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

After Zhao Ji finished speaking, his eyebrows relaxed and a smile appeared on his lips, clearly still immersed in the joy of playing Cuju.

Zhao Mingcheng sat at the lower end of the table, slowly sipping his tea.

The time was almost right. He put down his cup and sighed softly. The sound wasn't loud, but it was quite clear in the quiet pavilion.

Zhao Ji heard the sigh and turned his head.

"Hmm? Why is Mingcheng sighing? Are you tired?"

"It's not that I'm tired," Zhao Mingcheng said with a wry smile. "It's just... to be honest, Your Highness, I went through a lot of trouble to ask for leave to come to the Prince's residence today. Although the Chancellor finally granted my leave, he made it clear that this would not be allowed to happen again."

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly and sat up straight.

"Oh? Are the rules at the Imperial Academy that strict? Is it really worth all this trouble for just asking for half a day's leave?"

"Your Highness is unaware of this," Zhao Mingcheng shook his head.

"The Imperial Academy has strict rules. Three days before the monthly exam, students are not allowed to ask for leave except for illness, bereavement, or marriage. What I did today is a violation of the rules."

"The fact that the Chancellor granted me leave this time is already an act of great leniency from His Highness."

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) thoughtfully twirled the rim of his cup, and after a moment spoke.

"With Mingcheng's talent and knowledge, it's a pity that he's stuck in the exams of the Imperial Academy. In my opinion, even if you were to take up an official post now, you would be more than capable of it."

This is already extremely high praise.

"Your Highness flatters me. The Imperial Academy's examinations are for selecting true talent for the court. Classical texts, policy essays, and practical skills are all fundamental to being an official. As a student, Mingcheng should naturally fulfill his duties and concentrate on preparing for the examinations, but..."

Zhao Mingcheng paused, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Emperor Huizong pressed for an answer.

"Just what?"

Zhao Mingcheng looked up, his gaze sincere.

"But Your Highness's invitation is based on the pleasures of metal and stone carving, and the joy of playing football, which are also subjects of study."

"The origins of the system can be traced through inscriptions on metal and stone, and football can teach teamwork and adaptability; both are beneficial to one's mind and knowledge. Whenever Your Highness invites me, I sincerely yearn to participate, yet I am also afraid..."

"It's alright, just say it."

"I fear it might disrupt the rules of the Imperial Academy, and I also fear... it might tarnish Your Highness's reputation."

Zhao Mingcheng lowered his voice.

"If a student repeatedly asks for leave, causing others to criticize Your Highness, saying that Your Highness is neglecting the students' studies and indulging in pleasure, then the student will truly be unforgivable even if he dies a thousand times."

Every word Zhao Mingcheng said sounded like he was thinking of Prince Duan.

Not a single word mentioned his own difficulties, yet every word spoke of them.

This is called the art of speaking.

When you ask someone for a favor, don't think from your own perspective; think from the perspective of considering the other person's feelings.

Zhao Ji listened quietly, his brows initially furrowed, but gradually relaxed, and finally a smile appeared on his face.

"Mingcheng, oh Mingcheng," he shook his head and chuckled, "how could I not know your thoughts?"

Zhao Mingcheng bowed.

"I am foolish and only know that I cannot tarnish Your Highness's reputation for my own selfish reasons."

"Therefore, after much thought, I decided that I should temporarily put aside my playful desires and wait until I graduate from the Imperial Academy next year and receive an official position before wholeheartedly accompanying His Highness on his artistic pursuits. At that time, there will be no rules to bind us, nor will there be anyone to fear from gossip."

After he finished speaking, he stood up and bowed deeply.

"From today onwards, Mingcheng will likely have to visit less often. I hope Your Highness will understand."

The pavilion quieted down, with only the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind and the faint chirping of cicadas in the distance.

Emperor Huizong stared at Zhao Mingcheng for a long while, then suddenly clapped his hands and laughed.

