Chapter 266: "Jinyiwei", no talent left in the wild
"Liao Shisan, when we return to Chang'an, you won't have to be my personal guard anymore. I will arrange for you to do other things."

Li Xuan took advantage of Liao Zhengrong's silence and suddenly threw out this news.

"Li Shuai, you have seen that I am such an ignorant person. I can only be your personal guard and cannot do anything else."

When Liao Zhengrong heard that Li Xuan wanted to transfer him away, he became flustered.

He followed Li Shuai for a long time. On the battlefield, he abandoned his sword, picked up a lance, and fought many battles.

He witnessed Marshal Li's heroism and believed that the battlefield was his destiny.

What's the use of being a knight-errant even if you are praised by others?
It's just a life of mediocrity!
So Liao Zhengrong didn't want to leave Li Xuan.

"No... I think Liao Shisan is rational. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to ask me today. When you do things alone, you have to think more. You have to figure out the root of the problem."

“Sometimes, what you see is not necessarily the truth. The most vicious enemy is the one who does the most gentle things.”

"I have been loyal to the country and the people all my life. But there are too many pests in the world, and there are many powerful families who oppose me. They are afraid of my power now, but they must be thinking of taking advantage of my misfortune. When they are forced to do so, they will do some treasonous things. All of these need to be accomplished by Zhengrong!"

Li Xuan stood up from his seat and patted Liao Zhengrong on the shoulder.

Unlike his other subordinates, Liao Zhengrong pursued the spirit of chivalry and Li Xuan's kindness to him.

Liao Zhengrong is completely loyal to Li Xuan!

Li Xuan's orders are greater than anyone else's, even the emperor's.

When Li Xuan talked about righteousness to Liao Zhengrong, he never mentioned loyalty to the emperor.

But be loyal to the country and the people.

He even once said that if the emperor were Jie or Zhou, his subjects would not have to obey him.

Liao Zhengrong also thought it made sense!
He is the person that Li Xuan has carefully cultivated over the past few years, and his beliefs have already moved closer to Li Xuan.

This is because Liao Zhengrong has a chivalrous spirit.

Like Luo Xing and Xue Cuo, they will all be of great use in the future.

They followed Li Xuan through hundreds of battles, but they had no official positions and no honors.

But in the future, no one can stop their wealth!
"If that were possible, I would share the burden with Marshal Li without hesitation, but I am stupid."

Liao Zhengrong naturally would not understand Li Xuan's intention.

"When I was in Huoyi, many tenant farmers had never heard of my name. Their food, clothing, shelter and transportation were all provided by the powerful. If one day, all the powerful people in the world become my enemies, and they coerce the tenant farmers to fight against the court, what should I do?"

"The soldiers' weapons are sharp, but how innocent are these tenant farmers? They are just ordinary people who took up arms."

"Soon, I will promulgate the new Changping Law in the court..."

"In addition, I will set up a corps of new soldiers. The new soldiers will be directly controlled by the court and will be used to help the court collect debts."

"Each route of Changping new soldiers will have a battalion. At first, I will make you the leader of a battalion. After a year, I will make you the commander of the Changping new soldiers."

"As for the new soldiers of the Changping Army, they are supposed to help the court collect debts. In reality, they are sent to the villages to publicize my deeds to the tenants and the common people. They are told that after I kill the tyrants, I will distribute the land to them; they are told that I am invincible on the battlefield, and that if I join the tyrants to fight against the court, my family will inevitably be implicated."

"At the same time, Zhengrong can recruit good and loyal knights as his confidants, and have them collect information about local officials to see if they are colluding with the powerful, if they are bending the law for personal gain, and what the people think of them."

"When doing these things, you must be careful not to reveal them to others. Because you are the Changping New Army on the surface, escorting the Changping New Law."

"I may fail in my reform, but I will definitely make a comeback. Zhengrong just needs to complete my instructions carefully..."

Although Li Xuan said a lot to Liao Zhengrong, he spoke every word carefully and with great caution.

It is obvious that Li Xuan’s purpose was not the "Changping New Army", but to use the name of the Changping New Army to build it into a team similar to the later "Jinyiwei".

The difference is that at present Liao Zhengrong is only responsible for collecting intelligence and spreading Li Xuan's deeds to the villagers, tenants, and slaves.

Let them know that following the powerful to fight against Li Xuan in the future will be a dead end.

If they followed the general trend, they could get rid of their status as tenants, return to good families, and get a share of the land.

The Changping New Army is just a concept now and does not have the same law enforcement power as the Jinyiwei.

It's okay even if someone catches me.

Li Xuan could explain to Li Longji that he was investigating whether there was collusion between officials and powerful people and was preparing to deal with the powerful people.

