Rise of a Lonely City: From Exiled Prince to Ruler of the Nine Provinces

Spring of the fifth year of Xuanji.

The palace walls of the new capital of Chang'an were beginning to take shape, rising like the skeleton of a giant dragon on the Guanzhong Plain.

The land survey for equal distribution was being carried out with difficulty in some prefectures and counties, while the imperial edict for the civil service examination inspired countless students studying diligently.

The dust on the official road was raised by the first group of laborers, and the fast horses at the post station began to break through the dawn more frequently.

Amid a series of reforms aimed at reshaping the empire's structure and essence, a vision focused on the future and intended to fundamentally shape the empire's spirit and talent base began to take shape in Xiao Chen's mind—to establish the Great Xia Academy to replace the old Imperial Academy.

The Imperial Academy of the previous dynasty, and even the earlier Imperial College, had long since become defunct in name only.

Years of war have ravaged the school, causing its buildings to fall into disrepair, doctors to scatter, and students to become displaced.

Even if some survived, they mostly became places for aristocratic children to gild their resumes, where they were taught nothing but rigid Confucian classics and learned nothing but poetry and prose, offering almost no practical benefit to the study of governing the country.

Although the imperial examination system provided a path for those from humble backgrounds to advance their careers, if the scholars of the world still learned the old-fashioned knowledge that was detached from current affairs and focused on empty talk about morality, then what use would the selected talents be to the country, no matter how brilliant their writings were? What benefit would they bring to the new policies?

In the study of Zichen Palace, Xiao Chen summoned Han Yu, the newly appointed Minister of Rites, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and several Hanlin scholars known for their erudition and open-mindedness.

"I intend to select an auspicious site in the new city of Chang'an to build the 'Great Xia Academy'."

Xiao Chen got straight to the point, pushing a sketch he had personally drawn to the crowd. "This academy is not meant to replace the imperial examinations, but rather to be the source of the imperial examinations, the foundation of talent cultivation, the origin of scholarship, and the ideological cornerstone of the new policies."

Everyone tensed up, knowing that the emperor was about to make another big move.

The Minister of Rites cautiously inquired, "Your Majesty, the old system of the Imperial Academy can be followed with modifications. Why start from scratch and build a new academy? Moreover, the construction costs..."

"The old system is outdated and can no longer be continued."

Xiao Chen waved his hand to interrupt, "Aren't you all aware of the deep-seated problems at the Imperial Academy? What it teaches is outdated classics; what it teaches is flowery language; what it nurtures are pampered children."

"What use is it to the national economy and people's livelihood, border defense and military administration, finance and justice? If the imperial examination system fails to select truly learned individuals and merely recruits a group of pedantic scholars who only know how to quote from classical texts and are ignorant of worldly affairs, what benefit is it to the court? What advantage does it bring to the people?"

His gaze swept across the crowd with intense intensity: "The academy I desire is one that can cultivate truly useful talents who are well-versed in the classics, understand current affairs, know the law, are knowledgeable in military strategy, are skilled in mathematics, and are knowledgeable in construction!"

It is a place that can continuously supply capable officials and cadres to the imperial court and local areas!

It is a place where scholarship can be discussed, ideas can be refined, academic trends can be guided, and intellectual support can be provided for my national policies! Can the old Imperial Academy bear this responsibility?

His words were resounding and powerful, and everyone fell silent.

The Imperial Academy Chancellor, an old scholar with white hair and a deep understanding of classical texts, looked bitter but could not refute the argument.

He was among those who experienced the ills of the Imperial Academy firsthand.

Han Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty has lofty aspirations and wishes to promote practical learning and cultivate true talents. I wholeheartedly agree with this."

However, establishing an academy is no small matter. Where will the teachers come from? How will the students be selected? How will the curriculum be set up? How will funding be guaranteed? All of these require careful consideration.

Furthermore, the sudden replacement of the old Imperial Academy with a new one would likely draw criticism from conservative Confucian scholars, who would accuse it of deviating from sacred learning and advocating for strange and frivolous skills.

"What Prime Minister Han is worried about is very true."

Xiao Chen nodded. "Therefore, the Great Xia Academy is not intended to abandon classical studies, but rather to expand knowledge and apply it to practical use. My plan is roughly as follows—"

He gestured for the eunuch to unfold the sketch, which had already roughly divided the area into sections:

"First, the positioning of the academy: The Great Xia Academy is the highest institution of learning in the country, directly under my jurisdiction and assisted by the Ministry of Rites, but not subordinate to the old system of the Imperial Academy. It forms a hierarchy with the official schools in various prefectures and counties and private academies. The students of the academy are the essence of the nation's talents."

"Second, the source of students: First, students who are excellent in both academics and conduct are recommended by the official schools and famous academies of each prefecture and state according to a fixed quota."

Secondly, those who excelled in the imperial examinations, such as those who ranked highly in the second class of the Jinshi examination, or those who were outstanding in the Mingfa or Mingsuan examinations, could be selected to study there.

