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

Chapter 102 Zhao Ji's Arrangements

After returning from the Li residence, the Zhao father and son had a clear understanding of the situation.

Zhao Tingzhi also asked his son for his thoughts, and Zhao Mingcheng naturally had a very good impression of Li Qingzhao.

Moreover, Zhao Tingzhi and Li Gefei were old friends for many years, of similar social standing, and their children were a good match. This marriage seemed like a match made in heaven.

The next day, Lao Zhao found an excuse to meet with Li Gefei privately again. Both of them were shrewd people, and they finalized their intentions in just a few words.

Immediately afterwards, the Zhao family asked a highly respected old scholar from Bianjing to act as matchmaker and formally proposed marriage to the Li family.

Thus, the betrothal, name inquiry, auspicious date selection, gift presentation, and wedding date setting were completed.

The six rites of the Duke of Zhou were carried out step by step. Although everything was simplified because of the ongoing national mourning, all the necessary rituals were performed without missing a single one. They were just waiting for an auspicious day to be chosen so that the bride could be married.

Both the Zhao and Li families were quite satisfied with this, feeling that in the current volatile situation, it was truly rare to be able to form such a stable and satisfactory marriage.

Just then, news came from the palace: the Emperor summoned Zhao Mingcheng.

The arrangements for Zhao Mingcheng have finally arrived.

He changed into neat but understated everyday clothes and followed the eunuch into the palace.

In the Funing Palace, Zhao Mingcheng met Zhao Ji.

After a few days apart, Zhao Ji seemed to have lost some weight, but his eyes were brighter, and he looked to be in good spirits. This was probably due to his recent busy schedule.

"Your subject Zhao Mingcheng kowtows to Your Majesty."

Zhao Mingcheng performed the grand salute with utmost care.

"Defu! Get up quickly! There are no outsiders here, why be so formal!"

Emperor Huizong stood up from behind his desk, walked over in a few steps, and personally offered his hand to help him up, his tone carrying a teasing complaint.

"If you continue to be so formal, I'm going to get angry!"

Zhao Ji deliberately put on a stern face and winked at Liang Shicheng, who was standing beside him.

"Liang, you be the judge! Has Defu become distant from me these days?"

Liang Shicheng is now the Eastern Attendant of the Inner Palace, a position far greater than before. But at this moment, his face was full of just the right smile, and he quickly bowed.

"Your Majesty is joking. Zhao—Zhao Chengfeng is simply being polite and respectful."

Liang Shicheng glanced at Zhao Mingcheng quickly, his resolve to follow Zhao Mingcheng became even stronger.

The Emperor's attitude towards Young Master Zhao was far from that of an ordinary ruler and his subject. He was clearly still treating him as a close friend, confidant, and confidant from their time as princes.

Liang Shicheng made up his mind from the bottom of his heart that he would follow Zhao Mingcheng closely from now on.

Zhao Mingcheng stood up and smiled.

"The rites must not be abandoned. Now that Your Majesty is responsible for the fate of the nation, your subjects should be even more careful to uphold their duties."

Zhao Mingcheng spoke respectfully, but his attitude was natural, without any flattery or fear.

Zhao Ji pulled him to a chair to sit down, and then sat back down behind his desk. He dismissed most of the servants, leaving only Liang Shicheng to wait at the door.

He leaned forward slightly and spoke in a low voice.

"Defu, I have already made arrangements for Liang Banban and Gao Qiu."

Liang Banban is currently the Eastern Attendant of the Inner Palace Department, which is close to me, making it easier for him to handle matters.

Gao Qiu, well, he was the best football player in the Prince's residence, and he was also quite clever. I appointed him to a third-class post, in charge of official business at the Football Department of the Imperial Music Bureau. The Football Department was newly established by me, and I put him in charge of the football team I had managed when I was a prince.

Gao Qiu was a man of exceptional intelligence and skill in Cuju (ancient Chinese football).

Since being introduced to football at the Prince Duan's residence, Gao Qiu's football skills and tactics have improved by leaps and bounds.

Now that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) has allowed him to continue working in football-related fields, he has placed him in a position where he can best utilize his strengths.

