I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

The Li Mansion in Bianjing is the residence of Li Gefei, an official in the Ministry of Rites.

Li Gefei's study faces south, with a small courtyard outside the window. Several bamboo stalks are planted there, and a ceramic jar contains two water lilies, one pink and one white, which are currently in bloom and floating quietly in the afternoon sun.

Inside the window, several books were spread out on a large table by the window, and a pot of tea was bubbling away, with wisps of white steam rising from it.

Today is a day off, and Li Qingzhao once again pestered her father to play a game of betting on books with her.

"Father, it's my turn to set the questions this time."

Li Qingzhao was wearing a lotus-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her hair was styled in two buns, and she was wearing a small pearl flower in her hair. She was smiling at her father.

She is sixteen years old this year. Her eyebrows and eyes have matured, and she is beautiful with a touch of intelligence. In particular, her eyes are bright as if they are filled with autumn water, and every glance is full of cleverness.

Li Gefei stroked his beard and smiled.

"Alright, let's see what tricky questions you can come up with this time."

Li Qingzhao rolled her eyes, casually pulled out a volume of "Zhaoming Anthology" from the table, turned to a certain page, and pointed to a sentence.

"‘The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together; the autumn water blends with the vast sky.’—Father, do you know where Wang Bo derived this line from among his predecessors?"

Li Gefei pondered for a moment: "But is it from Yu Xin's 'Ode to Horse Archery', which says, 'Falling flowers fly with the canopy, willows blend with the spring banners'?"

"No, no," Li Qingzhao shook her head, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. "It's even earlier. Father, think about it some more."

Li Gefei thought about it again and smiled bitterly.

"Could it be Bao Zhao's 'Ode to the Ruined City'? No... could it be Xie Tiao?"

"It's Jiang Yan's 'Farewell Ode'," Li Qingzhao said crisply. "'Spring grass is green, spring water is green, I see you off at the southern shore, how can I bear this sorrow'—Wang Bo captured the mood, not just the words. Father, you've lost!"

Li Gefei clapped his hands and laughed: "Good! What a wonderful 'transforming the meaning rather than the words'! I was being too rigid."

He picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

"A bet's a bet, this cup of fine tea is yours."

Li Qingzhao did not rush to drink, but instead picked up her own cup, brought it to her nose and gently smelled it, her eyebrows and eyes curving into a smile.

"The aroma of Father's tea is enough to win me over."

Just as they were talking and laughing, they heard footsteps outside.

The maidservant reported.

"My lord, my husband has returned."

Today is also a day off for the students of the Imperial Academy, and they can finally have a holiday.

Zhao Mingcheng did not go home, but instead went to Zhao Ji's residence at his invitation, while Li Jiong returned to his uncle's house where he was staying.

The curtain was lifted, and Li Jiong walked in.

He was wearing the robes of a student of the Imperial Academy, and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, indicating that he had walked quickly.

Seeing his uncle and cousin playing a game of books, he quickly bowed and greeted them.

"Nephew greets Uncle, and wishes Sister Qingzhao well."

"Cousin's back!" Li Qingzhao stood up and greeted him with a smile, "Sit down and have some tea, it's very hot outside." As she spoke, she took another teacup, filled it to about seven-tenths full, and pushed it in front of him.

Li Gefei glanced at his nephew, saw that he looked alright, and nodded.

"Jiong'er, sit down and talk. How has everything been going at the Imperial Academy these past two weeks?"

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle. Everything is fine." Li Jiong sat down on the embroidered stool to the side, picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The tea was this year's pre-Qingming Longjing, clear and sweet, instantly relieving most of the heat from the journey.

Li Qingzhao had already sat down again, quietly brewing water and adding tea, no longer interrupting, only her ears were slightly perked up, listening to her father and cousin's conversation.

After exchanging some casual remarks about food and daily life, Li Gefei changed the subject.

"A few days ago, you mentioned in your letter home that the Imperial Academy's private examination this month had rather unusual questions?"

Li Jiong felt a tightness in his chest, but maintained a calm expression.

"Yes, Uncle. There are three essay questions, one of which is an additional question: 'Refuting the Argument that Opening the Borders Depletes the Nation.'"

Li Gefei paused for a moment while holding the teapot, then slowly put it down.

The study was quiet for a moment, with only the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind outside the window.

"Oh?" Li Gefei raised his eyes, his gaze calm yet profound. "How will you answer?"

Li Jiong took a deep breath and slowly recited the words Zhao Mingcheng had taught him:

"I believe that the cost of opening up the borders is indeed a fact. Military expenses, provisions, and laborers all come from national funds and the people's labor. However, the article also argues that if managed properly, the cost could be turned into profit."

Li Jiong paused, and seeing that his uncle did not interrupt, he continued speaking.

