Chapter 273: Natural disasters are not to be feared, ancestors are not to be followed, and people's words are not to be pitied

None of the ministers who argued mentioned transcripts.

Because the starting point of the transcription was so good, it was impossible to question it, so they all used the imperial examination as an excuse.

"Your Majesty, fair selection of candidates is the foundation of the imperial examination. The method of covering names and the method of transcribing can be tried out in next year's imperial examination to test the differences between the system of covering names and transcribing. As for the issue of moral character examination, we can discuss how to improve and supplement it later. We must ensure that the imperial examination of our Tang Dynasty can not only select people with real talents and knowledge fairly and impartially, but also take into account the consideration of moral character and integrity, and select truly virtuous talents for our country."

Li Xuan also bowed to Li Longji and expressed a compromise idea.

As long as he could test it once, he could ensure that the two methods would be implemented.

"Clap clap clap..."

As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, Pei Kuan clapped his hands to show his agreement.

Immediately afterwards, ministers including Xi Yu, Wu Jing, Li Xian, Yang Shenjin, and Yang Yan came to welcome the peace.

Even most of the officials who were originally neutral agreed with Li Xuan's words.

Again, if there were no "Yibai" and "No one left talents in the world", the imperial examination would be questionable.

The government and the public were very dissatisfied with these two things. Even the scholars knew that if ministers abused their power, they would not be able to pass the imperial examination no matter how good their family background was.

He simply agreed with Li Xuan's reform of the imperial examination system.

Moreover, during the debate, Li Xuan suppressed his opponents with solid reasons and evidence, which made them feel very convincing.

From beginning to end, Li Linfu did not say a word.

Because Li Xuan's intention to target him was very clear, and it was a fact that there were no talented people left in the wild, so it was better not to say anything.

Regret!
I thought it was just a small trick used when Li Xuan was not around, to please the saint and make him trust him more.

Li Linfu didn't understand why the saint changed so quickly.

He could already foresee that after the news got out, people from all walks of life would praise Li Xuan.

It will also bring ridicule to him.

"Since the prime minister and most of the ministers agree to cover the names and transcribe the candidates for the imperial examinations, we will start the trial from next year. Prime Minister Li will personally recruit literati with good writing skills to serve as transcribers, so that they can be directly used next year."

Li Longji raised his hand to signal the civil and military officials to stop applauding, and then spoke to the ministers.

This important task is still left to Li Xuan.

A transcriber is an official outside the official ranks and cannot have a rank.

But there will definitely be frustrated and financially strapped intellectuals willing to join the ranks.

Since Li Longji had said so, it was futile for other officials to persuade him.

We can only accept the imperial examination reform.

Li Xuan and Li Linfu played chess in the court, and Li Xuan won again.

The "No Talent Left in the Wilderness" incident was equivalent to Li Linfu shooting himself in the foot.

It was not only Li Linfu whose prestige suffered a blow, but also the "conservatives" headed by him.

They couldn't help but doubt whether Li Linfu could fight for their interests.

But in the court, Pei Kuan was neutral on the surface, but in fact he was biased towards Li Xuan.

Apart from Li Xuan's political enemies like Li Linfu, they could not find any other pillars.

I just hope that Li Linfu can cheer up quickly, find loopholes in the new Changping Law, launch a powerful counterattack against Li Xuan, and stabilize morale.

"Retreat from the court..."

"Congratulations to Your Majesty..."

As the eminent official announced the dismissal of the court, the civil and military officials all bid farewell to Li Longji.

"The Right Prime Minister doesn't look very well. I think there is no need to go to the Zhongshu Gate today. Go back and rest for a few days. The Left Prime Minister and I are enough here."

When heading to the lower hall of Zhongshumen, Li Xuan saw Li Linfu with a sullen face and asked the question even though he knew the answer.

"I will devote my life to the cause until my death. Even if I die, I want to die in office like Xiahou Ying and Gongsun Hong."

Li Linfu said something in anger, he used the two prime ministers of the Western Han Dynasty to express his ambition. He must fight to the end with Li Xuan, the man who caused chaos in politics.

"Why bother! According to seniority, I should call the Right Prime Minister my great uncle. We are all family, you should enjoy your old age. Look at my father, he is so carefree and comfortable! What's more, the Right Prime Minister is much older than my father, I am afraid that you will not have the chance to enjoy the happiness of family in the future."

Li Xuan said to Li Linfu with a smile.

Li Linfu clenched his fists. He felt that Li Xuan's words were very harsh.

When he met Li Xuan for the first time, he claimed that he was older than Li Shizhi, but Li Xuan asked him in return, "Since he was older than the saint, didn't he need to report to the emperor before entering the palace?"

Although it was also about blood relationship, Li Linfu felt it was humiliating.

