Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 148 Reforming the Imperial Examination System, Rulan's Marriage

Upon hearing this, Han Zhang, Shen Shiqi, and the others exchanged glances.

Zhao Han stared intently at Wang Anshi and said in a deep voice, "I am not unaware of what you have said, Minister Wang."

"However, reform is not child's play. If we make a wrong move, we may not only fail to revive the dynasty, but also bring chaos and instability to the court."

Wang Anshi was a very capable man. His proposal for reform was intended to find a way out for the country and its people, and was by no means for his own selfish interests.

However, his methods were too radical, and he couldn't tolerate any delays.

He hadn't considered that both the court officials and the common people would need time to adapt to the new system.

There were already factions in the imperial court. Wang Anshi led the ministers who supported the reforms and refused to budge an inch in pushing forward the new laws. They were known as the New Party.

Another faction, clinging to the idea that the ancestral laws should not be changed, vehemently opposed the movement and became known as the Old Party, backed by a large number of nobles.

The two parties' struggle has escalated from verbal battles to power struggles and mutual attacks.

When the New Party came to power, it demoted officials of the Old Party to remote and impoverished areas.

The old party was reinstated and abolished all the new laws promoted by the new party, not even those that had already achieved some success.

After years of struggle, Wang Anshi's reforms ended in failure, and he retired to Jiangning to live out his days.

While the new law has achieved some success, its drawbacks far outweigh its benefits.

Wang Anshi was thus branded a treacherous minister, and his reputation only gradually improved centuries later.

Han Zhang quickly chimed in, "The Emperor is right. Lord Wang, you must not act impulsively based on your emotions."

Wang Anshi snorted lightly, his expression resolute, ignoring his words, and cupped his hands, saying, "If Your Majesty wishes to recover the Yan and Yun regions, the Ministry of Revenue must have sufficient surplus silver to support military supplies."

"I have a Green Sprouts Law that can be implemented and tested next February. It will surely be effective!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he took out another memorial and presented it to the emperor's desk with both hands.

Seeing the curiosity on Han Zhang and the others' faces, Zhao Han finished reading and gestured for them to come forward and take a look.

The Green Sprouts Act was essentially a low-interest loan program issued by the imperial court to the people.

It is conducted in two phases each year, before spring and summer plowing, and involves five or ten households forming a baojia (a unit of land administration) to provide mutual guarantees for loans.

The interest rate is 20% per period, which is far lower than the interest rates in the private sector. People can also choose to repay with money or in kind.

"Your Majesty, during my years of service in various places, I have seen many people who, when their land is scarce, have no choice but to borrow money from landlords and powerful families to make a living."

“The powerful and wealthy lenders have no mercy; for every string of cash borrowed, two strings or even more must be repaid.”

“If the people are unable to repay their debts, their cattle, sheep, and farm tools will be forcibly taken away, and they will even be forced to write documents to sell their land and houses, eventually turning them into vagrants.”

"This method can not only help the people overcome difficulties, but also enrich the national treasury and curb the land grabbing by powerful families. It is truly a win-win situation!"

After Wang Anshi finished speaking, the hall fell silent, and Han Zhang and the others frowned in thought.

The Green Sprouts Act, at first glance, does seem to benefit the country and its people.

After a moment, Zhao Han sighed softly and said slowly, "Minister Wang, this method has many drawbacks."

Upon hearing this, Wang Anshi's expression changed drastically.

He could tell that the new emperor had lofty ambitions, so he came here full of confidence, but he didn't expect to be rejected so easily.

"It may be effective in the short term, but not all officials in the world can be as upright as Minister Wang."

“If this continues, corrupt officials will inevitably proliferate, and the people will not only fail to benefit but will also suffer harm.”

Good laws also need good officials!

"The most important task for the Great Zhou right now, as you just said, is to clean up the bureaucracy. Only then can your good plan be implemented gradually."

The practice of granting official positions through nepotism was rampant in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

On important holidays, such as the triennial sacrificial ceremony to Heaven or the birthdays of officials, some official positions would be granted through hereditary privilege.

There were four empress dowagers, two empresses, and one official of the fourth rank or above.

During the reign of the late emperor, the number of positions available through hereditary privilege increased, and officials of the sixth rank and above could have three members of their family appointed as officials upon retirement.

When high-ranking officials of the first or second rank retired, the number of people granted hereditary privileges was as high as ten or more. As a result, not only the officials' sons, brothers, nephews and other blood relatives, but also their retainers and students could enter the court as officials through hereditary privileges.

Even infants in swaddling clothes could have official titles and enjoy salaries, and were called "swaddling officials".

Wang Anshi lowered his eyes, quickly considered the matter in his mind, and determined that Zhao Han had ideas for reform.

He was the first to bow and say, "Your Majesty is right."

"I believe that an order should be issued immediately to reduce the number of officials granted official positions through hereditary privilege. All those granted official positions through hereditary privilege should be examined by the Ministry of Personnel on their knowledge of policy and classics."

"Furthermore, although the poems and essays in the imperial examinations are elegant, they are of no practical use."

