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

The atmosphere in Chongzheng Hall was solemn during the last grand court assembly in June.

The civil and military officials stood in two rows on either side, completely silent.

Only the voice of the Imperial Censor reading the imperial edict echoed in the spacious hall, each word striking the blue brick floor.

"...Liu Zhi and Liang Tao, having formed cliques for personal gain, coveted the throne and undermined the foundation of the state. They are hereby stripped of all official positions and titles and exiled to Lingnan, with no possibility of pardon. Their sons, relatives, and associates are all dismissed and never to be employed again..."

Liu Zhi, standing in the ranks of civil officials, swayed upon hearing this, his face ashen.

With his eyes closed and lips trembling, Liang Tao finally bent down deeply and removed the ceremonial cap from his head.

"...Wen Jifu and Zhang Shiliang, having colluded within the palace and presumptuously discussed the deposition of the emperor, are guilty of unforgivable crimes and are hereby exiled to Qiongzhou, with no possibility of pardon..."

The names were read out one by one.

Those once illustrious figures during the Yuan You era are now criminals listed in the imperial edict, awaiting them in a land of pestilence and exile from which they will never return.

On this day, the backbone of the old party was completely broken.

In the queue, Zeng Bu kept his eyes downcast and his face expressionless, but his knuckles were white from clenching his hands at his sides.

He knew it was his turn next.

really.

"...Privy Councilor Zeng Bu, as a high-ranking official, lacks a sense of the bigger picture and shows leniency towards the rebels. He repeatedly said, 'We should not implicate too many people,' which is truly cowardly and shows a lack of respect for the Emperor. He is hereby fined one year's salary and ordered to reflect on his actions in seclusion for half a month, so that we may observe his future conduct."

He was fined and made to reflect on his mistakes.

It wasn't heavy; you could even say it was placed down gently.

However, the phrase "protecting the weak and cowardly" was nailed to Zeng Bu's political life like a nail.

From then on, Zeng Bu's words carried much less weight in the court, and the emperor's trust in him began to crumble.

Zeng Bu stepped forward and knelt down, his voice hoarse.

"Your subject...accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude."

Cai Jing stood below Zhang Dun, his eyes slightly lowered, a very faint, almost imperceptible curve at the corner of his mouth.

This result was good enough and he was very satisfied.

With Liu Zhi and Liang Tao gone, and Zeng Bu being reprimanded, the old party suffered a severe blow.

His position within the New Party was unmatched except by Zhang Dun; as for Zhao Tingzhi…

He looked up and saw Zhao Tingzhi standing in the back row.

Zhao Tingzhi, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, was also kneeling on the ground at this moment.

The imperial edict mentioned him.

"...Zhao Tingzhi, a drafter in the Imperial Secretariat, has associated with the wrong people and spoken carelessly. He should be severely punished, but there is no evidence to support his actions, and he is usually quite diligent. He is hereby fined half a year's salary as a warning to others. It is hoped that he will deeply reflect on his actions, cleanse his mind, and strive to make amends for his crimes."

He was fined half a year's salary, but there was no suspension, no demotion, and not even confinement for reflection. He was just fined a small amount of money, which was not a big deal.

Zhao Tingzhi lay prostrate on the ground, his forehead touching the cold brick surface, his voice trembling but filled with a relieved sob.

"Your Majesty, I accept the decree and thank you for your grace!"

The dust has settled.

……

After the court session ended, the officials filed out in single file, no one talking, their steps hurried, as if afraid of getting involved with something.

Zeng Bu walked very fast, the hem of his purple robe stirring up a gust of wind.

Several officials who were usually close to him wanted to step forward, but seeing his ashen face, they all shrank back.

He got into the sedan chair directly, and the curtain was drawn to block all eyes from view.

Cai Jing and Zhang Dun walked side by side in front.

Zhang Dun remained calm, as if the storm that had just occurred had nothing to do with him.

Cai Jing stepped back slightly by half a step and said in a low voice.

"My lord, what about Zeng Bu...?"

"His Majesty's meaning is very clear." Zhang Dun continued walking, his voice calm. "It's good for him to have some peace and quiet. Please take good care of the matters of the Privy Council."

"Yes," Cai Jing replied.

With Zeng Bu being reprimanded, the power of the Privy Council would naturally shift towards him and Zhang Dun.

He was satisfied with the result.

But... he turned around and glanced at Zhao Tingzhi, who was being helped up by his colleagues and whose face was still pale.

Zhao Tingzhi was only fined a portion of his salary.

The emperor clearly gave a lenient sentence.

Was it because Zhang Dun did not advocate for a thorough investigation? Or did the Emperor intend to handle the matter leniently, or was it for some other reason?

Cai Jing narrowed his eyes.

It's alright. After this scare, Zhao Tingzhi should know which side to lean towards.

If you still don't know what's good for you, you won't be so lucky next time.

Zhao Tingzhi's mind was still blank at that moment.

He only vaguely responded to his colleagues' attempts to help and comfort him, until he stepped out of the palace gate and was suddenly jolted awake by the hot June wind.

He was fined six months' salary.

He was only fined six months' salary.

