Chapter 340: Graduation Certificates

The College of National Scions was still considered the premier academy of the Great Song. Anyone who could teach at the College of National Scions was certainly no ordinary person. Regardless of their official rank, they had to possess scholarly knowledge that could command respect from others.

Zhang Fei was merely a pen-in-cap with absolutely nothing to his name. For him to go lecture at the College of National Scions was truly unimaginable in the past.

Yan Jidao was also a graduate of the College of National Scions, so naturally he felt curious and hoped to return to his alma mater to witness this spectacle.

Even Xu Zhiqian found it somewhat amusing. After Yan Jidao left, she said urgently, “Father, when the time comes, I… I also want to go see how Zhang San teaches.”

Xu Zun immediately glared at her. “Nonsense.”

Xu Zhiqian secretly stuck out her tongue.

Zhang Fei glanced at her awkwardly and couldn’t help complaining, “That Academician Sima is really something. Initially he said I would go share some litigation experience, but he went ahead and said I would lecture. Isn’t this just adding trouble for me?”

Xu Zun chuckled, “You brought this upon yourself!”

Zhang Fei asked in bewilderment, “Father-in-law, what do you mean by that?”

Xu Zun said, “With all the commotion from your charity, both the court and the public are paying close attention to this scholarly debate. But actually, what they’re arguing about isn’t scholarship—it’s their governing philosophies. Therefore, the competition is extremely fierce. Every day they argue from the Hall of Delegated Rule to the Chamber of State Affairs, then to the Reform Planning Commission, the Court of Penal Review, and the Court of Judicial Review.”

Originally, when the new policies were introduced, the reformers and conservatives were at loggerheads, and it looked like a factional storm was about to begin. But then Zhang Fei intervened and turned it into a competition—an academic competition no less, which was what scholars loved most.

Both sides began competing for educational resources.

Of course, this was also related to Sima Guang’s strategic planning. Since Emperor Zhao Xu had shown firm support for Wang Anshi’s position, and with Wang Anshi stationed in the capital, it was actually very difficult to launch a counterattack in the capital. With Fan Chunren and Su Shi leaving the capital, this power struggle began to focus on the localities.

But since the ultimate decision-making body was still in the capital, and it was a place scholars had to fight for, it was better to conduct an educational competition here.

Whoever’s philosophy was more popular would seize the future.

Zhang Fei laughed self-deprecatingly, “So that’s why they invited me to lecture?”

Xu Zun said, “From what I know, Academician Sima thinks very highly of you. He’s already spoken with the College of National Scions about inviting you to become a teaching instructor.”

“Wait a minute!” Zhang Fei’s face showed alarm. “I never agreed to become a teaching instructor. I’m just taking some time to exchange ideas, that’s all.”

Xu Zun frowned, “I’m not clear about this either.”

Zhang Fei said thoughtfully, “Could it be that Academician Sima wants to use me as a publicity stunt to attract everyone’s attention?”

Xu Zun pondered for a moment, “That might actually be the case. By saying this, the law academy has indeed attracted many people’s attention. There will definitely be many people going to watch when the time comes.”

“To watch me make a fool of myself?” Zhang Fei added.

Xu Zun laughed a few times, “You said it yourself—youth without recklessness is wasted youth. Since Academician Sima strongly recommends you, what are you afraid of?”

Speak of the devil, and he appears.

Sima Guang suddenly wandered leisurely into the Zhang residence.

“Zhang San pays respects to Academician Sima.”

“No need for ceremony!”

Sima Guang also cupped his hands toward Xu Zun, “Xu Zun, you’re here too!”

Xu Zun smiled and nodded, then gestured with his hand, “Please sit!”

This time, not only Gao Wenyin, but even Xu Zhiqian had to stand obediently to the side.

After Sima Guang sat down, he smiled at Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, you’re really hard to find these days. I wandered around outside for a while before learning you had come home.”

“I’ve been quite busy lately.” Zhang Fei smiled sheepishly, then said, “I might not be able to go to the College of National Scions to share experiences.”

Sima Guang’s eyes widened, “That won’t do. I’ve already made arrangements—you’ll go teach at the College of National Scions on the first day of next month.”

“…!”

Zhang Fei said gloomily, “Academician Sima, what we originally discussed wasn’t teaching and lecturing, just sharing experiences. What virtue and ability do I have to lecture at the College of National Scions? Isn’t this just looking for trouble?”

Sima Guang said, “That was the original agreement, but now the curriculum for this law school was all drafted by you. If you don’t go help, then I don’t know where to start either. Therefore, I’ve already decided to appoint you as an assistant instructor for my law academy.”

