To the First Emperor of Qin: The state has decreed this!

Knowledge was carried on bamboo slips and expensive silk books!

A single set of bamboo slips from the Book of Songs is enough to consume the harvest of an ordinary farmer for several years!

For ordinary people, even literacy is difficult!

Let alone studying those vast seas of classics?

As long as the exam's threshold is set high enough and the content is profound enough!

So, those who ultimately pass the exam and enter the imperial court!

It will still be these aristocratic families that have enough financial resources to support their children's education!

Having figured this out, many officials who were grieving for their parents just yesterday have become more understanding.

He regained his composure and even watched his colleagues argue with interest.

On the dragon throne.

Ying Zheng's face was ashen, and he remained silent.

I thought yesterday's swift and decisive actions would have made them more restrained!

Unexpectedly, these people, for their own selfish interests, still behaved in such a disgraceful manner.

Prime Minister Li Si stood at the head of all the officials.

At this moment, I'm also at my wit's end, completely overwhelmed.

Ying Zheng's silence made him uneasy, and the quarrels of the officials annoyed him even more.

Amidst the chaos, a high-pitched announcement came from outside the palace.

"Summon Zhang Fan, Director of the Academy of Natural Sciences, to the main hall for an audience!"

"Buzz—"

This announcement instantly silenced the Qilin Palace.

All the arguing officials fell silent, like ducks being choked.

They all turned their heads at the same time and looked in the direction of the palace gate.

Every face was filled with astonishment, vigilance, and a deep... palpitation.

Zhang Fan?

Why is this jinx here again?

Wasn't he a Taoist priest, or a dean who investigated natural phenomena?

According to custom, they don't participate in politics!

What is he doing here today?

Two high-ranking officials were executed yesterday!

He abolished the centuries-old recommendation system, turning the entire court upside down!

He came again today, could it be... that he's up to something again?

In a short time.

An ominous premonition rose in the hearts of all the officials.

Under the complex yet wary gazes of the officials, Zhang Fan, dressed in a brand-new dean's official uniform, stood out.

With unhurried steps, they slowly entered the Qilin Hall.

He first bowed respectfully to Ying Zheng on the dragon throne:

"Your subject Zhang Fan greets Your Majesty!"

then.

He turned around, smiling as he surveyed the silent officials, and asked, knowing the answer already:

"Wow, the imperial court is quite lively today!"

"Gentlemen, why are you all so angry so early in the morning? What are you all talking about?"

Ying Zheng's face twitched as he looked at his troublemaking demeanor.

He couldn't help but cough loudly.

"Ahem!"

Give me a break!

Zhang Fan immediately understood, his smile vanished, and he adopted a serious expression.

Seeing this, Li Si quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Zhang Fan, and said with a wry smile:

"Immortal Master, you may not know this, but we are currently arguing endlessly about the specific regulations for the imperial examinations."

He hadn't finished speaking.

An official could no longer contain himself and jumped out, pointing the finger directly at Zhang Fan.

"Hmph! In the end, isn't this all trouble caused by you, Zhang Fan!"

The official, his face contorted with rage, shouted:

"Let's not even talk about how the exam content will be determined!"

"Just the cost of the examination papers, writing materials, and examination venues required for the annual imperial examinations alone is enormous."

"The national treasury is already empty; where will the surplus funds come from to support such enormous expenditures?"

"Your actions appear to be for the sake of selecting talent for the country!"

"In reality, it is a waste of public resources and manpower, and a disruption of the government! Its intentions are sinister!"

This statement came out.

This was immediately echoed by many officials.

"Indeed! The imperial examinations have squandered enormous sums; this is not a wise move!"

"For aristocratic families like ours, the bamboo slips used to educate a single scion are worth a thousand gold pieces!"

"If we want all scholars in the world to refer to this..."

"How will the national treasury cover the cost of using those bamboo slips?"

"Easy for you to say! Where will the money come from?"

"Are they going to increase taxes again?"

They found a new point of attack and launched their offensive.

The military officers stood aside, watching the show without making a sound!

For them, civil officials are always fighting amongst themselves!

As long as it doesn't involve the military merit system, it has little to do with them.

however.

Instead of getting angry, Zhang Fan suddenly laughed.

That smile was full of confidence, and a hint of... pity.

"Gentlemen, are you troubled by money?"

Zhang Fan's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly carried throughout the entire hall, drowning out all the noise.

He slowly walked out, his gaze sweeping over each of the clamoring officials, and said leisurely:

"What you gentlemen say is absolutely right. Bamboo slips are expensive, and silk books are rare!"

"The transmission of knowledge is indeed at a huge cost!"

"This is indeed the biggest obstacle to the implementation of the imperial examination system!"

Hearing that Zhang Fan actually admitted this.

The officials who opposed the movement immediately showed smug expressions.

See? Even he admitted it himself!

Now let's see how you clean up this mess.

However, before they could even rejoice...

Zhang Fan changed the subject, and the smile on his lips became meaningful.

"But...who told you that knowledge must be stored on bamboo slips?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was stunned!

If not bamboo slips, what should we use?

Is it passed down by word of mouth?

Wouldn't that be even less reliable?

Chunyu Yue couldn't help but sneer:

"Instead of bamboo slips, does the immortal master intend for all scholars to carve their essays on stone and memorize them for the examinations?"

"Ha ha ha ha……"

A burst of laughter erupted inside the hall.

Zhang Fan ignored his sarcasm and simply clapped his hands lightly towards the outside of the hall.

"Guards, bring forth the gifts I present to His Majesty!"

The words fell.

Two strong eunuchs carried a huge tray and walked steadily into the Qilin Hall.

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to the mysterious tray.

"What is that?"

"Making a big fuss!"

Amidst the murmurs of the officials, the eunuch steadily placed the tray in the center of the hall.

Zhang Fan walked to the tray, looked at Ying Zheng on the dragon throne, and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, I happened to find something in the Imperial Academy of Natural History yesterday!"

"This item might be able to resolve the current predicament of the imperial court!"

A hint of curiosity flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.

He was becoming increasingly excited about this kid's methods!

Ying Zheng nodded slightly:

"Bring it here."

Zhang Fan took a deep breath, suddenly reached out, and ripped off the black cloth covering it!

"Splash—"

For a moment, everyone's breath caught in their throats.

On the huge tray, stacks of hemp paper were neatly arranged!

It looked like cloth, but it was smoother and thinner than cloth.

It has a faint herbal fragrance, a smooth surface, and a uniform texture.

Most importantly, it's on the very top one!

With jet-black ink, neat lines of small characters were clearly written.

"What...what is this?"

An official gasped in disbelief, his face filled with astonishment.

Li Si's pupils constricted sharply.

He stared intently at the writing on it; the ink was even, the strokes were clear, and there was no smudging whatsoever!

How...how is this possible?