Thirdly, the imperial court could recruit those with special talents and potential, such as those who were proficient in law, arithmetic, geography, or crafts, without adhering to usual rules.

Fourth, children of nobles and high-ranking officials must undergo rigorous examinations before being admitted; unqualified individuals are not permitted to enter. In short, admission is strictly regulated; it is better to have none than to admit unqualified candidates.

"Third, the curriculum structure, which is fundamental and completely different from the old school system."

Xiao Chen pointed to the divisions on the sketch, "The academy is planned to be divided into six colleges, or six schools:"

"The Academy of Classical Studies: to study Confucian classics, but not to engage in empty talk or focus solely on chapters and sentences. Students must understand the main principles of the classics, be able to distinguish the merits and demerits of commentaries from different dynasties, and be able to use the classics to explain current affairs, cultivate themselves, and govern the country. Doctors of the Five Classics may be appointed, but they must invite truly learned and practical Confucian scholars."

"The Council of State Affairs: to study the systems and regulations of past dynasties, the merits and demerits of official governance, finance and criminal law, and practical matters concerning people's livelihood. To study the Ministry of Revenue's expenditure system, the Ministry of Justice's laws and regulations, and the essentials of local governance. Experienced retired officials and clerks from the Six Ministries can be invited to give lectures, or students can be sent to the Six Ministries for observation and practice."

"The Court of Law: specializes in the study of legal provisions, case precedents, and the essence of legal principles. It aims to cultivate judicial talents for our Great Xia who are proficient in laws and regulations and possess keen insight. It is required to compile the *Great Xia Law Commentary* as a teaching material."

"Gewuyuan: This is a newly established institution."

They studied practical subjects such as arithmetic, astronomy, geography, water conservancy, agriculture, sericulture, construction, and medicine.

Arithmetic is not just for bookkeeping; one must be familiar with the Nine Chapters on Arithmetic, understand Pythagorean theorem and measurement, and be able to calculate land taxes and engineering materials.

Astronomy and geography require knowledge of observation and drawing skills, as well as understanding the strategic importance of mountains and rivers, climate, and local products.

In agriculture, sericulture, and water conservancy, one must understand the hardships of farming and know how to build water conservancy projects and improve agricultural tools.

Skilled craftsmen and mathematical experts from the common people can be recruited as teachers.

"Military Strategy Institute: Studies in military strategy, battle drills, map surveying, ordnance manufacturing, and border defense."

The goal is not to cultivate mere brute force, but to cultivate generals and strategists capable of strategizing and winning battles from afar, or of organizing troops, strengthening border defenses, and consolidating military capabilities.

The courses can be taught by generals from the Privy Council and the Ministry of War, as well as retired veterans.

"The Academy of Literature and History: Studies in historical compilation, literary composition, and archival management. It aims to cultivate historians, scholars, and scribes for the nation. Articles must be substantive, practical, and free from superficiality."

"In addition, a library can be established to collect books from all over the world, with particular emphasis on collecting practical classics such as archives from previous dynasties, local chronicles, agricultural books, medical books, mathematical classics, and craft diagrams. An observatory can be set up to observe celestial phenomena. A translation bureau can be established to translate foreign classics and receive scholars from foreign countries."

Everyone was shocked to hear about this unprecedented academic setup, especially the establishment of the "Academy of Natural Sciences" and the "Academy of Military Strategy".

This goes far beyond the scope of a traditional "university" and is more like a comprehensive "college" that encompasses everything, even bearing some characteristics of "the study of a hundred trades".

Ignoring the astonishment of the crowd, Xiao Chen continued, "Fourth, teaching and assessment: the school system can be set at three years."

The school year begins twice a year, in spring and autumn. Teaching goes beyond classroom lectures, emphasizing discussion, debate, practice, and writing.

Regular debates will be held, covering topics such as current political gains and losses, new interpretations of classic works, and practical problems.

Students were arranged to visit and intern at the Six Ministries, the Capital Prefecture, the Imperial Estates, workshops, and military camps for short-term observation and practice.

The assessment does not focus on rote memorization or poetry and prose, but rather on the ability to formulate policies, conduct practical analysis, and solve specific problems.

Those who excelled were recommended by the academy upon graduation, either directly appointed to official positions, given priority in participating in the imperial examinations, or admitted to the Hanlin Academy, the Privy Council, or other institutions for further study.

"Fifth, Faculty and Management: One principal, personally appointed by me, a highly respected scholar or minister with profound knowledge of ancient and modern times and an open mind."

Each department should have a dean, who must be a leader in the field. Doctoral candidates and teaching assistants should be carefully selected, regardless of background or seniority, based solely on merit and ability. Talented individuals from unassuming backgrounds can be recruited nationwide and offered high salaries.

The academy's funding was jointly allocated by the imperial treasury and the national treasury, with separate accounts to ensure sufficient funds.

Students of the academy were provided with food and lodging, and given stipends, so that they could focus on their studies.

