Chapter 53

This time, Si Yunqin also brought Xi Fengyu along. As the two spoke, the Grand Tutor occasionally offered his opinions. After all, he was an old minister, and his understanding of court affairs and Great Zhao far surpassed that of Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu.

After they left the Grand Tutor’s residence, Si Yunqin boarded the carriage and said to Xi Fengyu, “I actually think that having the Grand Tutor is a blessing for Great Zhao.”

Xi Fengyu nodded. That was true. The two of them were anomalies in this era, while the Grand Tutor was a true talent sent by heaven.

Of course, Shen Yanxin was also a blessing for Great Zhao. If not for her, after the Late Emperor’s death, who knew what would have become of the Zhao Kingdom? As for that Heir Apparent, Si Yunqin certainly didn’t hold out hope for him.

When she was young, her father had also spoken of Prince Han’s matters. Her father’s summary of him was that he was someone who couldn’t listen to reason and was eager for quick success.

Si Yunqin believed that. Although her father was a rough man, his ability to judge people was still there; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it to the position of Grand General.

Since she had left the palace, Si Yunqin didn’t want to return so early. She directed the carriage to turn toward the Sikong Mansion. Her mother was at home that day, embroidering with her aunt.

They were a bit surprised to see Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu arrive, but the two didn’t linger long in the house either. After changing clothes, they went to the Yun Residence. There was nothing particular to do; it was just that the autumn weather was crisp and refreshing, and staying cooped up in the palace was suffocating.

Si Xiaoyu was delighted to see Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu. Si Yunqin said the weather was perfect for a boat ride on the lake.

“If you want to go, then go. I’ll send someone to rent a boat.” Si Xiaoyu had always indulged this younger sister. Si Yunqin had deeply remembered one saying through two lifetimes: Sweet words are as good as money.

While waiting, Si Yunqin said she would go buy some pastries. On the way, she ran into Zhu Jing’an.

Zhu Jing’an recognized Si Yunqin’s voice, turned around, and sure enough saw the disguised Si Yunqin.

“What are you two doing here?” Although she had previously seen Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu outside the palace, it hadn’t been at the marketplace. After all, the flow of people in the market was far more complicated than in restaurants or tea houses.

“Buying pastries,” Si Yunqin said with a smile.

Hearing this, Zhu Jing’an couldn’t help but curl her lips. “Still such a sweet tooth?”

Si Yunqin had loved sweets since childhood, especially those from the shop on the west side of the city.

Xi Fengyu lifted the pastry box in her hand. “Indeed, she bought quite a lot.”

Since they had run into each other, Si Yunqin took the opportunity to invite Zhu Jing’an to go boating on the lake.

Zhu Jing’an thought for a moment and agreed. After all, there were no classes at the academy today.

Yan Ke, as always, followed the two silently, acting as a quiet guard. Si Yunqin invited her to sit with them, but she refused.

They played outside the palace for the entire afternoon and only returned to the palace after dark. The next day, Yuwen Qiyue found them and asked where they had gone yesterday. Si Yunqin had no choice but to say they went to see the Grand Tutor. She couldn’t exactly say they went out to play—and without her. That wouldn’t have been justifiable.

That evening, Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu went to the Imperial Study and presented two memorials.

Shen Yanxin opened the memorials and read the contents. They were much more complete, with the entire implementation plan and process laid out, far more detailed than what she had heard that day.

Si Yunqin had even figured out how to get the aristocratic clans to agree.

“Your subject believes the first step is to open positions below the seventh rank. Positions below the seventh rank are largely those the aristocratic clans look down upon, so the resistance won’t be too great.”

“But the promotion of officials can be kept in the hands of the Imperial Court,” Shen Yanxin added after hearing this.

Si Yunqin immediately nodded. “Exactly.”

“It’s feasible.” Shen Yanxin nodded. This memorial was written very carefully; after reading it, everything was basically clear.

The other memorial was presented by Xi Fengyu, concerning the opening of trade and the flow of people.

Shen Yanxin listened to each point and asked questions on the spot about anything she didn’t understand. She was indeed a leader who was good at accepting advice.