“Teaching assistant?”

Xu Zun and his daughter said in unison.

Zhang Fei asked, “Father-in-law, Zhiqian, what is a teaching assistant?”

Xu Zhiqian replied, “A teaching assistant is also considered an official, ranked at the sub-nine grade.”

Only then did Zhang Fei realize that Sima Guang was trying to use this opportunity to pull him to his side.

This was something he couldn’t easily refuse. After all, this was part of his plan. He said awkwardly, “Academician Sima, I kindly helped you draft the curriculum, and now you’re taking advantage of me.”

Sima Guang snorted, “I’m recommending you for an official position. Isn’t that repayment?”

For a commoner to enter officialdom required a process – it had to be done step by step. Sima Guang’s idea was to first showcase Zhang Fei’s abilities at the College of National Scions, then transfer him to a local position.

Zhang Fei understood this as well and said sheepishly, “But I have limited talent and shallow learning. I’m afraid I can’t handle this teaching assistant position.”

Give me some idle position to muddle through and gild myself with a layer of gold.

Such simple political maneuvering – don’t you understand? Being a teacher at the College of National Scions is far too difficult.

Sima Guang waved his hand dismissively, “You were able to speak eloquently before Chancellor Han and Lord Fu, yet you’re afraid of those wet-behind-the-ears youngsters?”

Zhang Fei immediately protested excitedly, “Academician Sima, I’m only in my twenties too! I’m not dry either!”

Xu Zhiqian and Gao Wenyin on the side quietly lowered their heads, their shoulders trembling slightly.

“Alright, alright, stop being so modest. I didn’t come here today to discuss this matter with you,” Sima Guang waved his hand.

Regarding the teaching matter, he truly had complete confidence in Zhang Fei. He had personally experienced this young man’s eloquence, and even Fan Chunren had received his guidance – there would be absolutely no problem.

Am I being modest? I’m afraid of trouble! Academic disputes can never have a conclusion. If I perform well, I’m afraid people will come to debate with me every day. If I perform poorly, I’ll be laughed at. This old man knows to keep a low profile himself, yet always makes others be high-profile. How detestable.

Zhang Fei suppressed his belly full of complaints and asked, “I wonder what Academician Sima seeks from me today?”

Sima Guang said seriously, “I came to find you today because I want to ask for your advice on how to establish this law academy.”

At these words, even Xu Zun was dumbfounded.

This was truly more outrageous than the last.

Yan Jidao had come with Yan Shu’s poetry to seek Zhang Fei’s advice, which was already difficult to understand. Now Sima Guang had come to ask Zhang Fei for advice on establishing a school.

This…

Even Xu Zhiqian couldn’t hold back, “Uncle Sima, Zhang San has never attended much school himself. How could he understand establishing an academy?”

Sharing some litigation techniques was still reasonable, but asking Zhang Fei about school establishment too?

This was excessively absurd.

Sima Guang chuckled, “Qian’er, you’re underestimating your future husband too much. The curriculum for this law school was all drafted by your husband. How could he not understand?”

Then he looked at Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, isn’t that right?”

Zhang Fei laughed dryly, “Academician Sima, I told you at the time that this curriculum was drafted based on my litigation experience, but as for setting up a school, I have no experience whatsoever.”

Sima Guang chuckled, “No matter, no matter. Just tell me your thoughts. I’ll listen first and select the best ideas.”

It seems this old man has latched onto me. Zhang Fei looked at Sima Guang with some puzzlement.

With Sima Guang’s abilities, establishing a school – did he really need to ask others for advice?

Xu Zun suddenly stroked his beard and smiled.

Sima Guang glanced at him and showed an embarrassed expression.

Zhang Fei quickly asked, “Why is father-in-law laughing?”

“It’s nothing.”

Xu Zun shook his head.

Sima Guang said awkwardly, “I still couldn’t hide it from you!”

Then he said to Zhang Fei, “I won’t hide it from you – Wang Anshi has established the Three Halls system for that mathematics school, but I don’t want to do the same as him.”

Wang Anshi had long been considering educational reform, so as soon as this mathematics school was approved, he immediately brought out his Three Halls system and even bypassed the imperial examination system for selecting officials.

This forced Sima Guang to do the same, but Sima Guang didn’t have a specific plan. His educational reform still inherited Fan Zhongyan’s approach, emphasizing practical affairs.

But the problem was that Fan Zhongyan had never intended to bypass the imperial examinations.

