Everyone thought that the emperor held the imperial examination just to deal with the aristocratic families. In reality, it was not merely so; the most important aim was to select talents for the court.
Given the emperor's emphasis on the imperial examination, future court officials will have to pass the examination. The emperor is wary of the aristocratic families and will definitely favor ministers from humble backgrounds. Before these scholars from humble backgrounds pass the exam, he will associate with them and help them. When they excel later and take office in the court, they will surely support him.
Moreover, the empress is right. He is responsible for the imperial examination in Jinling, and for the scholars from humble backgrounds in Jinling, he can be regarded as their mentor. Regardless of whether they support him in the future, they will harbor some gratitude towards him.
