"Imperial Examination?"
As soon as the topic was brought up, the great hall fell into momentary silence. Then, understanding expressions appeared on many faces.
Whether or not they had personally experienced such a system, everyone was aware of the benefits of imperial examinations. The Sutra Pavilion held no shortage of books and records about it. While the system might produce some bookworms, it undoubtedly also uncovered true top-tier talent. More importantly, Yi Tianxing's vision of the imperial examination was not merely to select pedantic scholars but to discover individuals with real ability.
The examination would not only test literary talent.
The ministers present all showed signs of approval.
"The implementation of an imperial examination is imperative. Once expansion begins, a reserve of talent must be ready at all times. This is absolutely vital, and I support it. However, how it is held and what content it tests must be carefully discussed."
Huang Chengyan spoke up: "I've studied the subject in the Sutra Pavilion. Traditionally, imperial examinations test the Four Books and Five Classics, the teachings of ancient sages, and sometimes theories of state governance. But in the end, it's still largely empty theorizing—words without action, written philosophies. History has proven that such methods have their flaws. In contrast, our Great Yi values practical ability, and the two approaches diverge."
History has shown that many scholars who rose through imperial exams often took office and soon caused chaos. With no real-life experience, many governed regions poorly. These so-called elites knew nothing of the outside world—only the books they read. Many couldn't even distinguish between different grains, let alone understand the needs of the common folk. Such officials, especially in an era of disorder like this one, often caused more harm than good. They were often either powerless or corrupt, leading their domains into disarray.
This was not mere exaggeration. In the Great Yi Dynasty, where Fairy Cities were deployed to subdue wild territories filled with hostile alien tribes, fierce beasts, and bizarre creatures, it would be a grave mistake to entrust such cities to "talents" with no understanding of governance or survival. This was no peaceful era—it was a true age of catastrophe, where danger lurked every day.
That's why Huang Chengyan remained cautious about selecting officials purely based on literary prowess.
"Every system has its strengths and weaknesses. The reason the imperial exam system endured across dynasties was because it served a purpose," Jia Xu said with a smile. "Only those with knowledge can understand the principles of law and governance. It's like a double-edged sword—it can both protect and harm. But that doesn't mean you stop using it. The real key is how you wield it."
Many other ministers chimed in as well—some voicing support, others concerns. But overall, the sentiment was positive. Much like the college entrance exams in modern times, the idea of the imperial examination had long been deeply embedded in the public consciousness. Back then, everything in society would make way for it during exam season.
Yi Tianxing sat quietly above, listening to the voices of his ministers. As the ruler, all he needed to do was guide direction and offer vision. The rest—execution, refinement, and implementation—was the responsibility of his ministers. But gathering diverse opinions was still an essential part of decision-making.
Once the discussions settled down, Yi Tianxing nodded and spoke:
"Your insights are well-received. However, since we've decided to implement the imperial examination system, I've already thought through many of these concerns. I've decided that this first Great Yi Examination will be divided into two main sections: scholarly aptitude and practical ability.
"This first round will have no entry barriers—anyone willing to participate may do so. It will include not only classic policy questions but also a wide range of practical topics: livelihoods, governance, legal systems, criminal justice, military strategy, etiquette, and more. Each subject will be assessed independently, and participants will be awarded academic credit accordingly.
"The goal is to ensure that the chosen talents are truly capable—not just bookworms. The written test is merely the first round and will account for only a small portion of the total evaluation."
Yi Tianxing had clearly made his decision long ago.
He would not allow Great Yi to be plagued by bureaucratic parasites who only knew how to recite ancient texts. That was not talent—it was an insult to talent. During his time in the Divine-Demon Battlefield, he had exchanged for an extremely rare artifact, which would offer significant aid in conducting this examination.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Huang Chengyan and the others exchanged thoughtful looks. They sensed that this examination would be no ordinary test. It might well become the foundational method for all future promotions and appointments within the Great Yi. The inclusion of practical subjects like civilian welfare and military command meant this was a one-in-ten-thousand kind of selection—a system built to uncover true genius.
Now, their curiosity was piqued. Just how would such a test be implemented?
But Yi Tianxing clearly had no intention of revealing all the details just yet.
As ministers, they had no choice but to wait.
"There is one more matter. I believe the Great Yi must now begin military expansion—recruiting more soldiers," Wu Yong stepped forward and declared.
"Oh? Go on," Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
"Now that our Iron-Blooded Great Wall has fully materialized into a massive, real structure that guards our entire territory, we must station troops along it. Its sheer scale requires far more troops than we currently possess. Without sufficient manpower, gaps in our defense will inevitably become vulnerabilities."
Wu Yong had a point.
Previously, the Iron-Blooded Great Wall had only existed in a mostly illusory form. It could deter enemies, but now it had transformed into a real, formidable wall, exuding immense resistance against hostile forces. But without stationed armies, even the strongest wall was just a façade.
The army required wouldn't be small—and certainly couldn't be handled by a single corps. Even one corps of 200,000 soldiers would barely cover a fraction of it.
"There's no need to conscript. In fact, for a long time to come, the Great Yi will not need to recruit from the civilian population. Soon, you'll all understand what I mean," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
He had, of course, planned for the manpower needed to support the physical Iron-Blooded Great Wall. Previously, there had been too many willing to enlist and not enough positions. Now, he had a better solution.
"Yes!"
Wu Yong, though puzzled, obeyed respectfully. He had hoped this would be an opportunity to prove himself, but clearly, it was already a foregone conclusion—Yi Tianxing had long prepared for this.
"Mao Sui greets Your Majesty."
At this moment, a new voice rang out.
Mao Sui, who had long been dispatched to the foreign tribes, stepped forward and appeared once more.
"Sir Mao's safe return is a joyous occasion. Over these past months, many of the surrounding tribes refrained from attacking or harming our people—and that is thanks in no small part to your efforts. Your achievements will be duly rewarded. It is also time to appoint you to an official post, granting you a share of Great Yi's fate and allowing your true spirit to enter the Myriad Immortal Hall, where it will be revered by all citizens."
Yi Tianxing welcomed him warmly.
When Great Yi was first founded, Mao Sui had been sent to the outer tribes, using his eloquence to secure peace for the human race. Even when the elite Great Yi army entered the Divine-Demon Battlefield, the foreign tribes refrained from attacking—and that was inseparable from Mao Sui's diplomacy.
With the Iron-Blooded Great Wall now enclosing the Great Yi, the threat from the outside had been reduced, but Mao Sui's contributions could not be overlooked.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Mao Sui's face lit up with joy.
His goal in volunteering himself back then had been to realize his ambitions and talents. Of course, attaining a high position in the court had always been part of his aspirations. After all, "the world buzzes with the pursuit of profit"—everyone was driven by benefit in the end.
"I also bring news from my journey. Among the many tribes I contacted, many are deeply fond of the Great Yi's goods. They are eager to establish trade relations, to exchange goods and form stronger ties. Of course, these tribes are those that already harbor goodwill toward humanity."
Mao Sui concluded his report.