This issue was most apparent and blatant during the Ming Dynasty. Factional strife ran rampant, turning the entire imperial court into a chessboard for political scheming. One could say that the fall of the Ming Dynasty was entirely due to these internal struggles. Whether it was the eunuch faction or the Donglin faction, all the officials were focused solely on crushing their political enemies—scheming day and night on how to bring down opponents.
With most of their energy wasted on factionalism, very little attention was paid to the actual livelihood of the people. Under such circumstances, how could the dynasty not rot from within and collapse? Thus, one can already see the grave dangers posed by factionalism.
Cai Yong, though absent from the court, was none other than the father of Empress Cai Yan, and also the Headmaster of the Immortal Academy. As chief examiner, he could best prevent the birth of political factions. Anyone else in that position would seem unfit. This was the first imperial examination held by the Dayi Dynasty, and naturally, it had to be flawless.
"Good. I believe Father-in-law will not refuse. This is a grand event for the Dayi imperial examination, and he will be delighted to hear of it."
Although Cai Yong was not involved in daily court affairs, he had never turned his back on Dayi. At the Immortal Academy, he was training talents for the dynasty, and he would surely not decline the role of chief examiner.
"As for the deputy examiner, that role will be taken by Elder Huang," Yi Tianxing continued.
Huang Chengyan, as the head of Tiande Hall and Minister of Personnel, was already responsible for appointing and managing officials across Dayi. His appointment as deputy examiner was most fitting.
"Long live the wisdom of the King!"
None of the officials present had any objections. It was the ideal arrangement—fair, sensible, and convincing.
"Your Majesty, has the procedure for the examination already been determined?" asked Huang Chengyan.
He had no intention of declining the role—it was both an honor and a great responsibility. One he had no reason to shirk.
"Indeed. The imperial examination of Dayi will differ from those of other dynasties. We will not rely on the Eight-legged Essay or confine ourselves to interpreting the words of sages. We shall instead promote the Hundred Schools of Thought. But the real challenge is how to assess that. I ask for Your Majesty's direction," said Jia Xu, nodding thoughtfully.
This was an unprecedented undertaking, and whatever was done would set the standard for the future.
"We'll begin with the written examination. It will not be used for elimination, but graded on a point system, with a total of ten points. No interpretation of Confucian classics, no copybooks, no eight-legged essays—only policy essays. A single policy essay will be judged based on the depth of thought and quality of writing. If one's essay is profound enough to shake the heavens and sages alike, it can receive full marks. The rest will be evaluated accordingly. Officials may assist in grading," Yi Tianxing explained after a moment of thought.
"This written exam will account for ten percent of the total score. I plan to divide the entire examination into ten subjects. The written portion will be the literary subject, worth ten points. The other nine subjects will also be worth ten points each, totaling a hundred points. The Zhuangyuan (top scholar) will be the one with the highest overall score."
"And what, Your Majesty, are the ten subjects?" asked Huang Chengyan, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. Even he had not been informed in advance.
"The ten subjects are: Literature, Education, Agriculture, Law and Justice, Commerce, Military Affairs, Engineering, Medicine, Governance, and Civil Welfare. These cover all the essential competencies needed to manage a territory. Only those who rank near the top can stand out from the tens of thousands of examinees," Yi Tianxing declared with confidence.
Anyone who could pass these ten tests would undoubtedly be a rare talent suited for governing the world. This system wasn't about choosing mediocre scholars, but about selecting brilliant, capable individuals. With this structure, officials could be placed in positions that matched their skills.
"Ten subjects... but many of these can't be evaluated with pen and paper. Won't this lead to armchair theorizing?" mused Jia Xu aloud.
"Indeed, you have a point," echoed other officials.
A good concept is one thing—but implementing it effectively was another. Many began pondering how to solve this dilemma.
Yi Tianxing laughed. "No need to worry. Since I proposed this imperial examination, I've already made all the necessary preparations. You'll understand after the written test."
But he didn't reveal any more, retaining an air of mystery that left the court ministers itching with curiosity. No one dared to ask directly, as he had already said it was confidential for now.
"Your Majesty, has the essay topic been decided yet?" Wu Yong stepped forward to ask.
Though not decisive in the final score, the written test would still leave a strong first impression. A good essay would set the tone.
"Yes. The topic will be 'Survival'. Each examinee will write a policy essay on how our human race should develop to survive in this chaotic world. Everyone has their own understanding, and as long as their viewpoint is unique, it will be considered a good essay. Clashing opinions will spark wisdom," said Yi Tianxing calmly.
A policy essay is about arguing a point. With such an open-ended topic, the answers would reveal each candidate's strategic perspective, values, and worldview.
Time passed quickly, and without noticing, the morning court session ended.
Soon after, imperial edicts were sent throughout the realm, officially announcing the chief examiner and the ten-subject format for the examination.
The news caused a stir among candidates, who instantly felt the weight of the challenge. Clearly, the subjects covered all areas necessary to govern a region, aiming to select statecraft geniuses.
Even seasoned scholars found themselves nervous. Some knowledge they had only read in books—they had never practiced it. Now that practice was required, things would be much harder.
As time flew, and candidates arrived continuously, the day of the imperial examination drew near. Soon it was the 13th of the seventh month.
DONG! DONG! DONG!
At dawn, just as the sun cast its first golden rays, the bell tolled.
Immediately, a large group of Six Doors constables entered the examination grounds.
"All examinees, please leave your dormitories and proceed to your examination rooms. All writing materials have been prepared for you; do not bring anything with you. Once again, no items may be brought into the exam rooms. Only what is provided in the Gongyuan is permitted. Breakfast has been arranged inside. You have half an hour to reach your exam room. Each room is protected by a barrier formation. Your Heavenly Record Card is your only pass. Without it, you will not be allowed entry or permitted to take the exam."
Constables shouted instructions across the grounds.
Unlike previous dynasties where candidates had to bring their own tools, food, and bedding, here the Dayi dynasty provided everything. This not only showed the wealth of Dayi but also eliminated the possibility of cheating—making the process as fair and impartial as possible.
"Ten subjects… I wonder how many points I'll earn," murmured Zhuge Liang, stepping out of his room in a plain white robe. Although he had been granted residence in Xuanhuang City, he insisted on staying at the Gongyuan, focusing solely on preparing for the exam.
He looked forward to the exam and saw it as a chance to test his own skills.
"If I want to join Dayi and win the hearts of the people, then this imperial exam is my shortcut to heaven—my ladder to ascend the clouds."
"Finally! This time, I must make the honor roll and serve Dayi and the King!"
A tanned young man stepped out confidently from his room. Many candidates shared that same determination.
The Gongyuan was massive—larger on the inside than outside, due to spatial magic. Countless dorms lined the area, and it had already housed tens of thousands of candidates. Many others had withdrawn during the process, or the number would have been even higher.
As the examinees emerged, the crowd looked like a sea of black heads—utterly packed.
"Follow the Path of Blue Clouds, cross the Bridge of Heart's Proof, and you will reach the exam hall. One final reminder: do not bring any items. Anything brought will be sealed by the bridge, stored in your body, and rendered unusable. Inside the Gongyuan, all magical powers and storage spaces are sealed. Everyone is like an ordinary person."
The constables repeated their instructions.