Chapter 51 Founding the National Academy

Chapter 51: Establishing the National Academy

The position of Vice Minister of Works was vacant, a role both lucrative and powerful, stirring ambition in everyone.

Xiao Huaiguan naturally wanted his own ally to take the post, but while everyone else had a chance, the Xiao family alone did not.

Vice Minister of War Qiu Songbo stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I find Minister Wang's suggestion inappropriate."

"What is inappropriate about it?" Baili Hong asked.

"Director Liu Junqi of the Ministry of Works is a disciple of Minister Wang. For Minister Wang to propose his promotion to Vice Minister of Works now reeks of favoritism."

Wang Yu immediately retorted, "Officials should be selected based on merit, and recommending the worthy should not avoid connections."

"Liu Junqi, as Director of the Ministry of Works, has always been diligent and never negligent. His performance during the relief efforts in Hexi Prefecture was outstanding, making him well-suited for this role. Vice Minister Qiu, are you perhaps judging others by your own standards?"

"People’s intentions are hard to discern. Minister Wang speaks eloquently, but who knows what he truly thinks? Besides, Liu Junqi is currently absent from the capital, and the Ministry of Works cannot be without leadership." Qiu Songbo bowed toward the throne and said, "Your Majesty, I believe Meng Wenxiao, an official of the Ministry of Works, could temporarily act as Vice Minister of Works."

"Isn’t this favoritism on Vice Minister Qiu’s part?" Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi scoffed lightly, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty, I also believe Director Liu Junqi of the Ministry of Works is qualified for this role."

Minister of Justice Qiu Heng glanced up, his eyes sweeping over Qin Xiao’s expression but detecting nothing unusual. However, as Qiu Songbo was about to speak again, he subtly tilted his head and gave a warning look.

Qiu Songbo paused, swallowing the words on the tip of his tongue.

The court fell silent for a moment, with many officials lowering their eyes, each engrossed in their own thoughts.

With the Xiao family weakened, the Wang family had become the most prominent faction.

In the court alone, there were already four high-ranking officials from the Wang family: Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan, Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, Director of the Ministry of Personnel Wang Yu, and Vice Minister of Justice Wang Ruzhen.

If Liu Junqi, a disciple of Wang Zhiyuan, were to become Vice Minister of Works, the Wang family would influence five of the six ministries.

As this realization dawned on everyone, they suddenly became aware of how powerful the Wang family had grown unnoticed.

Moreover, they were the most reputable and beloved among the Four Great Families. If allowed to expand further, the court would surely become the Wang family’s domain!

What they could deduce, Qin Xiao would certainly realize as well, so everyone assumed Liu Junqi would not be promoted.

Yet, at that moment, Chu Jiubian stepped out of the ranks, his cool and distinctive voice unmistakable.

"Your Majesty, I also believe Liu Junqi is qualified for this role."

As he finished speaking, he felt gazes from all directions, but he kept his eyes slightly lowered, as if oblivious.

Baili Hong had been advised by his teacher and uncle the previous day that once his teacher made the recommendation, he could give his approval.

So, the young emperor’s clear voice echoed through the hall: "Then let it be as Grand Tutor Sir says. I approve."

From initially only being able to say simple phrases like "Arise" or "What matter does the minister bring?" during morning court, to now speaking such long and complex sentences at the right moment, it had taken just over a month.

For a three-year-old emperor, this growth was nothing short of astonishing.

Qin Xiao finally spoke: "Since there are no objections, let Director Liu Junqi of the Ministry of Works be promoted to Vice Minister of Works."

With the emperor’s decree and Qin Xiao’s final word, the others had no grounds to object, though their doubts grew stronger.

Were Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian not afraid of the Wang family’s growing power?

Or had they reached some private arrangement with the newly appointed Vice Minister of Works, Liu Junqi?

During the relief efforts in Hexi Prefecture, Liu Junqi had indeed worked tirelessly—perhaps he had received some promise.

For a moment, subtle glances were cast toward the Wang family members, especially Minister Wang Zhiyuan.

But Wang Zhiyuan remained calm and unperturbed.

