Chapter 197.2
Two days later, the Minister of Rites, Li Linfu, came to report to Lin Beifan about the autumn imperial examination.
Report to Your Majesty, the autumn imperial examination is well-prepared, and registration is now open!
Lin Beifan asked with a smile, How many have registered?
Truly, its as if the clouds have descended, Your Majesty!
Li Linfu said excitedly, On the first day alone, 3,000 people registered! By the second day, it was 4,000! Your humble servant estimates that by the end, there might be 100,000 people registering for our imperial examination!
Lin Beifan laughed, as this was completely within his expectations.
After all, his Great Xia had changed dramatically!
It was a super dynasty with a territory of 8 million square miles and a population nearing 60 million!
Moreover, with a Grandmaster in its helm.
Such allure was irresistible. Which scholar wouldnt want to make a name for themselves here?
Furthermore, the Great Xia imperial examination was fair and had completely abandoned the noble families, giving hope to the lower-class scholars for advancement. Naturally, many people would come to take part in the imperial examination!
Your Majesty, should we limit the number of applicants?
Why would we do that? Lin Beifan asked, puzzled.
Because there are simply too many registrants, and our examination venues might not be able to accommodate so many people taking the exam at the same time! Li Linfu said with a wry smile.
Previously, they had rebuilt an examination hall that could accommodate 35,000 candidates to take the exam simultaneously.
However, current data projections suggest that the number of registrants could very likely exceed 100,000, more than double the capacity, leaving not enough seats for everyone. How could the exam be conducted?
What a delightful problem to have!
Your Majesty, we should limit the number of participants. Let the scholars with the Advanced Scholar title take the exam and leave out the Apprentice Scholar
Lin Beifan waved his hand dismissively, No need to limit! Since theyve all come, let them take the exam. If necessary, we can split it into several sessions!
But the questions
Ill just set different questions for each session!
Your Majesty is wise!
Li Linfu bowed in respect. Your humble servant will immediately inform the candidates so they may appreciate the imperial grace!
However, the number of people is indeed too many! If we dont impose some limits, there will be even more in the future!
Yes, the numbers will indeed continue to grow! Li Linfu nodded in agreement, keenly feeling the impact of his role as the Minister of Rites.
At the first imperial examination, there were only a few thousand participants.
By the second, the number had risen to over 30,000.
This being the third, the number could very well exceed 100,000.
If this continues, who knows how many will come in the future.
In any case, their current examination hall definitely wont be able to accommodate everyone.
Lin Beifan thought for a moment and then said, Lets do this: starting with this session, well make a slight change to our imperial examination system! Those with the Advanced Scholar title can naturally participate in the imperial examination!
However, those who do not reach the Advanced Scholar level, if they are willing to stay and teach in Great Xia and nurture talents for our Dynasty, then they can also participate in the imperial examination even if they are still Apprentice Scholar!
Li Linfu was astonished; this solution was killing two birds with one stone!
It would not only retain the excellent talents from all over but also help the country cultivate more. Brilliant!
Your Majesty is wise. Your humble servant will announce this policy throughout the land!
Lin Beifan continued, Since we are preparing to cultivate national talents, schools must be established everywhere, funded by the state, and we must hire teachers and staff for daily management! All students can be exempt from tuition fees! Those with excellent grades can be given scholarships to help them complete their studies and serve the country!
Li Linfu was astounded once again!
His Majesty was playing a grand game without regard for cost!
If this plan succeeded, their country would have a continuous stream of talent, making it hard not to prosper!
Also, the Imperial Academy must be established! However, these matters are numerous and complex and cannot be resolved in a short time. Therefore, after this imperial examination, you, Minister, will be responsible for leading this initiative!
First, present a plan for my review, and if its feasible, well expand it nationwide!
Lin Beifan stood up and patted Li Linfus shoulder, As the saying goes, it takes ten years to grow trees but a hundred years to cultivate people! The cause of education is extremely noble. If done well, it will benefit both the present and future generations. So, Minister, you must not disappoint me!
Your Majesty, this is what your humble servant ought to do! Li Linfu bowed.
If you handle this matter well, I will grant you a noble title! Lin Beifan promised.
A noble title!
Li Linfu was instantly thrilled.
It was known that in the Great Xia court, only a person like Heshen had been granted a noble title as a civil official!
This was an immense honor that he had long envied but never had the opportunity to achieve!
Now, at last, he saw his chance!
Li Linfu declared firmly, Your Majesty, your humble servant will certainly not fail your expectations!
With excitement, Li Linfu took his leave.
Shortly after, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Cao Cao, arrived.
He got straight to the point and said, Your Majesty, our Great Xia has changed beyond recognition, and its time to hold the martial examination!
Martial examination? Lin Beifan was taken aback.
The martial examination is the counterpart to the imperial examination, specifically designed to select military officers.
These military officers are not just brutes skilled in martial arts but generals capable of both annihilating enemies on the battlefield and commanding troops in combat.
Minister, share your thoughts. Why do you propose holding a martial examination?
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