The prince is more stable

Chapter 865 An Old Friend Visits at Night
The longer the name and the more impressive the nickname, the weaker the actual strength.

This is because Zhao Xiaoqian was obsessed with martial arts novels in his previous life. The supporting characters and cannon fodder in the novels all had particularly impressive nicknames, and they were as long and smelly as foot bindings.

These kinds of people make a dazzling entrance, but most of them don't even last a single chapter.

People with nicknames like "Iron Fist Shakes the Five Sacred Mountains" or "One Sword's Light Chills Fourteen Provinces" are destined to be instantly killed upon their first appearance; they're typical cannon fodder.

To be honest, if it weren't for Chen Shou and the Imperial Guards protecting him, Zhao Xiaoqian wouldn't have dared to reveal this long and imposing nickname, for fear that he would also suffer the fate of becoming cannon fodder.

Fortunately, Zhao Mingcheng was a scholar; his face was flushed, but he hadn't lost his temper yet.

After listening to Zhao Xiaoqian's long and tedious self-introduction, Zhao Mingcheng was dumbfounded, staring at him in disbelief, secretly wondering if this guy was just kidding him.

Is this the kind of name a normal human being could choose?

Li Qingzhao, standing beside him, chuckled and gave Zhao Xiaoqian a reproachful, affectionate glare.

That tender, affectionate gaze struck Zhao Mingcheng like a heavy blow, deeply affecting him once again.

He lost his love!

So, who exactly is this man, and why is he able to win the heart of his beloved so much?

“Brother, you’re joking. My name is Zhao Mingcheng, a student at the Imperial Academy. I will be taking the imperial examination next year. I am honored to meet you today. May I ask your name so we can become friends?” Zhao Mingcheng said with a stiff smile.

Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow.

show off?

Is this guy showing off his status as a student at the Imperial Academy?
Even the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy can only bow respectfully before me. Have I ever boasted about how awesome I am?

No, I didn't, I'm damn discreet.

Zhao Xiaoqian said with a forced smile, "So you're a student of the Imperial Academy. Not bad, a future pillar of the nation. You command our utmost respect."

"My name is Zhao Zian. Hmm, we even share the same surname."

The name "Zhao Xiaoqian" is known worldwide, but not many people may know "Zhao Zian".

Zhao Mingcheng, standing before him, was clearly unaware of this; his reaction was bewildered, though his expression grew even more solemn.

Both are surnamed Zhao, but judging from this person's attire and entourage, the "Zhao" in his surname is probably of much higher value than his.

A moment later, Zhao Mingcheng confirmed that this person must be a member of the royal family.

Of course, he would never have dared to think of it as the identity of the Song Dynasty emperor; it was simply impossible.

Which official would leave the palace and wander around aimlessly for no reason? That doesn't fit the character.

In terms of background, Zhao Mingcheng was indeed much inferior, but he still bravely straightened his chest and bowed deeply, saying, "So it is Brother Zian, I have long admired you."

Li Qingzhao suppressed a laugh and silently rolled her eyes at Zhao Xiaoqian.

Since Zhao Xiaoqian was unwilling to reveal his true identity, she would just play along with him.

After bowing, Zhao Mingcheng showed no intention of leaving; his goal was to break up the couple, so he couldn't leave now.

Although Zhao Xiaoqian and Li Qingzhao stood together, creating a harmonious scene, the sudden addition of him made it seem as if a perfect landscape painting had been splashed with ink, instantly becoming incongruous. Yet, Zhao Mingcheng still refused to leave.

He insisted on forcing himself into circles he couldn't fit into.

With a casual glance, Zhao Mingcheng spotted a pavilion, a folding chair, and a fishing rod by the Bian River.

So Zhao Mingcheng forced a conversation: "Brother Zian, are you... fishing? I wonder how your catch was?"

As he spoke, he walked over and approached the fish basket to examine it.

Zhao Mingcheng chuckled and said, "It's empty? Brother Zian... Haha, don't be offended, I just didn't expect it..."

