I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

Inside the side pavilion of Chongzheng Hall.

The person on the throne is Zhao Xu, the current emperor of the Song Dynasty, historically known as Emperor Zhezong of Song, who is 23 years old this year.

Although Zhao Xu is only 23 years old, he is very thin, has a very poor complexion, and lacks any of the vitality that a young person should have.

He was holding a report in his hand, his knuckles slightly white.

Two people were standing below the steps.

The man on the left, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, with a lean face and a meticulously trimmed beard, is Zhang Dun, the current prime minister.

Although Master Zhang was over sixty, he stood ramrod straight and had sharp eyes like an eagle. Just standing there, he exuded an indescribable sense of pressure.

The man on the right, also dressed in a purple robe and jade belt with a gold fish pouch at his waist, has a fair complexion and a look that is three parts shrewdness and seven parts submissiveness. He is Cai Jing, a Hanlin Academician.

Cai Jing leaned forward slightly, his face displaying a perfectly balanced expression that straddled the line between attentiveness and listening intent.

Several reports were spread out on the table, the top one being the military situation and progress of land reclamation in Huangzhou in the northwest.

The ink is very fresh; it was only delivered to the palace last night.

"Your Majesty, the report says that General Wang Shan's military tactics are divine, and he has already captured Zongge and Miaochuan. All the Tibetan tribes have submitted to him."

Zhang Dun's voice was steady, each word like a weight settling on the ground.

"However, with the army advancing deep into enemy territory, the transportation of provisions has become extremely difficult. Although there has been progress in the land reclamation efforts, many officials have been found to have falsely reported the number of acres of land reclaimed and embezzled funds. I have ordered the Transport Office to investigate this matter thoroughly, but..."

He paused at the right moment, then continued.

"The root of the problem lies with the people. The border regions are harsh and cold, and capable civil officials are unwilling to go there; those who do go are mostly those who are eager for quick success and instant benefits. It takes three years to see results from clearing wasteland and cultivating fields, but the assessment is only done once a year. Who would be willing to work diligently?"

Zhao Xu gently placed the report on the table without saying a word.

Cai Jing's eyes twitched, but he didn't speak.

Cai Jing was very shrewd; at this time, he knew he should wait for the emperor to speak first.

"The policy of military colonies was a national policy established during the reign of the late emperor."

Zhao Xu finally spoke, his voice somewhat low.

"The late emperor's ambition was to expand the borders, not only for the sake of land, but also to open up trade routes to the Western Regions and sever the right arm of the Western Xia. Now that Huangzhou has fallen, if we fail to achieve our goals due to insufficient supplies..."

He turned his head, his gaze falling on Zhang Dun's face.

"Minister Zhang, you are a veteran of three reigns and know best the late emperor's will. The practical work of land reclamation must not be ruined by a few corrupt and incompetent officials. Cough...cough..."

After speaking, Zhao Xu couldn't help but cough a few times and pat his chest.

His health is deteriorating day by day.

"Your Majesty, I understand." Zhang Dun bowed. "I have ordered the Ministry of Personnel and the Three Departments to discuss and revise the evaluation system for officials in border areas. The acreage of cultivated land, actual grain yield, and resettlement of households must all be verified. Those who submit false reports will be dismissed; those who deliver on their promises will be promoted."

Zhao Xu nodded, but his brows remained furrowed.

This year marks his sixth year in power.

But the six words "to carry on the will of Emperor Shenzong" were etched into Zhao Xu's bones from the day he ascended the throne at the age of nine.

At the age of nine, young Zhao Xu sat on the dragon throne, his feet not even touching the ground.

Every time he attended court, he could see the silhouette of his grandmother, Empress Dowager Gao, behind the curtain and hear her issuing orders on his behalf.

"Your Majesty is young, so all matters should be discussed by this old woman and the ministers."

Outside the curtain, the white-haired old men respectfully bowed to the Empress Dowager behind the curtain.

These old men would also look at Zhao Xu and bow to him.

Zhao Xu could understand the look in the old men's eyes.

That look wasn't the reverence one should have for an emperor, but rather the indifference one would show to a child.

