northernbook Chapter 306 Wang Wan and Li Si devise countermeasures
Chapter 306 Wang Wan and Li Si devise countermeasures
In the past, Wang Wan and Li Si had devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the reform of the bureaucratic system. They believed that if the procedures for selecting and appointing officials were carefully refined, and the central government's control over local officials was further strengthened, then the foundation of the Qin Dynasty's rule would be as solid as a rock and as stable as Mount Tai. To this end, they tirelessly traveled between the court and the provinces, doing their utmost to win over various factions within the court and sparing no effort to create a powerful public opinion environment for their proposed reform strategies.
However, to their surprise, Ying Wuyou's proposed imperial examination system was like a lightning bolt that ripped through the night sky, appearing out of nowhere with an unimaginable directness and decisiveness, instantly shattering all their painstakingly constructed plans.
King Ying Zheng of Qin, a ruler with lofty ambitions, harbored a grand and magnificent blueprint deep within his heart. His dream was to conquer the other six states in one fell swoop and personally create a unified empire that would be unparalleled in history. In his far-sighted vision, the imperial examination system was undoubtedly a brilliant method for discovering truly talented and virtuous individuals. It was like a continuous spring, infusing his ambition for hegemony, which would shake the ages, with fresh blood.
Faced with the strong resistance from Wang Wan and Li Si, and the attempts by officials, both high and low, to coerce him into submission by threatening to boycott court, Ying Zheng remained completely unconcerned. In his eyes, his ultimate goal was to make the Qin Dynasty powerful enough to command the submission of all people under heaven.
Wang Wan and Li Si stood side by side, their faces grave as they gazed at the distant palace's eaves and brackets. A heavy gloom hung over both of them. They knew that the situation had reached a critical juncture, a matter of life and death, and was extremely unfavorable for them.
If effective measures are not taken quickly to reverse the situation, their long-held grand political ambitions will likely shatter like a dream. Worse still, their positions in the court will become precarious and uncertain.
However, the awe-inspiring and majestic King Qin's edicts were as imposing as Mount Tai crushing an egg, making them impossible to resist. For a moment, Wang Wan and Li Si felt helpless, as if they were in a giant maze, unable to find their way out.
"No! We can't just sit here and wait to die!" Wang Wan clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He stared wide-eyed, as if trying to see through the thick fog before him to find a glimmer of hope that could save their fate.
Li Si nodded slightly, agreeing with Wang Wan's words, but his gaze drifted to the distant horizon. There, the winds of change were ever-shifting, much like the complex and perilous political situation before him. Li Si pondered to himself, how could he possibly regain his footing in this fierce power struggle?
Night fell like a vast black curtain, slowly enveloping Xianyang City, gradually immersing this ancient and prosperous city in tranquility and darkness. In the spacious study of Wang Wan's residence, a faint candlelight flickered gently in the breeze, its dim light illuminating Wang Wan's anxious and resentful face, making every wrinkle on his face appear exceptionally clear.
At this moment, Wang Wan paced anxiously back and forth in the study like an ant on a hot pan. He gripped his sleeve tightly, which swung back and forth with his hurried steps, creating a slight rustling sound in the wind. The sound of the wind seemed to tell of his inner unease and worry.
"Li Si! Tell me, what should we do in this situation?" Wang Wan stopped and looked anxiously at Li Si, who was sitting beside the table, her eyes filled with helplessness and confusion.
Li Si frowned slightly, unconsciously toying with a writing brush in his hand, seemingly deep in thought about a solution. After a long while, he slowly spoke, "Prime Minister, since things have developed to this point, panicking will certainly not help. The imperial examination system implemented by His Majesty has already begun, and it is probably impossible to reverse the situation in a short time. However... we are not entirely without a chance to turn things around."
At this point, Li Si's previously somewhat dull eyes suddenly shone with an unusual light. He abruptly raised his head, his two sharp, sword-like gazes fixed on Wang Wan, and said, "Those talents selected through the imperial examinations, no matter how outstanding their talents and abilities, will ultimately still enter the officialdom of our Great Qin. In this way, we can make a big deal out of their subsequent appointments and the rules of officialdom. As long as we operate properly, allowing these newly appointed scholars to gradually adapt to and comply with the rules we have set, what difference will it make if we start implementing the imperial examination system now? After all, as long as our Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system can be implemented smoothly, it will not shake our own interests at all!" Li Si became more and more excited as he spoke, his hands unconsciously waving in the air, as if he could already see the wonderful scene after his plan succeeded.
However, at this moment, Wang Wan, who had been quietly listening, slowly stopped. He frowned slightly, and the glimmer of hope in his eyes quickly dimmed. After a moment of silence, Wang Wan sighed deeply and said helplessly, "Brother Li's words are indeed reasonable, but how easy is it to accomplish this! Since His Majesty has made up his mind to vigorously promote the imperial examinations, he will surely pay close attention to the appointment of these scholars. If we make the slightest mistake in this matter, we may inadvertently commit the crime of deceiving the emperor. At that time, I'm afraid not only will we ourselves be in danger, but our entire families will also be implicated. Besides, the imperial examinations have already begun, His Majesty certainly doesn't intend to use the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system!"
After listening to Wang Wan's words, Li Si frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Brother Wang Wan is quite right, but I am still unwilling to easily give up this excellent opportunity. His Majesty is busy with countless affairs, and the matters of the world are even more complex. However, his energy is limited, and he cannot personally handle everything. As long as we act cautiously and proceed step by step, we may be able to achieve our goal. Take the imperial examination, for example. The key aspects such as the content review and the selection of examiners are areas where we can manipulate things. If we can place trusted people as confidants in these areas, then the selected talents will more or less have some connection with us. In this way, even if the situation changes in the future, these people can become important bargaining chips in our hands."