My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

After Hong Chengchou stabilized the situation in Liaodong, in order to appease the people and promote the rule of the emperor, he petitioned the court for approval to try to resume the provincial and ministerial examinations, which had been interrupted for many years due to the war, in the area where the Liaodong Military Command was located.

Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an passed these exams and obtained the title of Juren (a degree in the imperial examination system) by virtue of their knowledge of Chinese characters, thus qualifying them to go to the capital to participate in the metropolitan examination.

This imperial examination was an important part of Hong Chengchou's strategy of governing Liaodong and implementing the "pacification through literature" policy. It was intended to show the newly surrendered people a sense of appeasement and to demonstrate the court's attitude of treating everyone equally and selecting people based solely on their talents.

The method may be a bit old-fashioned, but it is very effective!
However, when the final list of successful candidates was presented to Hong Chengchou, even he himself was somewhat surprised.

Although he intended to recruit talents widely, he did not expect that two Jurchens would actually stand out, and that this was unprecedented.

Although the Ming court had no shortage of officials of other ethnic origins, such as Ma Gui, a famous general who fought against Japanese pirates and aided Korea during the Wanli era, Qin Liangyu, the famous female general who was currently guarding Xuanfu, and Man Gui.

However, most of these were promoted through military merit or due to the Tusi system. Very few ethnic minority scholars entered the Ming Dynasty bureaucracy through the formal imperial examinations, especially the Jinshi examination.

The Jurchen people were a particularly unique case.

From the emperor to ordinary officials, the court held a completely different view of the Jurchens compared to other ethnic minorities, simply because the deep-seated grudges between the two sides had led to decades of war in Liaodong, with the blood feud proving difficult to resolve.

In particular, those upright officials who uphold the traditional concepts of "distinguishing between Chinese and barbarians" and "strictly guarding against barbarians and Chinese" would most likely resolutely oppose allowing Jurchens to participate in the imperial examinations, believing that this would be like inviting wolves into the house, fearing that they might spy on the true nature of the Central Plains, or even infiltrate the core of power, causing endless harm.

However, Hong Chengchou, having long served as a regional governor and possessing a deep understanding of expediency and governance, considered this matter in a more pragmatic and long-term perspective:
First, considering the practical need to stabilize the new political situation, Liaodong had just been recovered, and everything was in ruins, with people's hearts unsettled.

If a policy of pure rejection and prevention is adopted towards the naturalized Jurchens, it will undoubtedly deepen the estrangement, intensify the contradictions, and run counter to the goal of appeasing the people and consolidating rule after the war.

On the contrary, allowing those who admire Chinese customs and wish to abide by the Ming system to advance through the imperial examinations can demonstrate leniency and entice them to submit.

Secondly, the imperial court has always implemented the traditional strategy of "using Chinese culture to transform the barbarians" towards ethnic minorities. Simply put, the Ming Dynasty has consistently promoted an assimilation policy towards ethnic minorities in the border regions, rather than simply rejecting them.

Therefore, Hong Chengchou believes that the key lies in setting clear standards for "naturalization".

Jurchen scholars like Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an must be required to demonstrate their determination and actions in thoroughly assimilating into Han culture.

For example, adopting a Han surname and given name is the most external and important sign of identity transformation, signifying a break from the old tribal identity.

Secondly, studying Confucian classics requires mastering the Four Books and Five Classics, and accepting and identifying with the values ​​and ethical system of Han culture, which is the core of cultural identity.

Adhere to the clothing, etiquette, and laws of the Ming Dynasty: In terms of clothing, hairstyle (although in a transitional period), and behavior, fully comply with the regulations of the Ming Dynasty, and thoroughly "Sinicize" in terms of lifestyle.

Furthermore, there must be reliable guarantees and inclusion in the household registration system. Local officials or gentry must guarantee the integrity of their identity and sincerity in naturalization, and they must be included in the Lijia household registration system of the Ming Dynasty and subject to government management.

But it's clear that those who passed the imperial examinations had already met these requirements.

Furthermore, at the beginning of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict stating:
“Since Mongols and Semu people live on our land, they are our children, and those with talent should be promoted and employed.”

A simple translation is:
Since the Mongols and Semu people have already settled on our land, they are our people.

Talented people should be promoted and utilized equally, regardless of their nationality.

This reflects an inclusive and assimilative ideology during the dynasty's heyday: as long as one is willing to accept the king's rule and become a "child of the people," one can be employed according to one's talents.

In conclusion, Hong Chengchou felt that there was no problem in sending the two Jurchen scholars to the capital to participate in the imperial examination.

However, Hong Chengchou's thoughts on "transforming the barbarians with Chinese culture" and "promoting them as a whole" were ultimately just wishful thinking based on the realities of local governance as a high-ranking official.

He knew that this matter concerned the dignity of the court and the public opinion of scholars, and it was not something he could decide alone.

Therefore, immediately after the results of the Liaodong provincial examination were announced and Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an were confirmed as successful candidates, Hong Chengchou did not dare to delay and personally drafted a memorial with rigorous wording and sufficient reasons.