Later, it wasn't until Empress Dowager Gao passed away that Zhao Xu was finally able to see those people's faces clearly—the old ministers of the Yuanyou era knelt on the ground, looking up at him for the first time.

At that moment, Zhao Xu finally understood.

He wants to overthrow not only the old party's policies and decrees.

It was also the long-lasting childhood trauma of sitting on the dragon throne yet being unable to issue even the emperor's orders.

Emperor Zhezong of Song spent his entire life healing his childhood trauma.

"Lord Zhang."

Zhao Xu suddenly spoke, his voice slightly choked.

"Tell me... do all the people in the world think that I'm rushing to reinstate the new laws just to spite my grandmother and the former officials of the Yuan You era?"

Zhang Dun knew that the Emperor had once again remembered those old acquaintances who shouldn't have been remembered.

At such times, Zhang Dun would always stand firmly on Emperor Zhezong's side.

"In response to Your Majesty, during the Yuan You era, when I was an official in the local area, I personally witnessed how, after the exemption from corvée labor was abolished, farmers were forced to perform corvée labor again. During the spring planting and autumn harvest, able-bodied men were conscripted to repair rivers and build roads, leaving only women, children, the elderly, and the weak in the fields."

"I have also seen that after the Market Exchange Law was abolished, wealthy merchants hoarded goods and speculated on prices, causing the price of grain in Bianjing to rise three times a day. The late emperor's law may have had flaws, but its original intention was to enrich the country and strengthen the army, and to reduce the burden on the people."

"The old officials of the Yuanyou era only saw the drawbacks and not the benefits. To dismiss them all is not the way to govern a country, but a strategy of retreat and defense."

Zhang Dun cited the counterexample of abolishing the new law to prove its correctness.

The meaning is very clear: they absolutely support the government.

Cai Jing listened from the side, secretly applauding: "Old Master Zhang's words flattered the Emperor, put down the Yuanyou Party, and pointed out the benefits of the new policies. They were watertight."

As expected, Zhao Xu's expression softened slightly, but then darkened again.

"Alas... It's a pity that there are still many people in the court and local areas who cling to the old laws of the Yuan You era and refuse to give them up."

"The other day, I was reviewing the Imperial Academy's examination papers and found that some students were discussing the drawbacks of the exemption from corvée labor in their policy essays, saying things like 'hiring laborers harms farmers' and 'extorting money from the people'—all of these are clichés!"

Cai Jing knew it was his turn to make his appearance.

He took half a step forward.

"Your Majesty, the key to the implementation of the new policies lies in the talent pool. The Imperial Academy is a place for cultivating talent. If future officials still hold onto the old ideas of the Yuan You era, the new policies will be like a tree without roots or water without a source."

Zhao Xu looked at Cai Jing.

"What insightful opinion does Cai Qing have?"

"Your subject dares not say so." Cai Jing bowed, his tone becoming even more respectful. "I just feel that the questions in the monthly and annual examinations at the Imperial Academy are a sign of the prevailing trend."

"If the Imperial Academy's examination questions closely focus on the benefits of the new laws and the importance of border expansion, the students will naturally study and comprehend them for the sake of their future. Over time, what they aspire to will become what the court aspires to."

Zhang Dun glanced at Cai Jing but didn't say anything.

Cai Jing was the best at understanding the emperor's intentions and the best at taking advantage of those opportunities.

However, that makes sense.

Zhao Xu's eyes lit up, but then he shook his head.

"I'm afraid some people will outwardly comply but inwardly disagree. They'll write one thing to your face and think another in their hearts."

"Therefore, we must discern clearly and guide others," Cai Jing said.

"For example, this month's private examination at the Imperial Academy could directly address practical matters such as land reclamation and performance evaluation."

"Those who can pinpoint the problems of the time and offer suggestions will be selected as top-tier; those who engage in empty talk about principles and harbor hidden criticisms will be rejected as bottom-tier. In this way, the students will know what kind of talents the court wants."

Zhang Dun then spoke up.

"What Scholar Cai said makes sense, but the person who sets the questions must be reliable. Ye Zuqia, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, is a wise man, and Gong Yuan, the Director of Studies, is a student of Wang Anshi. With the two of them in charge, there should be no major problems."