“This matter is indeed feasible. Consort Yu has worked hard,” Shen Yanxin said, realizing she had never thought of approaching the problem from this angle.

“In that case, opening trade with the Western Regions could also be a strategy,” Shen Yanxin said, showing that she was good at drawing inferences.

“Yes, but trade with the Western Regions involves the interests of many kingdoms and must be handled carefully,” Xi Fengyu replied.

“Indeed. However, I have decided to set up a special department to manage it,” Shen Yanxin said.

“There’s one more thing. I believe the current official system of Great Zhao is bloated, with too many idle officials. The prefectures and counties have many overlapping establishments, and duties are mixed and unclear. What are your views on this?” Shen Yanxin was now fully engaged.

Si Yunqin’s eyelids were drooping with sleep. Hearing that Shen Yanxin wanted to continue discussing these matters, she quickly stepped forward. “Empress Dowager, it’s already the third watch.”

Shen Yanxin looked at her sleepy expression and let out an inexplicable laugh. “Fine. We’ll continue tomorrow.”

“Empress Dowager, these things need to be done one step at a time,” Si Yunqin retorted again.

Shen Yanxin slightly suppressed her smile. “I will assign this matter to the Ministry of Personnel to handle, with the Ministry of Revenue assisting. As for the two of you leaving the palace, there is no suitable opportunity at the moment. I will naturally fulfill what I have promised you.”

Xi Fengyu and Si Yunqin exchanged a glance. “Yes.”

Watching the two leave happily, Shen Yanxin opened the two memorials again. During the Late Emperor’s reign, she had wanted to promote commoner scholars, but she had always struggled to find a way. Now, Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu had given her a feasible method.

Once this decree was issued, the entire court would likely be in turmoil again. The interests of many would change. The aristocratic clans looked down on positions below the seventh rank, but others did not.

Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu had underestimated things. Shen Yanxin closed the memorials. Still, none of this was enough to worry her.

The next day, Shen Yanxin summoned a group of her trusted ministers to the Imperial Study to discuss the matter of establishing the imperial examination.

From the start, many ministers opposed it. These were even Shen Yanxin’s own confidants. Fortunately, Shen Yanxin had prepared in advance and refuted each objection.

Si Yunqin didn’t know why Shen Yanxin had her and Xi Fengyu hide behind the screen to listen.

Then came the words of Li Bi, the Left Attendant of Scattered Cavalry: “Empress Dowager, your servant believes this move is inadvisable. Establishing official schools would be enormously costly. If commoners all think of rising to prominence overnight, no one would tend to agriculture and sericulture. Wouldn’t that throw the world into chaos?”

After that, they heard Shen Yanxin’s cold voice: “Lord Li, do you believe commoners are born lowly and unworthy of being officials? Don’t forget that Emperor Taizu himself was born a commoner. Lord Li, do you also look down on Emperor Taizu?”

“Furthermore, the establishment of the imperial examination is to broadly recruit talent for my Great Zhao. Although the aristocratic clans have produced many talented people, their children mostly hold positions above the seventh rank. The foundation of a nation lies in its people. Officials below the seventh rank have the most contact with the people and understand them better. Those who are incompetent and immoral will only become parasites of my Great Zhao.”

“The Late Emperor conducted seven incognito inspections to truly understand the people’s conditions. Those from humble families better understand the people’s needs and desires. I ask you all, do the pampered children of the aristocratic clans, who only read the sages’ books, truly understand the common people?”

Shen Yanxin’s voice was especially cold, and her gaze fixed directly on Li Bi. Li Bi found himself with nothing to say in rebuttal, lowered his head, and said, “Your servant is foolish.”

Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu listened to Shen Yanxin’s series of questions from behind the screen. Si Yunqin whispered in Xi Fengyu’s ear, “This is a masterstroke—throwing the question back at them. Impressive.”

Xi Fengyu nodded and continued listening to the debate outside. In the end, Shen Yanxin convinced the others. The Minister of Personnel, himself from a humble family, naturally agreed with the idea of the imperial examination.

The Chancellor, though initially opposed, was persuaded by Shen Yanxin, the Secretariat Director, and others that the move was feasible. Even if he didn’t agree, Shen Yanxin would still push it through, but having the Chancellor’s support was ultimately better.