Gao Qiu's fate was greatly altered by the appearance of Zhao Mingcheng, leading him onto a path more suited to him.

There will be no more Grand Commandant Gao in history, but there is a good chance that there will be a Coach Gao.

There's hope for Chinese football.

"Oh, and Yang Jian too," Zhao Ji continued, speaking casually.

"He has a knack for tending to flowers and plants, and the Empress Dowager also said he was clever. I appointed him as a senior official in the Inner Palace Department, in charge of the construction of the rear garden. In the future, if the palace needs to build a garden or add flowers and rocks, I will let him handle it."

Then, Zhao Ji changed the subject, staring intently at Zhao Mingcheng, his tone becoming serious and even somewhat urgent.

"Defu, they have all been settled. Now it's time to talk about you. You are the person I trust the most. When I was a prince, you were my right-hand man. Now that I have ascended the throne, how can I treat you unfairly?"

After much deliberation, I have decided that I must grant you a sufficiently high official position to be worthy of your contributions and to demonstrate the strength of our friendship!

Zhao Ji's tone was warm and friendly.

"How about this, Defu? How about a Privy Council Academician? Or a Palace Attendant? Or even a Secretariat Drafter? These are all important and prestigious positions, close to me, perfect!"

The official titles announced by Emperor Huizong left Zhao Mingcheng speechless with astonishment.

The Privy Council Academician was a third-rank official, responsible for advising and responding to matters, and held a prestigious position.

The title of "Dragon Pavilion Attendant" is a prestigious and distinguished post.

The Imperial Secretary was in charge of drafting imperial edicts and was a close advisor to the emperor, wielding great power and having a promising future.

Zhao Mingcheng's father used to do this kind of work.

But his father had toiled for most of his life to finally become a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat.

Zhao Mingcheng is so young, yet he's already almost lived out most of his father's life.

Any official position that Zhao Ji mentioned would be a meteoric rise for Zhao Mingcheng, a young man in his early twenties with only merits in the Hehuang border region and experience in the Prince's residence.

But it is clear that Emperor Huizong truly treated Zhao Mingcheng as his own brother, wanting to give him the best of everything, completely disregarding the opinions of the court and the public and the political balance.

Zhao Mingcheng quickly stood up and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty's kindness moves me to tears! However, I dare not accept such extraordinary promotion!"

The excitement on Zhao Ji's face froze, his brows furrowed, and he became somewhat displeased.

"Defu, what do you mean by this? Do you really intend to distance yourself from me? With your merits and talents, are you not qualified for these positions?"

"It is not that I am unfit for this position, nor that I am estranged from Your Majesty."

Zhao Mingcheng spoke sincerely, and Zi Guang greeted Zhao Ji with composure.

"It is because I regard Your Majesty as a confidant that I should consider Your Majesty's needs even more."

With the Emperor newly enthroned, the court and the public are watching closely, and the world is observing. If a former retainer like Jiang Chen, who was raised in the Prince's residence, were suddenly promoted to such a high position, it would likely arouse public criticism.

Censors will impeach the Emperor for nepotism, and nobles will be jealous of my sudden rise to power. Even those courtiers who were originally neutral or supportive of His Majesty will inevitably have reservations, fearing it will discourage the scholars of the realm. This is not out of concern for me, but rather placing me on the brink of disaster, and it will also damage Your Majesty's reputation.

Seeing that Zhao Ji's expression had relaxed but he was still somewhat unwilling, Zhao Mingcheng continued.

"I understand Your Majesty's trust."

Actually, what I want is not high official position and generous salary, but to be able to stay by Your Majesty's side and share Your Majesty's worries and relieve your burdens.

Moreover, one can remain inconspicuous, avoid giving others any grounds for criticism, and serve the government steadily and peacefully. The official position need not be illustrious, but it should be respectable and close to the emperor, facilitating access to the palace and participation in state affairs. In this way, one can serve the emperor effectively without ostentation—is this not far superior to those empty titles and high positions?

