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

Empress Dowager Xiang had just woken up from her afternoon nap and was being served by palace maids who were combing her hair.

Her elegant profile was reflected in the bronze mirror, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes like shallow streams, which made her eyes appear even more serene.

The agarwood burned quietly in the Boshan incense burner, a wisp of smoke rising straight up before dissipating under the beam.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived," the female official announced softly.

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Xu had already lifted the curtain and entered.

He changed into a dark blue casual robe, his brows and eyes showing the weariness after the court meeting, but when he saw the Empress Dowager, he still managed a smile.

"Your son pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Please sit down." Empress Dowager Xiang turned from in front of the mirror, gesturing for the palace maids to bring her an embroidered stool.

"Did you have a lot of work to do at court today? You look tired."

"It's all the same old story." Zhao Xu sat down to her left and accepted the tea offered by the palace maid.

"The Northwest military pay, the Southeast grain transport, plus all those trivial impeachments." He took a sip of tea, his brow slightly relaxed. "The tea here at the Empress Dowager's place is still the best."

"It's because you have something on your mind that everything tastes bitter."

The Empress Dowager dismissed the palace maids, leaving only two of her personal attendants to serve outside the door.

"Did you know that Eleventh Brother came by at noon?"

Zhao Xu looked up.

"Eleventh brother? He's here to pay his respects?"

"Paying respects is a routine matter, but what you mentioned was quite novel."

Empress Dowager Xiang repeated Zhao Ji's words verbatim, in a calm tone, as if chatting casually.

"...I think it makes sense. That child may seem carefree, but he is eager to learn. It's rare to find a proper student from the Imperial Academy who can discuss matters with him, and he has been praised by Your Majesty yourself, so his character must be quite good."

Zhao Xu listened but didn't immediately respond.

He twirled the teacup in his hand, his gaze falling on the blue-and-white patterns on the rim.

"Zhao Mingcheng..." he murmured the name. "My son just asked him about it at the Chuigong Hall a few days ago. He certainly has some knowledge; he's not just an ordinary bookworm."

"That's it," Empress Dowager Xiang said with a smile. "Shiyilang said that the two of them often enjoy discussing epigraphy, calligraphy, and painting. I think it would be a good thing if this could help Shiyilang settle down and read more serious books."

Zhao Xu put down his teacup and tapped his knuckles lightly twice on the table.

"However... he is the son of an official and a student of the Imperial Academy. He is very close to the prince, which may cause controversy."

"That's why I said we needed a reason," Empress Dowager Xiang interjected.

"Compiling catalogs and organizing historical relics are serious matters. Two days every ten days, without interfering with studies or politics, can be regarded as 'practical training' in the Imperial Academy—no one can find fault with this statement."

She looked at her son, her tone gentle yet resolute.

"Your Majesty, Eleventh Brother is your own brother. You know his temperament; he dislikes politics and only loves these refined pursuits. If you force him to stay in his place, he will rebel; if you let him go, he might go astray. Now that he has a virtuous and academically excellent student to accompany him and guide him in his studies, it is better than him spending all his time with those actors and entertainers."

These words struck a chord with Zhao Xu.

He recalled Zhao Ji's face, which always wore a nonchalant smile, and the expressions on the faces of the courtiers when they privately discussed "Prince Duan's romantic affairs."

He also recalled how Zhao Ji followed behind him when he was a child, calling out "Sixth Brother" in a clear and crisp voice.

"Your Majesty's considerations are sound," Zhao Xu finally spoke, "but I have a few words to say beforehand."

"you say."

"First, his interactions are limited to literature and ancient books, and must absolutely not involve court politics or current affairs. Second, his studies at the Imperial Academy must not be neglected; if Zhao Mingcheng's studies decline, this matter will be immediately terminated. Third," Zhao Xu paused,

"If anything goes wrong or trouble arises, my son will personally intervene."

He spoke slowly, each word carrying the weight of an emperor.

After listening, Empress Dowager Xiang nodded slowly.

"That's how it should be. I'll make sure Eleven remembers, and I'll also make sure the messenger makes it clear—this is both a favor and a rule."

The mother and son looked at each other for a moment, and both saw understanding in each other's eyes.

Some things don't need to be said outright: Zhao Xu agreed out of consideration for his siblings, and also to give face to his mother;

Empress Dowager Xiang's encouragement stemmed from her love for her son and also from a desire to maintain the dignity of the royal family.

As for Zhao Mingcheng—if he's smart, he should know the weight of these words; if he's not, there are rules waiting for him.

"Then we'll do as the Empress Dowager wishes," Zhao Xu said finally. "Let the Imperial Academy do us a favor, but we must phrase it tactfully. It's not an imperial decree, but a 'request.'"

