As soon as these three points came out, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong fell into deep thought.

After a long silence, Pang Tong clapped his hands and praised: "Excellent, wonderful!"

“Achieve multiple things with one stone.”

"The most difficult thing for poor students to participate in the imperial examination is not studying. They may have a way to solve the problem of studying, but how many people can't solve the problem of travel expenses even if they rack their brains?"

"Those who are lucky enough may be supported by local tycoons and aristocratic families, but they will be branded with the mark of this family, which goes against the purpose of the imperial examination."

"If the imperial court provides financial support for these poor students, they won't have to worry about travel expenses, and at the lowest possible standard, it will also make it easier for them to understand the lofty aspirations of the ancient sages who were determined despite their poverty and never lost their ambitions."

Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement: "That's true, but how can I pay it back?"

"If they pass the imperial examination and become officials, then naturally the money can be deducted from their salaries. But if they fail, then what should we do?"

"Comparatively speaking, the possibility of passing the exam is still very small."

"What I am more worried about is that if he fails the exams repeatedly and is asked to return, I am afraid that he will be pushed to a dead end."

Ye Feng shook his head: "No, because the support for the children of poor families cannot be unlimited, but limited."

"Five failures at most prove that this person is not the talent the court needs, so there is no need to continue supporting him."

"As for the money owed, it can be waived depending on the circumstances. Human life is more important than money."

"Remember, our original intention is to reduce financial expenditure as much as possible, not to make a profit."

"Besides, there are a certain number of places for the selection of children from poor families. It's not that everyone who comes from a poor family can get the money."

Zhuge Liang's eyes lit up, but then he hesitated and said, "Wherever there are people, there are human relationships and social customs."

"This scholarship method is certainly good, but I am afraid that people below will play tricks and prevent those who really need it from receiving it."

"Those whose families are not considered poor can get it."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "You forgot the three points I just mentioned."

"The court will arrange food and lodging for these poor children in Kyoto. The standard is extremely low. Not to mention whether these people can tolerate it, even if they have this idea, after the exam, the successful candidates will be investigated. If it is found that these successful candidates are not from poor families but have received scholarships, their qualifications will be revoked on the spot and they will not be allowed to take the exam for the rest of their lives."

"Now do you think anyone would take such a big risk for such a small bargain?"

Zhuge Liang smiled awkwardly: "Of course not."

"Who would do this kind of business when there is not much benefit to be gained but such a huge risk to be taken?"

Ye Feng continued, "Besides that, the institution responsible for the scholarship has no intersection with the local government, because they are all under the jurisdiction of the department specifically responsible for the imperial examination."

"From the money and grain allocated to the recommended candidates to the local government, everything is directly under the central government's charge."

As soon as these words were spoken, both Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong showed a hint of surprise in their eyes.

After a moment, Pang Tong asked, "My lord, you must have other intentions, right?"

"Otherwise, there is no need to go through so much trouble for this single department." Ye Feng laughed: "You are quite sensitive."

"You are right. In addition to being responsible for the distribution and recommendation of scholarships, this department can also serve as the emperor's eyes and ears, observe the sufferings of the people, and check and balance the government."

"Half black and half white, like a sharp blade hanging in the air, officials from all over the country dare not act recklessly."

Zhuge Liang clapped his hands and praised: "Such an ingenious supervision system is really incredible."

"It's just that this matter cannot be kept completely secret after all. I'm afraid that once it's exposed, it will be useless."

"After all, no one wants to have this pair of eyes staring at them. Either make them your own, or get rid of them."

"therefore."

Ye Feng smiled heartily and said domineeringly: "Do you think that I will take back the sword in my hand after you conquer the world?"

"Don't worry, this sharp blade is not so easy to retract."

"Anyone who attacks government officials will be investigated to the end, no matter who they are, and anyone involved will be killed without mercy."

“As for those responsible for the scholarships, they don’t need to be accountable to any local officials, they just need to do their job well.”

"The more intimate the relationship, the faster he will die."

"Don't worry about that. I have my own way."

Pang Tong, Zhuge Liang pondered for a while, and said with emotion: "My lord, your ingenuity is really unexpected, and I am convinced."

"I thought this scholarship system would lead to a waste of manpower, but this is beyond human control. To implement a policy, you have to pay for it."

"But the Lord gave the people in charge of this matter in various places an additional function, instantly moving them from the margins to the center."

"Alternating between leisure and busyness is the golden mean."

"It's a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship."

Ye Feng waved his hand: "Stop praising me."

"These are just the prototypes in my mind, nothing is finalized."

"Let's start with the imperial examination."

"If you still have any questions, feel free to ask!"

Zhuge Liang hesitated: "All the poor students in the world will be grateful for what you have done, but how can we ensure the fairness of the exam?"

"Will there be any impersonation? These are all important links."

"If one link goes wrong, the exam may fail completely, and months or even years of hard work will be wasted. Therefore, I would like to hear your advice."

(End of this chapter)