I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 305 Wang Wan and Li Si were terrified

Upon arriving at the Imperial Medical Bureau, they quickly found Physician Li. Before he could even ask any questions, Ying Wuyou eagerly said, "Now that the New Year has passed and the weather is gradually warming up, we must hurry up and arrange the medical exchange conference. In my opinion, why not set it for March 20th? What do you think?"

After listening, Physician Li pondered for a moment, then asked hesitantly, "Is such a short time enough to prepare? Wouldn't it seem a bit too rushed?"

Ying Wuyou replied confidently, "Absolutely enough time! There are still more than two months until March 20th, which is enough time for us to complete all the preliminary preparations."

Seeing Ying Wuyou's confidence, Imperial Physician Li didn't say anything more and could only nod in agreement, "Very well, since Your Highness has said so, this old minister will naturally obey. However... as for the specific location of the exchange meeting, I wonder if Your Highness has any preferences?"

Ying Wuyou smiled and said, "I have made proper arrangements for the relevant matters, but we will need to wait a few more days. I will personally inquire about the progress then."

Physician Li quickly bowed and thankfully replied, "Very well, then I'll trouble you, Princess."

Ying Wuyou waved his hand gently, indicating that there was no need to be so polite. Then, the two of them engaged in a lively discussion about the upcoming medical exchange conference. They discussed in detail the conference agenda, participants, and potential academic exchange topics, and before they knew it, time had slipped away. After everything was settled, Ying Wuyou rose to take his leave.

Meanwhile, the notice board in the center of Xianyang was already packed with people, a bustling and lively scene. Many citizens crowded around, craning their necks and standing on tiptoe, trying to see what important information was posted on the notice board.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted: "His Majesty is going to establish the imperial examination!"

Upon hearing this, those who hadn't seen the notice in person became extremely excited and eagerly asked, "Really? Is this news reliable?"

The person who first discovered the news replied confidently, "It's absolutely true! Look, it's clearly written in the notice."

However, many illiterate people at the scene looked confused and anxiously pleaded, "Oh dear, we can't read! Kind brother, please tell us what's written on this."

Then, the man cleared his throat and loudly proclaimed, "From this day forward, our Great Qin establishes the imperial examination system, intending to recruit talented individuals from across the land. This examination will not discriminate based on social status, seeking only those with both virtue and ability, with merit as the primary criterion. The examination will be held on the tenth day of the third month." As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous cheer and shouts of approval erupted from the crowd. People whispered amongst themselves, their excitement palpable.

Hearing what the person read, many who hadn't seen it were overjoyed. Although many were illiterate, the imperial examination was a good thing, and everyone discussed it excitedly. "This imperial examination is a new thing! As long as you have the ability, you can become an official in the court!" "Yes, even we ordinary people have a chance to rise up!" The crowd's words were full of anticipation and excitement.

However, when this shocking news reached the ears of Chancellor Wang Wan and Minister of Justice Li Si, it struck them like a heavy hammer. At that moment, they were engrossed in discussing the intricate details of bureaucratic reform, filled with anticipation that King Ying Zheng of Qin would focus all his attention on their meticulously planned reform scheme.

As for Ying Wuyou's proposed imperial examination system, in their view, it was merely a small test, or at best just another form of bureaucratic system concept. They never expected that the King of Qin would accept this suggestion so readily and decisively, and put it into practice with astonishing speed.

"This...how is this possible? How could the King of Qin make such a momentous decision as establishing the imperial examination system so rashly?" Wang Wan's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief. The bamboo slips he was holding slipped from his grasp and fell heavily to the ground with a "thud." He involuntarily turned to look at Li Si beside him, who was equally astonished. When their eyes met, deep fear and unease were revealed in their gazes.

For a long time, they had firmly believed that, based on their high prestige in the court and their years of painstaking efforts for the Qin Empire, the King of Qin would always consult with them thoroughly when faced with any major decisions, and would most likely ultimately make a choice based on their advice. But what was happening now was completely beyond their original expectations, catching them off guard.

The fact that the other officials had joined in boycotting court was originally seen as a powerful strategy to put pressure on the powerful King of Qin, forcing the entire bureaucratic system to evolve and develop along the path they desired. However, to their surprise, the King of Qin not only showed no intention of backing down in the face of this situation, but also ruthlessly used such thunderous measures to clearly demonstrate his unwavering determination.

At this moment, Li Si's face was so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it; his tightly furrowed brows resembled dark clouds, and his heart was heavy. He knew all too well that the imperial examination system, which the King of Qin was determined to implement, was nothing short of a violent storm for their carefully planned and painstakingly cultivated bureaucratic system, bringing an unprecedented and severe impact and challenge.

Those officials who rose through the ranks thanks to their strong recommendations and patronage will now find their stable positions crumbling like candles in the wind with the implementation of the imperial examination system. After all, the implementation of the imperial examination system means that more truly talented individuals will have the opportunity to enter officialdom based on their own abilities, thereby disrupting the existing power structure.

Recalling how they had dared to attempt to coerce the King of Qin through such an extreme measure as suspending court proceedings, Li Si couldn't help but feel deep regret. Looking back now, this action had undoubtedly and severely offended the King of Qin's inviolable taboo!