"My nephew cited the precedent of the Han Dynasty's establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions, explaining that once trade routes were open, customs revenue would replenish the national treasury, and border administration would also become a source of income, arguing that 'opening up the borders' and 'consuming the nation' cannot be simply equated. The key lies in—"

He raised his eyes, and his voice became clearer.

"It depends on clean and honest governance. If we engage in militarism and reckless expansion to the point of harming the foundation of the nation and the people's livelihood, then it is by no means a good policy."

After he finished speaking, the study became even quieter.

After a long while, Li Gefei nodded slightly, his expression softening.

"Hmm, you have made quite a bit of progress. The way of writing is not about rushing ahead, but about having a righteous heart. In the end, you were able to return to the issues of governance and the people's livelihood, taking into account the fundamental needs of the people, and you did not completely agree with those radical theories of border expansion, which is quite prudent."

After hearing from Li Jiong that he had received a grade of B in his exam, Li Gefei picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"To receive such high praise is fair."

Upon hearing this, Li Jiong felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, but a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.

He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle."

The atmosphere eased slightly.

Li Qingzhao then poured more tea and pushed a plate of newly made lotus-shaped pastries in front of the two of them.

"Dad, cousin, try this. It's made by wrapping red bean paste in lotus petals picked this morning and then frying it."

Li Gefei picked up a piece, tasted it, and nodded.

Li Jiong thanked his cousin and picked up a piece as well.

The sweet pastry melted in his mouth, but he couldn't taste it.

Seeing that his uncle was in a relatively good mood, he couldn't help but mention his good friend Zhao Mingcheng.

Li Jiong knew that his uncle was a member of the Iron Gang's old faction and that Zhao Mingcheng was a member of the new faction, so he shouldn't have associated with Zhao Mingcheng.

But since he made such a good friend at the Imperial Academy, it's worth mentioning.

And even if he doesn't mention it, his uncle will definitely find out eventually.

"Uncle," Li Jiong put down his teacup, speaking as casually as possible, "Zhao Mingcheng, the top scholar in this year's Imperial Academy private examination. I've read his essay, and indeed..."

"Zhao Tingzhi's son?" The gentleness on Li Gefei's face vanished instantly, and his voice turned somber.

Li Jiong knew things were going badly, but he was already in a bind.

"Yes, Brother Mingcheng is exceptionally talented and insightful, especially in practical economics and border administration..."

"That's enough." Li Gefei interrupted him, putting the half-eaten lotus flower pastry back into the dish with a soft clinking sound.

The air in the study suddenly turned cold.

"I know this person." Li Gefei's voice was not loud, but every word was as cold as ice.

"The sons of the New Party have recently been currying favor with Prince Duan, using their skills in Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and calligraphy to curry favor and gain praise. The top student of the Imperial Academy? Hmph, they probably know how to pander to the emperor."

Li Jiong's face turned pale, and he said urgently.

"Uncle, Brother Mingcheng is not like that! Although he discussed art with His Highness Prince Duan, his knowledge is indeed solid, and his character is also..."

"What kind of person is he? You've only known him for a few days, yet you're already so protective of him?"

Li Gefei had sharp eyes.

"His father, Zhao Tingzhi, was not a man of integrity. During the Xining era, he attached himself to Wang Anshi, and during the Yuanyou era, he restrained himself somewhat. Now that the winds have changed, he has become active again."

"What kind of son can such a two-faced person raise? Jiong'er, you are young, don't be misled and forget your roots!"

The last four words were spoken with great emphasis.

Despite both Zhao Tingzhi and Li Gefei being from Shandong gentry families, they were still remarkable.

The two of them had different stances and had always looked down on each other.

Li Jiong blushed and wanted to explain, but seeing his uncle's ashen face, he swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Li Qingzhao, who had been quietly preparing tea, raised her head at this moment.

She glanced at her father, then at her cousin, her gaze shifting slightly, and suddenly spoke softly.

"Father, please calm down. The tea is getting cold and will upset your stomach." She stood up, picked up the teapot, and gently refilled her father's cup with hot water.

Then, Li Qingzhao turned to Li Jiong, her voice clear and melodious like a spring.

"Cousin, you just said that young Master Zhao had 'unique insights.' When he refuted the 'expansion of borders depletes the country' argument, did he cite the debate on 'border expenses' in the *Discourses on Salt and Iron*? Or perhaps Du Fu's lament in *The Ballad of the War Chariots*, 'Blood flows like the sea on the border, yet the Emperor's ambition to expand the borders is not yet satisfied'?"

That's a very clever question.

The specific academic issue interrupted the emotional conflict between the two.

Moreover, the quotes cited were from "Discourses on Salt and Iron" and Du Fu.

The former is a classic debate on national policy in the Han Dynasty, while the latter is a line of poetry often used by old-party literati to satirize the drawbacks of opening up the borders, which implicitly aligns with the father's stance.