By now, the most pressing matters of the morning court had been discussed. Everyone was lost in thought, planning to return home and carefully consider their future paths once the court adjourned.

"Your Majesty, I have one more matter." The young man’s calm voice, neither too loud nor too soft, made everyone pause and look up.

The officials who had previously stepped forward to speak had already returned to their positions, leaving only Chu Jiubian still standing in place.

"Grand Tutor Sir, please speak," Baili Hong said.

"Recently, there have been numerous issues in the court. From the prefects of Guizhou and Guangxi who delayed disaster relief, to Xiao Wendao and Lv Yuan, who embezzled funds for dam repairs, and Zhou Boshan, who used civilians to plug the dam breaches—all are corrupt and wicked officials."

Chu Jiubian’s tone was cold, and he did not raise his voice, but as he spoke, the court grew even quieter than before.

So silent that a pin drop could be heard.

No one knew what he intended by bringing this up, but their instincts told them it was nothing good.

Chu Jiubian continued, "Such corrupt officials are countless, revealing the flaws in our official selection system."

At the mention of "official selection system," everyone’s expressions changed dramatically.

Eyes sharp as daggers turned toward Chu Jiubian.

Chu Jiubian slightly raised his gaze, meeting Qin Xiao’s deep and profound eyes.

"What insight does Grand Tutor Sir have?" Qin Xiao’s voice was low and stern.

Chu Jiubian said slowly, "The world belongs to Your Majesty, but it also belongs to the people. The court is Your Majesty’s court, but it should also be the court of the people."

"I believe our official selection should not be limited to scholars but expanded to give all citizens the opportunity to serve as officials."

Qin Xiao said, "The current recommendation system selects officials based on both virtue and talent, and it is open to all citizens. Anyone with both virtue and talent can be recommended by local prefects or higher officials. Why does Grand Tutor Sir say it is limited only to scholars?"

Chu Jiubian replied, "The power of recommendation lies in the hands of prefects and higher officials, which invites favoritism. For example, Prefecture Deputy Zhou Boshan of Hexi, was recommended and promoted by Prefect Lv Yuan, yet he lacked both virtue and talent. In contrast, many common merchant families have individuals with both qualities."

"Indeed," Qin Xiao nodded. "During the disaster relief, I also encountered many talented and virtuous individuals who, due to poverty, could not offer sufficient bribes to officials and thus went unrecognized."

"Prince Ning speaks rightly," Chu Jiubian continued. "Therefore, I believe the current selection system is more harmful than beneficial and must be reformed."

"How should it be reformed?"

"Through imperial examinations," Chu Jiubian said. "The court should set up different subjects for examination. All citizens of Great Ning may participate, and those who pass will become officials."

Their back-and-forth exchange trampled recklessly over the sensitivities of the entire court.

Having said this, the two tacitly fell silent, and as expected, the court officials could no longer remain seated.

Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan was the first to step forward, saying solemnly, "Your Majesty, Prince Ning! Grand Tutor Sir’s proposal shakes the foundation of the state! It must not be heeded!"

The recommendation system had been in place for centuries, with the path to officialdom tightly controlled by powerful families.

For Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao to propose this was not just shaking the state’s foundation—it was undermining the very control these families held over the court.

Next, Minister of Revenue Su Sheng also stepped forward: "I support this opinion!"

Then one after another, aside from Jian Hongzhuo who was not present at court, the Ministers of the remaining five ministries all stepped forward.

Previously, these Ministers only spoke at critical moments, but now they could no longer hold back, each one speaking up in succession.

With their appearance, the remaining officials all bowed in unison and declared, "We concur!"

For a moment, apart from Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, only the young emperor Baili Hong and Hong Fu at his side remained upright; everyone else was bowed in a rare show of unity.

Baili Hong widened his eyes in surprise and looked up at Hong Fu beside him.

Hong Fu smiled and shook his head at him, and the child obediently nodded, saying nothing more.

It seemed the matter that followed had nothing to do with him; only his uncle and his mentor could handle it.

The hall fell silent again, but suddenly a low chuckle was heard.

