You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhao's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and she said faintly, "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister Qin. I am just barely managing to survive."

She stepped aside to let Qin Hui into the room, but a chilling sense of irony filled her heart.

Years have passed since we parted?

well?

After the Jingkang Incident, the country was shattered, and he followed the court south with a large number of bronze and stone inscriptions, calligraphy and paintings. How many hardships did he endure along the way?

When they arrived in Yingtian Prefecture, unfamiliar with the place and its people, and had lost all their wealth, they sold their treasures to make ends meet. They even had to endure the shameless harassment of people like Zhang Ruzhou. Where was this powerful "relative" at that time?

I remember that not long after I arrived in Yingtian, I was harassed by some villains because I was carrying some relics from the previous dynasty.

When she was desperate, she even mustered up the courage to try to see this councilor, who was theoretically related to her, in order to seek some protection or justice.

The results of it?

Before they could even get past the gatekeeper of the Qin residence, they were brushed off with a few words about how "the master is busy with official duties."

Now that I have finally settled down, though I am poor, I am temporarily safe. But he suddenly came to my door to ask how I was doing.

She had already experienced the coldness of the world and the fickleness of human relationships during her wanderings.

.....

The room was simply furnished with a table, a chair, a few book boxes, and a painting on the wall. It looked empty, but it was kept extremely tidy.

Li Qingzhao poured two glasses of water, placed them on the table, and calmly said, "This humble abode has nothing to offer to guests, only a glass of water. Please forgive me, Prime Minister Qin."

"I wonder what brings you here today, sir? What guidance do you have for me?"

Qin Hui lifted his robe and sat down on one of the only two old wooden chairs, his face still bearing a warm smile: "Mr. Yi'an, you are too kind."

"I dare not presume to offer my guidance. I merely happened to be passing by today and remembered that you were staying here. I was thinking of you and came to visit you."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room's simple, almost shabby furnishings, and sighed, "Sigh..."

"Sir, you are a man of great talent, renowned throughout the world, yet now you...live in such a place, it is truly...a great pity."

"Back in the day, when you were in Bianjing, you were a man of great literary talent and elegance; what a magnificent sight you were."

"Now I am all alone, wandering in Jiangnan, without a single person by my side who cares about me or can take care of me."

"Although Yingtian Prefecture is prosperous, it is still a foreign land. You are a woman with no relatives to rely on. Your life must be very difficult."

"If you encounter any difficulties, please feel free to speak up. Although I am of limited ability, I may be able to do my best to help."

Li Qingzhao listened quietly, a subtle alarm bell ringing in her heart.

A man like Qin Hui, whose time is extremely precious, would never come to express pointless sympathy for a distant relative who has already lost power without a reason.

She remained expressionless, only saying, "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister Qin."

"Although Li Qingzhao was poor, she was able to make a living with her writing skills. As for her relatives..."

"Times change and the world changes; everyone has their own destiny, and it cannot be forced."

Seeing her calm reaction, Qin Hui did not change his tone abruptly, but continued on the same line of conversation, saying as if he were speaking frankly, "Sir, you are mistaken."

"A person living in this world, especially in chaotic times, ultimately needs someone to rely on."

"Sir, you possess unparalleled talent and unmatched beauty. Are you truly content to remain buried in obscurity, toiling daily for a living, and dealing with those shameless suitors?"

He paused meaningfully, his gaze seemingly unintentionally falling on Li Qingzhao's beautiful yet undeniably haggard face:

"With your talent and good looks, sir, if you were to gain the favor of a noble person, why would you need to endure such hardship?"

"Not only will you enjoy a comfortable life and be respected by others, but all the troubles of the past will also disappear."

Li Qingzhao's heart sank slowly.

She understood the implication in Qin Hui's words...

Favored by a distinguished person?

In Yingtian Prefecture, who else could be considered a noble person, and who could have Qin Hui personally come to act as an envoy?

I see.....

This Prime Minister Qin, what makes you think of visiting out of old friendship?

Clearly, they wanted to use her as a gift to please that supreme being!

A mixture of anger, sorrow, and deep irony welled up inside me.

Li Qingzhao raised her head, looked directly at Qin Hui, her eyes clear and sharp, and her voice turned cold: "I appreciate your kindness, Prime Minister Qin."

"It's just that Li Qingzhao was born with a tragic fate and little fortune, and she had no desire to climb the social ladder or seek wealth."

"As for the trouble..."

"Although Qingzhao was a woman, she believed she could handle it."

"It's getting late, and Prime Minister Qin is busy with official duties, so Qingzhao will not stay any longer."

These words were a blatant order to leave.

Qin Hui's smile froze slightly, then he slowly stood up and turned to leave.

