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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 226: Awaiting Prosperity
Li Jian Cheng received several versions of the "I Ching" presented by the Scholar. After a brief glance, he remarked, "All industries await revival, and the accumulated issues are too deep. If we could have sorted out the inheritance of classics and statutes during the prosperous times of past dynasties, we wouldn't need to start from scratch now.
We cannot leave these problems for future generations. Yan the Scholar, you have inherited a family legacy, extensively read various texts, and deeply studied interpretations. Therefore, you shall take primary responsibility for the examination and compilation of the Five Classics."
Yan Shigu hailed from the Confucian family of the Langya Yan Clan, with his ancestor being Yan Hui, a disciple of Confucius, boasting a rich heritage of scholarship.
"I will decree that all books in the Ministry of Rites' Hongwen Pavilion are at your disposal. All scholars will assist you. I will also issue another edict, urging families to contribute books for examination and compilation purposes, ensuring that classics are preserved for future generations."
The Scholars immediately recognized this as a monumental achievement that would secure their names in history. Each of them could leave their mark through this endeavor, and they eagerly bowed to Li Jian Cheng, exclaiming, "Your Majesty's civil and military achievements are unmatched in the world. Heaven will surely bless our Tang Dynasty, ensuring its legacy lasts for millennia!"
Lu Deming, a renowned scholar from Wu Zhong, advised, "Your Majesty, after Yan the Scholar compiles the Five Classics, there is an even more arduous task ahead—unifying annotations for these texts. Currently, Confucianism has many branches and complex verses; during the Imperial Examination, there often lacks a unified answer due to this."
Finally addressing a crucial point: unifying annotations means standardizing thought. While this may have drawbacks, it provides an opportunity for students from ordinary backgrounds—those without extensive knowledge or family traditions—to have a chance at success through fixed answers.
Li Jian Cheng sat in the Hongwen Pavilion for half a day as more officials gathered. Upon learning that this Imperial Examination was aimed at those dismissed from office, they were all delighted.
Moreover, it seemed that His Majesty intended not just this one occasion; some would surely be reinstated. Additionally, His Majesty had promoted several young talents from various families, which alleviated much of the resentment from noble families.
As for the remaining discontented few, Li Jian Cheng was unconcerned; it was impossible to cater to their every whim. As long as their grievances were kept to a minimum, it sufficed.
To truly teach them a lesson and set an example for others was necessary; after all, an emperor must assert authority.
Upon returning to the palace, Li Jian Cheng summoned Yuwen Ruitong from the Ministry of Works. He was the legitimate eldest son of Yuwen Kai, the Chief Architect of the previous dynasty. Although he lacked his father's skills, he remained a notable figure.
Due to his father's influence, his family possessed many skilled craftsmen. After establishing his rule, Li Jian Cheng commanded them to continue improving papermaking techniques to produce cheaper paper.
With advancements in papermaking came printing technology; woodblock printing had already taken shape. Li Jian Cheng ordered improvements on it and introduced the concept of movable type printing.
This is also the key to eliminating the knowledge monopoly of the noble families: inexpensive paper, mass printing, and the court allowing commoners to register for the Imperial Examination themselves.
Yuwen Ruitong respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, Woodblock Printing can now be used on a large scale, and Movable Type Printing has begun experimentation. However, the improved papermaking technique still requires some time to test the quality of various paper materials before we can select the most suitable one for mass production."
Building upon the developments of previous generations and further refining them is much simpler than creating something from nothing. Although constructing cities and palaces is not what the Yuwen Family excels at, it is sufficient to ensure their wealth and status.
Li Jian Cheng expressed satisfaction with their progress. Once Woodblock Printing and Yan Shigu's standards for the Four Books and Five Classics are established, they can be put to great use. As for paper, once it is ready, it should be pressed into production.
...
After a few quiet days, Li Jian Cheng took the Queen and Eldest Son to accompany the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager for a meal. Li Chengzong was over two years old, at the most adorable and playful age. As his doting grandparents, they naturally showered him with affection.
Li Yan had even decided that when Chengzong reached school age, he would personally educate him, especially in archery.
Among his four legitimate sons, aside from the frail third son, the remaining three inherited his archery skills. He believed that his legitimate grandson would surely learn and excel as well.
Reluctantly handing his Grandson over to his wife, he then sat down with his son in a side hall. Li Yan said, "Li Youliang does not have the courage to secretly nurture talents or associate with outsiders. However, he is known for his rough temperament and has often bullied common people."
Li Youliang was the son of Li Yan's sixth uncle, making him Li Jian Cheng's cousin. He had no real abilities or achievements; he was merely granted the title of Duke of Changle because of his royal lineage.
Recently, Li Jian Cheng issued an edict stating that members of the Royal Family without merit would have their titles downgraded. Consequently, he was reduced to Duke of Changle County. With his title diminishing further and lacking any accomplishments, it seemed unlikely he could even retain his county title.
After fruitlessly complaining to the Retired Emperor, he reluctantly rallied himself and requested an appointment to a local position. Thus, Li Jian Cheng assigned him to Liaodong.
Not long after, reports from the local area came in accusing him of secretly selling salt and iron to Turkic traders in order to amass wealth and secretly support Death Warriors, potentially plotting rebellion.
Li Jian Cheng remarked, "If this is true, as a member of the royal family who obtained his title without merit and already enjoys wealth and status, he should be punished more severely. He should be made to commit suicide as an apology to our Ancestral Spirits."
Li Yan fell silent for a moment and said, "I always feel that something is off. Perhaps someone is trying to use him to stir up trouble. Not long ago, when you dealt with the issue of redundant officials, you offended quite a few noble families. However, since this matter is just and proper, they dare not obstruct it."
Li Jian Cheng smiled and replied, "How many schemes can the subjects concoct?"
It is not that the noble families are no longer powerful; rather, during the prosperous era of Peace, they are not as strong as they were in the late dynasty or in times of chaos. Without the common people to incite, what can they do with just a few hundred or a thousand servants?
Years after Emperor Yang ascended the throne, he could eliminate top figures like Gao Shan and He Ruobi from the Noble Families of Guanlong—who had helped Wen Emperor create the glorious reign of the Sui Dynasty—like slaughtering chickens or sheep. Could their deaths truly be the reason for the fall of the Sui?
The noble families are powerful yet also weak. Ultimately, they must wait for a crack to appear in imperial authority to exert their influence, whether it be when a young ruler seems susceptible to usurpation or when the people are suffering enough to overthrow their state.
Since Emperor Yang ascended, he has revealed his nature, yet he still wielded power for over ten years. If he had suddenly realized his mistakes along the way, this world would still bear the surname Yang.
The only unique aspect about Li Youliang is his identity as part of the Royal Family, but even that isn't particularly special. Li Jian Cheng has always dealt with matters by first targeting the Royal Family to demonstrate fairness.
"Yuanji..."
"Shimin cannot escape blame either; how much less so Yuanji? Father, if we cannot restrain the Royal Family, then the subjects will never be convinced. The authority of our laws cannot be enforced; without authority in the state, naturally, there will be none for the emperor."
………………
(End of Chapter)
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