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

It was late at night, and the sound of the night watchman's clapper could be heard from afar on the street outside; it was the third watch of the night.

In Zeng Bu's residence, the candlelight in the study was still burning.

His desk was piled with military reports and documents, but Zeng Bu was not looking at those at the moment.

At this moment, Zeng Bu held several pages of paper in his hand. The paper was ordinary bamboo paper, and the characters were in the neat and formal official script, copied meticulously.

This is a copy of Zhao Mingcheng's policy essay, "Refuting the Argument of Opening the Borders and Depleting the Country," which he wrote during his private examination at the Imperial Academy.

Zeng Bu has already watched it three times.

"...If we abandon Huangzhou now, we will save 200,000 strings of cash in military expenses annually, but we will lose 300,000 strings of cash in profits from salt and iron, and we will also leave behind border troubles. In the future, suppressing and pacifying the region may cost us a million strings of cash..."

Zeng Bu's finger traced lightly across the bottom of that sentence.

He closed his eyes and silently calculated in his mind.

Two hundred thousand strings of cash for military expenses and three hundred thousand strings of cash for profits from salt and iron—this calculation is straightforward, even somewhat crude, but it is precisely because of its straightforwardness that it appears powerful.

Those old scholars in the imperial court could talk for three days and three nights quoting classics, but who among the common people, soldiers, and officials on the frontier could understand them?

That's how it has to be calculated, one dollar at a time, so that people can understand that opening up the border is not just about fighting, it's about business, big business.

"Opening up the borders is not for territorial expansion, but rather for sustaining the war effort through warfare and using border profits to supplement national expenditures..."

Upon reading this, Zeng Bu nodded. In his opinion as a Privy Councilor, these words were indeed to the point.

When Emperor Shenzong defied public opinion to open the Xihe River, what was his aim? Was it really those few barren lands?

No.

It was the trade routes, the tea and horse trade, the salt and iron trade; it was about strangling the Xia Kingdom and holding the wealth of the Western Regions in our hands.

Many people in the court understand this principle, but no one dares to say it so plainly and clearly.

"...Those who govern the borders well will find that border administration becomes a source of national wealth..."

"Snap." Zeng Bu gently placed the paper on the table, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long sigh.

Zeng Bu was convinced; this policy essay was indeed a fine piece of writing.

It's not just that he has good writing skills, but that he has great insight and a keen eye.

The data is detailed and the reasoning is thorough. What is even more commendable is the pragmatic spirit—no empty talk about benevolence and righteousness, no empty talk about the way of the king, just accounting for the accounts, the economic accounts, and the long-term accounts.

This approach suits the emperor's taste perfectly, no wonder he summoned him twice and personally questioned him in the Chui Gong Hall.

Not to mention that even a prince like Prince Duan, who was arrogant and haughty, had a high opinion of Zhao Mingcheng and even spoke to the Empress Dowager on behalf of his family.

Zeng Bu picked up the tea, which had long since gone cold, took a sip, and found it both astringent and bitter. He frowned and put down the teacup. The tea had gone cold, and so had his heart.

In this Tongwenguan case, Zeng Bu suffered a significant setback.

Cai Jing's move was ruthless and precise; under the guise of investigating the old party's treasonous plot, he shifted the blame onto Cai Jing.

All the talk of "protecting" or "appeasing" is just an excuse.

What Cai Jing really wants is to oust Zeng Bu from his position as the "number two" of the New Party and take his place.

Cai Jing didn't accomplish everything, but he did at least most of it.

The emperor's statement, "Remain in office to observe future performance," is clear evidence of this.

Zeng Buneng could clearly feel that his chair as the Privy Councilor was getting a little too hot.

Zhang Dun was naturally pleased to see Zeng Bu suffer.

He, Zhang Dun, was the prime minister, a veteran official left over from the reign of Emperor Shenzong, and the banner of the New Party.

Zhang Dun doesn't need a powerful deputy, especially one who might not be on his side.

Cai Jing jumped out to attack others, and Zhang Dun was happy to sit back and watch the two tigers fight. In the end, he stepped in to clean up the situation, giving a warning to both Zeng Bu and Cai Jing.

