Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 948: Pleading for mercy, a small punishment and a big warning!

"Your Majesty, I will second Prime Minister Xiao's words. Although the three points Lord Wu She raised were radical and pointed, inevitably shocking to the listeners, a closer look reveals that they are indeed mature and prudent statecraft, stemming from a deep concern for potential risks. The imperial examination system benefits the country and its people and is a great undertaking for the ages, there is no doubt about that. However, Lord Wu She's concerns lie in the 'timing' and 'strategy' of its implementation, not in denying the imperial examination system itself. As the saying goes, 'haste makes waste'; haste can lead to misfortune. We, your servants, also know that Your Majesty is eager for talent, but if you could be more moderate and make more thorough preparations, wouldn't you be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort? Therefore, I also sincerely ask Your Majesty to forgive Lord Wu She's blunt and offensive remarks!"

Xiao He and Zhang Liang, one excelling at the overall situation and the other at strategic planning, had a tremendous impact when two of the most influential cabinet members knelt down to plead for mercy. The other officials in the hall, such as Cao Shen and Han Xin, reacted instantly.

They might have previously been weighing the pros and cons, hesitating whether to get involved in this storm of imperial power and direct criticism, but now, seeing that Xiao and Zhang, the two leaders, had already expressed their stance, they immediately realized that this was the best time to resolve the deadlock and make their stance clear. In an instant, there was only the rustling of sleeves, and a crowd knelt on the gold bricks. Everyone spoke in unison, pleading for Wu She:

"Your Majesty, I second this motion! We beg you to show me mercy!"

"Lord Wu She's loyalty is commendable. Please forgive him, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty has a broad mind and will certainly tolerate the frank advice of his subjects!"

Gao Yao's tense heart finally relaxed as he watched the ministers plead for mercy. The corners of his mouth twitched, a barely perceptible mixture of helplessness, satisfaction, and a hint of "as expected." He thought to himself, "Haven't I been holding out for all this time, keeping silent, questioning, and exerting pressure, just waiting for this moment? Waiting for this opportunity to back down!"

Gao Yao's mind was as clear as a mirror. The fact that Wu She fiercely opposed his proposal for the imperial examinations was unimportant in itself; he even acknowledged that many of Wu She's views were valid. The key point was that as a king, his authority could not be openly challenged without consequence.

Wu She's remarks, in particular, not only pointed out Gao Yao's inconsiderateness but also directly touched upon the extremely sensitive topic of "factional strife," a subject that could shake the foundations of his rule. Either of these issues, taken alone, would have been enough to land a minister in dire straits. Yet, Wu She addressed them all in one breath.

If word of this were to spread, and Gao Yao remained silent, how would the court and the people interpret it? They would assume the king tacitly approved of, or even condoned, such remarks bordering on criticism! Then, there was no guarantee that others would not follow suit, using the guise of "frank remonstration" to challenge the king's authority. This trend must not be allowed to continue!

Furthermore, the imperial examination system was, after all, a well-considered policy that benefited the nation. Wu She's complete denial of its immediate implementation was politically incorrect. This was especially true during a crucial period when Gao Yao had just officially ascended to the throne and urgently needed to establish his authority and implement new policies. If he remained indifferent to such direct opposition, would his future words carry any weight? Where would his imperial authority be?

But was it really necessary to severely punish or even execute Wu She? Gao Yao never considered such a move. Wu She was a rare talent, his loyalty and courage even more valuable, but his methods were too rigid. He wouldn't cut himself off unless it was absolutely necessary. At this point, someone was needed who could discern his true intentions, step in and act as a "peacemaker," providing a way out for both sides. Otherwise, would he, the king, have to say, "Please stand up, my dear minister. You are right. I was inconsiderate." That was absolutely impossible.

So, amidst the ministers' pleas for mercy, Gao Yao finally spoke again, his voice regaining the dignity and composure of an emperor, his gaze fixed on Wu She, who was still lying on the ground:

"Wu She," he said slowly, each word carrying a weight of immense importance, "The ideas you've put forward regarding regional imbalances, livelihood opportunities, and foreign security do have merit and are not entirely unreasonable. Those in power truly need to listen to all voices. However," he abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming sharper, "you shouldn't be so biased and generalize, seeing only the disadvantages and not the advantages. Not to mention your reckless speculation, even involving factional disputes within the court! Without any real evidence, do you realize that such remarks are a grave crime, disrupting the court and alienating the emperor and his ministers?!"

"Your Majesty...your Majesty..." Hearing Gao Yao's stern questioning, Wu She suddenly looked up, opened his mouth, and turned pale, but ultimately could not refute anything. Evidence? How could there be conclusive evidence for such a thing? The embryonic form of factional strife, the regional groupings, these were all based on observation and trend judgment, the undercurrents of the unspoken rules. If it really came to the point where there was irrefutable evidence, he would probably not be here to make suggestions, but the Qingyi Society's cavalry would be arresting people everywhere, and the court would have been in a bloody storm. He could only bow his head deeply once more, "Your Majesty...I acknowledge my guilt."

Seeing that Wu She was unable to refute his argument, Gao knew that the time had come. He took a deep breath and made the final decision. This decision not only reflected punishment, but also contained a deeper meaning:

"Considering that this is indeed your first offense, and that Xiao He, Zhang Liang, and other ministers have pleaded for you with a public purpose, I will be lenient with your sentence. I will fine you one year's salary as a warning to others! At the same time," Gao Yao paused, his gaze sweeping across the ministers before returning to Wu She, "I will entrust you with the responsibility of raising funds for matters related to the imperial examination."

This turn of events stunned everyone. Even Wu She jerked his head up, a look of astonishment and confusion written all over his face. The man who had just been vehemently opposing the immediate implementation of the imperial examinations was now being entrusted with the crucial task of preparing for them?

Gao Yao ignored the crowd's surprise and continued to give clear instructions: "I am not asking you to hold the imperial examination today, but I want you to make it known to everyone in the world within two years. They will know what the imperial examination is, its rules, and its benefits. Do you understand?"

"Knowing... in advance? Your Majesty... this?" Wu She was completely bewildered, unable to comprehend Gao Yao's intentions. If he wasn't planning on holding the event right away, why was he announcing it so publicly? Wouldn't this simply fuel discussion and potentially even lead to the problems he was worried about brewing prematurely?

Gao Yao saw Wu She's bewildered expression and knew he needed to clarify the key. His tone offered a hint of explanation, yet also revealed an unquestionable tone: "This is called 'pre-heating'! Let those who are interested in official careers and possess talent prepare in advance, letting them know that the court will soon open its doors to talent. This will also allow the counties, and indeed the people of the nation, a period of time to adapt, understand, and even be inspired to learn. Create an atmosphere, accumulate strength, and wait until the time is truly ripe for success. Isn't it better to implement it suddenly and encounter numerous obstacles? Do as I say, understand?"