After listening to Zhao Pu's advice, Liu Yang fell into thinking again. Although there was not much expression on his face, it was obvious that he was very entangled. Being entangled also meant that he had some intention.
However, after hesitating for a while, Liu Yang finally shook his head. He understood what Zhao Pu meant, and he didn't really think about it clearly in his mind, but he refused almost instinctively.
After opening his mouth, Liu Yang's tone was very firm: "Since this is the truth, why do we need to hide it? I know Prime Minister Zhao's concerns, and I am afraid of causing more criticism and speculation!
However, since the court has clearly investigated, confirmed the facts, and announced the situation, if there is a cover-up, wouldn't it appear more guilty and arouse suspicion?
It's easy to block people's minds, it's hard to win over people's hearts, and it's not allowed to cover up one's ears and steal the bell. Besides, the court's decision is arbitrary, so why do you need to cover it up?"
The prince's words were righteous. However, when Liu Yang made this statement, he had already clarified it in his mind. Of course, there were considerations in the words, but also because so many people participated in this second review.
Among them, the matter has been leaked, and I am afraid that it is not possible to ensure that the results will not be spread out with just a few warnings.
As for Zhao Pu, when faced with the upright prince, he did not feel ashamed of being a villain. He just responded calmly: "What your highness said is reasonable, but I didn't think carefully!"
In fact, in Zhao Pu's opinion, this matter can be easily solved. If you want to prevent the secret from being leaked, just provide enough deterrence. For example, if there is a leak, everyone who knows the situation will be deposed.
Of course, such an approach may seem extreme. However, Zhao Pu only gave a suggestion to express his attitude and position on this matter to the prince. As for whether to adopt it or not, it depends on the decision of the prince.
Liu Yang's decision was quickly expressed clearly and forcefully: "Based on the situation of the second instance, the public judgment, and the two lists, report the facts and act according to the imperial edict!"
Liu Yang is still smart, and the final decision depends on Emperor Liu.
"Is Wu Jichuan included in the new list?" Liu Yang suddenly asked.
Zhao Pu nodded and said in a playful tone: "Here! Not only here, but also among the top three!"
"Among the newly drafted nine people, is there Xu Shilian?" Liu Yang raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Still not!" Zhao Pu's eyes were clear and his tone was affirmative.
At this time, Liu Yang was also a little surprised and said: "I also met Xu Shilian just now. Although he is a bit unruly and arrogant, he does have some talent. Is it true that he cannot be admitted as a Jinshi?"
Mentioning this, Zhao Pu was silent for a moment, then turned around, took out an answer sheet from the desk, and handed it to Liu Yang: "Your Highness, you will understand Xu Shilian's policies after reading them!"
With a little curiosity, Liu Yang took it, spread it out, and started reading it carefully. After reading a paragraph, he raised his head and said, "It's well written, but it's quite insightful!"
Zhao Pu: "Your Highness, please read the second half!"
Liu Yang buried his head again. Soon, he frowned and squeezed away his curiosity and doubts. Even his eyes showed a bit of solemnity. He slowly raised his head and said: "This Xu Shilian, I'm afraid he is too conceited."
! His Majesty’s achievements need to be evaluated by him? How dare he, a little scholar, make random accusations about the great affairs of the imperial court? He has been a county official and knows some swords and pens, so he thinks he can guide the country? "
"Your Highness, calm down!" Zhao Pu said politely to appease him.
Realizing that he had lost his composure, Liu Yang also listened to the advice and quickly calmed down. He lowered his head and browsed Xu Shilian's strategy again, and he calmed down again.
Obviously, it can make the prince unable to hold his nerve. This article by Xu Shilian is very extraordinary. On the governance of Qianyu Kaibao, this topic is very big. When making the discussion, many scholars choose the middle part of it, one thing, one policy.
to make a discussion.
However, there are also people with outstanding talents, such as Wu Jichuan, Song Zhun, and Xu Shilian. Wu Jichuan praised without reservation, highlighted his literary talent, and showed his knowledge. No examiner would dare to give a low score to such an article.
Xu Shilian, on the other hand, wanted to be unique. He evaluated the Qianyu Kaibao from a macro perspective. He also recognized Emperor Liu's achievements, especially the unification of the Qianyu era, and sang praises.
However, in the affirmative tone, some new tricks were also introduced, such as clearly pointing out the sufferings of the common people of the Han Dynasty during the Qianyu era, such as excessive taxes and excessive corvee.
For example, Emperor Liu's reforms in many systems did not follow Confucius and Mencius, did not respect saints, and also pointed out that the imperial examination was unfriendly to scholars all over the world, especially those from poor families.
