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

At 3:45 AM, the court assembly in Chongzheng Hall ended, and the officials filed out.

The young emperor did not rise, remaining seated on his throne, flipping through several Northwest military reports, his brows slightly furrowed.

Zhang Dun stayed.

Once only the eunuch on duty remained in the hall, he stepped forward, took out the copied examination paper from his sleeve, and presented it with both hands:

"I hereby report to Your Majesty that during the private examination held by the Imperial Academy in May, I reviewed a paper that ranked first, which was of exceptional insight and is presented here for Your Majesty's perusal."

Zhao Xu looked up.

"Oh? Recommended by Prime Minister Zhang himself, it must be a masterpiece." He took the exam paper and unfolded it. At first, he just glanced at it casually, but soon his gaze was fixed on it.

Zhao Xu sat up straight, his fingers moving across the pages, becoming more and more focused as he looked.

When I saw the third question refuting the "expansion of borders depletes the nation" argument, I even read it aloud softly:

"'Abandoning Huangzhou now will save 200,000 strings of cash in military expenses annually, but it will also result in the loss of 300,000 strings of cash in salt and iron profits, and leave behind border troubles. In the future, suppressing and pacifying the region may cost a million...' Good! This calculation is clear!"

He continued reading and clapped his hands when he read, “Opening up the borders is not for territorial expansion, but for using war to sustain war and using border benefits to supplement national expenses.”

"This young man's insight is unlike that of a mere scholar; he seems more like a capable official who has gained experience in the Ministry of Revenue and the Three Departments!" Upon seeing the ending, "Securing the borders and ensuring the people's well-being are the foundation of benevolent governance for three dynasties," he nodded repeatedly.

"By linking the opening of the borders to the benevolent rule of three generations, the old party's outdated views are refuted, and the greater good is clearly stated. Brilliant!"

Zhang Dun stood quietly below the steps, waiting for the Emperor to finish reading before speaking slowly.

"Your Majesty, this young man is named Zhao Mingcheng, son of Zhao Tingzhi, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, and a student of the Imperial Academy. His writings are not only beautiful in style, but more importantly, they are grounded in practical insights and demonstrate his talent for governing the world."

"The third question, in particular, directly points out the fallacy of the theory that 'expanding borders depletes the nation.' It is based on detailed data and has a thorough argument, which is of great benefit to Your Majesty's ambition to continue the legacy and to the practical affairs of the court's border administration."

Zhao Xu placed the exam paper on the table, his eyes still showing admiration.

"Zhao Mingcheng... I remember that name. He was the one who excelled in football, calligraphy, and painting at the recent gathering of Prince Duan?"

"Indeed." Zhang Dun lowered his eyes. "Prince Duan greatly admired him and once summoned him to his residence to appreciate his antiques and presented him with a Southern Tang She inkstone."

These words were spoken plainly, but Zhao Xu understood the implied meaning.

He glanced at Zhang Dun, but didn't respond to that, only saying...

"This child's talent and learning are indeed promising. The fact that the Imperial Academy can produce such a talent is thanks to the teachings of Ye Zuqia and Gong Yuan."

Before he could finish speaking, a eunuch outside the hall announced the news.

"Wang Zudao, the Left Censor, requested an audience, saying he had an urgent memorial to submit, which he had heard about on the surface."

Zhao Xu frowned slightly. What was Wang Zudao here to report at this time?

"Announce."

Wang Zudao bowed as he entered the hall, his expression solemn, holding a memorial in his hands.

After the greetings were completed, he got straight to the point:

"Your Majesty, I have heard that the atmosphere of learning at the Imperial Academy has recently become superficial and frivolous. Some students do not study the fundamentals of the classics, but instead use strange and frivolous skills to curry favor with the Emperor, thus neglecting their studies and corrupting the moral character of the scholars. If this continues, I fear it will not be a blessing for the country to cultivate scholars."

Zhao Xu's face darkened.

"Does Minister Wang have any evidence to support his claim?"

"I have only heard rumors about this matter and dare not speak recklessly," Wang Zudao said, bowing his head but speaking quickly.

"However, I have heard that some scholars, relying on their family background and currying favor with princes, use trivial skills such as football, calligraphy and painting to please nobles. Furthermore, they make a scene in the private examinations at the Imperial Academy and win the favor of the examiners with alarmist remarks."

"Such behavior is no different from that of a usurper. If the Imperial Academy were to follow this trend, then the study of classics would be neglected, practical matters would be ignored, and only clever words and flattery would be valued. I am deeply worried about the court's talent pool!"

Although these words were not named, they all pointed to Zhao Mingcheng, and the air in the hall suddenly froze.

Zhang Dun sneered.

"Wang, the Censor, is quite a heavy accusation. The Imperial Academy's private examinations were graded anonymously, with rankings determined solely by the essays. How can this be considered 'seeking favor' or 'exaggerating the situation'? Does the Censor believe the examiners were biased?"

