Chapter 341: Entering Officialdom

Undeniably, many of Wang Anshi’s political ideas were ahead of his time, but interestingly, his ultimate goal was to strengthen central authority and enhance imperial power.

He never broke free from this mindset.

Wang Anshi’s educational philosophy emphasized practicality over empty rhetoric. He believed the content of the imperial examinations was far too pretentious and utterly useless, so he wanted to establish specialized schools to cultivate professional talents for the court’s use.

This was such an advanced concept, but his purpose was solely to recruit talent for the imperial government. He never considered that society also needed talent, and if these talented individuals could apply their abilities in civilian life, society could also progress.

In contrast, Fan Zhongyan, Fu Bi, Han Qi, and Wen Yanbo—this group of old ministers from the Qingli era—all hoped to limit imperial power.

For instance, Fan Zhongyan attempted to apply ancestral laws directly to constrain the emperor.

“Comprehensive order as precaution against malfeasance”—if the emperor alone made all decisions, this too would violate the ancestral laws.

The concept of scholar-officials governing the realm together with the emperor was actually developed and promoted by this group of ministers.

Both Fan Zhongyan and Wen Yanbo had confronted the emperor directly, stating plainly that the emperor and scholar-officials should govern the realm together.

Sima Guang actually followed this same path.

What exactly were the reformers and conservatives fighting over?

Was it merely political philosophy?

And Fu Bi, Wen Yanbo, and the others—were they simply opposing Wang Anshi?

Not necessarily.

Because what they truly feared was certainly not Wang Anshi.

Since ancient times, all factional struggles have actually revolved around imperial power.

Zhang Fei’s certification system was not limited to the court but directed education toward serving all of society.

This actually contained the hidden idea of limiting imperial power.

The imperial examination system aimed to recruit all intelligent people in the realm to the emperor’s side, making them the emperor’s people, so the dragon throne could be secure.

If education became oriented toward providing talent to society, it would certainly weaken imperial power.

However, since talent flows upward and water flows downward, becoming an official remained the most revered path for the Chinese people. The impact would be quite limited and would require long-term gradual influence to show any effects.

But this concept clearly aligned with Sima Guang’s governing philosophy.

He also greatly revered the idea of “when successful, benefit the world; when unsuccessful, cultivate oneself.” In history, after Wang Anshi gained power, Sima Guang went off to compile the Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government. Actually, Emperor Zhao Xu wanted to keep him—as an emperor, one must maintain balance—but Sima Guang firmly declined.

It was only after Empress Dowager Gao came to power that he returned and began settling accounts with the New Policies.

Wang Anshi was the same. During the reigns of Emperor Renzong and Emperor Yingzong, he also chose to stay away from the central government.

“Brilliant!”

Sima Guang exclaimed excitedly, “This certification system is truly ingenious! Haha… Zhang San, you claim you don’t know how to teach, but even those of us who are already teachers don’t understand education as deeply as you do! What do you think, Xu Zun?”

Xu Zun smiled honestly and nodded.

When someone praised his son-in-law, he was naturally very pleased, but it wouldn’t be proper to boast.

Zhang Fei quickly said, “Academician Sima, you flatter me. Building an academy and teaching are two different matters and cannot be conflated.”

Sima Guang replied, “But when it comes to discussing law, I still believe your abilities are sufficient. This matter is settled—let’s discuss it no further.”

Zhang Fei smiled.

If he hadn’t already planned to enter officialdom through Sima Guang, he truly wouldn’t have agreed. In the Song Dynasty, one should either be a science teacher where one plus one equals two without dispute, or not teach at all.

“In literature, there is no first place; in martial arts, there is no second place.”

These were matters that could never be settled through debate!

Zhang Fei had no desire to engage in daily verbal sparring with those literati.

Now that Sima Guang had laid out this path for him, and knowing he wouldn’t stay at the College of National Scions for long, he could only agree.

After Sima Guang left, Xu Zhiqian immediately said, “Zhang San, Academician Sima is clearly using the teaching matter to pull you to his side.”

Her tone was mixed with joy and concern. She had always hoped Zhang Fei could become an official and display his talents, but in truth, both Xu Zun and she, Xu Zhiqian, supported Wang Anshi, not Sima Guang.

In her heart, Xu Zhiqian hoped more that Zhang Fei could assist Wang Anshi’s reforms.

“I know.”

Zhang Fei nodded, then asked Xu Zun, “What does Father-in-law think?”

Xu Zun stroked his beard and smiled slightly. “Actually, everyone knows that your entry into officialdom is merely a matter of time. And with your political acumen, there isn’t much this old man can teach you. I only hope you can accomplish one thing.”

Zhang Fei hastily asked, “Please speak, Father-in-law.”

Xu Zun said, “Do not meddle in affairs beyond your position.”

Although he supported Wang Anshi in his heart, he had always kept his power within the Court of Judicial Review or the current prosecution office. Fan Chunren and Su Shi had failed to do this properly back then.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei couldn’t help but smile bitterly. “I’m afraid that will be very difficult.”

Xu Zhiqian asked with curiosity, “What’s so difficult about it?”

Zhang Fei glanced at her and snorted. “If I wanted to be an official, how could I possibly start from the lowest ninth rank?”

Xu Zun stroked his beard and nodded with a smile. “As a subject, regardless of position, one serves the sovereign.”

Only then did Xu Zhiqian understand.

Zhang Fei was on Emperor Zhao Xu’s side. When Zhao Xu had gone to great lengths to recruit him, it certainly wasn’t to make him a mere teaching instructor. How could he possibly avoid meddling in affairs beyond his position?