Also, Emperor Liu was tolerant of his military ministers and harsh on civil servants. Although this was not the case, it was like this for many literati who had come from the Qianyou era.
As for the problems after the opening of the Bao Year, Xu Shilian pointed out more problems. What about the great meritorious officials who were treated too well? What about the repeated use of weapons and attacks, which wasted national power for some poor places that could not make ends meet. As for extravagance and waste, tribute
If things continue to exist, it is a trivial matter.
When Xu Shilian's thoughts were put on paper, his words might be a little more cryptic, but between the lines of words, the gushing meaning was clearly visible to the readers.
Liu Yang pondered for a while, then raised his eyes to Zhao Pu and said in a asking tone: "In the opinion of Mr. Zhao, did Xu Shilian write this article to set high standards and attract people's attention, or was he sincere and bold and straightforward?"
admonish?"
"It's hard to say." Zhao Pu sighed: "I have only met this person once so far, and I really don't understand him!"
After a pause, Zhao Pu added: "However, to be able to write such an article, it is undeniable that this person has some talents, but it is understandable that he is too frivolous, disrespectful, and makes mistakes with his nonsense, so he was abandoned by the marking officer!"
Liu Yang also agrees with Zhao Pu's views. However, looking at this policy paper from the beginning, Xu Shilian is so bold and frivolous, conceited and self-conscious but does not know it. After losing the position, he may not do such things as going to the public and riding.
Not coming out.
If that's the case... am I being suspicious? Liu Yang couldn't help but wonder secretly.
"Your Highness!" Zhao Pu called softly.
"If this is the case...how will this matter end?" Liu Yang took a breath and sighed, his expression looking a little embarrassed.
The root cause of Xu Shilian's defeat was found, and the twists and turns were sorted out, but Liu Yang was a little unsure about how to deal with it.
"Your Highness, Xu Shilian is conceited about his talent and arrogant. He makes arrogant comments about the government. He cares about his youth. He does not hold him accountable for his crimes and refuses to admit him. This is the tolerance and care of the imperial court!" Zhao Pu said:
"However, instead of thinking about his mistakes, he went home to reflect behind closed doors and think about the future. Instead, he felt resentful, blaming the imperial court for unfair recruitment, slandering the chief examiner, and blaming the same year.
Because of his narrow-mindedness and his own way of doing things, he caused such a huge disturbance in the court and caused such a bad influence, leading to rumors and rumors that the court was involved in fraud in the promotion of talents.
This is all Xu Shilian's fault, and I believe that Xu Shilian should be punished for his crimes to set the record straight and to serve as a warning to future generations!"
"Is this too harsh?" Liu Yang said calmly: "Xu Shilian is certainly arrogant and willful, but when the imperial court sets examination questions, it is for people to discuss them, listen to their opinions, and select the best ones to record. This is unreasonable discussion of the government.
Once said, it may be a bit inappropriate to apply it to this matter.
Although this person's views are bold and pungent, if he is guilty of this, I am afraid that his Majesty's virtue will be compromised!"
Hearing what Liu Yang said, Zhao Pu chuckled and complimented: "Your Highness is truly a benevolent Lord! However, the advice given by the old minister is not for his advice, but because he does not distinguish between right and wrong, black and white, and arbitrarily accuses and slanders ministers.
This matter has already affected the prestige of the imperial court, confuses people's minds, and corrupts the imperial court. If what he said is true, then that is another matter. But now the facts are clear. Everything is Xu Shilian's conjecture, which has caused such evil consequences. How can we not punish him?
!”
Zhao Pu's opinion was tough. Faced with his persistence, Liu Yang had to give the prime minister some face. It was not easy to question him directly. He pondered for a while and said: "It is better to report it to His Majesty first, and then listen to the discussion later!"
"That's fine!" Zhao Pu looked at Liu Yang for a moment and secretly praised him in his heart.
Obviously, with people like them as guarantee, Li Fang's grievances of fraud can basically be washed away. In this case, Liu Yang should feel relaxed.
However, nothing could be seen from his face. Liu Yang's words and deeds all revealed a kind of care and prudence. For a prince, it is not about making significant achievements, but on the contrary, being prudent and quiet and not making mistakes.
is more important.
In addition, Zhao Pu also discovered that the current Crown Prince's palace is getting deeper and deeper. This is not reflected in his reticence, but in his conduct style.
Your Highness, the Prince, is so stable, as immovable as a mountain, the kind of stability that does not change even if Mount Tai collapses in front of you.
"I have to trouble Mr. Zhao to prepare a report on the results of the second trial!" Liu Yang said in a gentle manner: "I should also prepare a report and hand it over to His Majesty!"