"This humble official dares not," Wang Zudao said, turning to Zhang Dun, his tone still calm.

"However, I have heard that Zhao Mingcheng, the top scorer in this private examination, is a man who associates with princes and uses tricks to curry favor. His examination paper boasts about opening up the borders and benefiting the country. The data seems detailed, but it is actually just empty talk. He even falsely cites the benevolent policies of three dynasties to support his argument."

"Such articles, even if beautifully written, are merely attempts to curry favor and gain popularity. How can they be considered the best and a model for the Imperial Academy?"

"Armchair strategist?" Zhang Dun's voice suddenly rose.

"Has the Censor ever personally gone to the Northwest? Has he ever checked the archives of the Three Departments? Does the Censor know how much the military expenditure for the Xihe border expansion was, and how much the revenue from tea, horses, and salt taxes increased? All the data this man has listed can be verified; how can it be mere theoretical talk?"

"As for the benevolent rule of the three dynasties, that was Your Majesty continuing the will of Emperor Shenzong, expanding the borders, securing the territory, and stabilizing the people—truly practicing the teachings of the three dynasties! Does the Censor believe that only the old faction's rhetoric of abandoning territory for peace and seeking temporary security is the right way to govern the country?!"

These were extremely harsh words. Wang Zudao's face paled, and he hurriedly said, "Prime Minister Zhang, why do you say such a thing? I was merely stating the facts, expressing concern about the academic atmosphere..."

"Worried about the academic atmosphere?" Zhang Dun interrupted him. "The academic atmosphere of the Imperial Academy is supervised by the Chancellor and the Director of Studies. I have heard that Wang Yuan, the son of the Censor, only got a second-class grade in the private examination this time, and he behaved improperly in the examination room, offending his classmates and being reprimanded by the academic officials in public. Has the Censor been worried about such behavior?"

Wang Zudao felt as if he had been struck by lightning, and his whole body trembled.

He never expected that Zhang Dunlian knew about this matter and would expose it in public.

Zhang Dun was always cautious in his work, and before presenting the exam papers today, he had already investigated everything he could.

Zhao Xu sat on the throne, observing coldly. He was young, but not foolish.

Wang Zudao's words, seemingly expressing concern about academic conduct, were actually aimed at Zhao Mingcheng and at the examination paper refuting the "opening up of borders depletes the country" argument.

Although Zhang Dun admired Zhao Mingcheng's talent and learning, he clearly had reservations about "befriending Prince Duan".

The argument between the two, seemingly about Zhao Mingcheng, was actually a contest between the old and new factions, the political climate in the court, and the standards for talent selection.

"That's enough," Zhao Xu said, his voice not loud, but it instantly silenced the hall.

"How can right and wrong be judged by mere words? Summon Zhao Tingzhi; he should have something to say."

Zhao Tingzhi was on duty at the Secretariat when he heard the imperial edict and rushed over.

When he entered the hall, there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. After paying his respects, he stood with his hands at his sides, looking down at his nose, seemingly lost in thought.

"Zhao Qing," Zhao Xu pushed the exam paper to the side of the table, "have you looked at this top-scoring paper?"

Zhao Tingzhi obtained a copy of his son's exam paper from an acquaintance at the Imperial Academy yesterday and read it three times.

At this moment, he dared not conceal the truth: "Your Majesty...I have seen it."

What do you think?

Zhao Tingzhi's mind raced.

Wang Zudao impeached Zhang Dun, and Zhang Dun defended him, but the emperor summoned him to ask questions, wanting to hear what his father and the secretary of the Imperial Secretariat had to say.

He quickly prepared his speech, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly.

"Your Majesty, after carefully reading my son's article, I believe it has three strengths. First, the data is detailed, which is not something that someone who works behind closed doors could do, showing that he pays attention to current affairs and reads extensively. Second, the reasoning is thorough, analyzing the benefits of opening up the borders and the essentials of governing the country in detail, showing that reading can transform knowledge. Third, the conclusion is righteous, concluding with the benevolent governance of the three dynasties, which is in line with the classics and also reflects Your Majesty's will."

He first acknowledged her talent, which was true, and also pleased Zhang Dun and the emperor.

He paused for a moment, then continued.

"However, I also have two concerns. First, I am worried that he is young and impetuous, and his opinions may be biased and extreme; second, I am worried that he is engrossed in miscellaneous arts and fears that he will neglect the fundamentals of classical studies."

"As his father, he always emphasized 'immersing oneself in the classics and history, and cultivating one's moral character' in his daily teachings."

"My son may have performed exceptionally well in this private examination. However, I dare not make a judgment on whether he is truly talented or of upright character. His teachers and elders will need to examine him and time will tell."