Li Qingzhao stood there, not even bothering to get up and see him off. She simply watched Qin Hui's figure disappear outside the door with cold eyes, then stepped forward and tightly closed the courtyard gate.

……

Knock knock knock.....

Less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea after Qin Hui left, a knocking sounded at the door, even more urgent than Qin Hui's previous knocking.

Li Qingzhao's heart sank suddenly, and her back, which had just straightened out of anger, instantly stiffened.

Qin Hui had barely left when someone else arrived?

"Who?"

A deep, monotonous voice came from outside the door: "By imperial decree, Imperial Guards, please ask Lady Li to open the door."

Imperial Guards? By imperial decree?

These two words, like icicles, pierced Li Qingzhao's ears, making them ring.

Qin Hui had only hinted at "being favored by a nobleman," and the "decree" arrived in the blink of an eye?

Or should the Imperial Guards come to "invite" them in person?

Or should the Imperial Guards come to "invite" them in person?

This is not an "invitation," it's clearly a forced summons!

Her mind was in chaos. Her previous guesses about Qin Hui's intentions seemed to be confirmed by the heavy knocking on the door.

The emperor has taken a liking to me?

First, he sent the prime minister as an intermediary to persuade him with sweet words. When he saw that the prime minister did not know how to appreciate his kindness, he immediately changed his tactics and directly used the imperial authority to pressure him by sending the imperial guards to "invite" him to his door.

A profound sense of powerlessness and icy despair instantly gripped her.

This world, this imperial power...

How could a woman with no one to rely on resist?

No matter how well one writes poetry, or how unyielding one's integrity, in the face of absolute power, one is nothing more than an ant struggling.

Revolt?

The consequences will only be worse.

"well……"

A barely audible sigh contained so much helplessness and resignation.

What could she do? What could she possibly do?

"Wait a moment."

Li Qingzhao straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, stepped forward, and opened the door latch.

Four imperial guards, fully armored and with long swords at their waists, stood outside the door. Their expressions were solemn, their eyes sharp, and they possessed the cold and hard demeanor unique to palace guards.

The leader, seeing her open the door, gave a slight bow and said in a flat, emotionless tone, "Lady Li, His Majesty has decreed that you be summoned to the palace for an audience immediately."

"The carriage is waiting outside. Please proceed."

There were no explanations, no superfluous words, only an irresistible command.

Li Qingzhao's gaze fell on the green-canopied carriage not far away, and her last glimmer of hope was extinguished.

"This humble woman...accepts the decree."

She lowered her eyes, concealing all her emotions, her voice as soft as a falling leaf.

Then, following the guards, they silently walked towards the carriage.

The wheels rolled over the bluestone road, making a rumbling sound, carrying her towards the imperial city.

.....

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

The candlelight illuminated the room as brightly as day.

Lu Zuo stood with his hands behind his back in front of the huge hanging map, his gaze deep, his fingers unconsciously tracing the Jianghuai and Sichuan-Shaanxi regions on the map.

He frowned slightly, deep in thought.

In the early Southern Song Dynasty, there was a shortage of talented people, but there were still some usable individuals.

Han Shizhong has been initially subdued and is currently the most reliable pillar of the military.

Yue Fei, this future star general, is probably already on his way to Yingtian.

Xin Qiji...

Yes, Xin Zan's grandson has great potential; he's a promising young man with both literary and martial talents, so we need to start raising him early.

On the civil officials side...

Zhao Ding advocates war, which is useful but needs to be balanced.

The others were mostly boastful or indecisive.

"Oh right, there's one more key person..."

Lu Zuo turned his gaze to the Caishiji area downstream of Jiankang Prefecture on the map.

In my memory, there was an extremely important defensive victory in the Southern Song Dynasty, which seems to be called the "Battle of Caishiji".

The Song army's victory against overwhelming odds thwarted the Jin ruler Wanyan Liang's southward invasion, greatly boosting morale and marking a turning point in the Southern Song's defensive war.

Who was in charge of that battle?

He seemed to have a background as a civil official, yet he was appointed to a critical mission, organized a routed army, and miraculously won a victory...

Oh, and Li Qingzhao too.

This woman of exceptional talent throughout history may prove invaluable in some aspects of the future.

"Yu...Yu what?"

Lu Zuo tapped his forehead, somewhat annoyed. He hadn't paid much attention in history class back then, and many details were now blurry in his memory.

Just then, the old eunuch's voice came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, Li Qingzhao has been brought outside to await your orders."

"Bring her in."

Lu Zuo turned around, walked back to the imperial desk, and sat down, his tone calm.

With a creak, the door to the Imperial Study was pushed open.

Li Qingzhao lowered her head and walked with slightly hesitant steps into the palace that symbolized the core of power in the world.

Every step felt like walking on clouds, or stepping on a blade.