Everyone instinctively thought it was Qin Xiao, but upon closer listening, they realized it was actually Chu Jiubian.

This revered Grand Tutor, who always appeared aloof and indifferent to everyone, at most offering a polite smile at the corners of his lips, had never audibly laughed like this before.

"Why is everyone so agitated?" Chu Jiubian said calmly. "Could it be that what Prince Ning and I just said was somehow wrong?"

"Prince Ning and I are generalizing too broadly by using Zhou Boshan as an example," Wang Zhiyuan said. "The imperial selection system has been in place for centuries. How many talents has it selected for the court? Even the officials present here today—which of them did not enter official service through this system?"

"Indeed, which of them did not?" Chu Jiubian tilted his head to look at him. "Minister Wang, why not take a look at how many of your Wang family disciples and students stand behind you?"

Wang Zhiyuan frowned slightly. "The Wang family's disciples and students are largely talented and capable. There is nothing improper about them entering officialdom."

"The imperial selection system, as it stands today, selects candidates nominated for filial piety and integrity—half of whom come from noble families, while the majority of outstanding talents are protégés." Chu Jiubian's gaze swept over the Ministers standing beside him, his voice growing colder. "Are the officials selected by this system serving the court, or are they serving you nobles?"

"Grand Tutor, choose your words carefully!" Minister of Defense Lu Youwei said sternly. "The officials selected by the imperial selection system naturally serve His Majesty and the court. Moreover, recommendations follow established protocols. There is no favoritism. Grand Tutor, do not look down on us ordinary officials just because you consider yourself immortal."

"Lu Youwei, everyone," Chu Jiubian said, turning to look at them. "You all speak of established protocols, but the matter of Zhao Qianhe selling government offices has not been long forgotten. Shall I read out the list of those who bought their positions?"

At least half of those people were connected to the Four Major Clans.

Everyone knew Chu Jiubian was right—no one understood the flaws of the imperial selection system better than they did.

But they could not admit it, nor could they allow Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao to change this system!

The Emperor's authority had been growing stronger by the day. If the authority to select officials were centralized under the court's control, the consequences would be dire.

Chu Jiubian lifted his gaze to Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao then said, "Enough."

Their goal was not to implement the imperial examinations immediately. If forced through, these noble families would surely become desperate, and if pushed to the brink, they might unite in a fight to the death, which would be counterproductive for all.

The stimulation they had received was already sufficient. It was time for Qin Xiao to act as a mediator, finding middle ground and urging both sides to compromise.

Qin Xiao looked at Chu Jiubian and said gently, "Grand Tutor means well, but the imperial examinations may destabilize the nation's foundations for now. Let us table this matter temporarily."

Everyone was startled and instinctively looked at the two of them.

What were they trying to do now?

Could it be that these two had failed to reach an agreement in private?

Qin Xiao then turned to the Ministers of the ministries, his tone cooling. "His Majesty is wise, and all colleagues in the court share our disdain for corruption. Now that there are issues in governance, with some below acting restlessly and bringing corrupting influences into the officialdom of Great Ning, I trust all lords wish to weed out the corrupt elements like Zhou Boshan."

His unexpected reasonableness only made everyone feel apprehensive.

And more vigilant.

"But after removing the corrupt elements, we still need someone to fill the vacancies."

Qin Xiao said, "Why not establish a 'National Academy'? We can select talented individuals from among the people through examinations, then assess their character over time. This way, we can truly find virtuous and capable people to fill those vacancies."

This was a significant concession. By not abolishing the imperial selection system outright, the noble families could still use many means to promote their own.

But by establishing the National Academy, he aimed to support scholars from common backgrounds, naturally to compete with them.

Everyone's minds worked quickly.

They quickly calculated all the advantages and disadvantages.

As long as the imperial selection system remained, the power base of the noble families would remain secure.

As for the National Academy—

Most of those who had the means to study and understand principles nowadays came from families with some resources.

These families strove for fame precisely to catch the attention of the noble families and be recommended for official positions.

