kvmb Chapter 601 Strategies for the State of Qi
Chapter 601 Strategies for the State of Qi
Zhou Chang looked up and saw a woman in a light green official robe standing at the door. She was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a beautiful face but sharp, piercing eyes. The bronze plaque hanging from her waist was engraved with "Lu, the Director of the Imperial Library".
“Lu Dianji?” Zhou Chang was somewhat surprised. Although the Department of Rites and Literature and the Department of Personnel and Merit were both under the jurisdiction of the Left Chancellor, Kui Zhuang, the two departments had little contact since the transfer of the imperial examination affairs last year.
“Zhou Cao Yuan.” Lü Zhi entered the yamen and bowed respectfully. “This humble official has come to assist in the preparations for the children’s examination on the orders of Chunyu Sizheng of the Ministry of Rites.” She paused. “Chunyu Sizheng said that this humble official participated in the imperial examinations two years ago and may be of some use.”
Zhou Chang's heart skipped a beat. He had long heard of Lü Zhi—this woman was originally the daughter of Lü Gong of Chu. Three years ago, she entered Xianyang and, because of her literacy and knowledge of law, was recommended by Princess Jiayang to the Ministry of Rites and Literature. She was one of the main writers for the imperial examinations held by the Ministry of Rites and Literature the year before last, and it was said that she even participated in the arrangement of the exam questions. Later, the affairs of the imperial examinations were transferred to the Ministry of Personnel and Merit, and she remained in the Ministry of Rites and Literature, responsible for compiling and organizing the classics.
“Lu Dianji, you’ve come at the right time.” Zhou Chang gestured for her to sit down. “You just said that the Qi people wouldn’t participate. What makes you say that?”
Empress Lü Zhi sat down, her demeanor composed: "The State of Qi still exists. The people of Qi regard the imperial examinations of our Great Qin as a test for barbarians, and the aristocratic families would never allow their sons to participate. As for the remnants of the State of Yan in Liaodong..." She chuckled lightly, "King Xi of Yan is barely able to protect himself, let alone have time to attend to the imperial examinations."
Zhou Chang nodded; this was precisely what worried him most. Although the Qin Dynasty had conquered four states, the hearts of the people were not yet won over. The imperial examinations were originally intended to win over scholars, but if no one in Qi and Yan responded, this "path to the virtuous" would become a joke.
"What insightful opinions does Lü Dianji have?"
"I dare not presume to offer such insightful opinions." Lü Zhi took out a scroll from her sleeve. "This is a list of candidates from various regions who took the imperial examinations two years ago. Please take a look, Cao Yuan. Even in the former territories of Han and Zhao, which have been destroyed for several years, most of the candidates were from humble backgrounds, with very few sons of aristocratic families."
Zhou Chang unfolded the bamboo slips, and indeed it was so. The powerful families of Yangdi (Li clan) and Handan (Zhao clan), long-established clans, had almost no participants. While students from humble backgrounds eagerly enrolled, their numbers were limited.
“The powerful families are still observing because they don’t believe the Qin system can last,” Lü Zhi continued, her voice calm yet firm. “They secretly still hope for the resurgence of the six states. To break this deadlock, we need to show them that participating in the Qin system is profitable.”
"You mean..."
“Those who pass the imperial examinations should not only be admitted to official schools, but should also be given real benefits.” Empress Lü’s eyes gleamed. “For example, tax reductions, exemption from corvée labor, or the bestowal of a plaque inscribed with ‘Good Scholar’ to hang at their gate. Noble families value reputation and benefits the most, and such temptations may sway them.”
Zhou Chang pondered for a moment: "This matter requires consultation with Yao Sizheng, and even the Left Prime Minister. Taxes and corvée labor are no small matter."
"I have already drafted a memorial." Lü Zhi then took out a scroll of bamboo slips and presented it with both hands, "Please, Cao Yuan, take a look."
Zhou Chang took the document and was increasingly astonished as he read it. The woman's meticulous planning far exceeded his expectations. Her proposal not only offered incentives but also a strategy of division—honoring the families who actively participated in the examinations, while secretly reducing the commercial privileges of those who resisted. Her combination of soft and hard tactics was truly shrewd.
"Master Lü truly lives up to his reputation," Zhou Chang said sincerely. "However, there is one thing I don't understand—since the Ministry of Rites and Literature has already handed over the affairs of the imperial examinations, why did Director Chunyu still send you to assist?"