Zhao Xu pondered for a moment, then suddenly let out a cold laugh.

"The heretical teachings of the Yuan You era have not yet been eradicated! The Imperial Academy is a vital center for nurturing talent in our Great Song Dynasty; how can we allow remnants of the old faction to fish in troubled waters?"

"Issue an edict to Ye Zuqia, Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and Gong Yuan, Vice-Chancellor: For this private examination, the interpretation of the classics must be based on Wang Anshi's *New Interpretation of the Three Classics*, and the essays must concern practical matters. Ensure that all students clearly understand the policies of the Shaosheng Emperor; this is not for the personal gain of any one person, but for the foundation of the Great Song Dynasty!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!" Zhang Dun and Cai Jing replied in unison.

"Furthermore," Zhao Xu added, "any answer that cites old theories from the Yuan You era or questions the new laws, no matter how eloquently written, will be rejected without exception!"

"Yes."

Zhang and Cai accepted the imperial decree and took their leave.

As they walked out of Chongzheng Hall and through the long palace corridor, Cai Jing trailed Zhang Dun by half a step and whispered.

"Lord Zhang, this exam is not only testing the students, but also serving as a warning to others. Those doctors, registrars, and students in the Imperial Academy who harbor ulterior motives should know to restrain themselves after seeing the questions."

Zhang Dun didn't stop walking, only letting out a snort through his nose.

"His Majesty is young and full of vigor. As his subjects, we should pave the way when necessary and clear obstacles when necessary. Pay close attention to the affairs of the Imperial Academy."

"Your humble servant understands."

The two bowed to each other outside the palace gate.

Cai Jing boarded his green-canopied carriage, the curtain fell, and the submissive expression on his face slowly faded, revealing a thoughtful look.

Imperial Academy...

Exam questions...

Cai Jing twirled his fingers, pondering: He needed to send a message to Ye Zuqia, the Imperial Academy Chancellor.

Gong, the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy, was an old friend of Wang Anshi and was very easy to talk to.

As for the topics, we should follow the official's wishes and focus on practical matters.

……

Imperial Academy, Chongwen Pavilion.

This is where books are stored and teaching materials are compiled; it's rarely visited on ordinary days.

The room was quiet at the moment, with only the occasional rustling of pages turning.

Ye Zuqia sat at his desk by the west window, holding the newly delivered imperial edict in his hands. He had already read it three times.

Sitting opposite him was Gong Yuan, Wang Anshi's favorite student, who was now the Director of the Imperial Academy, in charge of teaching and examinations.

The two were about the same age, both in their early fifties.

"Brother Gong, look at this imperial edict..." Ye Zuqia gently placed the edict on the table.

Gong Yuan took it, quickly scanned it, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.

"The Emperor's meaning is crystal clear. The interpretation of the classics must be based on the 'New Interpretations of the Three Classics,' and policy essays must be relevant to practical matters. It seems that the Emperor intends to thoroughly purge the remnants of the Yuan You era from the Imperial Academy."

"Not only." Ye Zuqia picked up his teacup and blew away the foam.

"Look at this sentence: 'Any discussion involving the Yuan You era, no matter how eloquent, should be rejected.' This is to block all avenues, leaving no chance for those students who still cling to the old party's doctrines."

"It should have been done long ago." Gong Yuan put down the imperial edict, his tone tinged with satisfaction.

"In the ninth year of the Yuan You era, all the new laws were abolished, and the country was in decline. After the emperor took personal control of the government, he rectified the situation and reformed the system. The Imperial Academy should have been the first to respond, but..."

"How can we formulate exam questions that both please the emperor and avoid giving others cause for criticism?"

This is what gives the question setters the biggest headache; they have to keep abreast of the political climate at all times.

Especially topics like classical texts and policy essays, which are more likely to generate discussion.

Ye Zuqia pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"Questions on the interpretation of the classics are easy to come up with; we can take them from the 'New Interpretation of the Rites of Zhou.' Wang Anshi once advocated that 'half of the Rites of Zhou is about financial management,' so we can ask questions like 'Discuss the similarities between the system of the treasury in the Rites of Zhou and the current market exchange law.' This will test both the students' knowledge of the classics and their understanding of the practical aspects of the new law."

