Chapter 10: Offering a Proposal

As a prince of the imperial lineage, it was his dream to live a leisurely life as a carefree noble. Yet Li Shen knew that achieving the ideal life he envisioned would not be without challenges. The foremost obstacle was the entrenched power of the Five Surnames, Seven Clans, and the Eight Families of Guanlong. Throughout history, the foundation of a comfortable life had always been wealth. Li Shen understood that relying solely on the taxes and stipends from his fiefdom would be insufficient to sustain a lavish lifestyle. Therefore, he resolved to engage in commerce to amass fortune.

One reason for the dominance of these powerful clans was their monopoly over trade, which provided a steady flow of wealth to support their scions. To succeed financially, Li Shen realized he must break this monopoly. A confrontation with the established families was inevitable. Unless he chose to remain secluded in his fief, but such a life was not what he desired. Since a clash was inevitable, he decided to strike first.

Li Shen then approached Emperor Taizong and said, "Father, do you not think that the candidates selected through the imperial examinations are mostly from these prominent families?"

The emperor was momentarily taken aback, surprised that Li Shen was aware of this. "Indeed. In recent years, the majority have been from the established clans, with only a small number coming from humble origins."

"Father, many of the officials grading the exams come from these families. Surely there must be corruption involved," Li Shen remarked.

"I am well aware," Li Shen’s father replied. "But with so many candidates, I cannot personally grade every paper. It requires dozens of examiners, most of whom are aristocrats or noble officials. They share close ties and often assist one another. It is difficult for candidates from modest backgrounds to gain recognition." The emperor sighed deeply.

"Father, what if the examiners did not know whose papers they were grading?" Li Shen proposed.

"That would be easier said than done," the emperor responded skeptically.

"Very simple," Li Shen said. "Just cover the candidates' names and places of origin with paper."

"Yes, that’s an excellent idea," the emperor exclaimed, suddenly enlightened. "If the graders cannot see the identities, favoritism can be prevented. Li Shen, this is a brilliant solution."

Li Shen had intended to explain the subsequent steps, such as the recording and review processes, but seeing his father’s enthusiasm, he decided to save the rest for later. His knowledge was limited, and he preferred to proceed steadily.

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Before Li Shen could finish speaking, Emperor Taizong departed with a pleased smile. He believed that Li Shen’s suggestion would allow more talented candidates from humble backgrounds to be selected. He planned to discuss the matter thoroughly with his chief ministers the following day. After all, Li Shen had provided only one method.

Li Shen accompanied Empress Wei back to the hall, thinking his father was too eager. Simply hiding the names might not be enough.

“Shen’er, you should not have revealed the idea of concealing names tonight. If the prominent families learn of this, they will surely make things difficult for you. The Five Surnames and Seven Clans have thrived for a thousand years, their influence spanning the court and countryside. Your actions may provoke their retaliation. Even your father must show restraint, and you are but one person with little power,” Empress Wei worried deeply.

“Mother, I am a prince. My fortunes rise and fall with the imperial family. If the royal house is strong, I shall enjoy honor and wealth; if weak, few will regard me highly. This is why Father wishes to curb the power of these clans,” Li Shen explained. He recalled how in history, the powerful families had been ruthlessly suppressed under Empress Wu Zetian.

“Ah, Shen’er, I understand, but I also come from the Wei family. I truly do not wish to see my clan ruined,” the empress lamented. Torn between family loyalty and her son’s ambitions, she felt forlorn.

“Mother, don’t worry too much. The future is uncertain. It’s just a matter of concealing names, hardly a threat to the great families,” Li Shen said, amused by her anxiety. It was a minor matter, hardly worth such distress. After some more conversation, they each retired for the night.

Upon returning to his quarters, Li Shen began writing down the procedure for anonymizing exam papers that he had discussed with Emperor Taizong. This method was reminiscent of practices from the Ming and Qing dynasties, often depicted in historical dramas.