Lü Zhi smiled slightly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes: "Chunyu Sizheng said that the imperial examination is of great importance. Although the Liwen Department is no longer in charge, it still needs to do its best to assist. After all..." She paused, "The Left Chancellor hopes that this matter will be handled properly."
Zhou Chang discerned the underlying meaning. Chunyu Yue, the Director of the Department of Rites and Literature, was a Confucian scholar who consistently advocated for a gradual and benevolent approach to governance, often clashing with the Legalist and radical style of Yao Jia, the Director of the Department of Personnel and Merit. The fact that the Left Chancellor, Kui Zhuang, had transferred the imperial examination affairs from the Department of Rites and Literature to the Department of Personnel and Merit was already intriguing. Now, Chunyu Yue's dispatch of Lü Zhi to "assist" him likely carried both an intention to curry favor and a suspicion of surveillance.
“In that case, we will trouble Lü Dianji.” Zhou Chang said calmly, “The first priority is to count the number of people eligible to take the exam in each region. With the age dropping to thirteen, each county will probably need to submit a new report.”
“I have already thought of that,” Lü Zhi said, pointing to the map. “We can order each prefecture and county to register all those aged thirteen to twenty based on their existing household registers. This way, we can not only keep track of the actual situation but also put pressure on each prefecture and county—if the number of registered people in a certain place is too small, it will be considered a dereliction of duty by the officials.”
Zhou Chang gave Lü Zhi a deep look. This woman was no ordinary person. She was meticulous in her thinking, experienced in her methods, and, more importantly, knew how to leverage pressure.
“Alright, we’ll do it your way.” He made the decision. “Zhao Yan, immediately draft the documents and send them to all the prefectures and counties. The number of eligible candidates must be reported by March 15th.”
"Yes, sir!" Zhao Yan accepted the order and left.
Zhou Chang then looked at Lü Zhi: "Lü Dianji, do you have any ideas on how to set up the examination hall for women?"
"Yes." Lü Zhi took out another scroll of silk from her sleeve. "Women need to have a separate examination room, and the proctors also need to be women. I suggest that outstanding students be selected from the Xianyang Women's Academy, trained, and then sent to various places. The exam questions can be the same as those for men, but the grading must be done separately."
"Female proctors...where can we find so many literate women?"
"The Xianyang Women's Academy currently has over a hundred students, and many of the wives of officials are literate," said Lü Zhi. "If we select two hundred people and train them for ten days, they should be able to handle the job. However, the border region is harsh, so we need to provide them with generous treatment."
Zhou Chang nodded: "The compensation can be excellent. You will also be in charge of this matter."
"promise."
The two discussed details such as exam room setup, exam question creation, and marking process until sunset.
While the Ministry of Personnel was busy preparing for the children's examination, the King of Qin also began to make arrangements for the State of Qi.
February 22nd, Xianyang.
In a side hall of Zhangtai Palace, the charcoal fire had been removed and replaced with a refreshing incense. King Ying Zheng of Qin stood before a huge map, his gaze shifting eastward from Xianyang, past the newly blackened Wei territory, and stopping at the borders of Qi.
The State of Qi was vast and rich in resources, with hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers, and the sea as its natural barrier. It was the last of the six major states, and the toughest nut to crack. A direct assault would inevitably result in heavy casualties; a clever strategy was the best course of action.
"Summon Li You," said the King of Qin.
The eunuch relayed the order. A short while later, Li You, the Chief Justice of the Ministry of Justice, entered. This young chief justice wore a black official robe, a standard longsword at his waist, and his face was as cold and stern as if carved by a knife. He was Li Si's son, but he had risen to this position through his own abilities; no one dared to say he relied on his father.
"Your subject Li You pays his respects to Your Majesty." Li You knelt on one knee, his armor clattering softly.
"Rise." The King of Qin turned around and looked him over. "Li You, you have done a very good job in the Ministry of Justice these past few years. You have revised the laws, rectified official corruption, and greatly improved the security of Xianyang."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. This is my duty."
The King of Qin walked to the map and pointed to the location of the State of Qi: "But there is something I need you to do now."
Li You's heart skipped a beat: "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty!"
"A direct assault on Qi would result in heavy casualties; a clever strategy is the best course of action," the King of Qin said in a deep voice. "I wish to send you as an envoy to Qi. Firstly, you have served on the border and are knowledgeable in military affairs, which can intimidate the Qi people; secondly, you are in charge of criminal law and understand the laws, which can demonstrate the merits of the Qin system; thirdly..."
He paused for a moment: "You once had dealings with Hou Sheng, the prime minister of Qi."