This is a scolding that he should go back and have a good rest since he is old, and abdicate as soon as possible.

"Prime Minister Li, I have always thought you were very smart. But your reforms seem too muddle-headed. You cannot see the situation clearly, and sooner or later you will be caught in a dilemma!"

Li Linfu took a deep breath and fought back at Li Xuan.

This is what he thinks.

He admitted that he lost to Li Xuan in some areas.

But he was definitely not wrong about this.

"Right Prime Minister, please do not disturb my mind. Reform and strengthening the country are imperative. I will definitely make the country stable and the people happy. Let's wait and see!"

Li Xuan looked at Li Linfu and suddenly laughed. It was a confident smile.

Even Li Linfu was somewhat infected and looked stunned.

Is Li Xuan really flawless and as noble as she appears to be?
The two of them clearly knew that they had different ideals and could not work together, but they still walked together towards the lower hall of Zhongshumen.

The same road, yet a strange one.

Li Xuan was in the lower hall of the Secretariat, looking at the documents coming from the local areas with Li Linfu and Pei Kuan.

Discuss how to deal with it, today Li Longji's future. Political affairs are decided by the prime minister.

At noon, Li Xuan returned to the Ministry of Personnel.

At this time, Li Xuan was already familiar with the officials of the Ministry of Personnel, and even knew the names of small clerks.

As the prime minister, he was high and mighty, but ordinary officials felt Li Xuan's approachability all the time.

In the past, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Personnel could not be touched.

Now the Prime Minister is also the Minister of Personnel, and he can talk to the Secretary-General and ask about the situation of the Ministry of Personnel.

The four words "great potential" not only encourages low-level officials, but also motivates them to work harder.

Respecting the wise and humble is always appropriate.

Compared with the time when Li Pengnian was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, there is no harm without comparison.

In order to eliminate Li Pengnian's influence in the Ministry of Personnel, Li Xuan would basically go to the Ministry of Personnel after court every day to take charge of affairs.

Of course, Li Xuan did not forget the first three things to do when taking office.

After checking, he found that the Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel was just a figurehead, so he reported to the emperor and asked him to be dismissed.

Pei Zunqing was appointed as the new Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel.

"Reporting to Prime Minister Li, the new examination official Du Fu has come to the Ministry of Personnel to report and is now outside the government office."

The clerk reported to Li Xuan.

"Well, let Chief Du come to see me!"

Li Xuan explained to the minor official.

"Yes!"

After the clerk left, Du Fu, dressed in a blue official robe, walked into the main hall shortly afterwards.

"Du Fu pays his respects to Prime Minister Li!"

After Du Fu entered the main hall, he bowed to Li Xuan with gratitude.

At this moment, his mood was so up and down that he couldn't express it in words.
"Zimei, you don't have to be so polite."

Li Xuan invited Du Fu to take a seat.

Li Bai was "granted gold and released" by Li Longji. Li Longji disliked Li Bai's character, which made it impossible for Li Xuan to transfer Li Bai back to Beijing.

In fact, Li Xuan felt very sorry for Li Bai's words "I was born with talent and it will be useful, even if I spend all my money I will get it back."

Now he can only wander across the country, spreading his romantic art for the Chinese nation.

"I failed to pass the imperial examination, but fortunately, Prime Minister Li valued me and gave me an important position. If you need anything in the future, please let me know and I will do my best to fulfill it."

Du Fu thanked Li Xuan.

"There must be treacherous people in the court, otherwise, with Zimei's talent, why would she fail? But Zimei doesn't need to worry too much about the status of passing the exam. I believe Zimei can handle the affairs well."

Li Xuan spoke to Du Fu emotionally.

Let Du Fu be in charge of the performance evaluation first. When the time is right, Li Xuan will let Du Fu participate in the affairs of the new law.

"Although I am a humble official, I will support Prime Minister Li with all my heart and soul."

When Du Fu heard Li Xuan's trust in him, he felt even more grateful.

Li Xuan asked Pei Zunqing to take Du Fu to his workplace. Since he was working in the Ministry of Personnel, he would arrange accommodation for Du Fu.

While in the government office, Du Fu soon learned that the system of covering names and copying records for the imperial examinations were about to be promulgated.

They were all proposed by Li Xiang.

He lamented that the two laws were of great significance to the poor, and that they were a resistance to Li Linfu's abuse of power, which made Du Fu's admiration and support for Li Xuan unwavering.

When the court was over, Li Xuan invited Du Fu to the mansion of Duke Song to have a drink with him.

At the Duke of Song's Mansion, Du Fu met Li Shizhi and had the opportunity to drink with Li Shizhi, one of the Eight Immortals of Drinking.

Li Shizhi would treat with courtesy anyone Li Xuan invited into his mansion.