Because this was indeed Li Xuan’s purpose.

Moreover, Li Xuan had been slaughtering the powerful and wealthy, and he also had such a motive.

If he could follow the plan and control the government, this new Changping Army would be transformed. They would clear out the local tyrants for Li Xuan and make great contributions.

"Subordinates... follow Commander Li's instructions!"

After listening carefully to Li Xuan's story, Liao Zhengrong felt that what Li Xuan said made sense.

The tenant farmers worked all day long, facing the earth and being treated like cattle and horses. They were unaware of Li Xuan's power.

They have no affinity for poetry, songs and the like, and at critical moments, they may be fooled by the powerful.

General Li set up a group of new soldiers in Changping, and under the pretext of "collecting debts", they easily entered the countryside and publicized Li Xuan's deeds.

The powerful could only watch helplessly. Anyone who dared to harm the new soldiers of Changping would be considered treason, so they would be wiped out directly.

"During this trip to Hedong, Zhengrong should have some experience..."

Li Xuan said to Liao Zhengrong.

After he became prime minister, he thought two steps ahead before taking one.

Plan for the future!
Although the Jinyiwei of the Ming Dynasty became corrupt, abused their power, excluded dissidents, and endangered the country, they were of great help to Zhu Yuanzhang's rule at the beginning of the founding of the country.

Li Xuan certainly did not need the Jinyiwei like in the Ming Dynasty. He wanted to establish an organization through reform to protect the people and secretly monitor local officials.

There are certain law enforcement rights, but no absolute power.

"General Li, the commander of the Hedong Army, please stop by Taiyuan to review the troops on your way back."

When Liao Zhengrong went down, a messenger from Taiyuan reported to Li Xuan.

Because Li Xuan bypassed Taiyuan to come to Shuofang County.

So when Li Guangbi asked Li Xuan to inspect Hedong and return, he passed through Taiyuan.

Shuofang is located in the north of Taiyuan.

"That's what I was thinking. Tell General Li that I'll be heading to Taiyuan in about half a month."

Li Xuan said to the messenger from Hedong.

After all, he is still the governor of Hedong, so it is a good opportunity for him to review the Tianbing Army.

The next day, Li Xuan asked the magistrate of Shuofang County to take charge of the affairs of Shuofang County. He then arrived at Mayi with his personal guards and the Qianniu Guards, and then went south to Tanglin, Xiurong, Yangqu and other counties.

Finally entered Taiyuan.

After all, Taiyuan was where Wang Zhongsi once served and the birthplace of the Tang Dynasty. Li Xuan supervised the prisons, warehouses, and administration and found no problems.

Three days later, Li Xuan watched the military parade of the Tianbing Army outside the city of Taiyuan.

Then he chatted with Li Guangbi for half a day, left Taiyuan, and prepared to return to Chang'an.

The captured powerful people and officials, as well as the gold, silver and jewelry seized from their homes, were transported via the Yellow River to the Puzhou Ferry, and then taken to Chang'an City via the official road.

After learning that Li Xuan was leaving Hedong, the Hedong tyrants let down their guard.

The pressure Li Xuan put on them was too great. They were afraid that Li Xuan would arrest them by force, and they were ready to fight to the death.

Fortunately, they kept their composure and did not send any assassins to assassinate Li Xuan.

There are no things much ado about.

If the powerful people had not intervened to assassinate Li Xuan, the outcome would not have been what it is today.

There are so many powerful families in Hedong, it is impossible for Li Xuan to investigate them one by one.

In governing the world, in addition to decision-making at the top, execution at the middle level is particularly important.

What we fear most is that middle-level officials deceive their superiors and lower-level officials take advantage of others’ power.

Turn a good method into a bad policy.

……

Chang'an, October 15th.

When Li Xuan returned to Chang'an, Chang'an was holding a civil service examination.

As early as a month ago, the Dinghai imperial examination began.

The examination paper for this year's imperial examination was "Wang Liang Fu" and the examiner was Li Yan, the Vice Minister of Rites.

When the results were announced, there were only 23 people who passed the imperial examination.

A famous scholar named Yang Hu won the top spot in the imperial examination and became famous in Chang'an.

Everything seems to be fine.

The dignitaries and scholars in Chang'an were waiting for the announcement of the imperial examination results.

The imperial examination was held by the emperor himself, and it was not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites.

Li Longji ordered Li Linfu to be the examiner of the imperial examination.

After the results were announced, they were reported to Li Longji, who inquired about the successful candidates in the palace.

On October 15th, Du Fu was full of confidence.

"Du Er, I will take on the responsibility."