In his previous life, Li Shen had spent much time managing a store and, out of boredom, watched TV dramas, scrolled through short videos, and read novels. Unlike others, Li Shen had a habit of researching topics related to stories he enjoyed, such as searching for brewing techniques when protagonists made money through winemaking. He fantasized about how he might apply such knowledge if he ever transmigrated. Thus, he had accumulated a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge, though he had never practiced much. Still, he believed that with persistent effort and sufficient resources, success was certain.

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Within the Liangyi Hall, Emperor Taizong sat solemnly upon the throne. Before him knelt several dignitaries: Duke Zhao Guogong Zhangsun Wuji, Prince of Hejian Li Xiaogong, Duke Zheng Guogong Wei Zheng, Duke Liang Guogong Fang Xuanling, Duke Shen Guogong Gao Shilian, Minister of Revenue Tang Jian, and Duke Yun Guogong Zhang Liang, among others.

“Today, I wish to hear your opinions on a matter,” Emperor Taizong began.

“Your Majesty, may we know the subject?” Zhangsun Wuji inquired.

“The imperial examinations have been conducted for many years, yet those selected from humble origins are few. For the Tang Dynasty to endure for generations, we must remove barriers and allow all citizens to participate fairly. Only then can we discover more talented individuals for the court. But the current state is far from ideal. Rumors have spread among the people that the examinations are merely a facade, that lists are prearranged, and that favoritism and nepotism prevail. How do you propose we resolve this issue?” Taizong asked, gazing at the assembly.

The ministers were taken aback; none expected the emperor to broach the subject of corruption in the exams. Yet, none were truly surprised—they all understood the reality but chose silence. Each had relatives they wished to place in positions of influence to increase their own power.

In fact, many present were themselves members of prominent families or connected to them. Except for Li Xiaogong, who was royal, others like Zhangsun Wuji belonged to great clans. Fang Xuanling’s wife was from a major family as well.

Seeing their silence, Taizong realized these ministers were swayed by personal interests; their loyalty to family outweighed their patriotism. He thus said, “Gentlemen, spare yourselves the trouble. I have a plan. What say you?”

“This plan involves concealing the candidates’ names and birthplaces with paper, so the graders cannot identify them, preventing favoritism,” Taizong revealed Li Shen’s idea and watched their reactions.

They nodded in agreement—indeed, a sound proposal.

“Your Majesty, this plan is excellent. Not only does it minimize corruption, but it also reinforces the public’s faith in the court’s commitment to fairness,” Fang Xuanling was the first to speak.

“Duke Fang speaks wisely. This will boost the confidence of scholars from humble backgrounds and encourage wider participation,” Zhangsun Wuji added.

“I wonder whose idea this was. Surely it must be a person of great talent,” Wei Zheng voiced what others thought.

“It was conceived yesterday after I dined at the Great Auspicious Hall, during a casual conversation with Prince Shen Li Shen. However, the details still require refinement,” Taizong said proudly. After all, this commendable strategy came from his own son.

“Prince Shen?”

“Prince Li Shen of Shen?”

“Oh, so it is from His Highness Prince Shen. I have heard he is remarkably intelligent and well-read. Truly, Your Majesty has taught him well,” Fang Xuanling flattered, earning a pleased smile from the emperor.

“Nonsense, just the naive words of a child. It is up to you, gentlemen, to formalize the regulations. Henceforth, the imperial examinations shall adopt this method and notify all prefectures and counties,” Taizong decreed.

As they left Liangyi Hall, the ministers exchanged glances. Though many wished to oppose the plan, none had grounds to do so. After all, intellectual disputes hinged on who upheld true justice. The emperor’s move was in favor of all scholars. Opposition would risk their reputations and future legacies.

“Ah, this Prince Shen,” Zhangsun Wuji sighed.

“Indeed, he is quite clever,” Wei Zheng said.

“Duke Zhao, Duke Zheng, let us first discuss the practical procedures,” Tang Jian suggested. As Minister of Revenue, he would oversee funding for the necessary materials.

Thus, the wheels were set in motion.