"Very good!"
One scholar, trembling with excitement and his eyes reddening, exclaimed, "As long as I pass the Imperial Examination examination, I'll have the opportunity to enter the imperial court and become an official. If I become the top scholar, I can rise to the top in one step! What a wonderful thing that would be!"
He himself was a scholar; this was a celebration for scholars like them.
Opportunities were rare in the past, but now, as long as one can stand out in the Imperial Examination, one can completely change their destiny. This is a relatively fair path.
Without the middlemen like aristocratic families taking a cut, one can directly showcase their talents before the emperor; if they can't compete, they can't blame anyone else.
"Hmph, becoming an official is just a minor path. Look at this newly established Imperial Academy, look at its staff, and you'll know what it means to rise to the top in one step!" Hearing his words, a scholar next to him couldn't help but sneer.
Imperial Academy?
Everyone looked at the notice board, and their pupils shrank instantly, almost popping their eyes out.
Holy crap, that's way too extravagant!
One scholar couldn't help but swear, staring in horror at the news before him, his heart pounding in his chest. If he really got into the Imperial Academy, wouldn't he be set for life?
[ Imperial Academy ]
According to the introduction, this will be the highest institution of learning in Great Liang. Even after passing the imperial examination with top honors, one would still need to undergo training at the Imperial Academy for a period of time before having the opportunity to become an official.
This thing is really powerful; it can be said to determine the fate of future test takers. But what comes after is even more frightening.
The principal of the Imperial Academy is none other than the current emperor!
The four vice deans are also extraordinary figures: the retired emperor Lin Rusong, the Grand Tutor Wang Ziwen, the former prime minister Lu Yafu, and the current prime minister Xun Yu. What an incredible lineup!
Regardless of what they studied, the mere existence of these few names had already established the Imperial Academy's status.
In their presence, even the most prestigious families have to step aside!
Grunt!
Cao Hui, standing in the crowd, couldn't help but swallow hard, a surge of excitement coursing through him. He muttered, "If someone like this gets into the Imperial Academy, they'll definitely be a student of the Emperor! Even a pig would take off!"
Disciple of the Emperor!
Once admitted to the Imperial Academy, one would have the opportunity to become a student of the emperor, which was undoubtedly the greatest honor.
If even this configuration can't be lifted, then no one can do it.
"That's true, but getting into the Imperial Academy is probably harder than climbing to heaven!"
Beside him, a middle-aged man couldn't help but look solemn as he gazed at the description of the functions of the Imperial Academy, feeling a growing sense of worry.
This Imperial Academy is no easy feat; it's not easy to get in!
The Imperial Academy was not merely a pure academy; in addition to providing top-notch systematic teaching, it had numerous subordinate educational institutions and was an important part of the nation's heritage.
These educational institutions were all public schools in Great Liang, responsible for children's cultural enlightenment and the organization of the Imperial Examination below the county level. They were the main tools for controlling cultural thought.
This can be considered a department, a brand-new ministerial-level unit.
With such high-level facilities and the extremely prestigious status of the Imperial Academy, getting in is probably no easy feat. Unless you are a truly exceptional genius or have the emperor's approval, it's incredibly difficult.
"Hey-hey!"
The young man was initially saddened by these words, but then his smile returned, and he said softly, "There's always hope, isn't there? This is His Majesty's goodwill towards All Under Heaven people, and I don't want to miss out!"
"You're right, I don't want to miss out either!"
"A rare opportunity indeed! If it weren't for the current emperor's wisdom, how could I have had the chance to turn my life around?"
"I want to take the Imperial Examination. If I become the top scholar, I will surely bring prosperity to the region!"
"I look like a martial arts graduate too, I'll take on ten of them!"
Countless scholars rushed about, expressing their joy. For them, this was an unprecedented and very auspicious change.
Once the Imperial Examination System was established, the common people would no longer be stagnant, but would have hope for rise, a chance to soar to great heights.
Moreover, not only scholars have hope, but even warriors and craftsmen have hope, which is definitely a great thing.
Countless young people began to pick up their books and weapons again, focusing intently on the various aspects of the Imperial Examination. They had only one goal in mind: to soar to the top and completely break free from the limitations of their social status.
If I don't seize this opportunity, I'll be letting myself down.
"The current emperor is terrifying!"
Seeing such a lively scene, Lu Yafu, the former prime minister of Great Ning and now the vice principal of the Imperial Academy, couldn't help but sigh.
Once the Imperial Examination are successful, people from humble backgrounds will flood into the imperial court. These people will be the emperor's men, greatly squeezing out the space for aristocratic families. In addition, there are already very few aristocratic families in the Great Liang, so the situation will be even more dire. This is simply a fatal blow.
Moreover, the students under the Imperial Academy are all controlled by the Emperor. Even those who pass the exams must enter the Imperial Academy for further study. Under such subtle influence, these people probably only have the Emperor in their hearts.
Back then, no matter how powerful or aristocratic the family was, life was tough for them.
He gazed in the direction of the palace and murmured, " The Imperial Examination System and the establishment of the Imperial Academy —the Emperor has dealt the final blow to the aristocratic families. From now on, they will never amount to anything again!"
"Haha, you old man, have you forgotten? There are no more aristocratic families these days. They are all the contributors to the development of our Great Liang. With their help, Great Liang will develop even faster."
Wang Ziwen rolled her eyes at him and said with a smile.
"Pah!"
Lu Yafu spat out a mouthful of saliva, couldn't help but roll his eyes at him, and said irritably, "What meritorious official? Not only do the aristocratic families spend money and put in effort, but all the credit goes to the emperor. Even the donkey in our village isn't this miserable!"
Cough cough!
Two soft coughs sounded behind him, Lu Yafu immediately stiffened, his face turning awkward as he realized that someone had come up behind him.
Lin Rusong looked at Lu Yafu and sneered, " Lu Yafu, you old scoundrel, you seem to be full of resentment. You're not entirely convinced by my son!" The old man actually dared to be sarcastic. It seems he has no memory of the lessons he learned.
Forehead!
Seeing the menacing prefect, Lu Yafu couldn't help but twitch his lips and chuckle awkwardly, saying, "Hehe, Your Majesty must have misheard. I only have respect for Your Majesty."
Only the Emperor possesses such courage to eradicate the lingering threat of powerful clans in All Under Heaven! This is no easy task; most people couldn't do it.
Lin Rusong rolled his eyes at him. This kid was getting more and more arrogant and really needed to be disciplined.
To put it bluntly, it was his son who was worried that he would have no one to talk to, which is why he kept him around. Otherwise, the old man would probably have died several times over.