"Hahahaha...Good! What a loyal heart!"

Zhao Ji stood up, walked to Zhao Mingcheng, and reached out to help him up.

"I appreciate your concern for my reputation, but if it leads to estrangement between us, that would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater."

Emperor Huizong pondered for a moment.

"Alright then, Mingcheng, you can focus on your exam preparation. In less than a month, I guarantee you will be able to freely enter and leave the Imperial Academy without anyone daring to stop you or criticize you."

Zhao Mingcheng feigned surprise, but then quickly composed himself.

"Your Highness, this is no small matter. The regulations of the Imperial Academy are set by the imperial court. Please do not let the sake of one student damage the harmony between Your Highness and the court officials..."

"It's not just for you." Zhao Ji waved his hand, looking at him meaningfully.

"I usually live a carefree life in this mansion, but in reality... I also need one or two close ministers and good friends to keep me company, to discuss scholarship, art, and to share my observations of the court and the country. You are very much to my liking."

He spoke lightly of the words "close advisor and good friend," but the weight of their meaning was profound.

Zhao Mingcheng was startled and looked up at Zhao Ji.

Prince Duan was also looking at him, his eyes smiling, but with a serious expression hidden in them.

This is not just a casual polite gesture; it is a promise and a definition of Zhao Mingcheng's position.

"I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's kindness..." Zhao Mingcheng was about to bow again when Zhao Ji pressed his shoulder down.

"Let's skip the formalities," Zhao Ji said with a smile. "Just focus on your exams this month and show your true abilities. I'll take care of the rest."

He spoke with certainty, clearly confident.

Zhao Mingcheng said no more.

"Your Highness, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

As the sun began to set in the west, it was time for the two to part ways.

Emperor Huizong had had a great time today, so he didn't stay any longer.

"Mingcheng, wait a moment, I have something for you."

He turned to Liang Shicheng, who was standing to the side.

"Go and fetch the She inkstone you obtained the other day."

Before long, Liang Shicheng returned carrying a sandalwood box.

Emperor Huizong opened the wooden box, inside which was an inkstone, its color like indigo, its stone fine and delicate, carved with cloud and water patterns, simple and elegant.

"Mingcheng, this inkstone is an antique from the Southern Tang Dynasty. I have treasured it for many years." Zhao Ji pushed the wooden box in front of Zhao Mingcheng.

"I present this inkstone to you today, hoping that you will use it to write essays on imperial examinations and to create a bright future."

This statement has a deeper meaning: the Imperial Academy's policy essays represent the present, while the promising future refers to one's prospects.

Zhao Mingcheng accepted the wooden box with both hands and bowed.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness. Mingcheng will certainly live up to this inkstone, and also live up to Your Highness's words today."

Emperor Huizong stopped at the entrance of Chengyanzhai and spoke only to Liang Shicheng.

"Shi Cheng, escort Mingcheng on my behalf."

"Yes, ma'am."

……

Liang Shicheng led Zhao Mingcheng out of the mansion.

As the two walked through the courtyard and reached the second gate, Zhao Mingcheng suddenly stopped, turned around, and bowed to Liang Shicheng.

"Master Liang, just now at Chengyanzhai, the Prince was in the middle of a lively conversation, and Mingcheng did not have a chance to talk with you much. It was truly impolite of me."

Hearing this, Liang Shicheng felt a little relieved.

Just now at Chengyanzhai, Liang Shicheng tried to flatter Zhao Mingcheng and Zhao Ji, but they both acted as if they hadn't heard him, leaving his words hanging in the air.

Although he didn't show it on his face, he still harbored some resentment.

At the time, he thought—could this young man be looking down on his background as a eunuch?

After Zhao Mingcheng explained himself so thoughtfully, the slight unpleasantness immediately dissipated.

Liang Shicheng, on the contrary, felt that Zhao Mingcheng was indeed extraordinary, so young yet so insightful.