Even if Du Fu was just a minor official!
Du Fu was inspired to write poetry after tasting the fine wine.

As soon as he arrived in Chang'an this summer, he visited Prince Ruyang, who loved to play and immediately invited Du Fu to a banquet.

During this period, Du Fu made friends with many literati and got to know some "drunkards" in Chang'an, some of whom had either passed away or left Chang'an.

Du Fu was inspired and immediately found paper and pen to write "Song of the Eight Immortals Drinking".

The Eight Immortals of Drinking are He Zhizhang, Li Jing, Prince of Ruyang, Li Shizhi, Cui Zongzhi, Su Jin, Li Bai, Zhang Xu, and Jiao Sui.

Du Fu portrayed the "Eight Immortals of Drinking" in order, not according to their status, but according to their seniority and age.

The Eight Immortals of Drinking are similar to each other in that they are fond of drinking, bold and unrestrained. Du Fu used refined language and the style of character sketching to write about them in a poem, forming a vivid group portrait. This poem is a pioneering work, but it is a pity that no one in later generations could imitate such a concise group portrait poem.

After reading it, Li Xuan nodded. It was similar to the historical "Song of the Eight Immortals Drinking", except that Li Shizhi's part was slightly changed. Li Xuan felt that it was more charming.

I refused to board the ship when the emperor called me, claiming that I was a wine immortal!
The person who knows Li Bai best is Du Fu.

Li Shizhi felt that this poem should be promoted well through his hands, and thought that the person who was valued by Qilang was indeed talented.

Ten days passed in a flash, and as we entered the cold winter, people became more lazy.

During these ten days, only half of the time is spent in court.

The rest of the time Li Longji was nostalgic for the warmth of Feishuang Palace.

As long as all officials stayed in the yamen and dealt with trivial matters, it didn't matter if Li Longji didn't attend court for a month.

One day, Li Xuan returned to the Duke of Song's Mansion from the government office. Li Qian said to Li Xuan, "Qi Lang, in the afternoon, Longyou will deliver more than a dozen carts of cotton."

Li Qian saw the cotton that Li Xuan mentioned, but he didn't know what it was like.

I just feel that it feels very good to the touch.

"Brother, take me to see it."

Li Xuan's face lit up with joy.

He had previously instructed Wang Nandi that once the cotton was ripe and plucked, some should be sent to the Duke of Song's mansion first, rather than to the imperial palace.

When the time comes, he will present it to the saint.

Li Qian brought Li Xuan into the yard, where there were seventeen carts, each filled with fluffed cotton.

Li Xuan opened a bag and put his hand in it. It was fluffy and soft and felt pretty good to touch.

He immediately asked a tailor to make several quilts according to his design using fine colored satin.

She also tried to sew cotton clothes for Li Shizhi to wear.

After the quilt was sewn, it was taken to Huaqing Palace and presented to Li Longji, asking Li Longji to treat cotton planting with caution.

Li Xuan expected that after the Chinese New Year, the officials he promoted and appointed would be able to return to Chang'an one after another.

Then he can do whatever he wants.

Even though he knew it might be "Zhuang Zhou's dream of a butterfly", Li Xuan would still treat the new Changping law wholeheartedly and with full of expectations.

Before the laws were implemented, Li Xuan wanted to keep a low profile.

However, the tree wants to be still but the wind does not stop.

The snow has not stopped falling in Shandong, and the heavy snow has crushed many people's houses, causing serious snow disasters.

When the imperial court ordered disaster relief, rumors also spread that the Shandong snow disaster was caused by Li Xuan's reforms, which angered the heavens.

Rumors like these, which are between true and false, are very difficult to deal with.

This era was very cruel. Every year, various disasters would occur in the Tang Dynasty one after another, depending on the severity of the disaster.

Under the deliberate guidance of the conservatives, the Shandong snow disaster was rumored to be caused by the political reform.

They advocated the theory of "Mandate of Heaven" and believed that the laws of ancestors could not be changed.

After Li Xuan dismissed the Sanyuan magistrate, he intimidated other prefects and county magistrates and faced the powerful directly.

Although the local tyrants were angry, they did not dare to actually rebel.

Because what is lost is profit, not life.

Rebellion is only possible when one can no longer survive.

But the powerful families did not give up. The local officials did not dare to report to the emperor, so they drafted the documents themselves and mobilized the uninformed people to sign the "Book of All Peoples."

To create the impression that all local people are against the reform.

These so-called books for all people were piled up like a mountain in the lower hall of the Zhongshu Gate.

Li Linfu was laughing at Li Xuan's joke.

The people of Chang'an came to the Huaqing Palace as if they were organized.

Please ask the court to cancel the order that men and women can only get married at the age of 18.

This incident alarmed Li Longji.

