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

Chapter 117 Departure, Destination Ruzhou

On the banks of the Bian River, there is a private room on the second floor of the "Qingyun Teahouse" overlooking the river.

Cao Fu had arrived a moment earlier and was sitting alone by the window, with a cup of tea in front of him half empty.

He was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with a lean face, a neat short beard, and a slightly worn blue robe. He gazed calmly at the ships passing by outside the window, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

Cao Fu, courtesy name Wenzhong, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the current year. After being selected by the Ministry of Personnel, he was appointed as a Zhengzi (correct clerk) in the Secretariat, a respectable but sinecure of the eighth rank.

He and Zhao Mingcheng both served in the Secretariat, but one was in charge of collating classics and the other was in charge of compiling national history, so they did not have much interaction in their daily official duties.

Cao Fu's impression of his young colleague was quite complex:

They admired his extraordinary favor at a young age, his meritorious service on the frontier, his appointment to the Imperial Academy, and his popularity with the Emperor.

I have also heard about Zhao Mingcheng's decisiveness in the Hehuang region and his sharp edge in the court, and I am also aware of the recent "historical writing controversy" that has shaken the court and the public.

This time, he was suddenly recommended by Zhao Mingcheng to be the secretary of the Disaster Relief and Pacification Commissioner's Office and accompanied him to Ruzhou. When he first received the appointment, he was more surprised than happy.

Is it a blessing or a curse? Is it genuine appreciation, or is it being drawn into the vortex of factional strife?

Cao Fu was filled with doubts.

Steady footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Cao Fu composed himself and sat up straight.

The door to the private room was pushed open, and Zhao Mingcheng, dressed in an ordinary indigo robe, walked in with a smile on his face.

"Brother Wenzhong, I've kept you waiting."

Zhao Mingcheng cupped his hands in greeting, his attitude natural and friendly, without any airs of a superior. He sat down directly opposite Cao Fu, picked up the teapot, first refilled Cao Fu's tea, and then poured himself a cup.

Cao Fu quickly stood up to return the greeting.

"You're too kind, Mr. Zhao. I just arrived myself."

Zhao Mingcheng waved his hand and smiled.

"This is not a public court. Brother Wenzhong is older; you may call me Mingcheng, or, as colleagues in the province, Defu." This trip to Ruzhou is precisely to work together with you, so there's no need for formalities.

Seeing Zhao Mingcheng's earnest words, Cao Fu relaxed slightly, but remained cautious.

"You are too kind to me, author. May I ask what brings you here?"

Zhao Mingcheng took a sip of tea, put down the cup, looked directly at Cao Fu, and got straight to the point.

"Brother Wenzhong must be wondering why Mingcheng so rashly recommended you and invited you to go to Ruzhou together?"

Cao Fu was taken aback by the other party's directness and hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"This work is of great importance. It would be my honor to be able to contribute to it. However, I am but a scholar who usually deals only with old books. I have no experience in practical matters such as disaster relief and pacification of the people. I am afraid that my limited knowledge and narrow-mindedness may hinder the work."

"Brother Wenzhong, experience comes from practice," Zhao Mingcheng said calmly. "I recommend you because I value two things about you."

Zhao Mingcheng held up two fingers.

"Firstly, during my months in the Secretariat, I paid attention to the documents you were proofreading."

Whether it's classical texts or ordinary official documents, everything that passes through your hands is meticulously examined, down to the smallest detail; no error can escape your notice. This meticulous and rigorous approach is precisely the most indispensable quality for disaster relief accounting and verifying financial documents. Every penny of disaster relief grain concerns people's lives, and there is no room for the slightest ambiguity.

Cao Fu's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected that the trivial work he did quietly every day had caught Zhao Mingcheng's attention.

"Secondly," Zhao Mingcheng continued.

"I have heard that you came from a poor family and studied hard, and went through many hardships in the imperial examinations before you were able to enter officialdom. I imagine you have a deeper understanding of the hardships and difficulties of the common people than someone like me who was lucky enough to get ahead."

Disaster relief is not merely about distributing money and food; it also requires understanding the true plight of the victims and discerning fraud and embezzlement. Without this understanding, even the most talented person may be misled by subordinates or simply engage in perfunctory work.

These words were all grounded in reality, devoid of any empty praise or political maneuvering, focusing solely on the mindset and abilities required to accomplish tasks.

Cao Fu couldn't help but look up and re-evaluate Zhao Mingcheng.

Zhao Mingcheng met his gaze calmly, lowering his voice slightly.

"To be honest, Brother Wenzhong, this mission is quite murky, because some people in the court want to see me make a fool of myself, and some even hope I'll be exposed."

Wrong. Natural disasters are merciless, local situations are complex, and the road ahead is indeed difficult.

Zhao Mingcheng then changed the subject, his tone becoming sincere.

"However, precisely because it is a muddy water, it is all the more necessary for people who genuinely want to do real work to go together. I recommend you, brother, not for any other reason than because I believe you are such a person."

On this journey, we share the same goal: to do everything in our power to save as many lives as possible and bring peace to as many families as possible. Success is our duty, and if there are any mistakes, Mingcheng will take full responsibility and will never implicate you, brother.

