Chapter 1328: Chapter 1328

After Li Youu confirmed that there was no issue with the transfer, Chen Xi instructed someone to send this transfer order to Zhang Yan and others, as for the necessary food and supplies, it was signed and dispatched by Lub Su.

"I always feel that Sheni Pei’s performance shouldn’t be so poor." Chen Xi muttered. Googlᴇ search 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⚑𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚑𝙣𝙚𝙩

Chen Xi’s impression of Sheni Pei, besides his unyielding spirit and facing north upon death, was mostly his solo super deity performance at the Battle of Ye City. But now, Sheni Pei’s performance lacked the methods for reversal that Xun Yu had back then, which was somewhat disappointing.

"Sheni Pei’s performance isn’t actually poor." Xun Yue, dealing with affairs there, looked up and said, "He’s left with no options, and isn’t this exactly what we need?"

"To drag Yuan Tan’s Army in Southern Youzhou is precisely our goal. If Sheni Pei still had breakthrough methods now, wouldn’t that be a major threat to us?" Li Youu said irritably, and then took a stack of administrative affairs and placed it beside Chen Xi.

"Instead of feeling that Sheni Pei’s performance is poor, why not help me handle some village merging and academy construction-related administrative matters?" Li Youu said irritably, "Also, optimize the road construction for these villages shown on the map and complete them all!"

Li Youu handed over a thick stack of related administrative affairs to Chen Xi, and it must be said that Li Youu’s mathematical skills are quite good now, but the problem is there’s just too much.

"You’re still letting this slide." Chen Xi smiled wryly while taking the stack of administrative affairs, feeling it was indeed inappropriate not to be working when everyone else was busy handling government affairs.

Li Youu didn’t pay any attention, continuing with his own work, leaving Chen Xi to lower his head and start reviewing those administrative documents, feeling that as the place grew larger, people became considerably busier.

"What is this mess?" Chen Xi puzzled over the contents, "Which guy is finding trouble for no reason?" Chen Xi casually wrote a "read" on it, indicating that he had looked it over and found it worthless, and tossed it aside.

"This is a document criticizing the Spring examination? How come it involves Lord Xuande’s disregard for etiquette, and in the end, it expanded to claim our entire group doesn’t respect ancient rites?" Xun Yue took the document Chen Xi reviewed, read it, and frowned repeatedly.

"Heaven knows, just treat it coldly." Chen Xi said without raising his head.

"However, your way of reviewing..." Xun Yue was somewhat unhappy, as rules and systems were extremely important to Legalists.

"Oh, it’s worthless, just label it ’read’. Truly valuable ones should be properly handled. Do you think that document has any significance? Am I supposed to refute it? Who sent it up, and who wrote it?" Chen Xi still didn’t raise his head, quickly reviewing the documents. His speed was reliable.

"It does have some reason, but you didn’t even look at the presenter and the writer." Li Youu chimed in two comments from the side; no one there was slow-handed.

"The presenter is Cui Yan, and the writer is Liu Changg." Xun Yue flipped through the scroll and saw the innermost name of the writer and presenter.

"No need to bother with Liu Changg, as for Cui Yan, let him focus on governance; I remember his duty is to work diligently on governance. It has absolutely nothing to do with what Liu Changg is addressing now. Such upright, stubborn people should critique government issues!" Chen Xi said irritably.

On the other side, Liu Changg, who thought he wrote an excellent critique on Liu Bei’s side’s strategies, was eagerly waiting for either a rebuttal or agreement from Liu Bei’s side. Regardless of which, it would be beneficial for him, but when the document came back, there was only one added word—’read’!

Liu Changg, filled with words and ready to represent a significant group in showcasing something, was returned with just one word, leaving his ambition utterly directionless.

The words Chen Xi spoke earlier certainly stirred quite a disturbance among the scholar class, especially when Cai Yan unexpectedly participated in the examinations, leaving many scholars feeling helpless.

The saying goes that blocking one’s future is worse than cutting off one’s financial source. No matter how much admiration they felt for the talented Cai Yan or their sour grapes remarks due to jealousy, it couldn’t change one fact: Cai Yan’s knowledge was recognized by all the people in the world.

Regardless of whether she’s perceived as Kef, Cai Yan stands there; her knowledge remains tangibly evident. When saying women aren’t as competent as men, nine out of ten can’t bypass this mountain.

Privately, there was significant dissatisfaction among the scholars regarding Wang Yi, Cai Yan, and others participating in the examinations. Whether citing classics or discussing ancient rites, it boiled down to one statement: women should not partake in exams. Yet Chen Xi’s statement was clear—how could so many of you possibly fear a single young maiden?

Speaking of which, Chen Xi hadn’t considered developing female officials. Generally speaking, over ninety percent of women in this era were accustomed to supporting their husbands and educating their children. Even in later generations, if the husband could provide a stress-free living environment, many women would still choose to be homemakers.

However, there will always be some exceptions, like future female leaders; undoubtedly, there would be in this era. Removing gender restrictions was merely a matter of convenience for Chen Xi. In a vast world , only two or three dozen women might be interested in applying.

Chen Xi merely provided an opportunity for those with intentions, so he didn’t care about the private rebuttals of the scholars participating in the examination. As for Liu Changg’s prepared speeches, Chen Xi couldn’t be bothered to listen; they’re nothing more than advisements to adhere to ancient rites.

There’s no escape from it—a greater fear than stagnation is steadfast adherence to old ways. Although ancient times had many great ideas, following conventions and believing everything from the era of ancient sage kings was correct—now that’s purely fantasy.

Since that’s the case, whether being persuaded by Liu Changg or rebuffing Liu Changg can only benefit Liu Changg. Why not treat it indifferently? After all, if you can’t outperform those women, it simply proves your inadequacy. Cai Zhaoji refrained from participating in poetry and singing only out of mercy.

As for the peculiar atmosphere this might create under the administration, it was of no consequence to Chen Xi. He merely needed to sit at the head, watching those fellows was enough; possessing both talent and virtue is sufficient for selection, needing no additional conditions.

Anyway, Chen Xi doesn’t believe the aristocratic families would contest him over such trivial matters. Such imprudent actions aren’t how aristocratic families conduct themselves. As for those attempting to rise by stepping on Chen Xi, Chen Xi could only state that he wouldn’t provide them such opportunities.

Having initially just gone with the flow, Cui Yan understood Chen Xi’s intentions upon seeing the word "read" and immediately ceased interfering with matters related to the Spring examination, shifting his focus back to governance once more.

Although a conflict with the entire local group might arise, and there could even be threats to his life, Cui Yan harbored little fear. For individuals like him, living was merely for dying with honor.

Nothing mattered more than dying in history; critiquing the government was trivial. Regardless of having Liu Bei’s support, even without Liu Bei, Cui Yan wouldn’t hesitate in the slightest!