Therefore, if these noble families also established external academies similar to "clan schools," these scholars would flock to them, and no one would care about the National Academy.

As for the truly common populace, who among them had the ability to access books?

A bunch of uneducated masses—even if they entered the National Academy and received training from Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, it would take a considerable amount of time for them to gain the ability to serve as officials.

But faced with the noble families firmly entrenched in the government, even if they entered the court, they would be unable to compete.

Everyone knew Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were preparing for a long-term strategy. If that were the case, then they would not give them the opportunity.

If previously everyone had thought to proceed gradually, now, after being pressured by the two, they became restless.

They could no longer allow imperial power to expand further; they needed to take stronger measures earlier.

"I have no objections," Chu Jiubian suddenly spoke, breaking the court's silence.

Deputy Censor-in-Chief Qi Zhili's eyes held an unusual glint. Standing in the ranks, he loudly echoed, "I concur!"

He had initially opposed along with everyone else, fearing the noble families might be pushed to extreme measures.

But if the National Academy were established now, it would be the best beginning to suppress the noble families!

At this thought, he felt his heartbeat quicken.

If these selfish and power-hungry nobles were removed, the future of Great Ning would brighten!

A few others added their support—a glance revealed they were lower-ranking fifth-grade officials from the Ministry of War, Qin Xiao's people.

"I also concur," Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan suddenly spoke.

Immediately, most of the Xiao family and officials from the Ministry of Personnel followed suit.

One after another, everyone eventually acceded without further opposition.

Qin Xiao surveyed the assembly. Among the bowing officials, Chu Jiubian, with his unbowed stance, stood out conspicuously.

The young man stood tall and elegant, with strands of silver hair falling over his shoulders. His usually indifferent light-colored pupils caught scattered glimmers of light, dispelling the lifelessness and gradually giving way to vibrant vitality.

However, in just two breaths' time, that vitality ebbed like a tide, returning to a state of still calm.

It was like a flower that had just begun to bloom, withering abruptly without warning.

Qin Xiao’s breath hitched for a moment.

The countless chaotic thoughts in Chu Jiubian’s mind fell silent in an instant.

He felt his own racing heart—this intensity was actually aroused by the National Academy, for the future of the Da Ning Dynasty and its millions of people!

Suddenly, Chu Jiubian jerked awake as if from a dream, breaking character.

He remembered his original purpose: not to save this corrupt Da Ning Dynasty. The imperial examinations and the National Academy were merely means to build his influence, a way to survive better. He was no compassionate deity, just a skilled fraud adept at deception.

He also recalled that he was merely in the world of a book, once again succumbing to method acting tendencies. He shouldn’t immerse himself too deeply, believing he was a savior, nor should he get entangled with the characters in the book.

He raised his eyes to Qin Xiao, a man who would do anything for power.

Qin Xiao would abandon and sacrifice everything for power, and he would also craft the most convincing facade for the sake of status and influence.

At this moment, Chu Jiubian was his most valuable card, so Qin Xiao would undoubtedly do everything in his power to keep him close.

Whether it was probing his preferences, pretending to be a ruler who cared for the people based on his ideas, or even orchestrating the so-called "emotional trial" to make Chu Jiubian more devoted—all of it was part of the plan.

Including the unexpected kiss from the previous night.

Hence, it was "just this once."

Qin Xiao had sensed Chu Jiubian’s flickering affection toward him and, to soothe him, had no choice but to make this concession.

Yes.

Chu Jiubian lowered his gaze.

How could anyone care about someone like him?

How much sincerity could exist in the whirlpool of power?

It was all about utility.

Everything was performance—Chu Jiubian, as a performer, knew this all too well.

Good.

"Just this once" was good.

A purely cooperative relationship would make it easier to draw swords against each other when the time came.

He had to survive.

He should rely on himself, his system, and his followers—not Qin Xiao, not Baili Hong.

Whether it was the imperial examinations or the National Academy, who agreed didn’t matter.

What mattered was that Chu Jiubian would place his own people, promote them, and secure advantageous positions in the court.

Only then could he better protect himself.