Her heart was already filled with a cold resignation to her fate.

after all……

It's come to this point after all.

Imperial power is vast and its will unpredictable. As an orphan, what else could she do but obey?

The repulsive face of Zhang Ruzhou and the hypocritical hints of Qin Hui flashed through his mind. Compared with the nine-layered palace he was in, those petty entanglements in the marketplace seemed insignificant and distant.

Perhaps, this was her destiny?

Falling from the splendor of Bianjing into the dust, and ultimately being swept into the vortex at the very heart of the empire in this way.

She stopped about ten steps from the imperial desk, and following protocol, gave a deep curtsy, speaking in a steady voice: "This commoner, Li Qingzhao, greets Your Majesty."

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!

"Rise."

Li Qingzhao was slightly taken aback, and got up as instructed, but still kept her eyes lowered, not daring to look directly at the emperor's face.

"Raise your head."

Li Qingzhao felt a pang of anxiety and sighed inwardly, realizing that she couldn't escape it after all.

She slowly raised her head, her gaze quickly sweeping over the young emperor behind the desk. He had a handsome face and deep eyes, revealing little emotion.

"I've heard that you've ended up in Yingtian, making a living by selling ancient books and making copies for others?"

Lu Zuo spoke, but asked about her livelihood, his tone as casual as if he were inquiring about the situation of an ordinary official.

Li Qingzhao respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case."

Lu Zuo nodded and then asked her for her views on the current situation, especially the strategy against the Jin people and the conflict between the pro-war and pro-peace factions in the court.

This question deeply shocked Li Qingzhao.

The emperor didn't inquire about romance or poetry, but instead asked about matters of state and military affairs.

She carefully chose her words, relying on her past experience and what she had seen and heard during her displacement, and replied: "The Jurchens are greedy and tyrannical, and have repeatedly invaded our territory. Peace negotiations are not a long-term solution."

"However, the court has just been established, and everything is in need of rebuilding. Its vitality has not yet been restored, so we cannot wage war recklessly."

"We should prioritize defense, strengthen our military, stabilize the Jianghuai region, appease the displaced people, and accumulate strength to await the opportune moment."

"As for the internal strife in the court..."

"In my humble opinion, the debate on war and peace should be based on national strength and popular support, not on emotional disputes."

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible hint of admiration flashed in Lu Zuo's eyes.

This woman is not only exceptionally talented in literature, but also possesses unique insights into politics and military affairs. Her logic is clear, and she is not merely a sentimental young woman wallowing in melancholy.

"Um."

Lu Zuo nodded slightly: "Li Qingzhao, I am already aware of your talent and insight."

"It's a real pity that they ended up in the streets."

"In my imperial study, memorials and documents pile up every day, requiring someone to organize and transcribe them. Occasionally, I also need to consult ancient books and cite sources from various sources."

"I hereby appoint you as the 'Secretary of the Imperial Study,' with a rank equivalent to the fifth grade, responsible for organizing classical texts and drafting routine imperial edicts and documents. Are you willing?"

what?

Li Qingzhao stared wide-eyed at the emperor on the throne in disbelief.

To confer...to appoint an official position?

Secretary of the Imperial Study?

Is his rank equivalent to the fifth grade?

Organizing classical texts and drafting documents?

It wasn't about being forced into the harem as I'd imagined, nor was it about the expected humiliation; it was about... becoming an official?

For a moment, her mind went blank.

All preconceived notions, all fears, all feelings of humiliation were shattered by this completely unexpected appointment.

His Majesty summoned me to the palace; it turns out he truly valued my talent and learning.

He wants me to be his secretary?

After the initial shock, a complex and indescribable emotion welled up inside me.

There was a slight thrill of being recognized, but also a deep sense of confusion and uncertainty.

Women serving as officials?

Although there are precedents in this dynasty, they are by no means ordinary.

What is the deeper meaning behind Your Majesty's move?

Is it that we really need people, or...?

Is there another motive?

But if there are other motives, why go to the trouble of granting them official positions?

Lu Zuo: "What, you don't want to?"

Li Qingzhao suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing her lapse in composure, and quickly replied, "Your subject, Li Qingzhao, thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

"I will certainly do my utmost to live up to His Majesty's expectations!"

Lu Zuo was delighted and said, "Alright, these documents are yours."

He casually pointed to another, slightly smaller desk next to the imperial desk.

There were already writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones prepared there, and behind them, there was a pile of documents and files, half a person high, neatly categorized yet still quite impressive.

Li Qingzhao followed his finger and saw the mountain of documents; her eyes twitched almost imperceptibly.

Did the emperor arrest me to be a laborer?

"Do a good job."

Lu Zuo said something, then walked straight out of the Imperial Study with light steps and a clear direction... the inner palace!

……

The next day, early in the morning.