Cao Fu was shocked.

Although his time in office was short, he had seen all sorts of officials, many of whom were power-hungry and prone to shirking their responsibilities.

People like Zhao Mingcheng lay out the advantages and disadvantages openly, frankly discuss the difficulties, and clearly take responsibility.

"Works—" Cao Fu's throat moved slightly, and he didn't know how to respond for a moment.

A sharp glint flashed in Zhao Mingcheng's eyes.

"The Emperor has granted me the authority to make decisions on the spot and to act first and report later. At that time, we will act in accordance with the law and will not tolerate any wrongdoing. This is the important matter for which I am asking for your assistance, and it is also the key to protecting the results of disaster relief."

Cao Fu took a deep breath, and the sense of responsibility of a scholar and his natural concern for the suffering of the people were ignited within him.

He stood up, bowed solemnly to Zhao Mingcheng.

"Entrusted with the affairs of the nation, I have poured out my heart and soul to assist you—how could I not do my utmost! I am willing to follow this work through these difficult times, seeking only to be worthy of my conscience and the people!"

Zhao Mingcheng also got up, helped him up, and showed a genuine smile on his face.

"With Brother Wenzhong's words, Mingcheng is at ease. This journey will be arduous, and we must set off in three days. We must travel light and keep our entourage simple."

I would also appreciate it if, in the next few days, besides settling your family, you could also take the time to review the recent reports on money and grain, and the inventory figures for the Jingxi North Road region, from the Ministry of Revenue, so that you may become familiar with them. We can discuss the specific details further on the way.”

"I obey your command," Cao Fu replied solemnly.

The inner courtyard of the Zhao residence.

Li Qingzhao sat in front of her dressing table, holding a rhinoceros horn comb in her hand, casually combing her long, flowing black hair.

She had removed her hairpins and jewelry, wearing only a light apricot-red silk nightgown, her lips slightly pursed, revealing her innermost thoughts.

Soft footsteps sounded, and a familiar presence drew near.

Zhao Mingcheng leaned down from behind, naturally wrapped his arms around her waist, and affectionately rubbed his chin against the top of her head, his smiling voice ringing in her ear.

"Oh, whose young lady is this? Her brows are so furrowed you could trap a mosquito in them! So annoyed—could it be my easily angered her? Has she angered me?"

Zhao Mingcheng deliberately teased Li Qingzhao as "the easily annoyed hermit".

Li Qingzhao glanced at him in the mirror, but didn't turn around. She just looked at him in the mirror and said in a muffled voice.

"How dare I be angry with my husband? If I were to be angry, it would be with Zhao, the courageous and responsible pacification commissioner in Bianjing."

Zhao Mingcheng knew she had heard the news of the appointment and was reluctant to part with her.

He tightened his arms, holding Li Qingzhao even closer in his embrace, his face pressed against hers, deliberately drawing out his words.

"My lady, you are wise. The Emperor is in a difficult position regarding the Empress Dowager's decree. I do not want to go, and I wish I could be like the emperor in the ancient poem who no longer holds court in the morning, and spend every day with my wife."

"Pooh!"

Li Qingzhao's ears burned, and she finally turned around, extending her slender finger to lightly poke his chest, spitting out a curse.

"This is utter nonsense! How can you compare a monarch neglecting his morning court sessions to this? Be careful someone doesn't overhear!"

Although Li Qingzhao's words were reproachful, the annoyance in her eyes dissipated somewhat because of his joking remarks.

Seeing her turn around, Zhao Mingcheng's smile deepened. He gently swayed her in the embrace, like coaxing a child, pointing to the two people leaning on each other in the bronze mirror, his voice even softer.

"Madam, look at the two people in the mirror, aren't they a match made in heaven?"

If I can handle this mission well, relieve the predicament of Ruzhou, and stabilize the area, when I return and the officials reward me for my merits, I will have a reason to be promoted further.

"Then, I'll build you a much larger study, filled with rare and precious books from all over the world, and plant your beloved bamboo and crabapple trees by the window. I'll also draw a stream of running water and raise a few goldfish. This will make our home even more beautiful, and give you more inspiration when you compose lyrics. What do you say?"

Li Qingzhao imagined the scene, her heart stirred slightly, but she still didn't mince words.

"That sounds nice—but I'm afraid that when you, Grand Pacification Commissioner Zhao, arrive at your destination, you'll be so captivated by the sights of those pipa players dancing and changing the tunes that you'll forget all about your wife at home and this shadowless study with its banana leaves!"

"The pipa plays a new tune as it begins to dance," is a line from a poem by Wang Changling.

Zhao Mingcheng immediately raised his right hand, making a gesture as if swearing an oath to the heavens, with an exaggerated expression.

"Yi'an, Heaven and Earth bear witness, the sun and moon are my witnesses! My wife's literary talent and wisdom are unparalleled in Bianjing, and her appearance and bearing are even more extraordinary. My eyes have long been honed by her to be incredibly discerning; how could she possibly catch the eye of ordinary, vulgar women?"