When he was about to enter the examination room, a scholar named Yuan Jie said to Du Fu.

Yuan Jie and Du Fu had the same goal, which was to take the shortcut of passing the imperial examination.

He devoted himself to study since he was young and studied under the great scholar Yuan Dexiu, which made him famous.

"Haha, there won't be just a few people who pass the exam."

Du Fu laughed. He knew what Yuan Jie meant. He wanted to win the first place in the imperial examination.

But he still showed his broad mind, as long as he could pass the exam.

"The King of Tianshui took the initiative to look for you at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, which made you famous in Chang'an. You also submitted a poem, and you should be one of the successful candidates."

Yuan Jie also gave Du Fu affirmation.

Although two months have passed, King Tianshui was amazing that night.

Although the previous short poem "Spring in the South of the Yangtze River" is fresh, its meaning is not that profound.

However, "Song of Water Melody" still puzzles scholars today.

It is said that after the Mid-Autumn Festival, paper became extremely expensive in Chang'an.

People used various types of calligraphy, including regular script, running script, cursive script and official script, to copy "Water Melody". If they were not satisfied with the result, they would change the paper and copy it again.

The beauty of the artistic conception and rich emotions of "Shui Tiao Ge Tou" attracted some literati and poets to write lyrics for famous Jiaofang songs such as "Die Lian Hua", "Qing Yu An", "Hao Shi Guang" and "Que Ta Zhi". Some even wanted to write a new "Shui Tiao Ge Tou" based on the rhythm of Li Xuan's "Shui Tiao Ge Tou".

When scholars and intellectuals go to a brothel, if the prostitute cannot play "Song of Water Melody", she will not attract any customers even if she is both beautiful and talented.

This song and its lyrics spread across the country like a strong wind.

"Let's encourage each other!"

Although Du Fu was confident, he became more cautious before the exam.

He needs to pass the imperial examination before he can become Li Xuan's disciple and assist Li Xuan.

Otherwise everything is just empty talk!
"Dang! Dang! Dang..."

"Candidates enter!"

After a few bells rang, officials from the Ministry of Rites announced that they were ready to begin the imperial examination.

The students straightened their appearance and entered the Imperial Examination Hall one after another.

The Imperial Examination Hall is divided into dozens of areas.

Since it is an examination for those who are proficient in one art, the examination papers are different in each area.

Not all the "best" in every area can pass the exam, but the exam content required of successful candidates must be of extremely high standard.

For example, calligraphy. It is impossible to live without amazing and moving calligraphy.

No one can reach the level of Yan Zhenqing and Zhang Xu, but the next level, like Li Xuan's calligraphy teacher Li Ju, is still desirable.

The exam is not anonymous.

After seeing the test question on poetry, Du Fu thought for a moment and then wrote a poem in twenty verses in ancient style.

In addition, there is the policy essay which accounts for a small proportion of the score. Du Fu restrained himself and wrote one carefully.

Li Linfu just walked around a few areas and then went backstage to drink tea and rest.

His eyes flickered and he looked thoughtful.

As the sun sets, the imperial examination comes to an end.

Du Fu and Yuan Jie both walked out of the Imperial Examination Hall with ease.

Other scholars were either full of confidence or frustrated.

You know clearly whether you did well in the exam or not.

"Clang clang clang!"

Three days later, the results were announced outside the Imperial Examination Hall, and the soldiers who beat the gong spread the news to all the towns and cities.

Scholars and men of letters flocked to the place.

Even those who did not participate in the system science course came to join in the fun.

This year, twenty-three people passed the imperial examination and became Jinshi, and they wanted to see how many people would pass the imperial examination.

Outside the Imperial Examination Hall, there were black handwriting on red paper.

First class, second class, third class...

Twelve people in total.

"There are only twelve people in the system department!"

"There are more than a thousand people taking the exam this year, but only twelve passed? There weren't so few people before."

“Is it possible that the level of the candidates this year is not good enough?”

"With the Jinshi exam in the past, all the capable scholars took it."

"There is no Du Fu! The King of Tianshui came to see him in person, so he shouldn't be a man with a false reputation!"

"It is said that Du Fu applied for poetry. His poems are majestic and magnificent. The line 'When will I shoot down ordinary birds, and scatter their feathers and blood on the plains' is not something that ordinary people can write? In addition, why did the King of Tianshui nominate him? He should not be on the list?"

"Hey! It seems that all the people on this list are officials, there is not a single commoner..."

Suddenly, someone discovered a strange phenomenon.

The imperial examination was attended not only by common people, but also by some minor officials of the eighth or ninth rank who did not have the title of "Jinshi" but wanted to pass the imperial examination to show their reputation in front of the emperor and get promoted.