These words are reasonable and insightful, and are entirely from the perspective of Zhao Ji and the stability of the new dynasty.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji's displeasure gradually faded. He scratched his head and smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

"Now that you mention it, I realize I was oversimplifying things. Defu, you've thought things through much better—so, in your opinion, what position would be most suitable?"

Zhao Mingcheng bowed and said.

"This is the Emperor's decree; how dare I speak presumptuously? I only ask for the position of a close attendant."

Emperor Huizong stroked his chin, took two steps behind the imperial desk, and suddenly his eyes lit up.

"I've got it! I'll appoint him as a secretary in the Secretariat and concurrently as a secretary in the Imperial Library. What do you think?"

The position of "Zhu Zuo Lang" (著作郎) was responsible for compiling the calendar and national history, a position of refined elegance and leisure; "Zhi Mi Ge" (直秘阁) was a secondary post, signifying status, and also granting access to the imperial library's secret chambers.

Neither of these positions is particularly prestigious, but they are related to literature and literature, which suits your talents. They also allow you to stay by my side and offer advice at any time. Yes, that's settled! Tomorrow—no, today, let the Secretariat draft the decree!

The Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, a seventh-rank official, had a relatively easy job but enjoyed great privileges in accessing information, including access to archives and documents throughout the entire Song Dynasty. He was also conveniently assigned new duties.

The Zhimi Pavilion was a bureaucratic position, recognized in the Song Dynasty as a "place for storing talents for attendants." It had the authority to directly submit memorials to the emperor without having to go through layers of superiors.

These two positions combined grant the holders the advantages of being prestigious, influential, and close to the emperor—a truly powerful buff.

It also avoided the controversy that might arise from directly granting high-ranking official positions with real power.

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) certainly put a lot of thought into this arrangement.

This both saved Zhao Mingcheng's "face" (respectable civil service position) and gave him "substance" (the convenience of being a close attendant).

After hearing this, Zhao Mingcheng bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty's considerations are thorough; I accept the decree and express my gratitude."

This time, Zhao Mingcheng did not refuse.

When Zhao Ji saw that he accepted, he was so happy that he almost clapped his hands. He finally felt that he had done something for his good friend.

But then, his face darkened, and he waved Liang Shicheng away, leaving only him and Zhao Mingcheng in the hall.

The relaxed and cheerful atmosphere from before vanished, replaced by a cold anger.

"Defu, there are two more people who have been weighing on my mind for a long time. I must get them off my chest and they must be dealt with!"

Zhao Ji's voice was low, but it carried a hint of gritted teeth.

"One of them is Zhang Dun, that old scoundrel! I heard that when the Empress Dowager was installing a new emperor, he dared to publicly rebuke me for being frivolous and unfit to rule the world! I will remember this hatred and humiliation!"

The other is Cai Jing, Zhang Dun's lackey! Even when I was still a prince, he repeatedly tried to trip me up and sow discord between me and my close associates! That old scoundrel, I wish I could eat his flesh and sleep on his skin!

As Zhao Ji spoke, he grew increasingly angry, his chest heaving.

"Zhang Dun relied on his seniority and acted arrogantly and domineeringly. Not only did I hate him, but the Empress Dowager also hated him; Cai Jing was treacherous and cunning, flattering his superiors and bullying his subordinates."

"I cannot rest easy until these two are eliminated! The Empress Dowager is also uneasy. Defu, tell me, how should they be dealt with?"

Emperor Huizong looked at Zhao Mingcheng, his eyes filled with undisguised hatred for the two men.

Zhao Mingcheng listened quietly, and only spoke slowly and calmly after Zhao Ji's anger subsided.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. What Chancellor Zhang said that day was indeed arrogant and disrespectful, and offended Your Majesty. However, Chancellor Zhang has served three emperors, held key positions for many years, implemented new laws, and managed border affairs. He has not been without merit for the country."

Furthermore, his protégés and former associates are scattered throughout the court and the countryside. A sudden and severe punishment might alienate veteran officials and could even cause instability in the court. The Emperor has just ascended the throne; stability is of paramount importance.

Seeing that Zhao Ji's brows were furrowed but he was still listening, Zhao Mingcheng continued.