After all, Shen Yanxin first brought up Emperor Taizu, then the Late Emperor, appealing to reason and emotion, explaining that establishing the imperial examination was good for both the nation and the people. She also arranged to draw staff from the Ministry of Personnel to set up a special supervisory body for the examinations. Since the Chancellor’s son was already serving in the Ministry of Personnel, after the personnel adjustments, that worthy son of his also received a promotion.

After everyone had left, Si Yunqin and Xi Fengyu came out from behind the screen. “Empress Dowager, you are mighty!”

Faced with Si Yunqin’s flattery, Shen Yanxin wasn’t the least bit carried away. “This was only the first wave. Tomorrow’s morning court session is the real main event.”

Si Yunqin nodded. “Go for it. You can do it.”

Shen Yanxin gave her a sour look. “I’m planning to win over the military officers. After all, most military officers come from humble families. Can you speak to your father about this?”

Si Yunqin thought for a moment and then shook her head very seriously. “Your subject going to speak to him without going through you would be highly improper and against the rules.”

“For an imperial consort to contact her maternal family means either plotting rebellion or conspiring treason. Your subject dares not do it.” Si Yunqin was spouting nonsense with a straight face.

Shen Yanxin was so annoyed she glared at her. “Even if you rebelled against heaven, the Sikong wouldn’t follow you in rebellion.”

Xi Fengyu listened from the side and really felt that Si Yunqin’s one-hundred-jin body had one hundred and one jin of rebellious bone.

If Shen Yanxin didn’t beat her up on the spot, it meant she truly valued her.

There was an inexplicable feeling of being spoiled and brazen, and an inexplicable feeling of shipping something.

“Alright, it’s getting late. Accompany me for a meal.”

“That’s fine, but let’s get this straight: no talking about work while eating.” Si Yunqin felt she needed to make that clear to Shen Yanxin. Otherwise, being grilled about work at the dinner table would ruin the meal.

Shen Yanxin wondered why she couldn’t control her hands.

In the end, Shen Yanxin really couldn’t help it. She reached out and pinched Si Yunqin’s little cheek. “I need rest too.”

Xi Fengyu silently stepped back two paces. Shen Yanxin’s helplessness was written all over her face. She had never seen Shen Yanxin like this.

Probably only Si Yunqin had the ability to make Shen Yanxin lose her composure. Great, she shipped it again.

During the noon meal, Shen Yanxin truly didn’t discuss work with them. Instead, she chatted with Xi Fengyu about Dunhuang.

Si Yunqin listened on the side and suddenly spoke up, “I really want to go see it. The sunset in the desert must be beautiful.”

Shen Yanxin suddenly remembered that Si Yunqin’s former dream had been to roam the martial world with a sword and see all the sights of the land under heaven.

“There will be a chance,” Xi Fengyu said to her with a smile. Si Yunqin curled her lips. “When the time comes to go to Dunhuang, it’ll be your turn to play the gracious host.”

“Definitely.”

Shen Yanxin indeed acted with swift decisiveness. That afternoon, she summoned Si Yan to the palace, and the next day, she brought up the matter at the morning court session.

As expected, there was a chorus of opposition. Shen Yanxin looked at those who stepped forward to object—all exactly the ones she had predicted.

Fortunately, she had prepared in advance and was not at a disadvantage. Besides, she was only opening positions below the seventh rank. Si Yan led a group of military officers in a war of words with the civil officials, while Shen Yanxin watched the show from above.

That morning’s court session was quite lively. Shen Yanxin suddenly understood Si Yunqin’s love for watching a good show.

In the end, the opposition was suppressed by Shen Yanxin’s iron-handed methods. Since she hadn’t truly touched the interests of the aristocratic clans, they didn’t openly oppose, so there was no major problem.

However, this created a new issue. The hardliners would certainly feel she was upsetting the court’s order, and the faction of small landowners who had lost vested interests would likely take the opportunity to align with Prince Han or the Imperial Loyalist Faction, determined to drive her down.

If this matter had been handled by the Late Emperor or done by the time the child emperor came of age, there would have been no problem. But for Shen Yanxin to do it, the resistance was much greater.