Zhao Xiaoqian's face immediately darkened.

It doesn't matter how much this guy flaunts himself, plays dirty tricks, or harbors hostility towards him, because Zhao Xiaoqian won't get angry with such a small fry.

But Zhao Mingcheng directly hit the most sensitive and taboo spot in his heart, and Zhao Xiaoqian lost face.

A seasoned angler, when openly mocked for being a "noob" (someone who doesn't trade stocks), who wouldn't be on edge?
Seeing that Zhao Xiaoqian's expression had changed, Li Qingzhao also became angry: "Zhao Mingcheng, whether Brother Zian catches fish or not is none of your business to mock him. Is this the cultivation of a scholar?"

Zhao Mingcheng's expression changed slightly, and tears were almost streaming down his face.

You actually yelled at me for another man...

His love life was unparalleled.

“Miss Li, I… I didn’t mean to mock you, it’s just…” Zhao Mingcheng stammered, trying to explain through his pain and heartache.

Li Qingzhao retorted sharply, "Should someone be ridiculed for not catching fish? They're just not good at fishing, what's wrong with them as a person?"

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

I'm so touched. Don't make me feel that way next time.

Li Qingzhao said coldly, "If someone can't catch fish, it means they have great ambitions. Li Jiaming of the Southern Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem: 'Ordinary fish dare not swallow the fragrant bait, knowing that it is the emperor who is fishing for the dragon.' Ding Wei, the prime minister of our dynasty, also wrote in his poem: 'The oriole is startled as the phoenix carriage flies through the flowers, and the fish are afraid of the dragon's face and are slow to take the bait.'"

"Fishing is but a minor pursuit; governing the country and bringing peace to the world is the ambition a man should have. You, Zhao Mingcheng, are mocking others for such a trivial matter. Your character is truly questionable."

Zhao Mingcheng's face had turned a deep purplish-red, but he looked around anxiously.

Li Qingzhao was a talented woman; that is undeniable.

However, the two examples Li Qingzhao cited at this time were quite inappropriate. As is well known, the origin of these two lines of poetry is that when the emperor failed to catch any fish, his ministers, in order to comfort him, composed two impromptu poems in a moment of quick wit. In other words, these two poems could only be used for the emperor; if used for ordinary people, it would be taboo, and if it got out, it would be considered presumptuous, and the government would punish them.

Zhao Xiaoqian's lips curled up slightly.

As expected of the most talented woman in China, her talent is so effortless that, frankly, Zhao Xiaoqian can't compare at all.

The two lines of poetry are also meaningful, containing profound philosophies about life.

That is... all emperors are air force pilots.

Zhao Xiaoqian felt much better now. He had been doubting his fishing skills, but he never expected that it was his damned, misplaced noble status that was to blame.

In contrast, Zhao Mingcheng even felt like dying.

Today, his beloved did not give him a kind look. Not only did she protect Zhao Zi'an at every turn, but she also quoted classical texts and dared to overstep her bounds to save his face.

We lost completely.

For a moment, Zhao Mingcheng's face turned pale, and his heart turned to ashes.

I love you, Mom, selling fried dough twists...

“Miss Li, I…I meant no harm,” Zhao Mingcheng said sadly.

Li Qingzhao sighed and said, "Zhao Mingcheng, I know your feelings, but... my heart already belongs to someone else, and there is no room for anyone else in it. You should turn back as soon as possible."

Zhao Mingcheng gave Zhao Xiaoqian a deep look and understood the meaning of Li Qingzhao's words.

He's completely out of the game.

"I understand. Take care, Miss Li. Farewell." Zhao Mingcheng turned and staggered away.

Li Qingzhao turned to look at Zhao Xiaoqian, her previously indifferent expression quickly changing to a bright and radiant one.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you. Don't let him affect your mood. Let's go to the First Floor Restaurant for soup dumplings."

Zhao Xiaoqian gazed intently at her and smiled, "Okay."