He explained in detail the cause and effect of the matter, the naturalization status of the two individuals, and his own suggestions for handling the situation, and sent the report to the capital by express courier.

He hoped that the imperial court could give clear instructions as soon as possible so that the follow-up matters of these two special candidates could be properly arranged.

Unfortunately, when this urgent report arrived in the capital, Zhu Cilang was away in Hanzhong supervising the troops.

As was customary, important official documents concerning the imperial examinations and border ethnic affairs were delivered directly to the Wenyuan Pavilion, the central office handling daily government affairs.

When the scribe on duty presented this memorial, labeled "Eight Hundred Li Urgent Message from the Liaodong Governor's Office," to Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan, Xue Guoguan had just finished reviewing a memorial concerning the dredging of the Grand Canal.

He rubbed his throbbing temples and began to read Hong Chengchou's memorial carefully.

Initially, when Xue Guoguan saw Hong Chengchou report that the Liaodong provincial examination had been successfully held and a group of talents had been selected for the newly attached areas, he nodded slightly, thinking that Hong Chengchou was reliable in handling affairs.

However, when his gaze fell on the end of the list of successful candidates.

When they saw the names "Wu Shouren (original Jurchen name Wushiqi)" and "Chang Yong'an (original Jurchen name Sabing'a)," as well as the "Jurchen household" label that followed and Hong Chengchou's request that "he has changed his surname and given name to Han, studies Confucian classics, and follows Han customs, please allow him to enter the capital for the imperial examination."

Xue Guoguan's white eyebrows furrowed tightly, and his hand holding Shu paused slightly.

"This Hong Chengchou has really given me a difficult problem!"

Xue Guoguan put down the memorial, exhaled a long breath, and his face was full of solemnity and difficulty.

He couldn't make a decision on this matter, so he discussed it with several other core cabinet members.

Several of the Ming Dynasty's top civil officials passed Hong Chengchou's memorial around, each wearing an extremely complex and awkward expression. They looked at each other, and for a moment, no one spoke first.

Finally, it was the straightforward Fan Jingwen who broke the silence. He pointed to the memorial, his voice filled with disbelief and astonishment:
"This Jurchen has passed the imperial examination? And he even wants to participate in our national examination? How dare Hong Chengchou do this! Isn't this a violation of ancestral laws and a confusion of the distinction between Chinese and barbarians?"

He shook his head repeatedly, his white beard trembling slightly with excitement.

Zhang Zhifa was relatively more composed, but his brows were furrowed, and he pondered:
"The reasons given by Governor Hong in his memorial were not entirely unreasonable. Liaodong had just been recovered, and the people's hearts were not yet won over. If those who admired the king's rule were turned away, it would discourage those who wanted to submit, which would be inappropriate for stabilizing the overall situation."

"However, this matter is far too shocking. Once it is made public, who knows what kind of uproar it will cause throughout the court and the public, especially among the censors and officials who dare to speak out." Xue Guoguan leaned back in his armchair, his fingertips lightly tapping the smooth rosewood tabletop, producing a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound, before slowly speaking:

"Gentlemen, things have come to this point. What we need to discuss now is not whether Hong Chengchou should have done this, but how the court should respond."

"We are now faced with only two paths."

He held up two fingers:
"First, it was categorically rejected. On the grounds that 'barbarians are not allowed to study the laws and regulations of our China,' the qualifications of the two Jurchens who passed the Liaodong provincial examination were not recognized. Hong Chengchou's request was explicitly rejected, and they were ordered not to enter the capital or participate in the metropolitan examination."

"This move can preserve the dignity of the court and silence the dissent of the upright officials."

"Secondly, there was limited acceptance. At Hong Chengchou's request, his status as a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination) was recognized, and he was allowed to enter the capital to participate in the metropolitan examination."

"After all, the founding emperor once clearly instructed, 'Since you live on my land, you are my children.' If you have talent, you can be promoted."

Xue Guoguan paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, before changing the subject and pointing out the drawbacks of each path:
"However, the first path seems straightforward, but it has considerable potential for future problems. Liaodong has just been pacified, and everything needs to be rebuilt. The court needs to show leniency to win over the people. If the newly surrendered people feel that the court still regards them as outsiders and has no capacity to tolerate them because of the matter of just two candidates, it may intensify the conflict."

"It may even force some people to harbor disloyal thoughts again. If another rebellion breaks out, the court's previous efforts in Liaodong may be in vain, and the court will once again be in a passive position."

He sighed and continued:
"But this second path is equally risky. Allowing the Jurchens to enter the imperial examination system, and even potentially enter the court in the future, is extremely difficult to overcome, not to mention whether they are truly assimilated or whether they will secretly influence the court's decisions on Liaodong and the Jurchens."

"Many censors and scholars, upholding the belief of 'strictly distinguishing between Chinese and barbarians,' regarded such matters as a monstrous flood."

