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

Two days have passed since the turmoil in the imperial court.

Zhao Tingzhi has been on sick leave for the past two days and has been staying at home.

Discussions about Zhao Mingcheng quietly increased again at the Imperial Academy, but this time, in addition to "climbing the social ladder to become a prince," there was also talk of "his father angrily rebuking officials in court."

Zhao Mingcheng continued attending classes, appreciating bronze and stone inscriptions, playing football, and reading as usual, as if nothing had happened.

That evening, Zhao Mingcheng had just finished writing a policy essay in his study when he heard a low voice outside the door reporting that a young servant in blue robes had come to the Zeng Privy Council's residence. He looked unfamiliar, but the words he spoke sounded familiar.

"Young Master Zhao, my husband said that he borrowed your copy of 'Annotations on the Strategies of the Warring States' before. I wonder if you have finished reading it? If you have any insights after reading it, or if you have any questions, you can come to my residence at 3:45 PM today for a chat. I am free, so we can discuss it together."

Zhao Mingcheng immediately understood that Zeng Bu wanted to see him.

The time was set in the evening, neither a formal visit nor a late-night private talk, striking a perfect balance.

"Please reply and say that I will be there shortly." Zhao Ming got up, changed into a clean and tidy robe, and took out the blue-covered book "Annotations on the Strategies of the Warring States" from his book box.

He knew that this trip to the Zeng residence wasn't to discuss anything about "befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones" or "adopting nomadic dress and archery."

This time, I went to "recognize the place" and to "respond to the call".

It's also a way of expressing our stance.

……

The study in Zeng Bu's mansion was filled with bookshelves that reached the ceiling, crammed with books.

When Zhao Mingcheng was led in by the steward, Zeng Bu was sitting with a guest in an official's hat chair under the window, drinking tea.

The guest was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with a thin face, slightly high cheekbones, and a pair of small but very bright eyes. When he looked at people, his gaze was focused, as if he could see through their skin.

The man was wearing the official robes of a censor.

"Mingcheng has arrived." Zeng Bu put down his teacup, a gentle smile on his face, and pointed to an empty chair at the head of the table.

"Sit down. No need for formalities."

"This student greets Uncle Shi."

Zhao Mingcheng didn't stand on ceremony with Zeng Bu and addressed him directly as "Uncle."

He bowed respectfully and then slightly to the unfamiliar official, noticing the official's official robes and guessing his identity.

"You've come at the perfect time," Zeng Bu said with a smile to the guest.

"Tianjue, come here, let me introduce you. This is the son of Zhao Sheren, Zhao Mingcheng, a student of the Imperial Academy, courtesy name Defu, who has recently gained some fame in the court."

Then he turned to Zhao Mingcheng and said,

"Mingcheng, this is the newly appointed Right Censor Zhang Shangying, courtesy name Tianjue. He is a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the second year of the Yuanyou era. He is well-versed in scholarship and upright in character. Now that he has just joined the censorate, it is the perfect time for him to speak out for the country."

Righteous words.

Zhao Mingcheng understood.

The Right Censor was an official in the Censorate, corresponding to the Left Censor. He was in charge of remonstrating and admonishing, and although he was only a fifth-rank official, his position was important and he also had the power to report matters based on hearsay.

This Zhang Shangying was a capable minister in history, and at this time he was a newly promoted censor from Zeng Bu's side.

Zhang Shangying had already stood up, returned the greeting with clasped hands, and lingered on Zhao Mingcheng's face for a moment before speaking.

"So it's Young Master Zhao. Indeed, his composure and calm demeanor are well-deserved."

"The other day, your father spoke out righteously in court, denouncing the treacherous officials. His integrity was admirable. Although I did not witness it in person, I felt pleased to hear about it."

Zhang Shangying's words indicate that she was aware of the previous day's incident and sided with Zhao Tingzhi. She used clear-cut terms such as "speaking out for justice" and "denouncing treacherous officials," and further labeled Wang Zudao as a "treacherous official," implying her allegiance.

Zhao Mingcheng quickly bowed again, adopting an extremely humble attitude.

"Lord Zhang is too kind; I am unworthy of such praise. My father is honest and straightforward, and cannot tolerate slander and framing. He behaved improperly before the Emperor the other day, offending a minister, and has been filled with fear ever since."

"I am young and inexperienced, and only know how to study behind closed doors. I never expected to cause such a commotion and implicate my father. I am truly guilty. Your Excellency has been appointed as the new Director of the Board of Remonstrance, and you are a pillar of the court, filling in the gaps and making up for the deficiencies. I have long admired your reputation, and I am fortunate to meet you today."

