My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 569 The Old Father's Painful Wishes!
Gao Yu took Zu Ting's exam paper and began to read it carefully.

Zu Ting's answer to how to deal with the various tribes of the northern grasslands was different from Gao Cheng's.

His perspective is broader.

It was proposed to establish several special places on the border for trade with the grasslands. One of the biggest reasons why the various grassland tribes raided southward was that they could not survive the white plague in winter and had no choice but to go south to plunder.

If we could establish trade and sell them winter rations, their motivation to raid south would be diminished. Moreover, we could exchange these goods for much-needed cattle, sheep, and horses for the Central Plains, benefiting both sides.

Like the people of the Central Plains, the people of the grasslands will not rebel as long as they have food to eat and are not starving.

Besides.

He also suggested opening a channel to allow the grassland people who had submitted to him to participate in the imperial examinations. This would allow the people of the grasslands to learn the script and language of the Central Plains, and eventually be completely assimilated by the culture of the Central Plains, evolving into people who, although different in appearance, had no difference in their core essence.

Gao Yu was somewhat taken aback. He looked up at Yang Yin and Cui Xian. No wonder these two said Zu Ting was talented.

Even a modern person would be amazed by this answer sheet. In the social context of ancient times, to think of using cultural identity to gradually assimilate a different race is an extraordinary vision.

of course……

There are clues to be found.

Zu Ting cited the example of the Xianbei, Gaoche and other tribes who migrated south to the Central Plains. After hundreds of years of living together, these people who migrated south to the Central Plains have actually been largely assimilated by the Han people.

Gao Huan was also curious, and Gao Yu handed him the exam paper.

After reading it, Gao Huan had the same expression: "This person... is indeed talented."

to be honest.

Zu Ting's solution was the most righteous approach: directly assimilate the other ethnic groups and establish a shared cultural identity. However, this righteous approach to education is slow to take effect and requires a long time. It would take at least two to three generations of people on the grasslands to gradually see the results.

"This person's answer sheet is most suitable for Ah Hui's..."

After reading through all the answer sheets submitted by Gao Yu, he felt that those of Zu Ting and Gao Cheng were the best. "In addition, the answer sheets of Gao Dezheng, Song Youdao and others are also quite good."

Yang Yin and Cui Xian exchanged a glance, then Yang Yin looked at Gao Yu and asked, "I wonder who the Prime Minister intends to appoint as the top scholar?"

This really put Gao Yu in a difficult position.

Theoretically speaking, either of them could be the top scholar, and he subconsciously looked at Gao Huan.

Gao Huan immediately spoke up, "In my opinion, Zu Ting is more suitable..."

Gao Yu thought for a moment, "Go... check if Song Youdao graduated from the Prefectural Military Academy?"

After Chen Yuankang got up and left in a hurry, he quickly returned and told Gao Yu about Song Youdao's detailed background: "This man's ancestors were from the Song family of Dunhuang. His father once served as the governor of Bohai and was known for his filial piety. When Ge Rong rebelled, the young Song Youdao and his father fled to Shandong to escape the chaos, and then Xing Gao rebelled..."

Gao Yu nodded.

In other words, Song Youdao's ancestors were from a prominent and powerful family, but they had fallen on hard times due to the rebellions of Ge Rong and Xing Gao. He joined the local militia and then went to school.

"Then let's choose this person as the third-ranked scholar."

Everyone nodded, clearly understanding Gao Yu's thoughts.

Gao Dezheng is also from the Bohai Gao clan. He has been studying at the Imperial Academy for many years. If he and Song Youdao are evenly matched, then Song Youdao's background in the military system gives him a significant advantage.

Gao Yu established the imperial examination system to provide an upward path for those from humble backgrounds. Although Song Youdao was not truly from the lower class, he was definitely a scholar from a poor family. By promoting him and setting him up as an example, he spent a fortune to buy his bones, thus inspiring others.

As for the top scholar?

Gao Yu understood Gao Huan's good intentions and felt that he should do so.

Gao Cheng's life has been too smooth from birth to now. A life that is too smooth is not a good thing. Rather than letting him encounter setbacks in the future, it is better to let him encounter a setback now.

………………

Jin Fengtai, next to Longmen Bridge.

A large number of students gathered here, making it a lively place.

Because today is the day the results are released.

"Ah Hui! Ah Hui, with your talent, you're sure to be the top scholar!"

"Absolutely, Ah Hui's talent is highly praised by all the teachers at the Imperial Academy."

Wei Jie and Lan Jing were Gao Cheng's staunch followers. In addition, there was Sima Ziru's son, Sima Xiaonan. "Brother, your father is the current Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and your uncle is the Prime Minister. Why bother with the imperial examinations? Once you come of age, you can directly enter the court as an official."

Sima Xiaonan pursed his lips, completely bewildered.

In his view, if you are born into a powerful family and have resources but don't make use of them, wouldn't that be a waste of those resources?

"What do you know?"

Gao Cheng sneered, "I have always had this ability. Even without the help of my father's influence, I can still enter the court as an official!"

"The results are about to be released. Go check if I'm the top scholar!"

Lan Jing's size gave him a huge advantage; his chubby figure led the way, quickly creating a passage for Gao Cheng.

And at this time...

Chen Yuankang, surrounded by his soldiers, walked over and ordered the final results list to be posted!

"Excuse me, make way!"

"Look! Look!"

Who is the top scholar?

"…………"

The already noisy environment suddenly became chaotic, with everyone pushing and shoving each other forward.

Soon, someone with sharp eyes shouted loudly.

"The top scholar is... Zu Ting!"

"Zu Ting??"

"That sycophant?"

"Damn it! I should have handed in my paper early and flattered the Prime Minister."

"The Zu family of Fanyang is a prominent clan, how could they produce such a person?"

"…………"

Zu Ting's actions in the examination hall that day were witnessed by everyone. It is difficult for people to admit that they are inferior to others. Subconsciously, people felt that Zu Ting was named the top scholar because he compared Gao Yu to a 'sage'.

Gao Cheng was struck dumb by lightning amidst the crowd!
His first thought was whether someone had misread it.

"Impossible! How could I lose to him?!"

Gao Cheng was furious. Other students were blocking his way, and in his rage, he punched and kicked them, carving a path through them.

Chen Yuankang noticed the problem immediately.

He was quick-witted; he called over the person next to him, and soon...

Clad in armor, Gao Yang arrived at the chaotic scene of the results announcement. He frowned and approached Gao Cheng.

When Gao Cheng saw that it was Gao Yang, he became even more enraged, yelling, "You brat, get out of my way!"

Gao Yang looked around and frowned. "Brother, if you continue to cause trouble, you will only bring shame to Father and Uncle!"

"roll!"

Seeing that Gao Cheng had lost his temper, Gao Yang sneered, "I can tolerate you in other matters, but if you want to embarrass your father and uncle, I won't let you have your way!"

In Gao Cheng's astonished gaze.

Gao Yang grabbed his collar and forcefully subdued him to the ground. No matter how much Gao Cheng struggled, he could not break free and could only utter harsh words in a fit of impotent rage.

Gao Yang remained unmoved and ordered his men to take him away.

He then coldly surveyed the crowd and threatened in a chilling voice, "Behave yourselves. If anyone dares to cause trouble in front of the Prime Minister's residence again, don't blame us Xuanjia soldiers for showing no mercy! Being on the list is a joyous occasion, so let's not let it turn into a disaster."

Gao Yang has a lot of lives on his hands. Don't be fooled by his young age; his eyes, which have seen real killings, can easily intimidate these examinees.

The chaotic scene was immediately restored to order.

(End of this chapter)