Chương 539: Set an Example

"Otherwise," Guan Ning shook his head, his expression serious.

Everything in the world has its own principle. Only by understanding these principles can we better utilize them to benefit the people.

You see, those craftsmen were able to create all sorts of useful things, like waterwheels, because they understood the principles behind objects...

His Majesty must have had a profound reason for establishing these subjects; it was not a whim.

He looked up into the distance, his gaze deep and unfathomable, as if he were looking into a very distant place:

"This emperor, who was able to sweep away all rivals and unify the world in just a few years, is no ordinary person. The new policies he has implemented will surely usher in an unprecedented era. We are fortunate to be born in this era, but it is also a challenge."

...

The Yellow River ferry crossing was crowded with examinees waiting to cross the river.

There weren't enough boats, so some people set up tents on the riverbank, waiting to cross.

A dark-skinned young farmer was carefully protecting a cloth bag in his arms, as if he were guarding some precious treasure.

His name is Li Erniu, and he comes from a small village in Hejian.

He started farming with his father from a young age and figured out a set of improved farming tools and planting methods, which doubled the village's grain production.

When the county officials heard about his achievements, they encouraged him to take the agricultural science exam.

At first, Li Erniu refused.

He felt that he was just a peasant, how could he become an official? That was just a pipe dream.

Going there would be embarrassing.

However, the county officials said to him, "His Majesty said that there are 360 professions, and every profession can produce an expert. Your skill in farming is your own."

Go to Luoyang and take the exam. If you pass, you can promote your farming methods nationwide, allowing more people to have enough to eat. That's a virtuous deed.

These words touched Li Erniu.

So, carrying his improved model of a farm tool, he embarked on his journey to Luoyang.

Along the way, he endured countless scornful looks and ridicule from others.

"A peasant like you wants to take the imperial examination? That's laughable! Can you even read?"

"Exactly! They should take a good look at themselves in the mirror! If farmers can become officials, then pigs could fly!"

Whenever this happened, Li Erniu would always lower his head, walk away silently, and clench his fists tightly.

He told himself, "I must pass the exam. I want everyone to know that farmers can also be successful. Farming is not shameful; what's shameful is not knowing how to farm."

...

In the medical team, a young woman stood out.

She carried a medicine box on her back, wore plain clothes, her hair was simply tied up, and she had delicate features and a firm gaze.

Her name was Hua Ling, the daughter of Hua Tuo.

Hua Ling learned medicine from her father from a young age and mastered his skills.

She was exceptionally intelligent; at the age of twelve, she could diagnose illnesses independently, and at fifteen, she followed her father up the mountain to collect herbs and treat the people.

This time, the imperial examination included a medical subject, and Hua Tuo encouraged his daughter to participate as well.

"A-Ling, medicine knows no gender. As long as you can heal the sick and save lives, you are a good doctor," Hua Tuo said to her.

"His Majesty is implementing new policies that promote gender equality. Go and take the exam, so that the world can see that women can also be imperial physicians and save lives. Set an example for all women in the world."

So, Hua Ling, carrying her medicine kit, went to the examination hall with the other candidates.

Her appearance caused quite a stir.

Many people pointed and whispered, discussing the matter animatedly.

"A woman taking the imperial examination? What kind of behavior is this! A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent! What kind of image does she project in public like this?"

"Exactly! Women should stay home, be good wives and mothers. What kind of woman is she, showing her face in public? It's an insult to civility! What's the point of taking the imperial examinations? Even if she passed, no one would respect her!"

Hua Ling turned a deaf ear to this.

She raised her head, straightened her back, and walked forward with a determined gaze, each step steady and firm.

She wants to prove to everyone that women are just as capable as men.

...

Young people from the Jingxiang region carried baskets filled with farm tools and soil samples, observing crop growth along the way and digging wherever they went.

There were craftsmen from Jiangdong, whose bags contained meticulously crafted mortise and tenon models and water conservancy maps, which they wrapped in layers of cloth for fear of damaging them.

There is a doctor from Sichuan who treasures ancestral secret recipes and hand-drawn meridian charts in his medicine chest, which are the fruits of three generations of his family's hard work.

Countless scholars who had studied diligently for years carried not only classic texts but also numerous handwritten legal provisions and geographical records in their bundles.

They studied late into the night, forgetting to eat or sleep.

They endured wind and rain, traveling in groups.

Along the way, Confucian scholars would explain writing to craftsmen and farmers, teaching them to recognize characters...

The craftsmen will repair broken vehicles and farm tools for everyone, and their skills are even better than those of repair shops...

The traditional Chinese medicine doctor will treat sick students for free, without charging a single penny...

"His Majesty's actions have truly given the people of the world a way to survive," someone remarked during a rest stop.

"Yes, whether I succeed or not, at least I've seen the capital city, so my life hasn't been in vain. Even if I don't pass the exam, my life will still be worthwhile."

For the first time, the once clearly defined social classes intersected on the road to Luoyang.

They shared food, shared stories, and shared their hopes for the future.

They had no idea what kind of test awaited them.

But they all knew this was the best opportunity of their lives.

...

In Luoyang at the end of June, guesthouses were fully booked and rents skyrocketed.

Accents from all over the country filled the streets and alleys, and students could be seen having heated discussions everywhere in taverns and teahouses.

Some people are engaged in lively discussions, some are buried in their studies, and some are debating the exam questions...

"Tell me, what exactly will this year's imperial examination test? I've read the imperial edict; the civil service exam will also test law, and I haven't even read the 'Great Han Law'..."

"Me too! I can only recite the Four Books and Five Classics; I know nothing about legal provisions! What should I do?"

"Don't worry, I heard that someone is selling an abridged version of the Great Han Law on the street. I bought a copy too. Although I don't understand it very well, it's better than nothing."

"Who do you think you are? I'm in even worse shape! I applied for science, but I don't even know what physics is! I've never studied it before!"

"Investigating things means studying the principles of all things, such as why an apple falls to the ground or why water flows downhill."

"... What's there to study? Can an apple fly into the sky instead of falling to the ground?"

The city of Luoyang was bursting with amazing vitality and excitement because of this unprecedented test.

Teahouses, restaurants, and inns were filled with people discussing the imperial examinations.

Some people were engrossed in studying the "Great Han Law," while others practiced using an abacus. Some drew blueprints in the yard until their hands cramped, and others examined herbal specimens over and over.

...

On the first day of the seventh month of the first year of Shenwu, in Luoyang.

Before dawn, the entire city of Luoyang had already awakened.

Outside the "Wen Shu Yuan," the examination hall for the imperial examinations, which was converted from a former royal garden, the crowds were already immense, shoulder to shoulder.

Tens of thousands of students lined up in different areas according to their chosen subjects, with the queues stretching from the entrance of Wenshu Academy all the way to the main street, seemingly endless.