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

The following day at noon, in the Chongwen Pavilion of the Imperial Academy.

Ye Zuqia sat behind his desk, holding a newly compiled proof of the "Lectures at the Imperial Academy" in his hand. His vermilion pen was suspended, but he didn't write a single word for a long time.

He was waiting for someone.

Footsteps came from outside the window, unhurried and clear in the quiet corridor.

Upon reaching the door, he stopped, knocked three times, his manner respectful and composed.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Zhao Mingcheng walked in.

He was wearing the robes of a student of the Imperial Academy, his hair was neatly combed, and his face was clean. He showed no panic, nor did he feign composure.

Like a student who comes to ask for help with their studies, they are respectful but not humble.

"Student Zhao Mingcheng greets Your Excellency, the Chancellor." He bowed respectfully.

Ye Zuqia looked up and sized him up.

Zhao Mingcheng stood straight with clear eyes, showing no signs of the misfortune that had befallen his family.

But Ye Zuqia knew that news of the search of the Zhao residence had spread yesterday, and many people in the Imperial Academy were discussing it.

Especially Wang Yuan and his gang, who have always resented Zhao Mingcheng, didn't hold back their sarcastic remarks at this time.

If this happened to anyone else, they would either be filled with anxiety or resentment.

But Zhao Mingcheng's reaction... was too calm.

"Have a seat," Ye Zuqia said, gesturing to the chair below.

After thanking him, Zhao Mingcheng sat down, his back still straight.

He took out a blue cloth package from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

"The other day I heard the Chancellor talk about how 'the key to a new policy lies in finding the right people.' I have some humble opinions, so I have written a policy essay. I would like to ask the Chancellor for his guidance."

Ye Zuqia took the package and opened it. Inside was a thick stack of papers, the ink fresh and the handwriting neat and clear.

He glanced at the title—"On the Essentials of the New Policies: Winning People, Being Pragmatic, and Balancing Leniency with Severity."

"A balance of leniency and severity?" Ye Zuqia raised an eyebrow and looked at Zhao Mingcheng.

"Yes, Your Excellency." Zhao Mingcheng met his gaze, his voice steady.

"In my opinion, Emperor Shenzong's reforms were originally intended to enrich the country and strengthen its military. However, the success or failure of the laws in the world depends on people."

"During the Yuanfeng era, the laws were undeniably innovative, but if the wrong people were employed, the laws would become harmful. During the Yuanyou era, the people were not incompetent, but all the new laws were abolished, and the correction went too far."

"Therefore, I believe that the government's new policies should prioritize 'getting the right people' and focus on 'being pragmatic.' In governing, the government should combine leniency with severity. For major national policies, the government should be stern, decisive, and consistent. For the people's suffering, the government should be lenient, observant, and consider the issues gradually."

These words are reasonable and well-reasoned.

It praises the new laws without being blindly optimistic; it emphasizes practicality without empty talk; it advocates a balance between leniency and severity, which not only conforms to the old Confucian ideal of benevolent governance but also subtly aligns with the current court's "severe" approach to purging the old faction and its "leniency" towards people's livelihood.

Ye Zuqia sighed inwardly.

This Zhao Mingcheng is so clever it's frightening.

The Zhao family mansion was searched yesterday, and his father, Zhao Tingzhi, was suspended from his post.

But what about Zhao Mingcheng?

As Zhao Tingzhi's son, he neither cried out for justice nor pleaded for leniency, nor did he mention a single word about family matters. He only talked about national policies and new policies.

Yet, between the lines, there is a clear message that "I am a supporter of the new law, I am a pragmatic person, and I know how to conduct myself."

This was a test of the waters, but more importantly, it was a means of self-preservation.

Ye Zuqia slowly flipped through the policy essays.

The article is long and is divided into three parts.

The first part discusses "acquiring talent," citing examples such as Emperor Xuan of Han employing Bing Ji and Wei Xiang, and Emperor Taizong of Tang employing Fang Xuanling and Du Fu, all because they "knew how to appoint people well." The implementation of new laws especially requires capable officials who are "well-versed in practical matters, understand the advantages and disadvantages, and dare to take responsibility."

The second part discusses "pragmatism," taking the Green Sprouts Act, Exemption from Service Act, and Market Regulation Act as examples to analyze their original intentions and drawbacks in implementation, pointing out that "laws are neither good nor evil, only in their implementation."