Zhao Mingcheng responded humbly and appropriately, attributing his father's behavior to "straightforward nature" and "inability to tolerate slander," which was reasonable.

He cleverly distanced himself from the situation, only mentioning "studying behind closed doors" and omitting anything else.

Finally, let me offer my congratulations on Zhang Shangying's new position; it's just a matter of courtesy.

"Young master, you are too modest." Zhang Shangying sat down again, looking at Zhao Mingcheng with a more scrutinizing gaze.

"The trouble has begun, but it is not your fault, young master. It is the work of petty people. Your ability to remain as steady as a rock and concentrate on your studies during the turmoil is a composure that is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Zeng Bu listened with a smile to the two exchanging pleasantries before finally speaking.

"Mingcheng is a diligent student. Tianjue, you sit down too. Mingcheng, did you gain anything from the books you read today?"

Zhao Mingcheng took out the book "Annotations on the Strategies of the Warring States" from his bag and presented it with both hands.

"In reply to you, Uncle, I was fortunate to receive your book and your annotations and guidance. I have studied it repeatedly and benefited greatly. However, when I read the section on Sima Cuo's discussion of the conquest of Shu in the Qin Strategies and the section on King Wuling's adoption of nomadic dress and cavalry archery in the Zhao Strategies, I was somewhat confused. I am still unclear about the balance between power and timing, and between change and defense. Therefore, I have come to ask you for your guidance."

Zeng Bu took the book, turned to the chapter Zhao Mingcheng mentioned, glanced at his original annotations and Zhao Mingcheng's later "miscellaneous thoughts" under the lamplight, nodded, and began to explain.

He was erudite and, drawing on classical texts, thoroughly and clearly analyzed the far-reaching strategy of Qin's annexation of Ba and Shu and the arduous and difficult reforms undertaken by King Wuling of Zhao.

Zhang Shangying occasionally chimed in, adding historical materials or different perspectives, creating a harmonious atmosphere that resembled a small, high-level academic discussion.

About 15 minutes later.

Zeng Bu put down his book, took a sip of tea, and suddenly changed the subject, speaking to Zhao Mingcheng in a seemingly casual manner.

"Reading enlightens us and allows us to learn from the past and reflect on the present. However, what we learn from books is ultimately superficial. For example, the recent turmoil in the court may seem sudden, but upon closer examination, there is a pattern to follow."

Zhao Mingcheng's expression turned serious, and he pretended to listen attentively; this was the real reason he had come here today.

Zeng Bu pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke.

"Your father had a heated argument with Wang Zudao in front of the emperor the day before yesterday. Some people think that he lacked the demeanor of a minister and was too hasty."

Zhao Mingcheng's heart tightened, wondering what Zeng Bu meant by those words.

But Zeng Bu changed the subject again.

"However, in my opinion, this matter may not be entirely a bad thing."

Zhao Mingcheng looked up and gazed at Zeng Bu.

Zhang Shangying also put down her teacup and listened quietly.

"In the imperial court, people's hearts are divided." Zeng Bu's gaze was calm, his voice not loud, but every word was clear.

"If someone attacks you and you always endure and back down, others will think you are easy to bully and will be even more aggressive next time. Thunder and rain are the emperor's grace, which is beyond doubt."

"However, a minister who stands in the court must also have some integrity, so as to protect his own reputation and the honor of his family and children."

"Although your father's actions were somewhat impulsive and taken in a moment of urgency, they also made it clear to the entire court that the Zhao family is not a pushover that can be manipulated or slandered at will."

Some boundaries are better drawn clearly early on, letting others know your stance. This can actually reduce unnecessary entanglements in future actions, and it may not necessarily be a bad thing.

Zhao Mingcheng was deeply moved upon hearing this.

Zeng Bu's words were not only a reassurance, but also a hint, and could even be said to have set the tone.

Zeng Bu affirmed the necessity of his father's counterattack, elevating it to the level of "protecting his reputation," "making his stance clear," and "drawing a clear line."

This is tantamount to telling Zhao Mingcheng:

Your Zhao family has completely broken ties with Cai Jing's faction, and there is no way out for you there.

"I will remember your teachings, Uncle," Zhao Mingcheng replied in a deep voice.

Zeng Bu nodded, turned his gaze to Zhang Shangying beside him, then looked back at Zhao Mingcheng, his tone becoming even more earnest.

"However, Mingcheng... Now that the storm has begun, it is no longer a matter for one person or one family. Since we are on the same boat, we must work together to make steady progress and go far."

In the future, there will inevitably be similar storms and undercurrents in the court. At that time, the courage of one or two people alone will not be enough.

We need more upright and principled individuals who dare to speak out without fear of power or rumors, so that we can dispel the fog, see the clear sky, allow the loyal and virtuous to live in peace, and deter the petty and wicked from acting recklessly.