"Alright." Empress Dowager Xiang's smile deepened, and she reached out to straighten her son's collar.

"You're just too thoughtful. Eleventh Brother is still young, we'll teach him slowly."

Zhao Xu let his mother tidy up, and at that moment his expression was more like that of an ordinary family's son than an emperor.

He suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, my eleventh brother said he wants to compile a catalog. Many of the paintings, calligraphy, and bronzes in the manor were gifts from Father and my elder brother. Tell him to be careful and not to damage them."

"I will remind them." Empress Dowager Xiang withdrew her hand, her eyes full of kindness. "You must also take care of yourself. No matter how busy you are with court affairs, you must eat on time and get enough sleep. I've noticed you've lost weight recently."

"My son understands."

After chatting for a while, Zhao Xu got up to take his leave.

As he stepped out of Ciyuan Hall, the afternoon sun shone brightly, illuminating the white marble railings in front of the hall with dazzling light. He stood on the steps and squinted at the sky.

Eleventh brother... Zhao Mingcheng...

He shook his head, shaking off those chaotic thoughts; matters concerning the imperial family were never simple.

……

After leaving Ciyuan Palace, Zhao Xu did not return to Funing Palace, but strolled towards Kunning Palace.

As he walked, his steps unconsciously became lighter—there was someone there who could make him temporarily forget the tense atmosphere in the court.

The Kunning Palace was quiet.

When the palace maid saw him arrive, she tried to announce his arrival, but he waved her hand to stop her.

He tiptoed into the inner room and saw Empress Liu reclining on the couch by the window, holding a small embroidered garment in her hand, sewing it stitch by stitch.

Empress Liu was already seven months pregnant, and her belly was noticeably protruding.

She wore a loose, pale yellow jacket, without any makeup, her eyebrows and eyes gentle, and the sunlight streaming in from the window cast a soft golden glow around her.

Perhaps she was tired, because she would stop after stitching a few times, gently stroking her abdomen with a smile on her lips.

Zhao Xu stood by the door and watched for a long time.

"Your Majesty?" Empress Liu finally noticed, looked up and saw him, and hurriedly tried to get up.

"Don't move." Zhao Xu quickly went over and pressed her shoulder. "Just sit down." He sat down on the edge of the couch and naturally took her hand. "Sew these again? Just let the Imperial Stud Bureau do it. Be careful, it will hurt your eyes."

"Since I'm idle anyway," Empress Liu said with a gentle smile. "I sewed it myself, so the sentiment is different."

She unfolded the small garment in her hand; it was a pair of royal blue open-crotch pants embroidered with tiny cloud patterns.

"What does Your Majesty think of this design?"

Zhao Xu took it and examined it. The stitches were fine and dense, the embroidery was exquisite, and the cloud patterns were lively and lovely.

His fingertips caressed the soft fabric, and a corner of his heart suddenly softened.

"Okay." His voice lowered. "Anything you embroidered is good."

Empress Liu smiled, put away the undergarment, and then picked up another item from the tray beside her.

"This is a little bib, embroidered with the words 'May you have peace and safety every year.'" She paused, her voice softening further.

"Your Majesty, I hope he will be safe and healthy, and that he will be as valiant as Your Majesty in the future."

Zhao Xu felt a surge of warmth in his heart and reached out to pull her into his arms, carefully avoiding her stomach.

Empress Liu leaned obediently on his shoulder, her hand then resting on her abdomen.

"Are you still feeling unwell today?" Zhao Xu asked. "Is the medicine for preventing miscarriage prescribed by the imperial physician palatable?"

"It's all good. The medicine is a bit bitter, but for the sake of the child, I'm willing to do it." Empress Liu looked up at him, her eyes shimmering. "But Your Majesty, I see you've lost weight again. No matter how busy you are with court affairs, you must take care of your health."

These words were exactly the same as what her mother had said earlier. Zhao Xu smiled, lowered his head, and gently kissed her forehead: "I know."

The two nestled together quietly for a moment. Zhao Xu placed his hand on her hand that was stroking her belly, and suddenly felt a slight arching motion under his palm.

"He moved!" Zhao Xu's eyes lit up.

"Yes, this little fellow has been very lively lately." Empress Liu took his hand and placed it against her abdomen. Through the fabric, she could feel the powerful pulse of life within, one beat after another.

Zhao Xu held his breath, feeling the miraculous fetal movement.

This is his flesh and blood, his first child.

Regardless of gender, they will be the continuation of his life and the hope for the future of the Song Dynasty.

