Duke of Zhenguan

Chapter 122 Imperial Examination

Having witnessed firsthand the printing workshop of the Gewu Research Institute, Wang Ji no longer doubted Lin Chuan's words. However, when Lin Chuan invited him to the academy, Wang Ji still declined: "This old man is of a carefree nature and is not suited to be a teacher, so I won't trouble my nephew!"

Wang Ji was unwilling to go, and Lin Chuan couldn't force him, so he could only compromise and ask, "It's alright if you don't become a teacher, but if you have time, could you occasionally give a lesson to the students at the academy?"

"Haha, that's no problem!" Wang Ji laughed heartily, flipping through the book in his hand. Suddenly, he pointed to the characters on the page and asked Lin Chuan, "Was this calligraphy written by Yan Zhenqing?"

"Yes, I specially asked Master Yan to write some commonly used characters, and then asked a master seal engraver to copy and engrave them on lead blocks. Although it was a bit of a struggle, it did not disgrace Master Yan's calligraphy!" Lin Chuan explained.

Wang Ji nodded, flipping through the booklet in his hand, and sighed softly, "Leaving aside the method of printing, this calligraphy alone is a blessing for scholars all over the world!"

The Yan family not only imparted knowledge, but their calligraphy was also renowned among scholars. Many scholars sought a single character but could not obtain it. Now, with this method of printing, although the charm of handwritten calligraphy is lost, it is sufficient for copying and learning.

Just then, an official entered the workshop and respectfully said to Lin Chuan, "Lord Lin, is someone looking for you?"

Seeing this, Wang Ji smiled and said, "Since you have things to attend to, I'll take my leave now!"

"I'll see the gentleman out!"

Lin Chuan nodded and left the workshop with Wang Ji, arriving at the front courtyard of the research institute. Li Baiyao, the Vice Minister of Rites, who was waiting in the front courtyard, saw Wang Ji and asked in surprise, "Wang Wugong?"

Wang Ji also saw Li Baiyao, and quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Li Baiyao: "Junior greets Lord Li!"

Li Baiyao came from a family with a long tradition of scholarship and was as famous as Yan Shigu and Yan Xiangshi in the literary world, so Wang Ji could not help but be respectful to him.

Lin Chuan quickly bowed and greeted, "Greetings, Lord Li!"

Li Baiyao was over sixty years old, and although his hair and beard were gray, he didn't look old at all. He stood up straight, waved to the two men, and asked with a smile, "Wang Wugong, are you acquainted with Lord Lin?"

"I was originally a neighbor of Lord Lin, but Longmen suffered a disaster many years ago, and I only recently learned that Lord Lin's family had moved to Chang'an!" Wang Ji explained respectfully.

"I see!" Li Baiyao nodded.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. I'll visit Master Li another day!"

After Wang Ji took his leave, Lin Chuan welcomed Li Baiyao into the main hall, personally poured him tea, and respectfully asked, "May I ask what instructions you have for me, Lord Li?"

"I dare not presume to give orders, for I have come with a request! The officials of the court have already made a decision, and the Ministry of Rites will be in charge of this year's imperial examinations."

Lord Wen is unwell and has entrusted the matter to me!

This year's imperial examination is different from previous years. I have tried my best, but I have never been able to find the right method. Today, when I was in court before Your Majesty, I read the memorial submitted by the Earl of Lin County and realized that the Earl of Lin County has considerable insight into the matter of the imperial examination.

"I have come here without permission to seek your guidance, and I hope you will not take offense, Lord Lin!" Li Baiyao said with a smile.

"You flatter me, Lord Li. I was just speculating wildly. I will certainly speak frankly and without reservation!" Lin Chuan said modestly.

It was clearly Li Shimin who sent Li Baiyao to find him. Speaking of which, the imperial title that Li Shimin promised to give to Yan Liu Niangzi has not yet been fulfilled.

Even without Li Shimin's decree, Li Baiyao was not only a literary giant but also the Vice Minister of Rites. If he were to come here to seek advice from someone of such high status, would he still put on airs?

So Lin Chuan shared his views on the imperial examination system with Li Baiyao.

After reading Lin Chuan's memorial to Li Shimin, Li Baiyao listened to Lin Chuan's detailed explanation, and the previously tangled mess of preparations for the imperial examinations finally came together.

Although the imperial examination system existed in previous dynasties, the number of people admitted through it was small, sometimes only a few, and at most a dozen.

After careful consideration, Li Shimin decided to increase the number of students admitted.

The imperial examinations of today are still divided into two stages: the selection at the prefectural and county levels and the provincial examination in Chang'an. The selection at the prefectural and county levels ended around October last year. To increase the number of admitted students, the only option is to select from these selected students.

In addition to increasing the number of students admitted, Li Shimin also intended to expand the examination content, such as mathematics and law, to assess the students' abilities from more aspects.

Increasing the number of admissions and expanding the exam content are too many issues to handle. This is the main reason why Li Baiyao is having a headache. Otherwise, he could simply follow Xiao Sui Cao Gui and proceed according to the procedures of the Ministry of Personnel in previous years.

Lin Chuan chatted with Li Baiyao for most of the day, until evening, when his voice was already a little hoarse, before finally seeing Li Baiyao off.

As he was leaving, Li Baiyao smiled and asked Lin Chuan, "How about I go and ask His Majesty for permission to co-preside over this year's imperial examinations with Lord Lin?"

Lin Chuan was startled. He didn't want to stand out anymore, so he quickly declined, "Thank you for your kind offer, Lord Li, but I am not knowledgeable enough and will not cause you any trouble!"

When Li returned home after her shift, she had already arranged for a meal to be prepared, and the family sat down together for dinner.

Lin Chuan's master is just a figurehead, and he himself only practices sporadically. Ah Lang spends most of his time learning martial arts from Qin Qiong at the Qin family home, so it's rare for him to be home today.

After getting to know each other for a while, Ah Lang, dressed in Hu clothing, was not much different from an ordinary Tang Dynasty youth, except that his facial features were a bit more defined. However, his eating habits had not changed. He held a large bowl but did not pick up any food, and just buried his head in his rice.

Mrs. Li was particularly fond of the brother and sister, constantly putting food on Ah Lang's plate and saying with a smile, "Eat slowly!"

Wearing a traditional Chinese dress, Ah Shui watched her younger brother wolf down his food and secretly kicked him in annoyance.

Ah Lang glanced at his sister with a puzzled look, then continued eating, finishing two large bowls of rice before putting them down. He then mumbled to Lin Chuan, "Master, Grandpa Qin said I should go to the army for a while—"

"You're still young, so train first. In two years, I'll ask Uncle Qin to arrange for you to join the army!" Lin Chuan nodded and said.

"oh!"

Ah Lang nodded obediently. He was actually only two years younger than Lin Chuan, but perhaps because he had put all his talent into martial arts, he was really simple-minded.

After finishing the meal, Lin Chuan called Li Shi aside and whispered, "Mother, when you have time, please take some people to Mr. Wang's house and bring plenty of grain, rice, meat, and vegetables!"

"Is Mr. Wang's family not well-off?" Mrs. Li asked in surprise.

"Well, Mr. Wang's salary isn't much, and his two older brothers' education costs are also quite high! In addition, Mr. Wang is addicted to alcohol, and most of the family's money and possessions have been spent on alcohol, so they are indeed not very well-off!" Lin Chuan said.

"Should I send some more money?" Madam Li asked.

"Just send some rice and grain, and it would be best to send some wine as well. They won't accept money now, so I'll find a suitable excuse to send it later!" Lin Chuan explained.