Liang Shicheng's smile was genuine.

"Young Master Zhao, what are you saying? I am just a servant, I dare not accept the word 'disrespectful'."

"You've been too modest in offering."

Zhao Mingcheng looked sincere.

"Although Mingcheng is young, he can see that everything in the Prince's mansion is well-organized and respectful, all thanks to Liang Gongfeng's management."

"What I have seen and heard today makes me realize that Liang Gongfeng is not only the chief steward of the Prince's mansion, but also a capable person by the Prince's side. If Mingcheng does anything inappropriate in the future, I hope you will give him more guidance."

These words elevated Liang Shicheng's status while leaving room for "more interaction in the future".

Liang Shicheng's smile became more genuine.

He spent more than a decade in the palace and the prince's residence, where he met countless talented scholars and famous figures.

Those people either harbored contempt in their eyes towards the eunuchs, or were overly attentive, arousing suspicion.

It's rare to see someone like Zhao Mingcheng, whose attitude is natural and whose words are appropriate, giving face without being obsequious.

"Young Master Zhao, you flatter me." Liang Shicheng's tone softened considerably.

"To be honest, young master, His Highness is always very casual in his hospitality. But to talk about everything from gold appreciation stones to football all day long, without losing interest, is something I've never seen before."

"The prince often says that true friends are hard to find, and even the friendship between Bo Ya and Zi Qi is no better than this."

Zhao Mingcheng answered Liang Shicheng seriously.

"Your Highness is a man of exceptional talent, and it is a blessing from a past life that Mingcheng has been favored. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to learn more about the rules of the Prince's Palace from the steward, so as not to make mistakes and fail to live up to Your Highness's kindness."

"Of course, of course." Liang Shicheng smiled and personally opened the side gate for him. "Young Master Zhao, please wait, the carriage is already waiting."

Outside the door, a green-canopied carriage waited quietly. The driver, seeing people emerge, deftly placed a footstool down.

After Zhao Mingcheng said goodbye, he boarded the carriage. The curtain was lowered, and the carriage rumbled away.

Liang Shicheng stood in front of the door, watching the carriage drive away. The smile on his face slowly faded, and his eyes became deep.

"Master," a young eunuch leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Is this young master Zhao really so favored by the Prince? I don't see any difference between him and the ordinary guests in the manor."

Liang Shicheng glanced at him and said irritably.

"Fool, all the lessons I've taught you have been for nothing."

"In all these years you've served the Prince, have you ever seen him take out the Chengyanzhai collection for others to appreciate? Have you ever seen the Prince laugh so heartily on the Cuju field? Have you ever seen the Prince casually give away inkstones from the Southern Tang Dynasty?"

The eunuch shook his head.

"That's it." Liang Shicheng turned and went into the mansion, his voice indifferent.

"This young master Zhao is no ordinary man. He looks young, but he is very discreet in his words and deeds. When he comes to the Prince's Mansion again in the future, we must serve him carefully."

Liang Shicheng turned and went back to his residence, his steps light and quick.

He had already made up his mind: he had to befriend Zhao Mingcheng.

……

Inside the carriage, Zhao Mingcheng leaned against the wall, closing his eyes to rest.

The wooden box in his arms was heavy; he knew the value of the She inkstone without even opening it.

This is more than just an inkstone; it reflects Prince Duan's attitude towards him.

"A close advisor and good friend".

The four-word evaluation was even better than he had expected.

He was not an ordinary retainer, nor merely a playmate; he was a "close advisor" and a "good friend."

This means that Prince Duan not only values ​​his talent, but also approves of him as a person.

Meanwhile, Liang Shicheng had also extended an olive branch.

This future "hidden prime minister" is currently still the chief steward of the Prince's Palace, but his power should not be underestimated.

Today's conversation at least made him feel respected and valued, and that's enough.

Zhao Mingcheng has already stepped one foot into the future emperor's residence.