"I humbly request that the poetry and prose section be abolished, and that the examinations be conducted solely on the interpretation of classics, essays, and policy proposals. Only in this way can we select capable and practical individuals who are well-versed in worldly affairs, rather than those who merely compose poems about the wind and moon!"

Han Zhang frowned deeply.

"Your Majesty, the imperial examination is indeed intended to select officials and should indeed focus on practical skills. I believe that what Lord Wang said is reasonable in abolishing the poetry and prose subject."

"But the Emperor has only been on the throne for a year, and the political situation has just been stabilized. At this moment, a sudden order to reduce the benefits of officials receiving hereditary privileges may cause unrest."

Zhao Han sighed softly. The mess left by the late emperor would be difficult to turn around without spending several years.

He nodded and said, "That's right. Our dynasty has long suffered from deep-seated problems that cannot be eliminated in a day. We must not be too hasty."

Then, he turned his attention to Wang Anshi, saying, "I approve of Minister Wang's proposal to reform the imperial examination system."

"You will be the chief examiner for next year's imperial examination."

Wang Anshi's eyes dimmed slightly as he bowed respectfully, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree."

After leaving the Wenhua Hall, Shenshi walked side by side with him.

“Jiefu, you are becoming more and more impulsive these days. Enforcing laws is a matter of national importance, and you must avoid being rash and greedy for credit.”

Wang Anshi snorted coldly and strode forward, quickly putting distance between himself and Shen Shiqi.

-

With the end of the year approaching, Rulan's wedding is just around the corner.

As the Empress's younger sister, her marriage naturally had to be arranged in an extremely grand and meticulous manner.

Wang Ruofu has been extremely busy lately, afraid of making any mistakes that would make her a laughingstock.

Sheng Hong was the same way. He hadn't been this attentive when Hua Lan got married or when Chang Bai got married.

Wen Yanjing was a civil official of the Qingliu faction, and in such a prestigious and respectable position as the Hanlin Academy, his salary was meager.

It can only guarantee a basic standard of living; there's no way to save any money.

The Wen family was poor and only had a dilapidated ancestral home in the suburbs.

Moreover, Wen Yanjing's mother used all the savings she had accumulated over the years to support her second son, Wen Yanshe.

It took a lot of effort to prepare all the betrothal gifts for the Sheng family.

Wang Ruofu was worried that Rulan would suffer, so he originally wanted to buy her a large three-courtyard house so that she and Wen Yanjing could move there after their marriage.

But under the old lady's strong persuasion, she gave up her idea and only bought a small courtyard house in Hanlin Lane, where land is extremely valuable.

The main house had three rooms, two rooms each in the east and west wings, and two additional side rooms. Though small, it was fully equipped, and all the furnishings were handled by Liu Mama.

Inside the Wei Rui Xuan, Wang Ruofu leaned against a soft couch, gently waving a round fan, her face full of displeasure.

"Wen Yanjing is a good person, but I really can't stand the people in his family."

"Since Ru'er was born, when has she ever lived in a courtyard house? Even in Quanzhou, our Sheng family has always rented a three-courtyard house!"

"When I first stepped into that narrow courtyard, I couldn't even breathe."

Standing beside Wang Ruofu, Liu Mama massaged her shoulders as she spoke, "Madam, please calm down. The old lady is genuinely concerned for Fifth Miss and is thinking of her long-term future."

"How come I didn't notice? I don't know if my Ru'er can endure this hardship."

"That silly girl, of all people she could have chosen, she had to pick the Wen family."

Wang Ruofu looked up to the sky and sighed, wishing he could grab Rulan by the ear and give her a good scolding.

After a moment's thought, Liu Mama said in a low voice, "Madam, please think it over carefully!"

"If the house is too big, won't the entire Wen family clamor to move here together?"

“Wen’s son is a reasonable person. He knows that his mother favors Erlang, but he is young and thin-skinned. Moreover, he is working in a place like the Hanlin Academy. Even if he is unwilling, he cannot refuse on the surface.”

"If others label me as unfilial, how will I ever earn a title for my fifth daughter?"

"If we live under the same roof, the Wen family has been struggling all these years, and now our daughter is suddenly bringing so much dowry, wouldn't they be envious?"

"The second son of the Wen family and his wife seem to be very shrewd, while the fifth daughter is straightforward and naive."

"If her dowry is missing a few items in the future, she will definitely cry and make a scene. She would never secretly try to find out the truth."

"Does Madam really intend to set aside her dignity and status to seek justice for Fifth Miss? If word gets out, won't she be laughed at?"

"The house is small, only enough for the young couple to live in, so there is no reason for the Wen family to move here."

"With this generous dowry, even if Wen's son's salary can't cover the household expenses, our daughter can still live a life of luxury and comfort, without having to serve her mother-in-law every day."

hiss--

After thinking it over, Wang Ruofu turned to look at Liu Mama, and was greatly surprised. "That makes sense. The old lady can think so thoroughly about my Ru'er?"

"Madam, what you're saying is true. Apart from the fourth daughter, the old lady has always been meticulous in planning the marriages of all her children."

