The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife-Chapter 2204 - 2206: We Can’t Remain Focused Solely on the Imperial Exam

Yang Chuxia returned, and Ye Zi’an was playing chess with Lele. Seeing her return, he asked, "How was it?"

"It’s likely that Prefect Liu isn’t much of a problem, but Prefectural Magistrate Song is another matter," Yang Chuxia replied. "I deliberately asked a question today and pointed out two things; the expressions of Madam Liu and Madam Song were noticeably different. Moreover, Madam Song seems quite knowledgeable about Great Qi’s warhorses, even knowing about them being fed herbs. If my uncle and the others knew about this, I wouldn’t be surprised, but for a harem woman to know as well, it’s definitely not because she’s well-learned."

"When Madam Liu heard I went to Great Qi to find Yangyang, she immediately relaxed, while Madam Song furrowed her brows, as if considering the truth of my words."

Ye Zi’an paused with the chess piece in his hand, "So, it seems the focus should start from the Song Residence?"

"Indeed, and on my way to Qingfeng Pavilion today, I also thought of a problem. It’s said that the way Great Qi’s army appeared in Ning City is quite similar to how they appeared in Liao City—it was a sudden appearance. There must be something suspicious here. There are no towns within a hundred miles of Liao City, but there are a few small villages, and even more beyond. How could not a single person have discovered them?"

Yang Chuxia continued, "If Ning City had received news in advance, there is no way they wouldn’t have been prepared and allowed the city to be captured. If Ning City hadn’t been taken, the other cities wouldn’t have fallen so quickly either."

"These are all problems you’ve mentioned," Ye Zi’an said as he placed a piece down. "Unfortunately, the news died with the generals who defended the city and never reached the Capital City. My uncle is overwhelmed dealing with Great Qi; even if he has suspicions, he has no time to investigate. If we hadn’t come to Xining, this matter would likely be buried."

"Investigate it, it must be investigated," Yang Chuxia insisted. "These spy-like existences cannot be tolerated whatsoever. Often, the downfall of a nation is due to the presence of such parasites." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Lele, resting his chin thoughtfully, sighed, "The quality of Great Zhou’s officials is extremely low. Whether in the prosperous Jiangnan or the borderlands, people like this exist. I calculated that most of these officials were left over from the Grand Emperor’s reign. Even the Prime Minister, the head of all officials, is a disaster. It’s clear how bad the officials below are."

"What are you trying to say?" Ye Zi’an glanced at him, "Get to the point!"

"Um," paused for a moment, Lele touched his nose and said, "I think Great Zhou’s selection of officials shouldn’t remain solely focused on the Imperial Exam."

"How so?" Ye Zi’an’s interest was piqued.

"The Imperial Exam tests either theory or current events. But Father, don’t you think a person’s character is also important?" Lele stopped playing chess and directly said, "A good official should not only be capable and knowledgeable but should also have integrity. A person with good character and knowledge can truly benefit the people."

"Look at our Great Zhou officials, and some key military positions. They’re either from the Imperial Exam or shoved in by noble families. They’ve memorized the eight-legged essay, but what about their character? It has to be said that during the Grand Emperor’s reign, luck wasn’t great, as most of the officials appointed were of poor character, hence the abundance of corrupt and treacherous officials."

"Very well said..." Yang Chuxia couldn’t help but applaud.