After all, this was a matter that would turn heaven and earth upside down.
"Your Majesty, I believe this is precisely the time to introduce the Imperial Examinations."
Zhuge Liang's gaze was firm as he explained clearly and methodically, "The comprehensive establishment of Public Schools has allowed countless sons of humble families to receive an education in New Learning. The people's acceptance of New Learning has also laid a solid foundation of public support for the Imperial Examinations."
"Under the former Recommendation System, recommendations were largely controlled by the great clans, and many talented men were buried in obscurity because of their lowly birth. The Imperial Examinations would disregard birth and select solely on merit. Anyone with genuine talent and learning could enter official service through the examinations and serve the country."
"Introducing the Imperial Examinations now would allow the Imperial Court to select more genuinely knowledgeable and capable men. It would be a measure in keeping with the people's wishes."
"Not only would this inspire the people to pursue learning, it would also allow the country to gather worthy talent for every aspect of its development and flourish with each passing day. Moreover, the fighting has now ceased, and the country is recuperating and developing vigorously. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce the Imperial Examinations. I hope Your Majesty will not hesitate."
Zhuge Liang spoke confidently and at length, clearly supporting Guo Jia.
He had also participated in the educational reforms and knew that acceptance of New Learning among the people was already very high. Everyone was awaiting a new method of selecting talent to replace the Recommendation System.
After hearing Zhuge Liang's words, Liu Xie nodded slightly and said, "Since that is so, we shall proceed as Fengxiao and Kongming suggest."
"At tomorrow's Court Assembly, I shall