Li Qingzhao was intentionally trying to smooth things over for the uncle and nephew.

Li Gefei's attention was indeed drawn, his anger subsided slightly, and he looked at Li Jiong.

"...Oh? How did he cite it?"

Li Jiong glanced gratefully at his cousin, composed himself, and replied.

"In his article, Brother Mingcheng did indeed quote the debate between Sang Hongyang and virtuous scholars in the *Discourses on Salt and Iron*, to illustrate that both increasing revenue and reducing expenditure must be considered and neither should be neglected. As for Du Fu's poetry..."

"He did not quote directly, but his arguments in the text, such as 'the opening of borders should be based on not harming the people's strength' and 'a good warrior should think about stopping war,' seem to have something in common with Du Zimei's concern for the people and his compassion."

Li Jiong paused, then added a sentence.

"In my opinion, although Brother Mingcheng has presented data and calculated economic figures, the underlying principle is still 'people-oriented'."

Li Qingzhao let out a soft "Ah," her eyes flashing with surprise and contemplation, before she smiled and nodded.

"Therefore, it is not entirely a utilitarian argument."

She turned to her father, her voice soft.

"My father often taught us that when reading, we should look at the main idea and discern the true intention. If the argument truly reflects concern for the people, regardless of whether it is from the New Party or the Old Party, there may be something worth adopting. In the past, Ouyang Xiu and Wang Anshi had opposing political views, yet Ouyang Xiu still praised Wang Anshi's writings, which is the same principle."

Li Qingzhao cleverly invoked her father's daily teachings, and then shifted the debate from "partisanship" back to "scholarship" itself, citing the precedent of Ouyang Xiu and Wang Anshi.

Ouyang Xiu was a respected senior figure among the old party.

Even Ouyang Xiu occasionally agreed with the articles of his political opponents in the New Party, so Li Gefei naturally couldn't completely deny them.

Looking into his daughter's bright and clear eyes, and then at his nephew's nervous yet sincere face, Li Gefei felt the pent-up frustration in his chest slowly dissipate.

He sighed, his tone softening.

"What Qingzhao said is not without reason, however..."

He looked at Li Jiong, his gaze serious.

"Jiong'er, you must remember this: in your conduct and dealings with others, you must never compromise on fundamental principles. My Li family has been a family of scholars for generations, upholding the principles of morality and righteousness."

"The methods of the New Party may be smack of being overly eager for quick success and instant benefits; their association with members of the imperial family and their pursuit of fame are not the way of a virtuous and modest person. You must be mindful of your conduct when associating with them, and never follow their lead, and certainly not lose sight of your own principles."

This is a clear line drawn.

You can associate with Zhao Mingcheng, but you should keep your distance; you can appreciate his talent, but you cannot agree with his stance.

Li Jiong felt a mix of emotions, but he knew this was the biggest concession his uncle could make, so he quickly stood up and bowed.

"Your nephew will remember your teachings, Uncle."

……

After his uncle shared some more about his experiences at the Imperial Academy, Li Jiong took his leave and returned to his room.

When I stepped out of the study, the sun was already setting, casting long shadows of bamboo in the courtyard.

Back in his room, Li Jiong closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh.

The sweat on my back finally felt cool; I was only able to get past my uncle because my cousin had smoothed things over.

He took out the transcribed copy of Zhao Mingcheng's policy essay from his book box, and then took out the notes he had compiled the night before the private examination.

Above are a few keywords that Zhao Mingcheng jotted down casually when he gave him pointers: "land reclamation brings real benefits", "trade routes support the border", and "governance is the foundation".

At the time, I only thought it was a brilliant approach to solving the problem, but looking at it now, I appreciate a different perspective. Zhao Mingcheng's insight truly transcends simple partisan disputes.

Zhao Mingcheng considered the economic benefits, but also spoke of "people-centeredness"; he praised the new laws, but also criticized "official corruption"; he discussed border expansion, but also mentioned "stopping war".

Is such a person really just a "prodigal son"?

Li Jiong shook his head and carefully put the papers away.

The chirping of birds outside the window was both lively and lonely.

Meanwhile, in the study, after helping her father tidy up the tea set, Li Qingzhao did not leave immediately.

She walked to the window and looked at the water lilies in the courtyard.

The pink one had already closed up a bit, but the white one was still open, looking like a handful of snow in the dimming light.

"Zhao Mingcheng..." she murmured the name.

She could clearly see the genuine admiration and protectiveness in her cousin's eyes when he mentioned him.

She could clearly hear the deep disgust and wariness in her father's voice when he mentioned him.

What kind of person is this young man who can earn such respect from his cousin and such fear from his father?

Once the thought of curiosity arose, it couldn't be stopped.