Chapter 307: Chapter 204_2
"Sir, it’s not time yet to reveal my plan." Zhao Yao smiled apologetically at Mr. Xiao, "If I were to reveal it, you would inevitably tell my father, and he would certainly agree, which would then stir up a great commotion throughout Great Zhou."
Mr. Xiao was stunned, "A great commotion?"
"More than that." Zhao Yao thought for a moment and said, "My plan has never existed from ancient times to the present. It would not only create a huge sensation, but also make history, leaving a significant mark in the annals of history."
He continued, "It’s no exaggeration to say that revealing this plan would ensure my name goes down in history forever."
Upon hearing Zhao Yao say this, Mr. Xiao exhibited an extremely shocked expression. His curiosity grew stronger, and he asked eagerly, "Your Highness, what exactly is this plan?"
Zhao Yao shook his head and said, "I can’t reveal it yet."
"Your Highness, if it is truly as significant as you say, you should not conceal it."
"Sir, once I reveal this plan, I will be exposed to everyone." Zhao Yao wanted to propose the imperial examinations to the emperor, but he was still young and couldn’t speak up. "At that time, all the scholars in the world would be grateful to me. I, the Tenth Prince, would become their benefactor, and my standing among the educated scholars across the land would rise significantly, as would my reputation in court and among the populace."
"This would be a good thing for me, but it would also bring me danger, and there’s a chance I might not live safely to adulthood." Zhao Yao’s expression was very solemn, "Sir, I am a selfish person. I only wish to live well now, to grow up peacefully and smoothly. When I come of age and am granted a fief, I will then use this plan to select talents and officials in my territory."
Mr. Xiao understood Zhao Yao’s situation. After hearing his words, Mr. Xiao felt a pang of pity in his heart.
"It seems, Your Highness, that your plan is exceptionally good."
"Yes, extremely good. Not only can it excellently select talents and officials, but it can also break the control of the noble families over officialdom." Zhao Yao said with a smile, "Most importantly, it can enable the sons of humble origins to rise to prominence, giving every scholar in the world a chance to become an official, and bringing new hope to scholars across the land."
The more Mr. Xiao listened, the more curious he became about Zhao Yao’s words.
"Your Highness, I am really curious about the plan you speak of."
"Sir, I cannot tell you now." Zhao Yao smiled apologetically, "This plan can only be implemented when I go to my fief."
Mr. Xiao was eager to know immediately, but hearing Zhao Yao say it would take another ten years, he couldn’t wait that long.
"Sir, this is a matter of great benevolence, and I won’t tell others to let them do it." Zhao Yao was not so generous. "Sir, you can only wait until I grow up and go to my fief."
Mr. Xiao understood and appreciated Zhao Yao’s concerns. He raised the corners of his mouth in a bitter smile and said, "Your Highness, you might as well not have told me. You tell me there’s such a great plan, yet you can’t tell me the specifics, which will keep me curious all the time."
"If I were the Crown Prince, or our fourth brother, I would immediately suggest it to my father." Zhao Yao shrugged at Mr. Xiao, "Unfortunately, I’m an unpopular prince, a prince without power or influence. If I were to disclose my plan, my life might be in jeopardy."
"Your Highness, I understand everything you’re saying." Mr. Xiao said, "I’ll wait." He could only wait.
"Sir, you won’t wait in vain. It will astonish you at that time." When he went to his fief, not only would he establish the imperial examinations, but he would also reorganize official positions, implementing the six ministries from the history of the dream Zhao Yao.
He found the current official positions diverse and numerous, making them difficult to remember. The six ministries from the dream Zhao Yao’s history seemed much better, simpler, and easier to remember than the current ones.
"Since Your Highness says so, waiting ten years is no problem." Mr. Xiao said this, but in his heart, he still wanted to know immediately.
"Sir, do you still want to know right away?"
"Indeed, but Your Highness, you won’t tell." Mr. Xiao was extremely curious, "Your Highness, the plan you speak of must be revealed while the emperor is still present. Once the emperor is gone, revealing your plan would still be dangerous."
"Naturally." Zhao Yao replied, "When I grow up, my father will still be in his prime and will not be gone."
Mr. Xiao nodded, then stared at Zhao Yao intently with burning eyes, "Your Highness, is there anything you can tell me?" He always felt there were many things the prince had not told him.