Zhao Mingcheng's words made Li Qingzhao blush, and she couldn't help but smile, but she forced herself to look away.

"Smooth-talking!"

Seeing his wife smile, Zhao Mingcheng felt at ease. He lowered his head, lowered his voice, and whispered something ambiguous and suggestive.

"Besides, didn't you personally examine my physique last night? I've braved the winds and sands and swords of the Hehuang region. I'm sure I'll return safely from Ruzhou. When I do, I'll continue to serve you—fiercely."

Zhao Mingcheng spoke his last few words softly and slowly, with a hidden meaning. His hand also mischievously pinched the soft flesh of her waist. Li Qingzhao trembled all over, her face instantly turning crimson from her ears to her neck. She was both ashamed and annoyed, and turned around to lightly punch him.

"Who wants your service! I just want you to come back safe and sound!"

As she spoke, her eyes uncontrollably reddened, and the resentment she had been holding back turned into deep worry.

"Do you know what chaos Ruzhou is in right now? Starving people are like locusts, bandits are rising up everywhere, and the local officials are deeply entrenched and corrupt. You—"

You still want to show off this ability.

Tears finally fell.

Zhao Mingcheng gently wiped away her tears with his fingertips, his tone becoming serious.

"It's my fault for upsetting you, Madam. Please rest assured, before this trip, His Majesty granted me the authority to make decisions independently, and I will be accompanied and protected by elite Imperial Guards. I will be cautious at all times and proceed with utmost care. Besides—"

Zhao Mingcheng gently pinched Li Qingzhao's cheek, gazing into her shimmering eyes.

"With such a virtuous wife at home, how could I not cherish my life? I will be careful in everything I do and return home as soon as possible."

Li Qingzhao sobbed, buried her face in his chest, and mumbled.

"That's more like it—I've already had Yunzhui prepare a set of soft armor to wear under your everyday clothes, make sure it's close to your skin—and I've also packed a few extra bottles of Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills and wound medicine—"

Li Qingzhao recounted in detail, bit by bit, everything she had secretly prepared for him and everything she had inquired about.

As Zhao Mingcheng listened, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He hugged her tightly and sighed.

"How fortunate I am to have such a wife."

Li Qingzhao remained quiet in his arms for a moment, then suddenly raised her head. Tears still clung to her eyelashes, but she had regained some of her former liveliness. Her fingertips poked...

She touched his chest and said in a sweet voice.

"Defu, I've also heard—when you go to local disaster relief sites, there are a lot of social obligations among the local officials. You're not allowed to be like those frivolous officials and hire all sorts of 'personal maids' or 'confidantes.' I heard those people love to do that!"

Zhao Mingcheng chuckled, grabbed her mischievous hand, and kissed it.

"How could I forget the lady's command?"

With that, Zhao Mingcheng used his strength to lift her up and carry her to the bed.

Li Qingzhao gasped softly, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck, her cheeks flushing red, but she was already used to it.

"Ugh—be gentle tonight—"

"Go easier? Don't you like a gentle yet firm approach?"

Li Qingzhao was flustered and embarrassed by Zhao Mingcheng's bold words of love, but she gradually softened and only managed to utter a coquettish retort.

"Rogue—"

The next day, before dawn, Zhao Mingcheng got up quietly.

Li Qingzhao also forced herself to get up and insisted on tidying his clothes, fastening his cloak, and smoothing out every wrinkle.

Outside the courtyard gate, the carriage was already prepared, and Cao Fu and Captain Lu Zhang, along with thirty elite imperial guards, stood at attention and waited.

Upon seeing him to the second gate, Li Qingzhao stopped, looked at Zhao Mingcheng, suppressed the tears welling up in her eyes, and gracefully bowed with the dignified bearing of a well-bred lady.

"My dear husband, take care on your journey. May your disaster relief efforts go smoothly and may you return soon."

Zhao Mingcheng looked at her intently, as if trying to etch her image into his heart, and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

"Please wait, my lady. Take care."

Having said that, Zhao Mingcheng no longer hesitated, turned around and strode towards the gate, never looking back.

He was afraid that if he turned around, he would see Li Qingzhao's reddened eyes.

The carriage rumbled away from the Zhao residence and merged into the still chilly streets of Bianjing in the early morning.

Li Qingzhao leaned against the door frame of the second gate, listening to the sound of the carriage disappear into the alley, remaining motionless for a long time.

Yunzhui came to persuade her, and she turned back to her room, looking dejected.

As I approached the dressing table, my gaze inadvertently swept over it and I suddenly noticed an exquisite rouge box on the table, with a small note with a flower hairpin underneath.

She picked it up, unfolded it, and saw Zhao Mingcheng's beautiful handwriting: "Don't forget to add incense, waiting for me to return home."

Li Qingzhao paused for a moment, picked up the box of rouge that was still warm to the touch, and ran her fingertips along the smooth surface of the box. The tears she had been holding back suddenly welled up, but she also burst out laughing.

With red-rimmed eyes, she whispered to the empty room.

"All they ever do is resort to these tricks—"

She liked it very much, even though there were many tricks involved.

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