Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 114 The Emperor's Sword is Bestowed Today!

Chapter 114 The Emperor's Sword is Bestowed Today!

The reason why Zhao Kuangyin approved Zhao Dezhao's previous actions without hesitation was that those actions were only minor and, although they harmed the interests of some people, they did not touch the root of the problem.

After all, the Enmeng system still exists.

Strictly speaking, the current system of hereditary privilege is already quite harsh, with only founding heroes and high-ranking officials of the third rank or above enjoying such privileges.

High-ranking officials such as prime ministers and military governors could only have two or three members of their clan appointed to official positions through hereditary privilege.

The lesser meritorious officials could only receive a promotion or a position through their own merit.

This is far from the absurd situation of "one person entering officialdom, and dozens of relatives receiving official positions through hereditary privilege" during the mid-to-late Northern Song Dynasty.

But Zhao Dezhao's move not only killed all the sons of officials of the fourth rank and above in the court, but also further tightened the system of hereditary privilege. Wouldn't this have offended all the important officials in the court?

The implications are enormous!

"Zhao'er, do you know how much turmoil this will cause in the court if we really do this?" Zhao Kuangyin stared intently at Zhao Dezhao.

Zhao Dezhao met his gaze calmly and said softly, "Your subject understands."

Looking at the unwavering determination in his son's eyes, Zhao Kuangyin fell silent once again.

After a long silence, he slowly spoke: "Continue."

"Your Majesty, during the Sui and Tang dynasties, the number of people admitted to each imperial examination was usually more than twenty, and they were mostly sons of powerful and influential families. How could they be considered pillars of the nation?"

After receiving Zhao Kuangyin's approval, Zhao Dezhao calmly continued, "Your subject intends that from now on, the imperial examinations of our Great Song Dynasty will not discriminate based on background, and will widely accept scholars!"

"Except for those who are unfilial, disrespectful to elders, or have committed serious crimes, everyone in the world, regardless of age, social status, or background, may take the exam!"

"Furthermore, when the imperial examination is reopened, let all those who enter officialdom remember clearly—they are the emperor's disciples!"

As soon as Zhao Dezhao finished speaking, Zhao Kuangyin's reaction was not as intense as before. He simply stared calmly at his son with his tiger-like eyes, as if trying to see through him from the inside out.

After a long pause, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly sighed softly, his tone complex: "You have a lot of courage, a lot of courage!"

It should be noted that, according to the old system of the Sui and Tang dynasties, people of "miscellaneous trades" status were not allowed to participate in the imperial examinations.

Zhao Kuangyin had just guessed that Zhao Dezhao might further expand the scope of the recruitment.

But to his surprise, Zhao Dezhao's actions were not merely an expansion; rather, he was using the sharp blade in his hand to ruthlessly shatter the shadow of power and wealth that had shrouded all students for hundreds of years!

It is easy to imagine that once this measure is made public, countless poor students and ordinary students will be grateful to Zhao Dezhao!

However, just as Zhao Dezhao is a thorn in the side of countless powerful and influential families, there are also countless others in the world who would regard him as a thorn in their side.

Those scions of powerful and wealthy families have always considered themselves superior. Zhao Dezhao suddenly dragged them down from their pedestals and put them on the same starting line as students from all over the country. The difference between them is more than just a world apart!

How could they not harbor immense resentment in this situation!

This is an extremely dangerous move for any prince aspiring to the throne!

Zhao Dezhao's audacity truly shocked and surprised Zhao Kuangyin.

Recalling Zhao Dezhao's previous unexpected behavior, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but take a deep look at his son and sighed softly: "If I weren't a believer in ghosts and gods, I would probably doubt whether you are still my Zhao'er."

97

"The Zhao'er of the past didn't have such courage and insight."

These words sent a chill down Zhao Dezhao's spine, and cold sweat broke out on his back.

He knew that he had taken too big a step recently. No one knows a son better than his father, so how could Zhao Kuangyin not notice the changes in him?

"Father, a scholar should be viewed with new eyes after three days of separation."

Zhao Dezhao could only brace himself and explain, "Since Father Emperor ascended to the throne, countless eyes across the land have been watching me in secret. Uncle Zeping told me that if I want to sit securely in my position as the eldest son of the emperor, I must make some changes."

"Uncle Zeping is a great teacher—I have benefited greatly from him and have grown a lot as a result."

"Now that Father Emperor wants to reform the old ways and restore the country, it is not easy. Your son does not want Father Emperor to fight alone. I only want to try to keep up with Father Emperor's pace and share Father Emperor's burdens."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Kuangyin looked at his son again, then smiled with satisfaction. He gently patted his shoulder and said softly, "My son has real talent. I'm overjoyed, how could I possibly have any suspicions?"

"Father Emperor————"

These words stunned Zhao Dezhao; he never expected Zhao Kuangyin to be so frank.

He originally thought that even Zhao Kuangyin, after seeing through his deep intention to win over the hearts of the people through the imperial examination, would become suspicious.

Throughout history, there have been countless instances where crown princes, due to their exceptional abilities and growing power, aroused the suspicion of the emperor.

However, he underestimated Zhao Kuangyin's magnanimity and his deep affection for his family. It can only be said that Zhao Kuangyin was the most humane emperor in history.

"However, this matter is of great importance, and I must ask you again."

Zhao Kuangyin's solemn words interrupted Zhao Dezhao's thoughts: "Once the new civil service examination policy is announced to the world, there will be no turning back for you."

.

"At that time, you will definitely be in the eye of the storm. Even with me here, there will be countless malicious eyes watching your every move in the shadows."

"None of the powerful and wealthy people in the world today are kind-hearted. If you touch their interests, they will stop at nothing to protect them."

"It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Even I, the Emperor, may not be able to protect you completely!"

"Are you really sure?"

Meeting Zhao Kuangyin's probing gaze, Zhao Dezhao remained unfazed, his expression firm and resolute. In a very soft voice, he uttered words that carried immense weight: "To bring about a new era, your son—"

"Though I die nine times, I will not regret it!"

"What a fitting description of 'though I die nine times, I will not regret it!'"

Zhao Kuangyin laughed heartily. Today, his Zhao'er had truly brought him too many surprises, especially her courage and decisiveness, which made him overjoyed.

No emperor would want his son to be a coward!

Now that his son has made up his mind to fight to the death, how can the father remain unmoved?

Zhao Kuangyin immediately stood up and shouted towards the outside of the palace, "Zhang Dejun! Bring me my imperial sword!"

"Here you go!"

Zhang Dejun, who was standing outside the door, dared not delay. He quickly went to the study, took down the hanging imperial sword, and carefully presented it to Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhao Kuangyin did not reach for the sword, but instead turned his sharp gaze to Zhao Dezhao and said in a deep voice, "I hereby bestow upon you the Emperor's Sword, and entrust you with the supervision of the new imperial examination policy!"

"Anyone who obstructs us may be cut down with this sword before we report back!"

"Do you dare to accept?"

A true man's mind is made up; why say more?

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhao Dezhao immediately reached out and took the Emperor's Sword, wearing it at his waist, giving the most resolute answer through his actions.

"Time is of the essence, so I shall take my leave now."

With the new imperial examination policy finally settled, Zhao Dezhao was already quite impatient.

"Go ahead, go ahead."

Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand, watching Zhao Dezhao leave with satisfaction. Then he turned to look at the oath stele and whispered to Zhang Dejun, "Smash this oath stele and have it recarved."

Replace the second one with ————

"Sharing the world with the people!"

After saying that, he strode away.