Chapter 873: Chapter 873: The Verdict
Only after passing the provincial examination and becoming a Juren can those who have coldly studied truly be considered to have gained reputation and stand eligible for official titles. Further advancement leads to becoming a Jinshi, entering the Golden Throne Hall, and gaining official appointments to bring honor to one’s ancestors.
Now with Lian Musu’s Juren title revoked, it means missing next year’s Spring Imperial Examination. If he wishes to retake the examination, the earliest would be three years later at the next round of imperial examinations, during which time changes are inevitable for scholars. Even those who fancy themselves the most talented wouldn’t dare be certain of success.
This result was completely unexpected; neither the folks nor the learned scholars, nor the court officials had imagined such an outcome. Even the stubborn old men, after Minister Fan persuaded them, had to admit Lian Musu was a rare talent. Although he had faults, he had the courage to stand and take responsibility, another reason to be lenient.
Before the results were announced, both the court and the common people showed overwhelming support for Lian Musu, believing it to be a sure thing, yet did not anticipate such a major reversal.
Lian Musu possessed genuine talent and scholarship, having achieved top ranking in the Taiyuan Prefecture’s provincial examination. Faced with skepticism, he used an essay titled "Public Opinion" to convince the world, filling both the folks and the court with high expectations, making it hard for everyone to accept the result.
Outside Shuntian Prefecture, the discontented cries of the crowd swept over one another, nearly toppling the government office.
The masses proclaimed that the final judgment was unsatisfactory, calling for further consideration. Had Jieyuan Gong not been wronged initially, participating honorably he would have long since become a Juren, thus being unhappy with the conclusion.
Fortunately, forewarned, the Governor of Shuntian Prefecture was well-prepared, having stationed layers of troops around the government office to prevent the crowd from breaching it.
To remove a bell, one must know who hung it there. In the end, it was Lian Musu who stepped forward, openly accepting the verdict, declaring the judgment of Shuntian Prefecture to be just and stern. Initially compelled to use the alias Lian Mu when taking the exam, he accepted the nullification of his title as a fair disposition, thanking the Governor.
He then bowed to the crowd, expressing gratitude, saying that the green hills remain unchanging and the waters endless, with plenty of time ahead. Whether or not one has an official title, all can serve the country; there is no rush.
Only then did the crowd’s noise gradually quiet down, with everyone shaking their heads in regret until eventually, the flow of people outside Shuntian Prefecture slowly dispersed.
The Lian Family did not harbor bitterness toward the outcome; instead, they were utterly pleased and excitedly prepared to return home, with Uncle Ma, Wang San, and Rash Ge joyfully arranging two horse-drawn carriages for pickup.
A significant matter hanging over the Lian Family for many years had been resolved, grave revenge achieved—how could they not be joyous?
As for Lian Musu’s Juren title, he did not care, and naturally, the rest of the Lian Family would not feel regret, especially since they had been aware of it and prepared psychologically.
Upon his return after the audience with His Majesty, Lian Musu shared his plans for the upcoming years with the Lian Family members, then discussed for half a day and finalized them with Su Ran behind closed doors.
Su Ran said, "Musu, throughout history, the stronger the power, the greater its prominence, while the weak remain insignificant. Why? The root cause lies in the word ’education.’ Vast numbers of common people engrossed in hard labor are often illiterate, while those who can read and afford education are few. It is difficult for sons of poor families to attain success, whereas the aristocratic clans face no worry about clothing and food, have renowned teachers for instruction, and their perspective is beyond comparison with commoners. Even their servants and slaves have higher literacy rates than the average folks. As the saying goes, ’It’s better to marry the maid of a large household than the daughter of a small family,’ most reflects the disparity, showing people’s inclinations."
Lian Musu nodded in agreement, "This is precisely what His Majesty is concerned about."
Su Ran continued candidly, "Therefore, among the officials serving in the court, many come from the aristocratic clans, and the nation’s policies are largely deliberated and devised by these people. Thus, from top to bottom, the strategies often tend to favor the aristocratic clans, following this principle for centuries, without the world becoming aware of the problem therein. Hence, the stronger power continues to grow, while the weak become even weaker."
Such statements could be considered rebellious, but between mother and son, having little caution in their secret talk, they openly dissected the matter.
Lian Musu nodded, agreeing, "Indeed, this is why the aristocratic clans retain their resilience even when they are moribund. Who, during times when the Son of Heaven’s power wanes, can effortlessly use accumulated wealth and influence from the court to wield authority and command the world."
These insights occurred to Su Ran only after hearing Lian Musu talk more deeply, thoughts that would never come to the average person. Perhaps the Son of Heaven had silently planned for years, initially focusing on people’s livelihood, and aiming for the next step once the populace became prosperous. The reform in the Imperial Academy years ago was merely part of the strategy.
She admired inwardly, "His Majesty’s foresight and great ambition; undoubtedly, he realized the issue long ago, resulting in the successive weakening of the aristocratic clans. The further action ahead is akin to uprooting these families to prevent future policies from being influenced by them."
Nonetheless, she expressed her concern, "His Majesty trusts you greatly, starting with you as a point of beginning, drawing from provincial capitals as a trial, seeking to gradually educate the populace, but how challenging this is. It cannot be accomplished in a day or night; perhaps the noble families are not yet aware, but over a long period, your situation will become precarious..."
Lian Musu responded decisively, "Mother, I am aware of all this; His Majesty has clarified the pros and cons for me, and I am willing to pursue it."
Su Ran sighed deeply, anxious yet not obstructive, "This undertaking is of eternal merit, and I can do little to help. Wanzhen and Baobao also cannot assist you much, and in times ahead, you must be extremely careful, act cautiously, and not fail His Majesty’s expectations. His Majesty withdrew your title likely to lower your profile, allowing you to blend in among the people, which is likely intended to facilitate future actions. Musu, go forth, and I support you."
Go forth and achieve greatness, Mother will always support you...
After finishing the talk, there was another concern weighing heavily on Su Ran’s mind—related to Lian Musu’s marriage. As the departure loomed, perhaps only returning every three to five years, how could one arrange a marriage in such a short period?
Individually, she grew anxious.
After Lian Musu communicated with the family, the Lian Family members were aware of where he would go and felt assured. As for what he would do, both Lian Changhe and Lian Wanzhen believed it was merely teaching, but only Su Ran knew his true purpose.
Regarding Lian Bao, he instinctively knew it wasn’t simple, yet couldn’t fathom what it was. As long as it was something his elder brother wished to pursue, he wouldn’t obstruct, except that his leg needed to heal first.
Therefore, once the Lian Family case was adjudicated, Lian Changhe and others returned ahead, leaving Lian Musu suddenly busy, with Lian Wanzhen worried he would be overwhelmed, staying alongside Wu Sheng, traveling back and forth in a horse carriage.
Everyone else left with Uncle Ma and them, tending to burning fire pots, dispelling bad luck, firing fireworks, and handling a plethora of busy chores.
Lian Musu had only half a day to handle many matters and was extremely busy.
He needed to visit Minister Qin of the Imperial Academy, Minister Jia, various scholars, and Old Lady Wu to thank those who had helped him, as well as paying a visit to Minister Fan to explain his decision regarding apprenticeship.