The third part discusses "the balance between leniency and severity," citing the Book of Documents, which states that "governance should be consistent," and the Zuo Zhuan, which states, "leniency should be used to balance severity, and severity should be used to balance leniency." Finally, it concludes that "the current emperor should continue the will of Emperor Shenzong, and should use severity to correct the abuses of the Yuan You era, and use leniency to pacify the hearts of the people. Only by combining firmness and gentleness can we achieve long-term stability and peace."

The policy essay is rich in citations and offers unique insights.

What's even more commendable is that "pragmatic" spirit—no empty talk, no grandstanding, just getting to the point, and the suggestions they make are practical and feasible.

For example, the policy essay mentioned strict examination of coursework.

Zhao Mingcheng suggested "using a three-year period to verify the overall results" to prevent officials from exaggerating their achievements in order to achieve their political goals for the year. This precisely addresses the current problems with the military-agricultural settlements in the border areas.

Ye Zuqia spent a full quarter of an hour reading this policy essay.

The room was quiet except for the rustling sound of pages turning.

Zhao Mingcheng sat with his hands at his sides, completely unperturbed, patiently waiting for a reply.

Finally, Ye Zuqia put down his strategy and looked up.

"The article is well-written," he said slowly. "Quite insightful. Have you heard about your father's situation?"

The conversation took an abrupt turn.

Zhao Mingcheng's expression remained unchanged; he merely bowed slightly.

"I heard that my father was suspended from his duties yesterday pending investigation, and his residence was also searched."

What's your opinion on this?

"Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor's grace," Zhao Mingcheng replied calmly.

"My father has served as an official for many years. The court will make a fair judgment on his merits and demerits. As a student of the Imperial Academy, I should only study diligently to prepare to serve the court in the future. I dare not comment on other matters."

The phrase "I dare not make any unwarranted comments" clearly defines their stance.

Zhao Mingcheng did not cry foul, make excuses, or implicate anyone; he simply did his duty as a student.

Ye Zuqia stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

"You're quite composed."

"The students are terrified."

"What are you so afraid of?" Ye Zuqia folded the policy proposal again and weighed it down with a paperweight.

"Your article is good, and your insights are good too. It's just..." He paused,

"However...aren't you afraid people will accuse you of opportunistic self-defense by presenting this article now?"

This question is direct, even somewhat sharp.

Zhao Mingcheng remained calm.

"Your Excellency, I wrote this because I was inspired by your lecture the other day. It has nothing to do with my father's affairs. If I were to remain silent because of family matters, it would only make me seem guilty. As for what others say, the innocent will be proven innocent. I only ask that I have a clear conscience and that I have not failed the teachings of the Imperial Academy."

Ye Zuqia nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

He got up, walked to the window, looked at the buildings of the Imperial Academy outside the window, and spoke after a long while.

"I will keep this article and read it carefully. You should go back and focus on your studies. The Imperial Academy is a place for studying. As long as your writing and knowledge are solid, the rest... will be judged by the public."

This can be considered Ye Zuqia's promise.

Zhao Mingcheng understood the meaning, stood up, and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your instruction, Master. I will now take my leave."

He left Chongwen Pavilion and gently closed the door. His footsteps faded into the distance until they disappeared.

Ye Zuqia returned to his desk, picked up the policy essay again, and read it over once more.

Then I picked up a pen and wrote a few words in the blank space on the first page.

"Zhao Mingcheng, a student of the Imperial Academy, discussed the new policies and personnel selection, which were quite insightful about the current problems. He then presented the paper to Chancellor Zhang for review."

After writing, he blew the ink dry and summoned the scribe.

"Send this article to Lord Zhang's residence immediately, and tell him that it is just my humble opinion, and I ask for his guidance."

The clerk responded and left.

Ye Zuqia leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Zhao Mingcheng is a rough gem, but also a hot potato.

He was excellent in terms of talent, knowledge, family background, and stance, but unfortunately, his family encountered trouble at this critical juncture.

Cai Jing is trying to put Zeng Bu in a difficult position, Zhao Tingzhi is also in a precarious situation, and Zhang Dun's attitude is unclear...

This pool of water is too deep.

All Ye Zuqia could do was to do his student a favor and hand the article to Zhang Dun.