Furthermore, Zhao Tingzhi's punishment of salary while retaining his post was Zhang Dun's doing. That old fox was using this incident to tell everyone:

"This new party is still under my control, Zhang Dun's."

The emperor was adept at using checks and balances, employing Cai Jing to defeat the old party and warn Zeng Bu, using Zhang Dun to check Cai Jing, and using minor figures like Zhao Tingzhi to maintain a delicate balance.

He was even more adept at using these tactics than Emperor Shenzong.

Everyone has become a pawn in the hands of the officials.

He once became one of them, a piece that was temporarily knocked down and needed to find a new place.

Zeng Bu did not intend to sit idly by and wait for his death.

Zhang Dun is unreliable. That old fox only cares about his own power and the new legal cause. He might not protect him in a critical moment.

Cai Jing is an even greater sworn enemy. If they didn't manage to kill him this time, they'll only be more ruthless next time.

The emperor needed Zeng Bu, who was still useful, to restrain the increasingly powerful Cai Jing.

But that's not enough; the emperor won't place all his hopes on him alone.

Therefore, Zeng Bu was looking for a new foothold.

We need to find people who are not in Zhang Dun and Cai Jing's inner circle, but who have potential, are favored by the emperor, and can resonate with him.

Zeng Bu's gaze returned to the few pages of paper on the table.

Zhao Mingcheng.

He was a nineteen-year-old student at the Imperial Academy and the only son of Zhao Tingzhi, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat.

With his talent, knowledge, and family background, he was among the best of the new party's sons. He met the emperor twice, won the emperor's favor, climbed the social ladder to Prince Duan, and gained the favor of the empress.

More importantly, during this incident, the Zhao family was almost crushed by Cai Jing under a pretext, but at the last moment, the emperor let them off easily.

What does this tell us?

This shows that in the emperor's mind, Zhao Mingcheng was more important than his father, Zhao Tingzhi, and was worth protecting.

Moreover, Zhao Tingzhi had just been treated leniently, and he was in a state of extreme anxiety and fear, so he needed reassurance.

Zeng Bu tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

Once, twice, three times.

"My lord, Mr. Chen has arrived."

The old steward of the Zeng family reported in a low voice from outside the door.

"Let him in."

The door opened, and a scholar in his forties entered, wearing a slightly worn robe, with a lean face and shrewd eyes.

He was a retainer and advisor kept by Zeng Bu in his mansion. His surname was Chen, and everyone called him Master Chen.

"Master Chen," Master Chen said, bowing slightly before sitting down in the chair below.

"You called me so late at night, is there something important?"

Zeng Bu pushed the few pages of paper on the table over.

"Take a look at this first."

Master Chen took it and examined it closely by candlelight.

He read even slower than Zeng Bu, sometimes frowning, sometimes nodding.

After reading it, he put down the paper and pondered for a moment.

"This article... is remarkable. The data, reasoning, and insight are all top-notch. What's even more commendable is its courage—to speak so frankly and clearly about the benefits of opening up borders to the country, without the slightest fear of accusations of militarism. Sir, who wrote this article?"

"Zhao Mingcheng's writings; he was Zhao Tingzhi's son, a student at the Imperial Academy," Zeng preached.

Master Chen suddenly realized.

"So it was him. The scholars of Bianjing have been talking about him quite a bit lately. He's a guest of honor at Prince Duan's court, has met the Emperor twice, and is currently enjoying great popularity. But..."

He paused.

"I heard that his father, Zhao Sheren, was recently embroiled in controversy; things don't look good?"

"It's all over now," Zeng Bu said calmly. "He'll be fined for six months' salary, but will remain in his post."

Master Chen was extremely astute; he immediately discerned the implied meaning.

"What does Mr. Dong mean?"

"This time, Cai Yuanchang has overstepped his bounds," Zeng Bu said slowly, his tone calm but tinged with coldness.

"He wanted to use the purge of the rebels to eliminate dissidents. Liu Zhi and Liang Tao had fallen, but he wasn't satisfied. He wanted to sweep me and even marginal figures like Zhao Tingzhi away. His appetite was too big. Wasn't he afraid of overdoing it?"