As Zeng Bu spoke, he gently patted Zhang Shangying's arm, as if entrusting her with a task or introducing her.

"Tianjue has just been appointed as a censor. He has integrity and a sense of responsibility. Mingcheng, although you are at the Imperial Academy and focused on your studies, you also need to inquire more about worldly affairs and understand the principles of things."

You are young, yet you possess remarkable insight and a keen mind. In the future, at the Imperial Academy, or in other places, you should listen, observe, and reflect more.

In one's leisure time, one can also discuss matters with upright and outspoken gentlemen like Tianjue. The affairs of this world are complex and multifaceted; ultimately, one needs like-minded individuals to support each other, work together with one heart and one mind, and only then can one achieve anything.

At this point, it's crystal clear.

This is no longer just ordinary encouragement for students.

Rather, it was a clear political arrangement and a confirmation of allegiance.

Two days ago, Zhao Tingzhi made a scene in the court, and today Zhao Mingcheng went to the Zeng residence.

The Zhao family has been clearly classified as part of the Zeng faction.

"Sharing the same boat," "Like-minded people," "Working together with one heart"—these words are telling Zhao Mingcheng that from today onwards, we are one family.

Introducing Zhang Shangying to Zhao Mingcheng today is to let him know the future "voice" and "ally" on this line.

At this moment, Zhang Shangying also spoke up, both to express her stance to Zeng Bu and to make a promise to Zhao Mingcheng.

"I have taken your advice to heart. Now that I have been selected by the court to serve in the Censorate, I will certainly do my duty diligently, speak frankly and impartially, to repay the emperor's kindness. I will certainly not fail your expectations, nor will I fail the court's trust."

He turned to Zhao Mingcheng, his attitude sincere.

"Young Master Zhao is young and promising, with outstanding insight and a clear mind. If he gains knowledge or understanding of current affairs in the future, I, Zhang, will carefully study his insights. If they are beneficial to the country and the people, and contribute to justice, I will certainly consider the circumstances and speak out at the appropriate time."

Having said all that, Zhao Mingcheng knew it was time for him to make his own statement.

He stood up, first bowing deeply to Zeng Bu, then turning to Zhang Shangying and cupping his hands in greeting, his voice clear and steady.

"I am grateful for your earnest teachings, and I am grateful for your frankness. I am young and my knowledge is shallow. I only know the basics of important political affairs."

Only by keeping in mind the teachings of sages and worthies, reading to understand principles, cultivating oneself to establish one's destiny, and being loyal to the emperor to love one's country, can one fulfill one's duty as a student.

The other day, my father acted rashly and offended his colleagues. Fortunately, my uncle and upright gentlemen like Lord Zhang in the court protected and understood him. The entire Zhao family is eternally grateful and will never forget this.

Zhao Mingcheng paused for a moment, then continued.

"In the future, I will certainly follow your teachings today, seek the principles in the books of sages and the gains and losses in worldly affairs and human relationships, and work even harder."

"I have no other talents, but I wish to use this meager strength to do my best. I only hope that my actions will not violate the way of the sages, nor disappoint the court's cultivation, nor the expectations of my uncle and Lord Zhang."

Zhao Mingcheng always spoke so eloquently, expressing his attitude without appearing overly utilitarian, maintaining the integrity and prudence of a student.

Old Zeng smiled with satisfaction, a look of delight at seeing someone with potential.

He nodded and said gently.

"Well... it's good that you have this intention. Knowledge is the foundation, and life is the tempering. You are still young and have a long way to go, so there's no need to rush. Go back and tell your father that the storm has passed and there's no need to worry too much. Taking care of your health is the most important thing. As for matters in the court, they will be judged by the public."

This is the final reassurance and reassurance.

"Yes, student will remember and will certainly pass on the message to my father," Zhao Mingcheng replied.

After chatting for a few more minutes about academic matters, Zhao Mingcheng took his leave.

Zeng Bu instructed his steward to escort the child out carefully.

As I stepped out of the Zeng residence, night had already fallen.

The lights of Bianjing City flowed in the distance, and the hustle and bustle could be faintly heard.

Zhao Mingcheng took a deep breath of the cool night air and sat in the waiting carriage.

The carriage was dark, but his eyes were bright.

After tonight, everything will be different.

Zhao Mingcheng is no longer a college student who has to walk a tightrope between various forces.

He now had a clear allegiance, Zeng Bu as a relatively stable protector, and Zhang Shangying as a direct "channel" to the position of Right Remonstrator.

The price he paid was that he was officially tied to Zeng Bu's ship, and in the future, he would share in its glory and its loss.

The political situation has entered a new phase.