As for Zhang Dun's attitude, that's beyond his control.

……

Zhang Dun received the article in the evening.

He had just returned from the Privy Council, still wearing his purple robe, and was sitting in his study, reading the Northwest Military Report by lamplight.

His attendant presented Ye Zuqia's letter and article together. He first read Ye Zuqia's letter, which contained only a few words, and his gaze lingered on the three characters "Zhao Mingcheng".

Unfold the article; it's a thick stack.

He read more slowly and carefully than Ye Zuqia, occasionally picking up his pen to annotate a few words in the blank spaces.

Upon seeing a certain part of it, he nodded slightly.

The essay mentions Bing Ji, Wei Xiang, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and other apt examples.

The biggest problem with the new law, which has been in effect for many years, is indeed "people".

Wang Anshi's spirit of "three insufficiencies" remains, but those who can actually carry it out are either reckless or opportunistic; there are too few who truly understand practical matters and dare to take responsibility.

He frowned slightly when he saw the "pragmatic" part of the policy essay.

The Green Sprouts Act, the Exemption from Service Act, and the Market Exchange Act are analyzed thoroughly for their advantages and disadvantages, and the critique of "officialdom" is particularly incisive.

Zhao Mingcheng not only read books, but also really studied practical matters.

Upon seeing the phrase "combining leniency and severity," he put down the article and pondered for a moment.

"A balance between leniency and severity..." Zhang Dun murmured these four words.

He certainly knew the purpose of Zhao Mingcheng's submission at this time.

The father, Zhao Tingzhi, was suspended from his post and investigated, finding himself embroiled in the scandal.

It's perfectly normal for a son to try to exonerate his father or secure a way out for himself.

But the brilliance of Zhao Mingcheng's article lies in the fact that it does not defend Zhao Tingzhi at all, nor does it mention Zhao Tingzhi even once.

The entire text discusses "new policies," "personnel selection," and "leniency and severity," clearly supporting Shaoshu's views, and offering practical insights that address current issues.

This is a statement: I, Zhao Mingcheng, am a supporter of the new policies, a pragmatist, not an empty talker, and certainly not a remnant of the old party.

It also demonstrates my value: I have talent and knowledge, and I can write such articles, which may be of use to the country in the future.

It's more like extending an olive branch: I understand the principle of "balancing leniency and severity," and I understand that the new policy needs to unite the majority of people, rather than simply punishing and purging them.

Zhang Dun opened his eyes and his gaze fell on the scroll of strategy.

Zhao Tingzhi... he really didn't like him much.

This person is too slippery, swaying back and forth. He follows Zeng Bu, waving his flag and shouting, saying that we shouldn't offend the old party too much, but at the same time, he wants to leave more room for maneuver in the new party.

Cai Jing used the Tongwen Guan case to purge Zhao Tingzhi, which was actually tacitly approved by Chang Tun, a senior figure in the New Party. Giving these opportunists a lesson is not a bad thing.

But Zhao Tingzhi's son, Zhao Mingcheng, is a talented person.

What's even more remarkable is that the Emperor himself questioned the child, which could be considered as Jian having won the Emperor's favor.

Such a person, if implicated because of his father's affairs, or if he completely sides with Cai Jing...

Zhang Dun tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

He recalled Zhao Mingcheng's clear eyes when he said "repudiate the border vassal states" in the Chuigong Hall, the Emperor's admiring expression after hearing it, and the recent enthusiasm that Prince Duan, Zhao Ji, had shown towards Zhao Mingcheng.

"That's enough," Zhang Dun finally said.

He picked up his pen and wrote a few words in the blank space at the end of the essay:

"This child possesses excellent writing skills, demonstrating both literary and logical abilities, and has remarkable insight; he is a promising talent."

After writing, he rolled up the paper again and set it aside.

Without explicit instructions or orders, these few words are enough.

Upon seeing the reply, Ye Zuqia would naturally understand Zhang Dun's meaning: I've remembered Zhao Mingcheng; I'll leave him alone for now.

As for Zhao Tingzhi, Zhang Dun planned to make him suffer for a few more days to temper his indecisive nature.

Zhao Mingcheng's article is like a small stone thrown into a deep pool; how far the ripples will spread and whether they can change anything is still uncertain.

But at least, Zhang Dun saw the small stone and caught it.