[Missed the morning court session; cultivation level +68.]

[Enchanted by beautiful women, cultivation level +109.]

[Excessive indulgence in lust, bonus reward: Cultivation +59.]

"In two more days, this carefree journey will be complete..."

"Um."

"Let's try humiliating our subjects today and see if it gives us any attribute bonuses."

"Who should we choose instead?"

"Qin Hui?"

"No, his wife is said to be very ugly..."

"By the way, Wang Boyan!"

"Those guards yesterday said his wife was as beautiful as a fairy... He's the one."

……

An hour later, in the inner courtyard of Wang Boyan's residence.

Madam Wang, Chen Yurou, was sitting upright in front of her dressing table, drawing her eyebrows in front of the mirror.

The person in the mirror was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with thick, dark hair, skin as white as snow, eyebrows naturally dark and lips naturally red, and a pair of peach blossom eyes that were sparkling and shimmering, exuding three parts charm and seven parts allure.

The personal maid standing beside her carefully adorned her hair with a red gold and kingfisher feather hairpin.

"Madam, you look radiant today. This newly arrived eyebrow makeup makes your eyes appear even more beautiful..."

Chen Yurou raised the corners of her mouth slightly, about to speak, when she suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps outside the door.

Another maid rushed in, panting, and reported, "Madam, His Majesty has arrived at the gate and says he wants to come in and have a look!"

"What?"

Chen Yurou's hand holding the eyebrow pencil trembled violently, the tip nearly slicing her face. She turned her head in astonishment, "Your Majesty?"

"Why has Your Majesty come here?"

The master should be in the yamen handling affairs at the moment. What brings His Majesty here so suddenly?

Could it be that the master has done something wrong?

There was no time for her to think further; the wrath of heaven had descended, and she could not afford to be negligent.

Suppressing her panic, she quickly straightened her hair and clothes in front of the mirror, took a deep breath, and tried to make her voice steady: "Quickly, come with me to greet the emperor!"

.......

Chen Yurou led several maids, hurrying through several courtyards, and arrived at the courtyard in front of the main hall.

From afar, Lu Zuo, dressed in a bright yellow casual robe, could be seen standing with his hands behind his back in front of the hall, with several eunuchs and guards with swords standing solemnly behind him, creating a heavy atmosphere.

Chen Yurou quickly quickened her pace, approached, and, suppressing her wildly beating heart, gracefully bowed: "Your subject, Chen, greets Your Majesty."

Lu Zuo's gaze fell on her, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

Just as the rumors said, she was exceptionally beautiful, especially with her mature and charming demeanor, which was completely different from the young and inexperienced concubines in the palace. Her pale face due to panic at this moment added to her pitiful appearance.

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chen Yurou stood up as instructed, bowing her head and standing to the side, still feeling uneasy, wondering what this young emperor intended to do.

Lu Zuo stepped into the main hall, his gaze casually sweeping over the furnishings.

The hall was spacious, with a floor paved with smooth, mirror-like gold bricks. The beams and pillars were all carved from the finest sandalwood, and the tables, chairs, and desks were all exquisite and luxurious.

Lu Zuo stepped into the main hall, his gaze casually sweeping over the furnishings.

The hall was spacious, with a floor paved with smooth, mirror-like gold bricks. The beams and pillars were all carved from the finest sandalwood, and the tables, chairs, and desks were all exquisite and luxurious.

Antiques and jade artifacts are displayed on the display cabinets, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hang on the walls, and a gilded incense burner in the corner is emitting wisps of smoke, filling the air with the expensive fragrance of ambergris.

The entire hall was lavishly decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, rivaling even the inner gardens of the imperial palace.

"Madam Wang, I happened to be passing by today and thought I'd stop by for a look."

"Um……"

"Your residence is quite elegantly decorated."

Chen Yurou felt somewhat relieved and quickly said, "Your Majesty is too kind. This humble abode is unsightly..."

Before she could finish speaking, Lu Zuo interrupted her: "Elegant?"

"I think it's extravagant!"

"Every brick, tile, and object in this hall is probably worth a fortune."

"Wang Qing certainly knows how to make money."

"It seems he's a very 'clean' official."

boom!

Chen Yurou felt a bang in her head, and her blood seemed to freeze instantly!

Your Majesty's words clearly point directly to the fact that the Master has embezzled funds!

Her face turned deathly pale in an instant, her knees buckled, and she almost couldn't stand. She hurriedly knelt down again, pleading, "Your Majesty, you have the best judgment!"

"My master...has absolutely not embezzled any money!"

Lu Zuo chuckled lightly, walked up to Chen Yurou, and knelt down: "Do you think I wouldn't know whether there was embezzlement or not?"

"but……"

"If Madam is sensible, I might consider not pursuing the matter."