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

Chapter 101 Blind Date

Zhao Ji's enthronement ceremony was conducted in a brief manner amidst the solemnity of national mourning.

The announcement to the world, the general amnesty for prisoners, and the dispatch of envoys to inform the Liao Kingdom were all carried out in a tightly organized manner within the framework of the ritual system.

At the beginning of the new dynasty, there were countless things to deal with, among which the most troublesome for Zhao Ji, yet one he had to face immediately, was the issue of the status of the imperial harem.

Empress Liu, the emperor's sister-in-law, was known for her strong and fiery personality and was not easy to get along with.

Empress Dowager Xiang always held a lingering affection and pity for Meng, the first wife of Emperor Zhezong who was deposed and confined to Yaohua Palace for some reason.

Emperor Huizong was caught in a difficult position, torn between two elders (Empress Dowager Xiang and his widowed sister-in-law).

Ultimately, with the Empress Dowager's tacit approval and his own considerations, Emperor Huizong issued an edict honoring Liu as Empress Yuanfu, and placing her in Chongen Palace.

At the same time, in order to appease Empress Dowager Xiang and demonstrate her benevolence, the title of Empress Meng was restored, and she was honored as Empress Yuanyou and brought back to a separate palace to be cared for.

This edict took into account both reality and etiquette and emotions, thus temporarily balancing the potential turmoil in the harem.

Besides these "family matters," Zhao Ji had so much to learn.

The enthronement ceremony, the court assembly procedures, the format of memorials, and even the rules for daily life records—each one was tedious and complicated.

Although Zhao Ji was intelligent, he was suddenly placed in such a supreme position, facing a mountain of rules and countless scrutinizing eyes, and still felt overwhelmed.

Recently, he has been shuttling between the Wende Hall, Chuigong Hall, and Chongzheng Hall every day, listening to the lecturers explain the principles of governing the country through classics and history, and meeting with the prime ministers to familiarize himself with government affairs. He is so busy that he has no time to spare and has not yet had the opportunity to bestow honors upon the former officials who were once in his princely residence.

Zhao Mingcheng's situation is much more comfortable than Zhao Ji's.

He's been enjoying some leisure time lately. Aside from occasionally visiting the shop, he spends most of his time at home practicing ball games, reading, writing, or occasionally showing up at the Imperial Academy, maintaining an attitude of "focusing on preparing for the exams."

That day, Zhao Ting returned home from court and quickly summoned Zhao Mingcheng to his study.

"Mingcheng, tomorrow is a day off. I have already arranged to visit your Uncle Li at your residence. You should come along as well," Zhao Tingzhi said bluntly.

Zhao Mingcheng's heart stirred slightly, and he vaguely guessed what his father meant, but his face remained calm.

"Yes, I will accompany my father to listen to Uncle Li's teachings."

Zhao Tingzhi glanced at his son and saw that he looked calm, which put him at ease. So he decided to be frank with him.

"Mingcheng, you're not young anymore; it's time to consider marriage. The Li family has a distinguished scholarly tradition, and their daughter, Qingzhao, is renowned for her talent and beauty. This visit is not only to reminisce but also to introduce you young people. You should have a clear idea of ​​what to do next."

However, you must behave appropriately at that time and avoid being impolite.

Li Qingzhao, this extraordinary woman who had exchanged poems and paintings with him but had never met him.

Finally, I'm going to meet her in the traditional and direct way of a blind date.

Zhao Mingcheng bowed and said, "Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

The following day, the Zhao family father and son arrived at Li Gefei's residence by car.

Although the Li family mansion was not as prominent as the Zhao family mansion, its courtyard was quiet and elegant, and its furnishings exuded the atmosphere of a scholarly family.

Li Gefei was already waiting in the flower hall. When he saw Zhao Tingzhi and his son arrive, he warmly welcomed them in.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, the conversation naturally began with the recent political situation at court.

As an assistant minister in the Ministry of Rites, and being based in Bianjing, Li Gefei felt this sudden power shift particularly acutely. He stroked his beard and sighed.

