"They'll do. Anyone else will do too."
Yun Shu's tone was solemn and composed.
"It doesn't matter who the person is. What matters is that they can create what we need, and more importantly, that they can be used by us."
Emperor Xuanwu narrowed his eyes. The moment he heard her speak like that, he knew she was brewing another one of her wild ideas.
"Do not tell Us… you have already found someone?"
"Not yet," Yun Shu admitted honestly.
She reached for the old schematic of the generator she had first drawn and spread it open again.
"But look, Father Emperor. If we fully harness the laws of physics, we can create wonders such as steam-powered locomotives and generators. With the power of chemistry, we can produce gunpowder, weapons that could render our armies unstoppable.
Mathematics, too, plays a vital role in all of this. Without it, neither physics nor chemistry could function."
Yun Shu looked up, her expression earnest.
"This Daughter has been thinking… although reforming the imperial examinations cannot be done overnight, especially since the current scholars preparing for the exams have never studied such subjects, perhaps we could establish a new system—just like we did with the military exams—specifically for science and mathematics. Let those who have studied such disciplines compete separately. From there, we can select individuals of true talent and allow them to explore the broader applications of these fields."
She had already pushed the head of various local merchants' associations to spend their own coin to search for civilian experts across the realm.
But in times like these, where would one even find such experts?
The common folk didn't even know what physics, chemistry, or mathematics truly meant. Letting them grope in the dark might take a lifetime without results.
Tian Sheng Academy did offer such courses, yet the people didn't understand their value. When applying, nearly all students chose to pursue skills like medicine, accounting, carpentry, or metalwork—trades that could clearly be used to earn a living.
The handful who chose science and math only did so because the academy provided food and lodging.
Every few days, Yun Shu would receive a new list from the academy of students in the science and mathematics track who had failed their quarterly exams and were advised to leave.
Even those who remained had no awareness of how to apply their learning. Not yet.
"This Daughter thought it over very carefully."
Her face grew solemn, reflecting thoughtful conviction.
"I realized… I still underestimated the people's yearning for official rank."
"Official rank?" Emperor Xuanwu raised an eyebrow.
"It is more or less the same as entering court as an official," Yun Shu explained patiently. "To the common people, even the smallest ninth-rank official post is a monumental honor. It changes a family's fortune and brings glory to their ancestors.
So, if we want them to value the study of science and mathematics, the simplest, most effective way is to tie it directly to the imperial examination. Let it become another path to officialdom, another bridge to achieving honor and prosperity."
"There are only a few days left until the New Year."
Emperor Xuanwu studied Yun Shu intently for a moment before he spoke again.
"Affairs of court are typically wrapped up before the end-of-year recess. We do not carry this year's burdens into the next. For you to raise such a matter now… are you aiming for next year's spring examination?"
"Father Emperor, you truly see through everything. Nothing escapes Your eyes."
Caught in the act, Yun Shu offered no denial. She admitted it frankly, even cheerfully.
"Technically, we could schedule this science and mathematics exam separately, not at the same time as the traditional imperial exams. But since it is a new initiative, holding it independently might make it seem unofficial in the eyes of the people. It may not gain their recognition.
Only by integrating it with the imperial examination system can we maximize its impact.
Yet the imperial exam is only held once every three years. If we miss the coming spring session, we'll have to wait another three years.
Who knows how many opportunities would be lost in that time?
Besides, there are still so few studying these disciplines now. Missing one round of autumn trials would not affect much. We would not be admitting many candidates in this first year anyway."
"To hold it alongside the regular examination, a new Gongyuan would need to be constructed," Emperor Xuanwu said slowly, clearly persuaded. Yet even as he conceded, he found himself uneasy at how easily he was swayed. Perhaps it was due to the glimpse he had seen of Yun Shu's future in the Simulation Life Selection System.
He recalled that in one possible future, he would step down early and become the Retired Emperor, and Xiao Wu would take the throne. The thought stirred him again. He wondered just how much influence Xiao Wu held in court now.
Would the ministers truly support her ascent to the throne in earnest—or only because they still feared the Retired Emperor watching from behind the veil?
"Adding a new examination subject is no trivial matter."
He resumed in a steady voice.
"As you said, those who pass this examination would be assigned to the Ministry of Works. That means the number of positions available to those who pass the regular exam would be reduced accordingly.
In essence, this science and mathematics track would still be encroaching on the interests of regular examinees.
It is likely that the court officials—and perhaps scholars across the empire—will oppose it. What's more, with just a few months left until the spring examination, building a new Gongyuan would be a race against time.
So officially, We will not agree to this."
"Officially?" Yun Shu blinked, momentarily confused.
Despite all her time studying under Emperor Xuanwu in the imperial study, this was one of the rare moments when she failed to grasp his full meaning.
"Then… what about behind the scenes?"
"You just said science and mathematics are highly useful. Naturally, We support it," the Emperor said, arching an eyebrow. He laid it all out clearly.
"But in front of the ministers, We cannot speak in favor of it.
If you truly wish to see this through, you must rely on your own ability. Persuade the ministers. Win their support. Only when more than sixty… no, seventy percent of them agree will We grant Our official approval."
"Seventy percent?" Yun Shu gaped.
What kind of game was her Imperial Father playing now?
She stared at Emperor Xuanwu, eyes narrowed in suspicion. After a long pause, she asked directly and without pretense.
"Father Emperor… are you suspicious of this Daughter?"
"What would We suspect you of?"
The Emperor sighed. With the disaster of the deposed Crown Prince still fresh in memory—and the Simulation Life Selection System's warning of Yun Shu founding a kingdom overseas at the drop of a hat—he wanted no misunderstandings between them.
"Do you think We are so idle?"
"Aren't you?" Yun Shu muttered under her breath with a sulky pout.
"You clearly know this Daughter is trying to accomplish something good. Something that will benefit the nation and the people. And time is short.
Yet instead of helping, You insist on raising the difficulty."