obviously not immediate.

Taiyuan College had to select candidates, and the government decrees had to be communicated to all states and counties across the country. It would take at least a year before the official imperial examination could begin.

Even so, this is only a matter of time.

Therefore, just after retreating from the court, many people began to meet for secret talks.

"Brother, do you think this is His Majesty's intention or Sikong's?" Xin Ping asked with a sigh in the Xin Mansion.

"Ze Rong only expressed his position after Lieutenant Lu spoke. It is difficult to judge whether he was instructed by Lin Sikong in advance."

Xin Pi stroked his short beard and frowned. This incident had a great impact on the Xin family.

Originally, in their current position, both brothers had the power to select talents. The Xin family could continuously send people to various states, counties and even important areas in the capital. However, once the imperial examination system was implemented, the path for the Xin family to rise would be cut off. It is impossible to say that there is no reaction.

"Don't think about it, this is what His Majesty meant."

The door closed by the two of them was pushed open, and Jia Xu came in still wearing court clothes.

The Xin brothers were a little confused as to why no one had informed him. When they saw it was Jia Xu, they understood that no one dared to stop a person of this weight.

"Tai Chang Jia is here." The Xin brothers bowed politely.

Jia Xu did not hesitate. After closing the door, he sat down and sighed, "This matter has just caused a storm in Xuchang City. Once it spreads to all states and counties, the people below will really be unable to sit still." ”

After the two brothers looked at each other, Xin Pi spoke first: "We brothers are also worried that something will happen if this matter spreads, so we have some speculations. But just now, Mrs. Jia said that this was His Majesty's intention. Lin Sikong has an extraordinary mind. Why?" You wouldn’t have guessed that this would cause endless troubles, and if it wasn’t handled well, it might even lead to the corruption of the people below, so why didn’t Sikong remonstrate?”

"Because I can't remonstrate."

Jia Xu shook his head with a look of despair, "Have you noticed that since Taiwei and Sikong entered Xuchang, they have followed the rules in all matters and did not even dare to participate in the rulings of the three ministers and nine ministers? Why? Just because they are worried about the world. People would say that they are the same as Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao.

So all they can do is to follow the orders issued by His Majesty, and they will follow them. Even if they don't want to in their hearts, they don't dare to say no. After all, they hold high positions and may be criticized if they are not careful. Control the government. "

The two brothers were startled. This seemed to be really the case.

Xin Ping let out a long and depressed sigh, "Your Majesty has just taken over the throne, and is eager to establish prestige and benevolent to the world, but he does not know that this is the way to cause chaos."

"What can we do? Who can let Sikong and Taiwei?"

Jia Xu paused mid-sentence, looked outside in a dignified manner, and then continued: "Yu Zhong, too Yu Zhong."

Although Jia Xu is ranked first among the nine ministers, he has never been clique-y or flattering, so his words still carry some weight.

In addition, in the past, even when Lu Lin was the master of the family, he did not do anything beyond his control. The Xin brothers immediately nodded and said: "The situation is very troublesome now. Your Majesty has no experience in running a country. He has just escaped from the tiger's mouth and is naturally very ambitious." , It’s inevitable to feel great success when doing something, and Captain Sikong is so foolish and loyal, we...sigh."

"I still feel comfortable following Marquis Wen and Marquis Lanling before." Xin Ping changed directly from the title.

Jia Xu said earnestly: "Actually, this is nothing. I'm worried that their foolish loyalty will not only harm themselves in the end, but it will also harm us."

"What do you mean by this?" Xinpi asked quickly.

Jia Xu glanced at him and smiled bitterly: "Think about it, if Yuan Shang really became the lord of the Northern Kingdom, would he still be able to accommodate the people who followed Yuan Tan?"

This question directly made the two people's hearts sink.

That’s right, tigers are not harmful to people, but tigers are harmful to people’s hearts!

This is actually not difficult to think of, but because they have always assumed that Lu Lin would definitely be the second Cao Cao, they didn't think about it at all.

After what happened in the court today, and what Jia Xu said, the two of them realized what a ridiculous misunderstanding they had fallen into, and a sense of crisis arose spontaneously.

One day, if the emperor really holds power, he will definitely start to take action. Who is the biggest threat to him? No matter how loyal you Lin Mo and Lu Bu are, they are indeed a threat to the emperor.

"Perhaps His Majesty's actions today are intended to put Taiwei and Sikong on the fire, so that this force can be suppressed and take the opportunity to regain power!"

Whatever you want, you can think whatever you want. Jia Xu didn't want to waste any time with them, so he stood up directly and said, "That's all, I'm already old anyway. Sikong and Taiwei themselves don't worry about their final doom. I What can I worry about? The worst case scenario is that I will beg for my body and go back to Liangzhou.

I'm back home. Come over for tea when you have time. "

After that, he left the hall regardless of the Xin brothers' pleas, leaving two people with complicated thoughts behind.

Jia Xu, who walked out of Xin Mansion, shook his head helplessly. This is the first house, and he has to go to seventeen more. This will make my old bones fall apart.

Different people have to say different things. This job is dirty and tiring. I don't understand why it has to be me. Zuo Rong will definitely be happy to do this kind of thing.

(End of this chapter)