These words were spoken with great tact. They affirmed the son's talent, pointed out potential shortcomings, and ultimately returned the judgment to the imperial court.

In particular, the phrase "indulging in miscellaneous arts" seems like self-reproach, but it is actually a response to Wang Zudao's accusation of "using ingenuity to curry favor."

Wang Zudao understood the implied meaning and immediately spoke.

"Since Lord Zhao knew that his son was indulging in miscellaneous arts, why didn't he restrain him? Instead, he allowed him to associate with princes and curry favor with them through football, calligraphy, and painting. Isn't this a failure of a father's upbringing?"

Zhao Tingzhi raised his eyes, his gaze calm.

"Wang Sijian is mistaken. His Highness Prince Duan is fond of literature and art. He invited my son to appreciate the bronze and stone inscriptions and to play football. This shows that the prince respects the virtuous and encourages the younger generation."

"My son has gained Your Highness's favor because he has some knowledge of calligraphy and football. This is a gentleman's exchange of skills; how can it be considered seeking favor?"

"Furthermore, the Imperial Academy's private examinations are graded anonymously. Whether my son's essay is intended to attract attention is for the examiners to judge fairly. It is inappropriate for the Censor to make assumptions about my son's intentions based on hearsay and to implicate His Highness Prince Duan."

Zhang Dun nodded repeatedly in approval of Zhao Tingzhi's eloquence.

Wang Zudao's face turned ashen.

"Is Zhao Sheren trying to exonerate his son? Associating with a prince and neglecting his studies—is he being wrongly accused?"

"Wang Sijian!" Zhang Dun suddenly spoke, his voice cold and stern.

"You keep talking about currying favor with the Prince. His Highness Prince Duan is His Majesty's brother. He treats scholars with respect and courtesy. What's wrong with that? Do you think that the Prince's association with students is forming cliques for personal gain? Or is it that he's neglecting his studies?"

"If all the students of the Imperial Academy, as the Censor says, shut themselves in their rooms to study, oblivious to what's happening outside and detached from practical matters, then what use are the scholars the court employs? Does it want pedantic scholars who only know how to pick up phrases and are ignorant of worldly affairs?!"

These words were extremely harsh, and Wang Zudao was so angry that his beard trembled, but he couldn't refute them.

"Prime Minister Zhang! I have never..."

"Alright," Zhao Xu finally said.

He sat on his throne, taking in the expressions of the three men.

Zhang Dun genuinely admired Zhao Mingcheng's talent, but he also harbored resentment towards "befriending Prince Duan".

He realized that Wang Zudao was using this as an excuse to vent his anger for his son, as well as to attack the New Party and put Zhao Tingzhi in a bad light.

Zhao Tingzhi carefully maneuvered, protecting his son without completely offending anyone.

Zhao Xu tapped his fingers lightly on the test paper.

He did appreciate this exam paper.

In particular, the economic calculation and the insight of "using war to sustain war" hit the nail on the head.

Is expanding borders depleting the country's resources?

He was already tired of the old rhetoric of the Yuan You faction.

What he needs are pragmatic talents who can enrich the country, strengthen its military, and avenge the humiliation of Chanyuan.

But the matter of befriending Prince Duan...

A complex emotion flashed in Zhao Xu's eyes.

His eleventh brother, Prince Duan Zhao Ji, was intelligent and handsome, with exquisite calligraphy and painting skills, which Zhao Xu naturally admired.

But his younger brother was indeed frivolous, indulging in art all day long and knowing nothing about politics.

If Zhao Mingcheng is truly talented, following Zhao Ji might lead him astray.

More importantly, he wanted to see if Zhao Mingcheng was truly knowledgeable or just a theorist.

"There's no need to argue anymore," Zhao Xu said, and the hall fell silent instantly.

"I have read Zhao Mingcheng's article several times, and it is indeed insightful. As for whether it is just sensationalism or mere theoretical discussion, arguing about it is pointless."

His gaze swept over the three people below the steps.

"By imperial decree: In three days, summon Zhao Mingcheng, a senior student of the Imperial Academy, to the Chui Gong Hall for an audience. I want to see for myself whether this young man is truly talented or merely all talk and no action."

Zhang Dun, Zhao Tingzhi, and Wang Zudao all bowed.

"I obey your decree."

"You may all leave." Zhao Xu waved his hand, picked up the exam paper again, and stared at the last sentence, "Securing the borders and ensuring the safety of the people is the foundation of benevolent governance for three generations," for a long time without moving.

Outside the hall, Zhang Dun and Zhao Tingzhi walked out side by side, while Wang Zudao lagged behind a few steps, his face gloomy.

"Zhao Sheren," Zhang Dun suddenly said in a low voice, "I have instructed your son to prepare well for the audience at the Chuigong Hall in three days."

Zhao Tingzhi felt a chill run down his spine and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Thank you for your guidance, sir."