"Sixth, its connection to the imperial examinations and official career: Graduates of the Great Xia Academy who excel in the examinations can be directly granted corresponding official positions, or they can be exempted from the provincial examinations and directly participate in the metropolitan examinations. I want people to know that entering the Great Xia Academy is more glorious and offers a broader future than passing the provincial examinations! This is to attract truly talented and ambitious young people from all over the country!"

After Xiao Chen finished speaking, the study fell silent.

This idea is too grandiose and too "unorthodox".

The Minister of Rites carefully chose his words: "Your Majesty... the establishment of this academy is magnificent and unprecedented in history. However, its scope is too broad, especially the departments of physics and military strategy, which may be criticized by scholars as neglecting their proper duties and disgracing the culture. Moreover, recruiting teachers and students will not be easy. The required funds will also be enormous..."

"I know it's difficult."

Xiao Chen's gaze was firm. "However, are the great affairs of the world inherently difficult or easy? If you do them, even the difficult becomes easy; if you don't do them, even the easy becomes difficult."

The old learning can no longer cultivate the talents needed today. Am I to sit idly by and watch the imperial examinations produce a group of mediocre talents who only know classical Chinese, are helpless in the face of famine, are at a loss when faced with corruption, and are clueless when faced with powerful enemies? The Great Xia Dynasty is about to create an unprecedented golden age, which naturally requires unprecedented knowledge and unprecedented talents!

The investigation of things is the foundation of a prosperous nation; military strategy is the basis of a strong army; laws are the binding force of governance; and politics is the key to managing the people. Which of these is not a serious pursuit of knowledge? Which is not more useful than empty talk about life and death or embellishing literary style?

He looked at Han Yu: "Prime Minister Han, what do you think?"

Han Yu pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "Your Majesty's foresight and wisdom are truly admirable, as you intend to lay a foundation for the empire for a hundred years."

This move can indeed break down the barriers of traditional learning, cultivate practical talents, and in the long run, it will benefit generations to come.

However, as Your Majesty said, there will inevitably be resistance at the beginning of its implementation. I believe that we should proceed step by step.

We should first concentrate our efforts on establishing the three academies of classics, politics, and law. These three fields are still within the scope of traditional learning, are easily accepted by people, and are therefore the most urgent task.

The departments of Physiology and Military Strategy can be postponed, or subjects such as Mathematics, Geography, and Military Strategy can be introduced first and taught in other departments. Once the academy has a solid foundation and a growing reputation, it can be expanded.

As for teachers, we can first recruit officials from the court who are knowledgeable in practical affairs to teach part-time, and then gradually invite famous scholars from all over the country.

"The funds can be partially allocated from the imperial treasury to demonstrate His Majesty's importance. The location of the academy can be reserved in the planning of the new city of Chang'an, a site with auspicious feng shui, where some buildings can be constructed initially; there's no need to pursue a grand or comprehensive scale."

Xiao Chen knew that Han Yu's strategy was pragmatic and that the difficulty of implementing it was being considered.

He nodded: "We can proceed accordingly for now. Instruct the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works to begin planning immediately."

Site selection, regulations, articles of association, faculty roster, and student selection rules need to be drafted as soon as possible.

"I will reserve the most spacious and brightest area in the new city of Chang'an for the Great Xia Academy! I've even thought of a name: the area where the Wenhua Hall is located, adjacent to the future Chongwen Hall!"

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed south, as if he could see through the palace walls to the countless scholars studying diligently throughout the land: "The imperial examinations are to open doors for the poor and needy. The Great Xia Academy is to guide those who enter, showing them what to learn, how to learn it, and what the usefulness of their learning will be! I will not only open the Dragon Gate, but also build the Dragon Pool to nurture true dragons!"

"As for the criticism of clinging to the old ways," Xiao Chen turned around, a sharp glint in his eyes, "I will wait and see. The Great Xia Academy will prove everything with the talents it cultivates and the knowledge it creates!"

In the spring of the fifth year of Xuanji, the draft of the "Edict on the Establishment of the Great Xia Academy" began to circulate, be discussed, and be revised within a very small circle.

Although the official edict has not yet been issued, the rumor that "the emperor intends to establish a new academy in Chang'an to teach practical knowledge" has already been quietly circulating among the officials and scholars of the capital.

Shock, doubt, anticipation, resistance... all sorts of emotions were brewing among the intellectual class of the ancient empire.

A silent revolution concerning the essence of learning, the direction of education, and even the future spirit of the empire had already begun to take shape under the young emperor's decisive actions.

The area of ​​the "Wenhua Hall" in Chang'an, which was reserved and was still flat, seemed to foreshadow a future scene of magnificent pavilions, the sound of reading aloud, and a gathering of talents.

A new institution of higher learning, which aims to transcend the old system of the Imperial Academy and integrate classics, history, politics, law, and practical learning to cultivate core talents for the new era, is about to break ground on the ancient Guanzhong Plain.