Old Zhao felt like he had come back to life.

"Congratulations, Zhao Sheren! It was a false alarm!" A colleague patted him on the shoulder, his tone complicated.

Zhao Tingzhi forced a smile, cupped his hands in greeting, said nothing, and fled to his own carriage.

He slumped into his seat as the carriage curtain was lowered, panting heavily, his back covered in a layer of cold sweat.

He knew he had been given a second chance at life.

Was it because Zhang Dun didn't kick him when he was down? Was it because the emperor was benevolent, or was there something else?

In any case, neither Cai Jing nor Zhao Tingzhi expected Zhao Mingcheng to go there.

In any case, Zhao Tingzhi is safe for the time being.

But this security was granted by the emperor, and it was also something the emperor could take back at any time.

From now on, he must be more careful and cautious, and not give anyone any leverage against him.

……

In the imperial study, Zhao Xu changed out of his court robes and into casual clothes. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

The eunuch quietly added tea and then withdrew.

Zhao Xu opened his eyes and looked at the final list of punishments on the table.

Liu Zhi, Liang Tao, Wen Jifu... one by one, names were crossed out.

Following Zeng Bu's name was "penalty for reflection," and following Zhao Tingzhi's name was "penalty for half a year." He picked up a vermilion pen and tapped on Zhao Tingzhi's name.

The Tongwenguan case has achieved its objective.

The core of the Yuan You old party was destroyed, the biggest voice of opposition in the court disappeared, Zeng Bu was warned and knew he should restrain himself, and Cai Jing showed his ability, and also... his ambition.

Zhao Xu disliked anyone having too much power.

Zhang Dun was a veteran official, capable, but sometimes too stubborn.

Cai Jing was ruthless, capable, and adept at understanding the emperor's intentions, but his very ability to understand them made the emperor somewhat wary.

Zeng Bu was originally a check and balance, but now his prestige has been damaged.

Zhao Tingzhi... has mediocre abilities, but his strength lies in being a staunch supporter of neither side.

This gentle reassurance was not only a way of giving Zhang Dun face, but also a response to the Empress Dowager and the Eleventh Brother's concern, and a form of approval of Zhao Mingcheng's words about "not discouraging the scholars."

Keeping Zhao Tingzhi alive is like keeping a potential pawn.

When necessary, it can be used to put pressure on Cai Jing, or to check and balance Zhang Dun.

A secretary who is penalized for half a year and lives in constant fear is more useful than a secretary who has completely sided with one side.

The art of rulership lies in maintaining balance.

Zhao Xu put down his pen, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

He recalled Zhao Mingcheng kneeling in the Chuigong Hall, calmly and respectfully analyzing the current situation.

That young man knew when to advance and when to retreat, he was insightful, and what was even more remarkable was that he seemed to understand very well who to be loyal to.

He is a promising talent, but he needs to be tempered and disciplined. We can't let him have it too easy, and we certainly can't let him think that he can rise to the top through cleverness and scheming.

……

The news from the imperial court reached the Imperial Academy in the afternoon.

Zhao Mingcheng is practicing calligraphy in his study.

Afu traveled all the way from home to the Imperial Academy to find Zhao Mingcheng, his face a mixture of sweat and smiles, to share the good news with Zhao Mingcheng.

"My lord! My lord! My husband... my husband is alright! He's only been fined for half a year's salary! He'll be reinstated!"

The brush tip paused, and a drop of ink fell onto the rice paper, quickly spreading out.

Zhao Mingcheng slowly put down his pen and raised his head.

"Are you sure?"

"It's confirmed! The news just came from the palace! The Emperor has returned home!" Afu stammered, "They said there was no evidence, and the Emperor showed mercy..."

Zhao Mingcheng closed his eyes and exhaled a long, slow breath.

"My lord?" Afu looked at Zhao Mingcheng with concern.

"I'm fine." Zhao Mingcheng opened his eyes, his gaze clear again.

"Go fetch a basin of water, I want to wash my face."

"Why!"

Afu ran out.

Zhao Mingcheng walked to the window and opened it.

In the afternoon at the Imperial Academy, the sun was blazing, the cicadas were chirping loudly, and everything seemed no different from any other day.

But he knew that some things had changed.

My father survived this ordeal, but the Zhao family was now on the emperor's radar.

Cai Jing failed to completely defeat his father, and he must have held a grudge. His future path will not be easier, but more dangerous.

As for himself... after this incident, he saw more clearly the true nature of the Song Dynasty court, the cruelty of power, and the opportunities he could take advantage of.

He recalled Emperor Zhao Xu's unfathomable gaze in the Chuigong Hall, and the words he had spoken, the nails he had planted.

That's not enough, far from enough.

Zhao Mingcheng needs to grow faster, accumulate more capital, and build a stronger network of connections.

Prince Duan is one path, but we can't rely on just that one path. We need to maintain a more subtle connection with Zhang Dun.

"My lord, the water is here." Afu came in carrying a copper basin.

Zhao Mingcheng rolled up his sleeves and immersed his face in the cool water.

The cool sensation stimulated his skin, completely clearing his muddled mind.