Master Chen nodded.

"Cai Chengzhi is ruthless and not someone to be trifled with. After this incident, I'm afraid you'll have to be even more cautious in the court."

"Caution?" Zeng Bu scoffed.

"Can mere caution protect us from both open and covert attacks? Zhang Zihou is sitting on the sidelines watching the tigers fight; the government wants a balance. If I only know how to be cautious and retreat at every step, sooner or later Cai Yuanchang will devour me until there's nothing left but bones."

"What does the old man mean?"

Zeng Bu's gaze returned to the policy essay.

"What do you think of Zhao Mingcheng?"

Master Chen thought for a moment and then said cautiously.

"This young man's talent and insight are beyond doubt; he is a rough gem, and the Emperor favors him greatly. However... he is still young, and his involvement with Prince Duan raises concerns about his potential advancement. Moreover, his father, Zhao Tingzhi, seems to have a reputation for being somewhat shrewd and opportunistic?"

"Being tactful is good," Zeng Bu said calmly.

"If he weren't tactful, Zhao Tingzhi would have been crushed long ago. The reason he was able to get through this time was certainly because Zhang Zihou spoke up and the Empress Dowager relayed a message, but think about it, what's the most crucial factor? It's that the Emperor was willing to give him a chance and protect his son. Why? Because Zhao Mingcheng is a valuable person."

Zeng Bu paused for a moment, then continued.

"The emperor summoned him twice, asking about border administration, the new laws, and practical matters. What did Zhao Mingcheng answer? He answered about the economic situation, governance, and the principle of 'balancing leniency and severity'."

"What does this show? It shows that in the Emperor's eyes, Zhao Mingcheng is not a courtier, nor a scholar who can only compose poems and essays, but a promising talent who can discuss practical matters, has insight, and is worth cultivating. With such a talent and the connection to Prince Duan, his future prospects are limitless."

Master Chen understood.

"Does the gentleman wish to... establish a good relationship?"

After Master Chen voiced Zeng Bu's thoughts, he felt a little relieved.

"Indeed, Zhao Mingcheng is talented and knowledgeable. As an elder, it is my duty to offer some guidance and encouragement to the younger generation. His father, Zhao Tingzhi, has just gone through a turmoil and is in a state of unease. It is no harm for me to express my concern and fulfill my duties as a colleague."

The words sounded grand and dignified, but Master Chen knew perfectly well that the real intention was to win him over and get him to invest, but the methods had to be subtle so as not to give anyone cause for criticism.

"So, how does the Master intend to...encourage him?" Master Chen asked.

Zeng Bu pondered for a moment.

"Well then, I happen to have some official business to attend to with Zhao Tingzhi recently. How about this, go and write an invitation to Zhao Tingzhi to come to my residence for a chat. I will also send him a book so that he can pass it on to his son."

Master Chen clapped his hands.

"Excellent! As a man of your status, it is perfectly legitimate to encourage younger generations by gifting you a book. Giving it to Vice Minister Zhao so that he can pass it on makes it seem even more natural and leaves no trace. Vice Minister Zhao has just been disturbed, and he will surely be grateful for this gesture from you."

Whether you are grateful or not is not important.

Zeng Bu waved his hand.

"The important thing is to let Zhao Mingcheng know that besides Zhang Dun and Cai Jing, there is someone in the court who appreciates his talent and recognizes his insights."

"We also need to make Zhao Tingzhi understand which way to go after the storm: whether to continue being an unemployed marginal person or to find someone to rely on."

Zeng Bu stood up and walked to the window, pushed it open halfway, and the cool night breeze blew in, making the candlelight flicker.

He spoke into the wind.

"Cai Yuanchang thought that by overthrowing a few old party members and giving me a warning, he could then dominate the new party."

"He's mistaken. This court, this world, is not for him to control everything. The Emperor needs to maintain balance, so I... will just add some weight to the Emperor's power."

Master Chen was solemn.

"I understand, I will go and prepare the invitation."

"Hmm." Zeng Bu closed the window, returned to his desk, picked up the policy essay again, read it once more, and a very faint smile appeared on his lips.