Chu Jiubian stepped outside the framework, even beyond his own identity, coolly analyzing everything. His expression remained placid, his eyelashes slightly lowered, so much so that he didn’t notice the stirrings around him.

Until his hands were taken and raised, he abruptly looked up, meeting Qin Xiao’s cold, penetrating gaze up close.

"What are you thinking?" Qin Xiao asked.

Only then did Chu Jiubian realize that the court had adjourned without his notice. All the officials had left; even Baili Hong and Hong Fu had gone to the rear chambers.

Now, the vast hall held only him and Qin Xiao.

"I was thinking that I should start training those scholars," Chu Jiubian replied calmly, his attitude toward Qin Xiao no different from before yesterday.

"Is that so?" Qin Xiao gripped his wrists, tendons standing out on the back of his hands, though he didn't actually dare to use force. "Is that really what you were thinking?"

"?"

Chu Jiubian frowned, glancing down at his hands.

Both hands were held by Qin Xiao, raised to his chest. The pale skin of his hands contrasted starkly with the winding blood trails.

Chu Jiubian froze.

Unbeknownst to him, he had dug his nails into his own palms, breaking the skin in several places. Blood had trickled down, covering both hands.

His eyelashes trembled slightly, and he instinctively tried to clench his fists to hide the wounds, but Qin Xiao held fast to his palms.

Chu Jiubian met the man’s deep, stern gaze and relaxed his hands, ceasing his struggle.

Only then did Qin Xiao take out healing powder and bandages from his sleeve, carefully dressing his wounds.

Neither spoke another word.

==

Outside the Fengtian Hall.

Wang Ruzhen, Vice Minister of Justice, descended the long steps and quickened his pace to catch up with Wang Zhiyuan, saying in a low voice, "Minister, may I have a word in private?"

Wang Zhiyuan was accompanied only by his grandson, Wang Pengyi.

Wang Pengyi, aware that Wang Ruzhen might be wary of him, moved to leave but was stopped by Wang Zhiyuan. "We are all family. Speak plainly."

Wang Ruzhen glanced at Wang Pengyi.

The Wang family appeared powerful on the surface, but internally, it was subtly divided into two factions.

One faction was led by the patriarch, Wang Huanzhi, while the other was led by the young lord, Wang Qichen.

Wang Ruzhen himself was a loyal supporter of the patriarch, but Wang Pengyi and Wang Qichen, as cousins, had been close since childhood. Thus, there were some matters he preferred Wang Pengyi not to know.

However, since Wang Zhiyuan had referred to them as "family," Wang Ruzhen could no longer insist on secrecy. "Earlier, Senior Tutor Chu proposed promoting Liu Junqi to Vice Minister of Works. Could there be something behind this—"

He left his sentence unfinished, observing Wang Zhiyuan’s expression.

Wang Zhiyuan’s expression remained indifferent. "I know my student well. Liu Junqi is upright and sincere. He entered officialdom to serve the people. Everything else holds no interest for him."

Matters of family or political strife—though Liu Junqi was somewhat naive, he was truly a good man who worked for the people and the country.

If Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were willing to promote him, it was surely because they recognized his ability and integrity. Employing him was no different from employing a dedicated official.

Thus, Wang Ruzhen’s worry that Liu Junqi might be in league with Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao was nothing but groundless worry.

Wang Zhiyuan was well aware of these matters, and Wang Pengyi, standing beside him, was even more aware.

Back when Liu Junqi became Wang Zhiyuan’s disciple, it was Wang Pengyi who had made the introduction. Only he knew that this person was sent his way by Wang Qichen.

In other words, Liu Junqi was a man affiliated with Wang Qichen.

Being able to promote him thrilled Wang Pengyi.

This meant Wang Qichen’s position in the Wang family had subtly risen. If it ever came to an open confrontation with Wang Huanzhi, he would now have greater means to protect himself.

“With your reassurance, we can rest easy,” Wang Ruzhen said with a slight smile.

Wang Zhiyuan did not respond, his steps steady, but a shadow passed through his dark eyes.

The capital was truly plunging into chaos.