After much thought, if they were to bypass the imperial examinations, the Three Halls system did seem quite excellent, but he didn’t want to copy Wang Anshi. It wasn’t just him – many in the conservative faction were unwilling to do so.

There was already a competitive relationship between them. If you directly used your opponent’s methods, wouldn’t that mean losing at the starting point?

Sima Guang suddenly remembered that Zhang Fei had drafted a very novel curriculum that aligned with his own philosophy, so why not ask for his opinion?

Only then did Zhang Fei react, but upon careful consideration, Wang Anshi’s Three Halls system was already a modern education system in the real sense. To put it simply, it was a three-year university education that completely transformed the academy into a component of the official selection system. This was already a concept far ahead of its time. If he were to think of something himself, he would follow the same approach, at most changing three years to four years.

But Zhang Fei was indeed giving it serious consideration, because education was also of paramount importance to him.

His establishment of the charity was also aimed at infiltrating education, not simply to benefit others.

Sima Guang did not disturb him, but waited quietly beside him.

After quite a while, Zhang Fei suddenly said: “According to Academician Wang’s Three Halls system, there are 2,000 people in the Outer Hall, 300 in the Inner Hall, and 100 in the Upper Hall.”

Sima Guang nodded. “That is correct.”

Zhang Fei asked: “Why do these numbers decrease progressively?”

Before Sima Guang could speak, Xu Zhiqian said: “Only in this way can true talents be selected to serve the country.”

Sima Guang nodded: “Zhiqian is right.”

Zhang Fei then asked: “So according to the Three Halls system, at most only one hundred people will ultimately enter court as officials. What will the remaining nineteen hundred people do?”

Sima Guang stroked his beard and said: “Naturally they will continue to work hard, just like the imperial examinations. If they fail once, they go back to continue studying diligently, then take the exam again.”

Zhang Fei said: “But what if they keep failing?”

“Well…”

Sima Guang said awkwardly: “That would be unavoidable.”

Zhang Fei immediately said: “However, the fact is that most people will fail. These people will all be eliminated. It can be seen that Academician Wang’s Three Halls system, although it widens the entrance door – that is, opening the College of National Scions to commoners – has not changed the exit, which remains too narrow. If Academician Sima wants to surpass the Three Halls system, you must widen the exit door.”

Xu Zun frowned and said: “The court already has a problem with excess officials. If we also open wide the exit door, wouldn’t this further aggravate the problem of excess officials?”

Zhang Fei smiled and said: “Father-in-law, your words are mistaken. As the saying goes, ‘When successful, benefit all under Heaven; when unsuccessful, cultivate oneself.’ But our dynasty’s education often only takes responsibility for ‘when successful, benefit all under Heaven.’ As for ‘when unsuccessful, cultivate oneself,’ that relies entirely on self-cultivation and personal effort, with education providing no support whatsoever.”

Sima Guang was also confused upon hearing this. “‘When unsuccessful, cultivate oneself’ should indeed rely on self-cultivation and personal effort. Otherwise, how could it be called cultivating oneself?”

Zhang Fei shook his head and said: “But education can provide support for cultivating oneself.”

Sima Guang asked: “How can education provide support for cultivating oneself?”

“Graduation certificates.”

“Graduation certificates?”

Sima Guang’s eyes widened, completely bewildered.

“Exactly so.”

Zhang Fei nodded and said: “Anyone who meets academic standards should be issued a graduation certificate. As for whether to enter government service or not, that depends on their own choice. The College of National Scions can set up another examination for this purpose. Those willing to enter government service can take the civil examination, and those who pass will enter government service as officials.”

Xu Zhiqian asked curiously: “But who wouldn’t want to enter government service as an official?”

“Me!”

Zhang Fei said.

“…!”

Xu Zhiqian was speechless.

This was indeed an ironclad fact.

Zhang Fei continued: “Although people like me are extremely, extremely rare, the court can only accommodate so many people, and a large portion still cannot enter court as officials. But then again, does not entering court as an official mean one cannot realize self-worth? Not necessarily so.

They can become great pen-in-caps, earning vast wealth, or become legal aid providers, pleading for the people, or even work at police stations. They can realize self-worth through other means. If everyone can cultivate themselves properly, the country will also enjoy long-term peace and stability.

The role of graduation certificates is to serve as proof of their education and abilities, allowing them to cultivate themselves more confidently, choose careers more freely, and gain recognition from everyone.

This would achieve talent channeling, making full use of human talents and resources, while also indirectly alleviating the problem of excess officials.”