But Li Xuan used his eloquent tongue to send these Chang'an people away.

On another day, hundreds of scholars from Chang'an came to Li Xuan's Ministry of Personnel and shouted outside to cancel the new law, with some shouts of "political chaos" mixed in.

Li Xuan sent the Censor-in-Chief and the Assistant Censor-in-Chief to investigate the snow disaster in Shandong.

He did not debate with the scholars who opposed him.

Because Li Xuan knew that he could not convince these scholars, there was no need to waste his breath.

Regarding recent events, Li Xuan wrote a sentence to criticize them.

"Natural disasters are not to be feared, ancestors are not to be followed, and people's words are not to be pitied."

Changes in celestial phenomena are not enough to be feared, the established rules of our ancestors are not enough to be followed, and people's gossip and attacks are not enough to be worried about.

Li Xuan keeps his own pace, waiting to innovate, overcoming all difficulties and daring to be the first.

After these three sentences were spread, those who admired Li Xuan admired him even more.

Those who hate Li Xuan are gnashing their teeth in hatred.

Some people think that Li Xuan has gone too far and that too much is as bad as too little.

They were worried that if they continued to be so stubborn, it would bring disaster to the country.

These "three deficiencies" have a huge impact on the government and the public.

No one has ever said anything like this before or since.

There were more and more voices of treason and political disorder, and some scholars wrote to Li Xuan, trying to persuade him not to do anything extreme.

But Li Xuan did not listen.

His first reform must have been like thunder, shaking heaven and earth.

It is to shock the people of the world.

Seeing Li Xuan's determination, Li Longji still promoted Li Xuan's new Changping system.

He told Li Xuan that those so-called "books from all people" no longer needed to be reported to him and he could handle them on his own.

From now on, any memorials from powerful people, even those concerning other matters, would fall on deaf ears in Li Xuan's hands.

The wind grew stronger and stronger, but Li Xuan remained motionless.

He blocked the evil wind outside Xingqing Palace, and Li Longji didn't like to hear such things.

This also enabled Li Xuan to handle affairs in the lower hall of the Zhongshu Menxia Hall and compete with Li Linfu for power.

This made Li Linfu's life even more difficult.

He felt that Li Xuan had gone crazy, and so many people in the court and the country were unable to shake Li Xuan.

While waiting for Li Xuan to carry out reforms, Li Linfu looked for an opportunity to let the sage see the cause and effect of the failure of the reforms, stop the reforms, and dismiss Li Xuan.

In mid-December, Li Xuan came to Feishuang Palace to pay a visit to Li Longji, bringing some cotton and a quilt.

"Qi Lang's three shortcomings make me feel that after the new law is implemented, it will be successfully implemented in the counties."

After Li Longji asked Li Xuan to stand up, he praised Li Xuan for his determination to say such words.

If you are not someone trying to reform the law, you will never be able to say it.

"I will fulfill my mission!"

Outside Feishuang Palace, Li Xuan replied.

He who walks a hundred steps is only halfway there.

What's more, Li Xuan has just taken the first step.

Li Longji thought that the reform would succeed quickly, but it was just wishful thinking.

The resistance is great in a place far away from the emperor, which will inevitably disappoint Li Longji.

Perhaps because of his age, Li Longji wanted to achieve quick results in everything he did, whether in military or politics.

"Sanlang, didn't Qilang say he wanted to offer some rare items? Let's take a look!"

Yang Yuhuan didn't want Li Longji to talk more about the reform, so she changed the subject.

"Great! It is said that it is called cotton. The cloth that the nine states of Zhaowu paid tribute to us before seemed to be made of this cotton."

Li Longji no longer asked about the reform, but wanted to see the wonders of cotton.

"Saint, my lady, please take a look..."

Li Xuan brought a box of cotton to Li Longji.

The snow-white petals are like balls of the cleanest wool gathered together.

Yang Yuhuan stretched out her jade hand to touch the cotton, which was soft and elastic.

Not rough at all.

Li Longji also picked up a ball of cotton and rubbed it in his hands.

“Can these bring warmth to people?”

After a while, Li Longji asked Li Xuan.

"Your Majesty, cotton can be made into cotton clothes and quilts. This is the quilt I had someone sew for you."

Li Xuan took out a colorful satin quilt from the box. It was embroidered with various flowers and was very beautiful.

"When sleeping at night, change to a quilt, which is lighter and warmer..."

Li Xuan held the quilt and introduced it to Li Longji.

Li Longji took the quilt and it felt very light in his hands.

In this cold winter, wrap your hands in it and feel the warmth.

"This must be what Shichiro said!"

Yang Yuhuan wrapped a corner of the quilt around her shoulders. She felt that it was definitely more comfortable than the jade quilt.

(End of this chapter)