HCB Chapter 464 There is a long way to go
Chapter 464 There is a long way to go
In the imperial study, only Li Zhen, Dong Sicheng, Xie An and a few other trusted ministers were left.
Qin Hao did not hide anything and said directly, "Su Zhengfang's matter was like a sobering enlightenment for me. It made me alert, but it also left me with a mess."
"In order to prevent such incidents from happening again, our Daxia's internal affairs and military are in urgent need of reform."
"So, next, I have decided to start the imperial examination and promote the military examination to recruit talents from all over the country."
"Whether you are from an aristocratic family, a poor family, or a common merchant, as long as you have real talent and knowledge, I will treat you equally."
"I want to make use of all the talents in the world and inject fresh blood into Daxia. What are your thoughts and suggestions?"
As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a stone that caused a thousand waves, creating ripples in everyone's hearts.
Dong Sicheng immediately stepped forward upon hearing this, his voice full of determination and resolve, "Your Majesty, Daxia has gone through two generations and has never had a precedent of valuing the poor and marginalizing the gentry and nobles!"
"Your Majesty, this move will probably chill the hearts of the nobles. At that time, chaos will inevitably break out in various places, shaking the foundation of the country. Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Qin Hao frowned, and a hint of displeasure appeared in his voice. "Lord Dong, when did I ever say that I wanted to marginalize the nobles? I just want to give the children of poor families some opportunities so that they can serve the country. Why are you so excited? Don't I even have this little power?"
Zhu Gui straightened his back and retorted in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, Emperor Taizu once said that the establishment of the Great Xia Dynasty was inseparable from the support and dedication of nobles and families from all over the country! And your Majesty's actions today, don't they go against the wishes of Taizu and the late emperor?"
"Most of the poor people are of humble origins and belong to the lower class. Your Majesty, by making use of poor people, isn't that lowering your status and losing the dignity of the Great Xia royal family?"
At this time, Xie An also stood up. Although his voice was not as loud as Zhu Gui's, it was deeper and more powerful: "Your Majesty, take the imperial examination as an example. Since ancient times, the selection of officials has been mainly based on recommendation. Although there may be omissions, it can also ensure the stability of the court and the harmony of the aristocratic families."
"Your Majesty is now promoting the imperial examination system. Although it can select some talents from poor families, they are ultimately not comparable to the children of aristocratic families. Moreover, this move has undoubtedly touched the sensitive nerves of the aristocratic families, and I am afraid it will lead to a strong backlash from them."
He sighed slightly and continued, "Your Majesty is wise and knows that water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. If you cause dissatisfaction among the noble families and even unrest because of a momentary thought, the consequences will be disastrous."
At this moment, even Li Zhen, who was born in a poor family, slowly stood up. He nodded slightly, looked directly at Qin Hao, and said calmly: "Your Majesty, although I am born in a humble family, I am fortunate to have the wisdom of Emperor Taizong, which has enabled me to achieve what I have today. However, I know that I am not very knowledgeable, and I never dare to think too highly of myself."
"Since ancient times, there has been an unsolvable conflict between the poor and the aristocratic families. I understand your majesty's determination to seek welfare for the poor, but this matter needs to be done slowly and not too hastily."
"If we act on impulse, we may hurt the hearts of the nobles, and the situation will become even more complicated."
Qin Hao was unhappy when he heard this, but he did not show it on his face, and was unwilling to bow to them.
So he began to argue with reason, and his sharp words, like a sword drawn from its sheath, went straight to the pain points of his ministers.
To this end, he listed the suffering and injustice of scholars from poor families, as well as the monopoly and abuse of power by aristocratic families. He even took Su Zhengfang's party as an example, hoping to gain everyone's understanding and support.
However, the debate is bound to be difficult.
Although Qin Hao's words were sharp, he was ultimately outnumbered.
The most crucial thing is that what he faced was not only the aristocratic system that had been deeply rooted for hundreds of years, but also a complex situation with countless intertwined interests.
In this war of words, even though Qin Hao was debating with many scholars, he was still gradually losing the upper hand.
Qin Hao's hand unconsciously touched his forehead. Looking at the excited minister in front of him, his heart was in turmoil. He felt an inexplicable headache and an indescribable anger surging in his chest.
These people were his loyal and trusted ministers whom he regarded as his confidants. Dong Sicheng and Zhu Gui were his father-in-laws, and Xie An and others were also his future father-in-laws.
However, now, faced with the current difficulties, none of them could work together with him to overcome the difficulties.
How could this not make him feel disappointed and angry?
If he can't even convince these trusted ministers, then what chances will he have of winning when he faces all the civil and military officials in the future?
Qin Hao gritted his teeth, the anger in his heart wanted to burst out several times. He wanted to establish his authority in the court with thundering means, but in the end he forced himself to suppress the impulse.
The three-foot-thick ice does not form overnight, and this wave of change will by no means be achieved overnight.
In the vortex of power, the grievances and entanglements between the poor and the nobles have long been deeply rooted in the historical context of this land, becoming an insurmountable gap.
Therefore, what Qin Hao faced was not only the obstruction of those entrenched powerful officials, but also a challenge to the entire millennium system.
The road ahead is long and arduous. It seems that this road to success is destined to be full of thorns and bumps.
Recalling what Li Zhen had said, Qin Hao slowly calmed down.
But he couldn't help but feel a firm belief in his heart that the power in his hands was still not great enough to change the world.
Perhaps, only by taking it step by step and seeking more suitable opportunities can we have the last laugh in this protracted battle.
Qin Hao finally gave up this idea and instead discussed the issue of rewards based on merit with a few people, and then parted unhappily.
After everyone left, Qin Hao's anger finally erupted like a suppressed volcano.
"Clap!"
Qin Hao kicked over an exquisite blue and white porcelain vase, which shattered into pieces in an instant.
The eunuchs and palace maids guarding the door were so frightened when they heard the noise from inside that they trembled all over. It had been quite some time since they had seen His Majesty lose his composure like this, and they were all extremely nervous.
Qin Hao was so angry at this group of people that he started swearing. Then he turned around and overturned a pearwood table to the ground, making a heavy noise.
When his anger had almost subsided, Old Feng walked over calmly, holding a bowl of tea in his hand and a kind smile on his face: "Your Majesty, come, drink some water to moisten your throat first, and you can scold them later when you have enough strength."
Qin Hao caught a glimpse of Old Feng's warm smile, and the anger in his heart involuntarily dissipated a little.
He reached out to take the bowl of tea, raised his head and drank it all in one gulp. Suddenly, he felt the depression in his chest disappear and his mood became much better.