==

Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Baili Hong sat in the main seat working on calligraphy, occasionally glancing at Chu Jiubian with a furrowed brow.

His teacher got hurt so easily—he had no idea how it happened, but after just one morning court, five of his fingers were wounded!

His teacher said that when immortals descend to the mortal world, they often get injured, calling it “divine retribution.”

Baili Hong didn’t understand, but that didn’t keep him from hating this so-called “divine retribution.”

Though he was reluctant, he wished his teacher could go back to heaven so he wouldn’t get hurt anymore. But his teacher said he wanted to stay and see him grow up, and in that moment, Baili Hong no longer wanted him to leave.

But how to deal with these constant injuries?

He sighed.

The little child cupped his face and sighed silently. If only he could take his teacher’s place in getting hurt.

But he was so small—how much could he really handle?

Chu Jiubian was unaware of the child’s worries. He crossed his legs, idly looking through memorials, setting aside the useless ones that were just formal greetings.

These only required a circle—he’d have the little emperor take care of them later.

As for the useful ones, such as financial reports from the regions or official appointments, he would review them carefully and set them aside. Later, Qin Xiao would answer each one.

After setting down another memorial, he glanced at the man beside him.

Previously, the two had sat facing each other across the aisle, each at their own desk going over memorials. Now, the two desks were placed together, and their chairs were side by side.

Seeing Qin Xiao finish one memorial, Chu Jiubian said, “I can hold a brush.”

Qin Xiao paused, set the memorial aside, picked up another, and opened it—quietly refusing.

“Then will you feed me during meals too?” Chu Jiubian asked.

Qin Xiao responded with a soft “Mm.”

Really?

Chu Jiubian couldn’t tell how serious Qin Xiao was.

But when lunchtime came, Qin Xiao indeed sat beside him, offering a bite of food to his lips. “Eat.”

Chu Jiubian: “...I can eat on my own.”

As he reached for the chopsticks, Qin Xiao moved them away, stubbornly holding the food to his lips.

Baili Hong sat across from them, eating eagerly, occasionally glancing at the two and chuckling before returning to his meal.

The teacher’s hands were injured—it was only natural for his uncle to feed him.

Chu Jiubian stared wordlessly at Qin Xiao but detected no warmth in his eyes, only composure and aloofness.

Chu Jiubian lowered his gaze and ate the food offered to him.

Lunch went this way, and dinner followed suit.

Chu Jiubian stopped trying to take the chopsticks, eating whatever Qin Xiao fed him.

But strangely, each bite Qin Xiao gave him was exactly what he craved.

After dinner, Qin Xiao continued reviewing memorials for a while, and Chu Jiubian sat quietly beside him.

The entire hall was now empty except for the two of them. A single oil lamp cast a faint, shaky light on the table, making the light very poor.

Chu Jiubian took out a bright flashlight from his space, set it to the lowest setting, and illuminated the entire room.

Qin Xiao’s eyes brightened, and he turned to look.

Behind the light, the young man’s hand holding the flashlight rested lightly against his cheek, half-hidden in the shadows, dreamlike and hard to grasp.

So close, yet feeling worlds away.

Chu Jiubian’s gaze moved slowly, almost palpably—from the man’s tall nose bridge, to his slightly pressed lips, to his prominent Adam’s apple.

As his eyes traveled downward, the light in the room suddenly dimmed.

Qin Xiao had reached out and covered the flashlight, cupping it in his palm.

Chu Jiubian’s eyes hadn’t yet adjusted to the darkness when he faintly sensed the man leaning toward him.

His heart leaped, and he turned his head abruptly—the man’s kiss landed by his ear, causing a tingling shiver through him.

The atmosphere became somewhat strained.

Qin Xiao did not pull away. Chu Jiubian could feel his warm breath brushing against his ear and neck.

“Are you angry?” Qin Xiao’s voice was soft, almost gentle.

Chu Jiubian was silent for a moment before finally letting out a light laugh. “There’s no need for this, Prince Ning.”

He stood up, put away the flashlight, and walked toward the door. “Don’t bother seeing me out.”