"Once granted, impeachment petitions will likely arrive in droves, and accusations of the cabinet 'opening the door to thieves' and 'corrupting social order' will be heard incessantly."

"At that time, you and I will likely be condemned by thousands."

In the following days, this small council chamber became a battleground for fierce debates.

Several cabinet ministers and ministers expressed their opinions and debated endlessly.

Fan Jingwen and others insisted that the distinction between the civilized and the barbarian was a fundamental principle, and that the foundation of the nation should not be shaken for the sake of short-term gains. They strongly advocated for the rejection of the proposal.

Other cabinet members, however, viewed the situation from a pragmatic political perspective, believing that stability in Liaodong was paramount and that it was not advisable to create unnecessary complications at this time. They favored a limited acceptance of Liaodong, but with strict restrictions and careful consideration.

As the chief minister, Xue Guoguan spent most of his time listening and rarely expressed his opinion.

He weighed the pros and cons repeatedly, knowing that no matter what choice he made, he would inevitably face criticism.

However, he was well aware that although Zhu Cilang was not in the capital, his attention to Liaodong and his style of doing things were often unexpected. However, this matter involved two extremely sensitive core issues: the imperial examination system and the concept of Chinese versus barbarians. He dared not speculate on the Crown Prince's attitude, and he was even less willing to push such a difficult problem to the Crown Prince who was far away in Hanzhong.

The debate lasted for several days, but no agreement could be reached.

With the imperial examination date fast approaching, and after yet another deadlocked discussion, Xue Guoguan took a deep breath, slammed his hand on the table, and said in a deep voice:
"Gentlemen, there's no need to argue anymore!"

Everyone immediately fell silent, their eyes all turning to the Prime Minister.

Xue Guoguan stood up, looked around, and said firmly:
"I have thought this matter over and over again, and I believe that the overall situation should be taken into consideration. Therefore, I grant Hong Chengchou's request!"

Seeing that someone was about to object, he raised his hand to stop them and continued to explain his reasons:

"Firstly, since these two people had already changed their surnames to Han, learned Han script, and followed Han customs, Hong Chengchou also verified their family backgrounds and confirmed that they were indeed naturalized people and not those who colluded with the Jurchens."

"The 'childlike' teaching of Emperor Taizu applies perfectly to this."

"Secondly, Liaodong has just been annexed, and it is better to appease rather than provoke. If the court loses the trust of the newly annexed people because of these two people, it would be a great loss for a small matter."

"Thirdly, and most importantly."

Xue Guoguan paused, a meaningful, almost helpless smile appearing on his lips:
"Have you all forgotten? The imperial examination is a gathering place for the best talents in the country. The competition is so fierce that it is like thousands of troops crossing a single-plank bridge. Even if these two come, given their background and academic foundation, the possibility of them standing out among thousands of well-educated Han scholars and passing the imperial examination is extremely slim!"

"If that's the case, why should we risk being branded as an obstacle to the king's rule and a force for rebellion for something so unlikely?"

"Why not do them a favor and allow them to refer to this? This would not only demonstrate the magnanimity of our Celestial Empire, but also satisfy the opinions of the vast majority of people."

"After all, if they fail the exam, all the controversy will naturally disappear. If, by some chance, they really have extraordinary talent, then it is also due to the emperor's wisdom and the merit of his education. It is not necessarily a bad thing for the country and the people."

Xue Guoguan's analysis, especially the last point, carried a touch of the pragmatic and cunning of an experienced official judging a case, causing the other cabinet ministers present to fall into deep thought.

If you think about it carefully, it is indeed true.

Being allowed to take the exam as a reference does not guarantee that you will pass.

The imperial examination was a natural and extremely difficult barrier to overcome. In this way, the actual situation in Liaodong was taken into account, and an immediate storm of public opinion was avoided. It was a win-win solution.

The group exchanged glances. Although they still harbored some reservations, seeing the chief minister's resolute attitude and the undeniable reasoning behind it, they all nodded silently, reluctantly agreeing to Xue Guoguan's decision.

Therefore, the cabinet quickly drafted its approval opinion, using rather vague wording such as "allowing him to participate in the imperial examination according to regulations, and instructing the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate his naturalization status," and issued it to the Ministry of Rites and Hong Chengchou.

At the cabinet level, this matter was considered settled.

However, neither Xue Guoguan nor the other cabinet ministers subconsciously regarded this matter as a particularly important and urgent matter, and did not report it specifically to Zhu Cilang, who was far away in Hanzhong.

In their view, this was ultimately a special case within the imperial examination system, the principles for handling it had already been established, and it was unlikely to have any substantial impact. It was a "minor matter" that the cabinet could handle within its authority, and there was no need to trouble the crown prince with it.

They may even subconsciously hope that the matter will pass quietly, avoiding unnecessary attention and controversy.

Therefore, when Zhu Cilang returned to the capital after concluding his affairs in Hanzhong, no one specifically mentioned this matter to him, leaving him completely unaware of the existence of these two special examinees. (End of Chapter)