Wang Ruofu gently shook her head, "The old lady is indeed farsighted. I hope my Ru'er's choice today is correct."

Three days later, the Sheng family decorated their home with lanterns and colorful decorations, with festive red lanterns hanging high on both sides.

The maids, servants, and pageboys, with red ribbons tied around their waists, moved swiftly through the courtyard.

Outside the mansion, carriages and horses gathered in great numbers, and crowds thronged, with all the prominent noble families in the city in attendance.

How could they not come when the Emperor's father-in-law's family was celebrating a happy occasion!

Sheng Hong, dressed in a crimson brocade robe, stood at the gate with a beaming smile, repeatedly bowing to the numerous guests in return.

Wang Ruofu was greeting the group of women in the flower hall.

"Congratulations, Madam, on finding such a fine husband. But with Fifth Miss's background and looks, Madam is truly willing to marry her off." As she spoke, a member of an official's family affectionately took Wang Ruofu's hand.

"Yes, when I first heard about this, I thought it was just a rumor."

"This young master of the Wen family must be exceptionally talented and handsome to have caught the eye of Lord Sheng and his wife."

"..."

Several people surrounded her, chatting amongst themselves.

Wang Ruofu straightened her back, a polite and dignified smile on her face, "You're all joking, what's this about marrying down or not?"

“My husband often says that when choosing a son-in-law, one should value talent and virtue more than family background. Although my son-in-law is poor, he is a proper scholar who passed the imperial examinations twice. My husband values ​​such a down-to-earth young man who earns his future through his own abilities.”

"Your family's reputation for integrity is truly well-deserved! It's a pity that your seventh son is still young, otherwise I would definitely want to come and try to get in touch with you."

A government official's wife exclaimed with a smile.

Wang Ruofu nodded slightly, feeling very pleased, and turned to greet another group.

In Rulan's boudoir.

The decorations here were particularly grand, with red silk hanging high and the air filled with the fragrance of flowers.

After paying respects to her ancestors in the ancestral hall, she was now sitting in front of a bronze mirror, her face lightly powdered, while her maids, including Magpie, were methodically combing her hair.

"After I get married, you'll be all alone at home. If you feel bored, feel free to come and talk to me to relieve your boredom."

Rulan held her head and glanced at Minglan gently.

Minglan smiled, her eyes crinkling, looking exceptionally radiant and charming. "Okay, I'll go when I have time."

"It's a deal. You can't be lazy then. You have to cook delicious food for me like before: steamed duck with fermented rice wine, braised pork knuckle with ham, goose breast with rouge... I want them all." Rulan's clear voice echoed in the boudoir.

Minglan nodded repeatedly.

At this moment, Mo Lan, accompanied by her maid Qiu Jiang, stepped forward and sat down on a soft stool to the side.

The cheerful atmosphere inside the room immediately diminished.

"Fourth Sister is here too!" Rulan glanced at her sideways and greeted her in a lukewarm manner.

Mo Lan raised her hand to smooth the hair on her forehead and said softly, "How could I not come to such a joyous occasion as my fifth sister's wedding?"

"Could it be that my fifth sister doesn't welcome me?"

Rulan snorted lightly, "I wouldn't dare, please do as you please, Fourth Sister."

The magpie's eyes darted around, and it wisely picked up a gold and kingfisher feather hairpin from the dressing case, deliberately raising its voice.

"Would you like to wear this hairpin that Her Majesty bestowed upon you, young lady?"

"Of course I'll take it! It's a special gift from Her Majesty, so I have to wear it!" As she spoke, a smile flashed in Rulan's eyes.

Then she looked at Minglan, raised her chin and said, "Sixth Sister, when you get married in the future, the Empress will certainly not be short of your share."

Minglan knew that she was saying this on purpose so that Molan would hear it.

So she readily agreed, "Fifth Sister is right. Her Majesty has always been kind to us, so of course she always remembers us."

Mo Lan looked at them, couldn't help but twitch the corners of her mouth, and clenched her handkerchief tightly.

After a moment, she said quietly, "Fifth Sister has always been pampered at home. Will she be able to get used to living in Hanlin Lane in the future?"

"I've heard that Wen's mother is illiterate and speaks very crudely. How will my fifth sister get along with her in the future?"

Rulan chuckled lightly, then said with a stiff neck, "Fourth Sister's Earl's Mansion is indeed grand, and her mother-in-law comes from a prestigious family. I just wonder if her eldest son, born out of wedlock, still listens to Fourth Sister?"

"Being a mother as soon as you enter the family is such a blessing that only our fourth sister has. We can't possibly be worthy of it."

“You…” Mo Lan’s face immediately darkened; these words had truly hit a nerve.

She took a deep breath and turned to leave. She had come over to mock Rulan, but instead she ended up making herself quite angry.

In the front hall, Gu Tingye was exchanging pleasantries with Qi Heng, Sheng Changfeng, and others.

Sheng Changbai was serving in a post outside the capital, and it was not a sinecure. Therefore, he and Hai Chaoyun only sent someone to deliver a dowry gift to Rulan.

(End of this chapter)