Not to mention Zhao Xu—Wang Anshi also had expectations of him.

Zhang Fei had originally wanted to rest at home for some days. These recent days had truly exhausted him, and he also wanted to see whether Fan Zheng and the others could handle these affairs without him.

However, at such a critical moment, how could he possibly be given a chance to catch his breath?

The next day, Lu Huiqing came calling.

“I wonder what brings you to visit?” Zhang Fei asked.

Lu Huiqing said with a chuckle, “Why don’t you guess?”

Facing this man, Zhang Fei dared not be careless. He asked very cautiously, “Could it be about my lecturing at the law academy?”

Lu Huiqing smiled. “That’s only one matter, but I’m not primarily here for that.”

Zhang Fei asked curiously, “Then what brings you here?”

Lu Huiqing said, “Do you know that since your movable type workshop was completed, quite a few people at court have applied for permits to publish newspapers?”

Could something have gone wrong there? How do I know nothing about it? Zhang Fei’s heart skipped a beat, but he nodded. “I’m aware of this.”

Lu Huiqing continued, “I heard that some at court want to specifically publish newspapers to expound their political philosophies, even to attack my mentor’s political ideas. Therefore, I also want to publish a newspaper for the New Policies. What do you think?”

After hearing this, Zhang Fei breathed a slight sigh of relief. “Your consideration is truly thorough. I believe this is necessary—even more necessary than what the opposition is doing.”

Lu Huiqing asked, “Then what suggestions do you have?”

Using newspapers for propaganda was truly different from traditional opinion control. Wang Anshi had proven this point through several failures.

Zhang Fei thought for a moment and said, “Do you still remember the vehicle license and street encroachment matters?”

Lu Huiqing nodded. “These happened recently, so of course I remember.”

Zhang Fei asked again, “Have you read those issues of the News Gazette that were published then?”

Lu Huiqing nodded. “You mean to publish street gossip in newspapers, using it to hint at the government’s existing corrupt practices, then guide the people to pay attention to the New Policies?”

Zhang Fei smiled and nodded. “Exactly. But it must be truthful and representative, and the articles must be written in an interesting and engaging manner. Especially for a new publication, it must attract the people—this is key. If two or three consecutive pieces fail to interest anyone, afterward, people won’t even bother to look.”

Lu Huiqing nodded. “This might require your help in overseeing things. Neither my mentor nor I have fully grasped the people’s psychology.”

He had also thought Zhang Fei’s previous articles couldn’t possibly become popular, but the results…

He truly admired this.

Zhang Fei smiled. “No problem.”

Lu Huiqing asked again, “But could we also publish some of my mentor’s articles?”

After the previous lessons, he now felt apprehensive about publishing Wang Anshi’s articles.

Zhang Fei smiled. “Of course. While we must strive to win popular opinion, if we achieve success, we should also strive to win over the scholars. Actually, my previous approach also used street opinion to win over the scholars.”

“I understand.” Lu Huiqing nodded slightly.

Just then, several uniformed men suddenly arrived.

“Who might you gentlemen be?”

Zhang Fei looked at them with curiosity.

The leader said, “We come on the orders of Academician Sima to deliver this official document and official robes to your residence.”

Zhang Fei was completely stunned.

They had only discussed this matter yesterday, and he hadn’t even given a definitive answer yet, but today the official robes had already been delivered.

What the hell… Zhang Fei asked curiously, “Were these official robes made so quickly?”

The man immediately replied, “The official robes might not fit perfectly, so you should alter them yourself right away.”

“…!”

Zhang Fei was speechless. Was this the treatment for a sub-nine rank grade official?

He even had to alter his own official robes.

At this moment, Lu Huiqing walked over and cupped his hands, saying, “Congratulations, congratulations. This is truly cause for celebration!”

Zhang Fei glanced at Lu Huiqing, thinking to himself that he was probably congratulating him for successfully infiltrating the enemy’s ranks. He smiled awkwardly and said, “Thank you very much.”

He then ordered Li Si to accept these items and gave the messengers some money.

After they left, Zhang Fei said to Lu Huiqing, “To be honest with you, Drafter Lu, Academician Sima only mentioned this matter to me yesterday, and I was still considering it. I never expected that the official document would be delivered today. Are court appointments always this hasty?”

Becoming an official really lacked any sense of ceremony.

Just an official document and a set of official robes.

That was it.

It felt very surreal.

Lu Huiqing chuckled, “This is certainly a special case, but it’s not surprising. Academician Sima was very worried about you joining the Reform Planning Commission. As soon as you showed any sign of agreement, he would definitely rush to make this appointment official.”

Could it be that old man Sima was doing this to confuse his opponents? Zhang Fei muttered to himself. Since Sima Guang knew he would definitely stand on his side, he feigned concern and said, “But I don’t really understand much about teaching. I truly don’t know if this arrangement is reasonable.”

Lu Huiqing frowned slightly and said, “Having you gain experience at the College of National Scions was indeed unexpected for us as well. However, with your eloquence, I believe this won’t be difficult for you. Moreover, it won’t be long before Academician Sima transfers you to a local position.”

Zhang Fei immediately said, “Please rest assured, Drafter Lu. I absolutely will not let them easily sabotage the new laws.”

Lu Huiqing smiled and nodded, saying, “Both my mentor and I have complete faith in you. As soon as you take up a local official position, my mentor will find ways to promote you.”

Zhang Fei cupped his hands and said, “Thank you.”