Three Kingdoms: Prince of the Great Wei, Prime Minister Cao

Chapter 21: Strategizing for the Nation’s Future, Cao Ju’s Long-Term Planning!

Heavenly Bestowed Qilin Son!

This was how Cao Cao appraised Cao Ju, who had repeatedly impressed him today. Faced with such praise, even Cao Zhi, once hailed by Cao Cao as “naturally gifted” and “unrivaled in grace,” and Cao Zhang, referred to as the “Yellow-Bearded Son” of the Cao family, found themselves falling short compared to the three words “Qilin Son.”

However, just as this thought emerged, Cao Cao’s expression darkened as he recalled a moment from years ago. Returning triumphant from quelling the Wuhuan, he joyfully cradled a child in front of the gates of Ye City. The child, reaching only his waist with a bun on his head, received a judgment nearly identical to Cao Ju’s.

That child was none other than his most intelligent son, the one he had vaguely considered a successor after the untimely passing of Cao Ang-Cao Chong. At that time, Cao Chong was the Qilin Son in Cao Cao’s heart.

Unfortunately, Cao Cao sighed, expressing how fate cruelly snatched away the life of his beloved son Chong prematurely, leading to his untimely “passing due to illness.” In this moment, Cao Cao realized that the more exceptional the son before him became, the more it unwittingly reminded him of the two sons he regretted and mourned deeply for, Cao Ang and Cao Chong. Such sentiments were something his elder son, Cao Pi, had never provided him with.

Impressed by Cao Ju’s performance, Cao Cao hesitated to wholeheartedly embrace and implement Cao Ju’s proposal for a civil service examination system. Achieving a significant legacy amidst the chaos of warlords in troubled times was not something Cao Cao’s straightforward mind would overlook.

He refrained from immediate judgment on the merits of Cao Ju’s proposed “civil service examination system.” Instead, he contemplated its practicality based on his own experiences and understanding.

As Cao Ju finished speaking, a brief silence enveloped the spacious study. Despite feeling increasingly thirsty, Cao Ju continued his exposition, suppressing the urge to pour himself a cup of tea from the nearby tray and discreetly swallowing to moisten his dry throat.

After what felt like an eternity, Cao Cao sighed melancholic laughter, a tinge of regret appearing on his face. The reason was simple – after careful consideration, he realized that the civil service examination system proposed by his son was, from a long-term perspective, a well-thought-out strategy for the nation’s future.

However, it is currently not feasible for Cao Cao to implement it. Decreeing on its implementation would undoubtedly provoke strong opposition from powerful aristocratic families who were not fools and could perceive the flaws inherent in the system. Understanding this, Cao Cao knew his son’s idea was one-sided. But, when he noticed the calm expression on Cao Ju’s face, a thought arose in his mind that startled even him.

“What if.”

“What if my son has a way to solve this problem?”

Decisiveness being inherent in Cao Cao’s nature, he immediately presented this question to Cao Ju. Merely raising questions and discussing them extensively didn’t constitute true ability.

True capability lies in posing questions and offering comprehensive solutions!

He was eager to witness if his son was ready to face the challenge presented by the question he had just raised.

“My son, you have proposed that the civil service examination system could curtail the influence of aristocratic families. However.”

“Have you considered it?”

“What would be the stance of those aristocratic families if we were to implement the civil service examination system right now?”

“Father acknowledges.”

“While it’s true that you are astute enough to devise a long-term strategy like the civil service examination system, the world has never lacked intelligent individuals.”

“The aristocratic families and powerful families are not fools or idiots.”

Cao Cao spoke, his eyes revealing a glint of anticipation.

“Um!”

Upon hearing the question posed by his father, Cao Cao, Cao Ju’s expression momentarily froze.

Implementing the civil service examination system right now…

Um!

Did my old man really dare to think of this?

Never mind whether the plan could be executed successfully. At the very least, Cao Ju could ascertain one thing: Once those aristocratic families and powerful families learned that it was his proposal for the civil service examination system, they would undoubtedly take covert actions against him, distancing themselves from him.

For now, Cao Cao relied on the support of these aristocratic families and needed to be cautious around them. He didn’t want to expose his just-revealed assertiveness to the scrutiny of the aristocratic families so soon.

His delicate frame couldn’t bear it. And he didn’t want to resist!

Cao Cao, who was attentively observing Cao Ju, naturally noticed the surprise and bewilderment on his son’s face. Indeed, throwing this challenging question at his son was perhaps a bit too demanding after all!

Considering his age, he shouldn’t be too hard on himself.

Just as Cao Cao was consoling himself in this manner, a breakthrough appeared, much like a bright light piercing through the darkness.

Cao Ju’s confident voice resounded once again.

“Father, implementing the civil service examination system at this moment may raise suspicions of seeking quick rewards and instant benefits.”

“If forcefully promoted.”

“From my perspective, there are quite a few drawbacks.”

“For one, it will trigger vigilance and resistance from the aristocratic families towards the civil service examination system. And secondly.”

Cao Ju let out a sigh.

“In the current state of the realm, most literate individuals come from aristocratic families and powerful clans. While there are some commoner scholars, they are relatively few.”

“In such a situation, even if the civil service examination system is implemented, it would only select candidates from these aristocratic families.”

“It won’t achieve the goal I envisioned of giving opportunities to commoner youths.”

Speaking, Cao Ju glanced around the room. When he spotted a bonsai in a nearby flower pot, he stepped forward, picking it up in the face of Cao Cao’s puzzled gaze. After forcefully extracting the bonsai from the pot, Cao Ju pointed at the flowerpot and said to Cao Cao.

“Father, please look!”

“The civil service examination system I propose is like a seed that can uproot the influence of the aristocratic families.”

“But, even though the seed is good.”

“Before planting it and allowing it to grow, it needs to find suitable soil for cultivation, a nurturing environment where it can grow healthily.”

“In the current situation where the aristocratic families monopolize knowledge, it’s not suitable for it to grow. Its growth requires a crucial prerequisite.”

“There must be a sufficient number of scholars throughout the realm!”

“Even if the aristocratic families are powerful, they wouldn’t be able to represent all the scholars in the land.”

“And such a method!”

“I have already presented it to you, and now it’s in your hands.”

Finishing his words, Cao Ju’s gaze landed on the “New Book of Mencius” displayed before Cao Cao.