"Excellent." Gong Yuan nodded.

"What about this month's policy essay topic? Although it wasn't explicitly stated in the imperial edict, when Chancellor Zhang presented his memorial, he mentioned the military farms in the Northwest and the performance evaluation of officials. That's the key point."

"Not bad." Ye Zuqia stroked his beard.

"For the policy essay topic, we would give 'On the Benefits of Military Farming in the Shaosheng Era and the Methods of Evaluating Officials,' asking students to discuss how military farms could strengthen the border in light of the Huangzhou war, and then how to evaluate officials and prevent false reporting. This would provide both practical experience and broaden their knowledge."

Gong Yuan thought for a moment, then said again.

"Let's add another one. If we only talk about practical matters, some people might criticize the Imperial Academy for focusing only on utilitarianism and not on the meaning of the classics. How about adding another one, 'On the Reasons for the Comparison between the Governance of the Three Dynasties and the New Laws of Today'?"

"Find evidence in the Book of Documents and the Rites of Zhou to clarify that the new laws did not appear out of thin air, but were a continuation of the rule of the three sage kings of the past. In this way, we can both praise the new laws and demonstrate our scholarship, and those old scholars who are reviewing the papers will not be able to find any mistakes."

Ye Zuqia smiled.

"Brother Gong's consideration is indeed thorough. Let's decide on this: There will be two essay questions this month. Any answer that cites old theories from the Yuan You era or questions the new laws will be considered inferior; any answer that merely discusses principles without addressing practical matters will not be promoted; only those who can 'interpret the new laws with classical interpretations and supplement the new policies with practical experience' will be considered superior."

"That's exactly right." Gong Yuan slammed his hand on the table. "In recent years, the Imperial Academy has been led astray by those pedantic scholars who only know how to compose poems and essays. This policy discussion may be able to find a few promising talents who truly understand practical matters and are genuinely willing to get things done."

This was the true situation in the second year of Yuanfu.

Even students of the Imperial Academy could not escape the scourge of factional strife.

After finishing his official business, Ye Zuqia relaxed, leaned back, and suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Brother Gong, at the Duan Prince's gathering a few days ago, Zhao Mingcheng from our Imperial Academy really stole the show."

"Oh? Are you referring to the young master of the Zhao family?"

Gong Yuan also became interested.

"I heard that Zhao Mingcheng played a really good game of football that day, and also discussed calligraphy and painting with Prince Duan, earning the prince's praise?"

"More than that," Ye Zuqia said with a smile. "I heard that Prince Duan even presented him with a painting of bamboo on the spot."

"Tsk tsk, the young master of Zhao Ting's family is quite something. He excels in everything from epigraphy and football to calligraphy and painting, and his studies are not bad either."

Gong Yuan stroked his beard.

"Zhao Tingzhi is a sensible man. He supported the new laws during the Xining era. Although he was not radical, he always followed Wang Anshi's path. If his son is really as you say, he is a promising talent."

"I have checked Zhao Mingcheng's past studies. His understanding of the classics is solid, and although his policy essays are not outstanding, they are still quite standard."

"What's rare is that he's not pedantic. Last time, when he was asked to write an essay on the market exchange law, he even knew to cite the old examples of Sang Hongyang of the Han Dynasty and Liu Yan of the Tang Dynasty, which shows that he has read some books on economics."

Ye Zuqia said,

"This policy proposal will be a good opportunity to see his true colors. If it can truly address the current problems, then we should pay attention to cultivating him."

Gong Yuan nodded.

"Yes, there aren't many people like Zhao Mingcheng in the Imperial Academy who come from a distinguished family, are quick-witted, and are favored by the higher-ups. They need to be carefully nurtured so that they can become talents for our new party in the future."

The two talked for a while longer, and seeing that it was getting late, they summoned a clerk to copy and seal the prepared exam questions, then locked them in a cabinet.

The package will be opened in public on the day of the monthly exam.

The winds of change in the imperial court had already quietly blown into this highest institution of learning in the Song Dynasty through this examination question.

"It looks like the wind is about to pick up..."

Ye Zuqia murmured.