Iron Dynasty Chapter 1050

“Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites cannot be abolished.”

Wang Chengye shook violently while yelling at the top of his lungs.

Xiao Ming snorted furiously. “Wang Chengye, do you believe I’m unaware that you, Duke Tang, and Fei Pei are pushing for private schools to make money? Serving as Minister of Rites, you’ve neglected New Confucianism by not eliminating pointless folk customs, and instead worked hard to widen the divide between noble offspring and those from poor families. Heaven will judge your heart. Guards, strip Wang Chengye of his official seal.”

The imperial guards by the hall’s entrance strode forward on the command and seized Wang Chengye’s official seal.

Within the Empire, every official dons an official seal alongside their robes. Removal of the seal signifies immediate dismissal from office.

Xiao Ming had gently urged Ge Yiren into retirement, while directly ousting Wang Chengye. The whole Ministry of Rites faced potential dissolution.

These bold moves terrified the courtiers. Everyone realized the Emperor meant business now.

Fei Ji remained on his knees throughout. Cold sweat drenched his brow at last. He felt relieved for distancing himself from Fei Tong promptly, sparing him from the current purge.

Having handled Ge Yiren and Wang Chengye, Xiao Ming went back to his throne. Proclaiming loudly, he stated, “I’m certain more than a handful back private schools. Likewise, corrupt lawbreakers like Li Ran aren’t rare among officials. As the proverb says, ‘a falling leaf signals autumn.’ If Qingzhou, my base, suffers this, imagine the chaos elsewhere?”

With a heavy sigh, Xiao Ming declared, “Bear this in mind: your presence in this court owes nothing to me, but to the countless toiling masses and fallen soldiers. Today, I state my stance plainly. I’ll oversee Fei Tong’s case myself and address noble-common divides.”

Pausing briefly in reflection, he continued, “Fei Tong’s attack looks like mere brawling, yet it reveals the clash between elites and the lowly. Today, it’s two fighters; tomorrow, the whole nation at war. To secure the Empire’s glory and roots, I proclaim globally: private schools are banned.”

“Your Majesty is wise.” Pang Yukun beamed with delight.

Zhan Xingchang followed up, “Your Majesty, banning private schools won’t end student clashes. The core issue lies in noble-common distinctions. The decree equating scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants regardless of status merits renewed enforcement.”

Xiao Ming agreed with a nod. “Decrees alone fall short. Real deeds will fix it. Laws, economy, education, policies—all noble perks must vanish entirely. Promote equality fiercely so commons stop feeling lesser. Crucially, shatter class rigidity, opening ascent paths for everyone. Thus, henceforth, the Empire’s official selection transforms radically.”

Then he signaled Qian Dafu.

Qian Dafu descended carrying a stack of files, handing one to every courtier present.

Pang Yukun and peers grabbed the papers, scanning intently, their faces lighting up with shock.

“The Empire’s official selection examination system!” Pang Yukun exclaimed aloud.

“Exactly. From this year on, the Empire adopts the official selection examination fully. University graduates qualify to sit it. Passers get posts matching scores and fields. Lazy officials pocketing salaries without work? Out they go, yielding spots to dedicated talent.” Xiao Ming proclaimed.

Yang Chengye spoke, “Your Majesty, exams test knowledge alone, not virtue. Good officials need both, virtue foremost. Selecting solely by learning seems flawed.”

Xiao Ming grinned. He’d pondered this issue. His official selection exam echoed modern civil service tests, yet went beyond.

“Minister Yang speaks wisely. Hence, two approaches: Exam passers face a department checking schools and homes for neighbor, friend, classmate opinions. Bad marks bar hiring. Only dual-qualified become officials.”

“Your Majesty is wise.” Yang Chengye eased up. He saw the Emperor blending trendy exams with old filial-incorrupt recommendations.

This ensured knowledge while vetting morals.

Zhan Xingchang added, “With this system, elite kids must exam to join court too. Poor versus powerful youth compete on merit, not birth. Families lacking qualifying heirs fade in generations. That’s social mobility.”

Court officials from lowly origins cheered the reform wildly, conservatives mourned deeply, as it doomed the scholar-gentry forever.

Previously, scholar-gentry hogged study resources. Their kids attended private schools under master tutors, networked easily into offices with swift rises; poor kids fared poorly.

Xiao Ming’s private school ban wrecked their edge. Exams crushed connections. Thus, scholar-gentry’s foundation crumbled away.

Post-retirement, their sons might farm, factory-work, or trade, barred from bureaucracy.

Xiao Ming eyed ministers’ faces amusedly. This kicked off his modernization march for the Empire. Roads ahead stretched long, packed with thrilling changes.

Yet worry nagged him slightly. Harshly striking power clans this round risked fierce rebound and chaos.

Resolve firm, no retreat. He’d braved death executing Qingzhou elites before; today’s foes got same steel.

“Take decrees home for leisurely study. Views on Fei Tong’s outrage?”

Pang Yukun replied, “Your Majesty, Fei Tong sinned gravely. Punish as commoner: attempted murder charge. Empire law demands three thousand li exile

plus hard labor. Probe Fei Yuhe and Fei Pei’s bribes and cliques fully, punish per findings.”

Xiao Ming eyed Fei Ji. “Elder Fei, your thoughts?”

Drenched in icy sweat, Fei Ji wiped it off. “Chief Grand Secretary Pang’s words ring true. Your Majesty, punish harshly. I shan’t shield kin.”

Xiao Ming smiled contentedly. All goals from this affair stood met.