"When he comes out, I will personally teach him to read," Zhao Xu said softly, as if making a solemn promise. "I will teach him riding and archery, and the ways of governing a country. If it is a princess..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Empress Liu understood. She gripped his hand tightly, her voice soft yet firm.

"Whether it is a prince or a princess, they are all the Emperor's flesh and blood. I will teach them well so that they understand right from wrong and know how to behave appropriately."

A warm feeling welled up in Zhao Xu's heart. He remembered how his mother had been worrying about his eleventh brother in the Ciyuan Hall; and now, his wife was sewing clothes for their child here.

In this deep palace, there is certainly much intrigue and scheming, but there is still such pure warmth.

"I just came from the Empress Dowager's," he suddenly said, his voice more relaxed. "My eleventh brother wants to hire a student from the Imperial Academy to help him organize the calligraphy and paintings in his residence."

Empress Liu blinked and said gently.

"His Highness Prince Duan has a fondness for this pursuit; it would be wonderful if he had a good friend to accompany him. Has His Majesty given his permission?"

"I agree." Zhao Xu buried his face in her hair, inhaling the faint scent of osmanthus hair oil.

"Since the Empress Dowager spoke and my eleventh brother spoke sincerely, I grant my request. The rules have been established: only literature and art are permitted, and nothing else is allowed."

"Your Majesty is very thoughtful." Empress Liu gently patted his back, as if coaxing a child. "Harmony among brothers is a blessing for the country and the family. It is a blessing for Prince Duan to have an elder brother like Your Majesty protecting him."

That's a very apt remark.

Zhao Xu closed his eyes and after a long while, he finally hummed in agreement.

……

The news from the palace reached the Imperial Academy the following evening.

Zhao Mingcheng was organizing his manuscripts in his study when he heard the registrar outside the door summon him.

"Zhao Mingcheng, the Chief Priest invites you."

A thought struck him, and he put down his pen, straightened his robes, and followed the scholar to Chongwen Pavilion.

He ran into a few classmates on the way, and their gazes toward him were somewhat complicated—there was envy, curiosity, and perhaps even some inexplicable jealousy.

Inside the Chongwen Pavilion, Ye Zuqia was reviewing official documents.

Seeing him enter, she put down her pen and pointed to the chair at the head of the table: "Sit."

Zhao Mingcheng bowed and sat down. Ye Zuqia sized him up for a moment before slowly speaking:

"Yesterday, a message came from the palace to the Imperial Academy, saying that Prince Duan's residence has some books, paintings, and inscriptions that need to be sorted and compiled. They would like to ask the Imperial Academy to do you a favor and allow you to come to the residence for two days every ten days of rest to assist Prince Duan in proofreading."

Zhao Mingcheng was deeply shocked, but he dared not show it on his face and only lowered his head and said.

"The students are terrified."

"What are you so afraid of?" Ye Zuqia asked calmly. "This is the will of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Prince Duan is fond of literature, and it is your good fortune to be able to assist him."

He paused, his tone turning serious.

"But there are a few things you need to remember."

"Please enlighten me, Master."

"First, you are still a student of the Imperial Academy, and your studies are your priority. You must not miss your lessons or exams on those two days every ten days. If your studies fall behind, this matter will be immediately terminated."

"Secondly, within the Prince Duan's residence, one may only discuss literature and art, and collate ancient texts; one must not engage in court politics or discuss current affairs. You are a wise person; you should know your limits."

"Third," Ye Zuqia looked at him sharply, "you are the top student of the Imperial Academy, someone the Emperor himself has praised. Every word and action you take concerns the reputation of the Imperial Academy and your own future. Do not make any mistakes and fail to live up to this favor."

Every word carries immense weight.

Zhao Mingcheng stood up and bowed deeply to the ground.

"The student will remember this well and will never forget it."

Ye Zuqia's expression softened slightly, and he waved his hand: "Go. Start from the next day off."

"Yes."

When Zhao Mingcheng left Chongwen Pavilion, it was already dark, dusk was falling, and the lights in the Imperial Academy were gradually coming on.

He walked steadily back to the dormitory, his heart pounding.

It became.

The Empress Dowager spoke, the Emperor acquiesced, and the Imperial Academy granted permission—this "pass" was even more secure than he had anticipated.

Two days every ten days may not seem like much, but it is a permitted activity within the system, and it is an open and aboveboard exchange.

From then on, he no longer needed to sneak around when entering and leaving the Prince Duan's residence, and he was no longer afraid of gossip.

More importantly, this meant that he was on the list of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.

He was not seen as a "favored minister," but as a capable person who could "assist Prince Duan in his studies."

This identity is much safer and more valuable than simply being "the Prince's playmate".