"I believe that we should promote Zhang Xiang in name only, and send him to a post outside the capital with great courtesy."

For example, grant him a nominal title and allow him to retire, or send him to govern a major prefecture such as Daming, so he can return to his hometown in glory. This would both preserve the dignity of the court and demonstrate the emperor's benevolence and magnanimity in not holding grudges, while also removing him from the central government and preventing him from interfering. The people of the world would only praise the emperor's broad-mindedness and his remembrance of the merits of his veteran minister.

As Zhao Ji listened, his anger subsided, and he began to ponder.

He did hate Zhang Dun, but he wanted to secure his throne even more.

Zhao Mingcheng's suggestion was more worthwhile than simply calling for war and violence, as it would both vent his anger and earn him a good reputation.

Emperor Huizong nodded.

"Defu is right. Zhang Dun—let's go with this suggestion and let him retire with honor! Out of sight, out of mind!"

After having an idea to deal with Zhang Dun, Zhao Ji immediately pressed for details.

"And what about Cai Jing? I won't let him off easily!"

When Cai Jing was mentioned, a hint of coldness flashed deep in Zhao Mingcheng's eyes.

Historically, Cai Jing was already a scourge to the country and a notorious figure. The conflicts he had with his father during his time as a prince, along with the suffering he and his father endured, only intensified his hatred for Cai Jing.

To be honest, Zhao Mingcheng wanted to punish Cai Jing more severely than Zhao Ji, but he did not intend to offer direct advice on how to deal with Cai Jing.

"Your Majesty, Cai Jing is indeed hateful for relying on Zhang Dun and trying to guess the Emperor's intentions."

Zhao Mingcheng said calmly, "However, the severity of their crimes and how to punish them in a way that serves as a precedent while adhering to the laws of the court are matters that the Emperor can decide on his own."

Your Majesty should carefully examine his past conduct and determine his guilt according to the law. Whatever Your Majesty decides, I will fully support you.

Instead of directly stating how to deal with Cai Jing, Zhao Mingcheng passed the buck back to Zhao Ji, thus expressing his dislike for Cai Jing (supporting severe punishment) while not overstepping his bounds and upholding Zhao Ji's authority.

This was exactly the attitude Zhao Ji wanted from Zhao Mingcheng. He snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a chilling light.

"To convict him according to the law? That's too lenient! This scoundrel has repeatedly deceived me and sowed discord among my men. His heart is worthy of condemnation! Not to mention that his men support those gambling dens, reaping huge profits and harming the people."

"My mind is made up. Strip him of all his official titles and ranks and exile him to Danzhou! Let him keep Su Shi company and experience the taste of the overseas desert! Furthermore, I hereby issue a decree that Cai Jing shall never be pardoned, and his descendants shall never participate in the imperial examinations or serve as officials!"

Exile to Danzhou was an extremely severe punishment for officials in the Song Dynasty.

It not only means the complete end of a political life, but also, due to the harsh environment, the end of a physical life.

With the added clauses of "never being allowed to re-employ" and "the consequences extending to one's descendants," this is almost the second most severe punishment after the death penalty.

Fortunately, the Song Dynasty had a tradition of not killing scholar-officials.

If this tradition hadn't existed, it's possible that Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) would have ordered Cai Jing to be executed by dismemberment.

This shows the extent of Emperor Huizong's hatred for Cai Jing.

Zhao Mingcheng also felt a sense of satisfaction; Cai Jing's fate was entirely his own fault.

Moreover, based on the original historical record, Cai Jing certainly deserved this fate.

Zhao Mingcheng bowed and said.

"The Emperor's decree, in this manner, serves as a warning to those who harbor ulterior motives and deceive the Emperor."

Seeing Zhao Mingcheng's support, Zhao Ji was overjoyed, as if he could already see Cai Jing suffering on Hainan Island.

He breathed a sigh of relief and patted Zhao Mingcheng on the shoulder.

"Very well! In that case, I have no further concerns. Defu, go home and wait patiently; the decree will be issued soon!"

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

Zhao Mingcheng bowed again and withdrew from the Funing Hall.

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