This type of officials accounted for one-tenth of the candidates.

However, this one-tenth of the candidates got all the qualified places.

I have to say, this is a strange phenomenon!

At this time, Du Fu ran to a list and stopped. He couldn't wait to squeeze into the crowd.

Du Fu!

Du Fu looked through the list and didn't see these two words. It was like a bolt from the blue, and he stood there in a stalemate.

He failed the exam again!

Moreover, the poems and essays he was proud of failed the exam.

He is the grandson of the great poet Du Shenyan and believes that "poetry is my family business."

Even a meal can be turned into a poem.

You can imagine how devastating it was for him to fail in this area.

He bid farewell to his wife in Luoyang and solemnly promised to bring his wife to Chang'an after he passed the imperial examination.

Now it is...

Moreover, Du Fu could no longer go to Li Xuan. He had failed the imperial examination. How could he have any face left?

In an instant, Du Fu seemed to have aged ten years.

That frivolous temperament left him and never returned.

Yuan Jie also doubted himself for a moment.

……

In the Yuelong Hall, Li Linfu brought twelve successful candidates of the imperial examination to meet Li Longji.

And submit their test papers.

"Are there only twelve people who passed the imperial examination?"

Li Longji took a quick look at the test paper behind the scenes and asked Li Linfu.

These test papers did not arouse Li Longji's interest.

"Your Majesty, only these twelve people have passed the exam. And these twelve people were originally officials of the eighth and ninth ranks in the court."

Li Linfu replied to Li Longji.

"There are more than 1,500 candidates, and most of them should be commoners. Is it possible that not a single commoner passed the exam?"

Li Longji frowned.

He had never encountered anything so bizarre.

"This is the wisdom of the saints and the blessing of the world!"

Li Linfu suddenly knelt on the ground and congratulated Li Longji.

"What does the Right Prime Minister mean?"

Li Longji was puzzled. Why did the right prime minister suddenly perform such a great ceremony?

"This is a sign that there are no talented people left in the countryside. The annual imperial examinations are enough to select commoners. Other talents have also entered the court. No matter how many people are selected, they are only in the court. The countryside is full of mediocre talents."

Li Linfu replied to Li Longji.

The Book of Shang says: "When there are no virtuous people left out in the countryside, all nations will be at peace."

It means that there are no talented people among the people, which is a symbol of peace in the world and a wise monarch.

This is top-notch flattery.

But the price paid was that the efforts and sweat of countless scholars were wasted.

Scholars would also lose confidence in the imperial examinations, as even the imperial examinations decreed by sages could be faked.

Who can guarantee that there is no trickery in the Jinshi examination?

"What the Right Prime Minister said makes a lot of sense. Let the world know that there are no talented people left in the wild. From now on, the imperial examinations will no longer be held. The regular examinations are enough to select talents."

Li Longji clapped his hands and praised.

Because there are no talented people left in the wild, it is not a derogatory term, but rather a way of praising his achievements.

The results of the imperial examination had been announced, and for the sake of his own face and vanity, Li Longji chose to believe this absurd lie.

What he didn't know was that the commendatory phrase "there are no talented people left in the wild" would become a derogatory phrase as time passed.

"Follow the will of the Saint!"

Li Linfu bowed again.

Afterwards, Li Longji and Li Linfu came out from behind the scenes and summoned those who had passed the imperial examination to the Yuelong Hall.

After inquiring about their official positions, Li Longji asked Li Linfu to promote all those who passed the exam by two levels.

There is no one who is not talented in the wild, and the news soon spread throughout the streets and alleys of Chang'an.

"A dark plot, protest! How can only officials pass the exam? Li Linfu is playing tricks again, he will die without a burial place."

Yuan Jie was very unconvinced and he cursed Li Linfu.

It was believed that Li Linfu deliberately only recruited officials in the court and ignored the scholars in the opposition.

The officials in the court have already been stereotyped, while the literati in the opposition are still full of passion.

Yuan Jie became angrier and angrier as he thought about it, so he immediately wrote an article to satirize Li Linfu, exposing Li Linfu's crimes in great detail.

After finishing writing it, Yuan Jie passed it to the scholars in Chang'an, and then fled overnight...

He planned to find a small mountain to retire to and avoid the cruel harm of Li Linfu.

In history, Yuan Jie dared to come out of seclusion only after Li Linfu's death, and he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi...

Du Fu's face was haggard and complicated. He also wrote a poem, and the style of this poem changed greatly.

But he still hid it.

He also has a wife, brothers and sisters...

Li Linfu's son-in-law Du Wei was Du Fu's cousin and had a very close relationship with Du Fu.

(End of this chapter)