"The great changes came suddenly, but fortunately the Empress Dowager was wise and the prime ministers worked together to ensure a smooth transition in the court. However, with a new emperor on the throne and many things to be done, the court may still face turbulence in the future."

Zhao Tingzhi nodded: "What Wen Shu said is very true. The most important thing now is to stabilize people's hearts and ensure a smooth handover. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager is in charge, and the senior ministers like Zeng are experienced in governing the country, so there should be no major problems."

Zhao Tingzhi's words subtly pointed out Zeng Bu's importance and also hinted to Li Gefei at the close relationship between the Zhao family and Zeng Bu's lineage.

Li Gefei naturally understood, and his gaze involuntarily turned to Zhao Mingcheng, who had been listening quietly, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation and curiosity.

"Nephew Mingcheng, I have heard about your excellent leadership and coordination during the previous welcoming ceremony. Although I did not witness it in person, I have heard about it."

It is truly remarkable that my nephew, at such a young age, could handle such a significant matter with such composure. I wonder what your plans are next?

Should I continue my studies at the Imperial Academy, or—"

Li Gefei didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: with the new emperor's ascension to the throne, the old retainers from the former prince's residence would inevitably be given important positions. What would be the future of Zhao Mingcheng?

Zhao Mingcheng put down his teacup, his posture respectful and his tone calm.

"Uncle Li, you flatter me. That day, I only did a little bit of work and dare not claim credit."

As for the future, I believe a solid foundation is still essential. The Imperial Academy's public examination in the first month of the lunar calendar is approaching, and I plan to set aside all other matters and focus solely on preparing for it, striving to achieve a decent ranking, so as not to waste the name of a student of the Imperial Academy.

Li Gefei nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

"Good, good! Be humble and stay true to your roots. This is the right way. With your talent, my nephew, it is not difficult for you to win the top prize in the public examination."

Although Zhao Mingcheng said those words, he knew perfectly well what was going on in his mind.

Public examination? Ranking?

This was just an excuse.

Based on his understanding of Emperor Huizong of Song and his relationship with him.

How could Zhao Ji possibly have the patience to wait for him to complete the imperial examination process step by step and then slowly start from the bottom as an official?

The summons and promotion will likely happen within the next few days.

Zhao Mingcheng, of course, wouldn't reveal these thoughts. At this moment, in front of Li Gefei, he remained a diligent and studious person.

A humble and courteous junior.

The three chatted about classics, history, calligraphy, and painting, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Li Gefei became increasingly satisfied with Zhao Mingcheng's knowledge and eloquence, and Zhao Tingzhi, seeing this, was also happy for his son's performance.

As the three were talking, the soft tinkling of jade pendants and the slight movement of the curtains came from outside the hall.

A young girl dressed in a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and a moon-white vest, carrying a black lacquered tea tray, walked in gracefully.

She was still quite slender, but her steps were graceful and her demeanor elegant.

Her jet-black hair was neatly combed, with only a simple jade hairpin inserted at an angle. Her face was lightly powdered, which made her skin appear even whiter and her eyebrows and eyes even more beautiful.

Especially her eyes, clear and bright, with a natural air of intelligence flowing between them.

It was Li Qingzhao.

As she entered the hall, she first gave a graceful bow to her father and Zhao Tingzhi.

"Your daughter greets Father and Uncle Zhao." Her voice was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

Then, his gaze turned to Zhao Mingcheng sitting to the side, his eyelids lowered slightly, and he curtsied.

"I have met Brother Zhao."

""

Li Qingzhao was impeccably polite and dignified, displaying the demeanor of a lady from a prominent family.

This is quite different from the free-spirited and talented woman Zhao Mingcheng imagined, who "often remembers the sunset at the stream pavilion, so intoxicated that she forgot the way home."

But that scholarly air and intelligence that are ingrained in his very being cannot be hidden.

Zhao Mingcheng stood up and returned the greeting.

