"There should be specialized examinations; otherwise, people without real ability entering the relevant yamen will only occupy positions and achieve nothing. The imperial examination is a stepping stone, but other talents are also essential. After all, knowing the Four Books and Five Classics does not equate to being an official. Fundamentally, the reason the imperial court is divided into the Six Ministries is for the convenience of management, and the scope of knowledge involved in each ministry is also different."

"Wouldn’t this mean reforming the appointment system of the Ministry of Personnel?" Huo Zhengming was somewhat alarmed. Over the years, the implicit rules of the Ministry of Personnel in arranging officials were the reason it was considered the most important among the Six Ministries. Minister Qi could have so many disciples precisely because he could control some of the appointments."

Emperor Xuanming, upon hearing these words, pondered and asked, "Minister Chu, are you suggesting that becoming an imperial examination graduate and wanting to be an official still requires further assessment rather than direct appointment?"

"Your Majesty, I believe so. It would also demonstrate the officials’ respective strengths and allow for targeted utilization. In this way, the possibility of incompetent officials appearing would be much reduced, and the quality of Great Chu’s officials would be much higher."

"Everyone has their particular skills. For instance, if someone skilled in making porcelain were to work as a carpenter, their achievements would be greatly diminished."

Emperor Xuanming, in a good mood, smiled and said, "In this way, we can accurately select talents. However, the imperial examination remains indispensable. As for the examinations for talent selection you mentioned, they can be tested on a trial basis."

Huo Zhengming did not refuse. In fact, he quite agreed with Chu Heng’s suggestion.

He thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I boldly wish to secure fair opportunities for scholars."

"Since it’s an examination, the content needs to be determined. Knowledge of each yamen’s responsibilities is not something all scholars can cover. Naturally, they might not know where their strengths lie. If suddenly assessed, I’m afraid their results would look bad, not because they lack skills but because they haven’t studied the relevant knowledge."

"Therefore, I suggest that related books need to be published, similar to the Four Books and Five Classics." Huo Zhengming discussed the matter at hand.

Emperor Xuanming pondered, "Indeed, it’s necessary, although there’s not much time left in the first half of the year. Yet, it’s not entirely without time."

"If they can learn well in such a short time, they are true talent, the kind I want to select."

"Your Majesty, who should be responsible for writing these books?" Elder Zhong pondered for a long time, weighing the pros and cons of this approach. Suddenly, he realized that if such a regulation were introduced, it would mean that in the future, the Ministry of Personnel would only be responsible for assessments, not appointments. Thus, the position of the Minister of Personnel would not hold as much power as before, and Minister Qi’s numerous disciples would no longer pose a threat. At most, they would be scholars, and scholars’ influence in the official circle is naturally much smaller than when they follow and gain real power. He suddenly realized why Emperor Xuanming did not initially reject Chu Heng’s suggestion. After all, each ministry does have assessment content, yet it was not mandated that passing the assessment was required for appointment. With this regulation now, the future selection of officials will likely become increasingly stringent.

Of course, that’s not the main point. The main point is that Emperor Xuanming can take this opportunity to weaken Minister Qi’s significant power.

"The publication of books will naturally be the responsibility of each yamen, with final approval by the cabinet." Emperor Xuanming decisively concluded the matter with one statement.