…………

After enjoying a pleasant day with Li Qingzhao in Bianjing, Zhao Xiaoqian felt much less stressed.

However, his relationship with Li Qingzhao remained stagnant. Although he could sense Li Qingzhao's feelings for him, Zhao Xiaoqian restrained his thoughts because Li Qingzhao was only fifteen or sixteen years old.

Let's talk about it in two years. He still prefers the current state of mutual ambiguity, where feelings are developing but not explicitly stated.

Back at Yanfu Palace, after changing into a yellow robe, Zheng Chunhe served tea, which Zhao Xiaoqian sipped for a while with his legs crossed.

A short while later, Zheng Chunhe hurriedly entered the hall again. Looking at Zhao Xiaoqian, who was sipping tea and deep in thought, he whispered, "Your Majesty, we just received a report that General Xu is returning to the capital."

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback, then asked with delight, "Master Chongyuan has returned to the capital? Where is he?"

"General Xu is waiting outside the palace gate for the Emperor's summons."

"Summon him in, and have the imperial kitchen prepare some good dishes for him to welcome him home."

After a long while, Zheng Chunhe finally led Xu Jiang to the Funing Palace.

Zhao Xiaoqian personally came out of the hall to greet him. Looking at Xu Jiang's familiar face, he smiled and said, "Mr. Chongyuan, how have you been?"

Covered in dust, General Xu bowed to Zhao Xiaoqian and said, "Your subject, General Xu, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Zhao Xiaoqian did not move, letting Xu finish his bow before smiling and stepping forward.

The proper etiquette between ruler and subject cannot be disregarded. After all, he hadn't seen General Xu for a long time, and he wanted to see General Xu's attitude.

When Zhong Jianzhong mobilized the Yan-Yun troops to march south, he was seizing Chen Songling's military power. Although General Xu did not stop him, he did not agree with it either; his position was relatively neutral.

Now that Zhao Xiaoqian's major plans were settled, he urgently summoned Xu Jiang back to the capital, wanting to know if Xu Jiang recognized him as emperor.

Therefore, Zhao Xiaoqian must accept the courtier's courtesy that Xu Jiang is about to perform.

Only after Xu Jiang finished his salute did Zhao Xiaoqian step forward, grab Xu Jiang's wrist, and lead him into the hall.

As soon as the emperor and his ministers sat down, Zheng Chunhe led several palace servants to bring over exquisite wine and dishes.

Zhao Xiaoqian dismissed everyone and personally poured wine for Xu Jiang. Xu Jiang hurriedly stood up and repeatedly said that he dared not accept such praise.

“Mr. Chongyuan, there’s no need to be so formal. Don’t forget that we guarded the border together back then. I was the commander and you were the deputy. We were comrades, after all. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Why are you so distant with me?” Zhao Xiaoqian said with a smile as he poured wine.

Xu Jiang sighed, "I never imagined Your Majesty would end up like this..."

The two looked up at each other, and after a long while, they both suddenly burst into laughter.

When old friends meet again, the initial awkwardness and unfamiliarity disappear with a smile.

The two seemed to have returned to the border army camp. Zhao Xiaoqian acted as a hands-off manager, while Xu Jiang silently took care of everything. The two worked together very well.

After laughing for a while, Xu Jiang sighed softly, his face full of emotion: "Your Majesty is a true dragon with great ability and ambition. With such a wise ruler, the Song Dynasty is just around the corner. I am grateful for the Song Dynasty. Fortunately, it is Your Majesty, and it can only be Your Majesty."

Zhao Xiaoqian no longer shied away from these sensitive topics and laughed frankly, "Back then, I also took some risks. Didn't you see that I sent my mother, wife, and children out of the Song Dynasty? That shows that I wasn't really that confident that I could succeed."

Xu Jiang dared not delve too deeply into the topic, and hurriedly raised his cup, saying, "Your Majesty, I respectfully wish that the Great Song Dynasty, under Your Majesty's rule, will soon unify the country and be secure for ten thousand generations."

(End of this chapter)