"Mingcheng greets Miss Li."

He was experiencing a rather peculiar feeling at that moment.

On the one hand, he was well aware of the illustrious position this young girl would hold in the future history of Chinese literature, and the surreal feeling of meeting a historical figure across time lingered in his mind.

On the other hand, the Li Qingzhao before our eyes is so real and vivid, in the prime of her youth, quiet and elegant, which overlaps with, yet differs from, the romantic and unrestrained image he constructed through his poetry.

Regardless, the first impression was excellent. She had a beautiful face, an elegant temperament, and proper manners. What was even more remarkable was the intelligence that shone through her calm demeanor.

Li Qingzhao served tea, skillfully replacing the tea leaves for the three of them with fresh, fragrant tea, her movements elegant.

When serving tea to Zhao Mingcheng, she gently placed the teacup on the table beside him, her fingertips white and her posture natural.

Zhao Mingcheng thanked him, and their eyes met for a fleeting moment.

This time, Zhao Mingcheng seemed to see a very faint, almost mischievous smile in her eyes.

His eyes seemed to say, "I know you painted that picture."

After serving the tea, Li Qingzhao did not linger. She gave her father and guests a slight bow once more, then turned and gracefully departed.

Li Gefei smiled and said to Zhao Tingzhi, "My daughter is mischievous; please forgive her, Brother Zhengfu and my nephew."

Zhao Tingzhi stroked his beard and smiled, "Uncle Wen, you are too modest. My niece Qingzhao is dignified and elegant, truly a lady of high birth."

Zhao Mingcheng also said, "Miss Li is indeed intelligent and kind-hearted, and her reputation is well-deserved."

After chatting for a while, the Zhao father and son got up to take their leave.

Li Gefei personally escorted them to the second gate, and the host and guests parted on good terms.

After seeing the guests off, Li Gefei returned to his study. He had barely sat down when Li Qingzhao brought in another cup of ginseng tea, this time specifically for her father.

"Father, Uncle Zhao and Young Master Zhao have left?"

Li Qingzhao put down her teacup and asked seemingly casually.

"Yes, she just left." Li Gefei took the tea, glanced at his daughter, and saw that her face was normal, but her eyes seemed brighter than usual, so he asked directly.

"Qingzhao, after meeting you today, what do you think of the young master of the Zhao family?"

After asking the question, Li Gefei picked up his teacup and, while drinking tea, observed his daughter's expression.

Li Qingzhao did not answer immediately. She walked to the window and pretended to admire the white plum tree outside the window that was about to bloom.

After a moment, she spoke softly.

"Brother Zhao—, his speech and demeanor are quite composed. When discussing current affairs and scholarship with Father and Uncle Zhao, he can also speak with substance, unlike those who are just empty talkers."

Li Qingzhao paused, raised her eyes, her gaze clear, without the shyness and evasiveness that a typical young girl would show when talking about a strange man; instead, it carried a frank and approving quality.

"When my elder brother was at home, he often praised Brother Zhao for his talent and broad-mindedness. Today, after meeting him, I see that his demeanor is consistent with what my elder brother said."

What's even more remarkable is that despite his extraordinary achievements and the emperor's favor, he remained humble and modest, still adhering to the duties of a scholar—such composure is truly commendable.

Li Qingzhao did not directly say "good" or "bad," but gave a positive evaluation based on her speech, demeanor, and composure.

Li Gefei heard this and understood it in his heart.

My daughter is proud and has high standards, so for her to give such an evaluation is already a great recognition.

Moreover, her slightly flushed ears and more cautious words than usual had already betrayed the girl's feelings.

Li Gefei stroked his beard and smiled, no longer pressing for answers, but simply said gently.

"You can see that, which shows you've put your heart into it. Nephew Mingcheng is indeed a standout among the younger generation. Alright, that's all, you can go back to your work."

Li Qingzhao rose, bowed, and took her leave.

Watching his daughter's departing figure, Li Gefei smiled with relief.

It seems the marriage between the two families is almost settled.

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