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

Early morning of the hour of Mao (5-7 AM).

Bianjing City awoke in the thin mist, and the Imperial Academy was already filled with the sound of students reciting their lessons.

Zhao Mingcheng sat upright at his desk, holding "The Correct Meaning of the Book of Rites" in his hands, occasionally jotting down notes on the paper as the professor explained.

More than half a month has passed since Zhao Mingcheng transmigrated here, and he has adapted to the life of "getting up earlier than the rooster" at the Imperial Academy in the Song Dynasty.

The schedule at the Imperial Academy in the Song Dynasty was notoriously strict: classes started at 5 a.m.

Modern college students complain about starting work at 8 a.m., but students at the Imperial Academy in the Song Dynasty had to start work at 5 a.m. every day.

Classes start at 5 a.m., which means that students have to get up at 4 a.m.

Have you ever seen Bianjing at four in the morning?

Zhao Mingcheng had indeed met him.

Not only do they have to get up early, but the morning classes last for two hours with only a 15-minute break in between.

In the afternoon, there were also courses such as riding, archery, and law studies. The day was very full, with not a single casual class.

But then again, a young body is just different.

Zhao Mingcheng has excellent energy and has long been adapted to this grueling schedule.

The professor's voice came from the classroom.

"...Therefore, rites are the order of heaven and earth; music is the harmony of heaven and earth."

Dr. Chen stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping over the students below.

"Zhao Mingcheng, you tell me, what is the meaning of this statement?"

The room quieted down, and many classmates secretly turned their heads to look at the figure in the indigo shirt in the back row.

Zhao Mingcheng calmly stood up, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"Master, I believe this statement elucidates the origin of rites and music. Rites imitate the order of heaven and earth, hence the distinctions of rank, hierarchy, and intimacy."

"Music imitates the harmony of heaven and earth, hence the sounds of gong, shang, jiao, zhi, and yu. Rites distinguish differences, music harmonizes unity; when the two complement each other, good governance is achieved."

He spoke calmly, his voice clear and resonant.

This question isn't actually that difficult, but it's not easy to answer it comprehensively in a short amount of time.

Dr. Chen's eyes showed approval, and he asked again.

"In your opinion, is there any neglect of rites and music in the world today?"

This was a rather profound question, and everyone in the hall held their breath, waiting for Zhao Mingcheng's answer.

Zhao Mingcheng knew that the doctor was testing him on current affairs.

He pondered for a moment,

"In my humble opinion, the problem with etiquette lies in emphasizing form over substance. For example, weddings and funerals often become extravagant, which has deviated from the original meaning of etiquette."

"The problem with music is that it emphasizes refined and elegant songs while neglecting folk customs. The music of the imperial court is becoming increasingly popular, while the songs of the common people are gradually fading away. Both of these issues need to be corrected."

"So how do we correct it?"

"The students believe that etiquette should be simplified and returned to its original simplicity; music should be enjoyed by both the refined and the common people and should be in tune with their sentiments."

Seeing that the time was right, Zhao Mingcheng continued,

"However, this is not something that can be accomplished in a day; it requires a top-down approach and a gradual, step-by-step strategy."

Dr. Chen stroked his beard for a long time before finally nodding.

"Sit down. Your insights are quite pertinent in addressing current issues."

Dr. Chen is known for his strictness, so this is already a very good evaluation.

A murmur of discussion arose in the hall, and many classmates cast envious or admiring glances at Zhao Mingcheng.

Zhao Mingcheng sat down calmly.

In his previous life, he taught Song Dynasty history, so he was naturally familiar with these classics.

In addition, the original owner of Zhao Mingcheng was already intelligent and had a solid foundation in the classics, history, philosophy and literature. With the combination of these two, he was able to handle the courses at the Imperial Academy with ease.

"Thump—thump—"

The bell rang, and the morning classes finally came to an end.

Dr. Chen closed the book.

That's all for today. After school, you can review the "Royal System" chapter again, and we'll have a quiz on it tomorrow.

The students responded in unison, and only after the doctor left the lecture hall did they breathe a sigh of relief and stretch their stiff shoulders and necks.

Zhao Mingcheng put down his pen and let out a long sigh. What he wanted most at that moment wasn't to discuss academic matters, but rather—

"Brother Mingcheng!"

"Brother Zhao!"

"Brother Zhao, please wait!"

Several classmates had already gathered around.

There are people in the outer dormitory and people in the inner dormitory, all of whom I have gradually gotten to know over the past two weeks.

Since Zhao Mingcheng became famous overnight at the gathering, and news spread that he had gained the favor of Prince Duan, more and more people in the Imperial Academy sought to talk to him.

"Brother Mingcheng, although we didn't witness yesterday's game, we've heard it described in incredible terms. How exactly was that shot made?"

A round-faced classmate squeezed to the front, his eyes shining.

Another person continued.

"And your conversation with Prince Duan about calligraphy has already spread! Everyone says your insights are unique, and even Prince Duan praised you highly!"

"Brother Zhao, I recently acquired a Han Dynasty seal. Could you please take a look at it for me?"

"Mingcheng, I still don't quite understand what the professor said about the 'Di and Xia rituals' yesterday..."

Everyone was talking at once, creating quite a lively scene.

Zhao Mingcheng smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please allow me, Zhao, to change my clothes."

Changing clothes here refers to using the toilet.

Zhao Mingcheng's bladder was already protesting.

During the 15-minute break in the morning class, he was so busy organizing his notes that he forgot to go to the toilet.

Now, as soon as get out of class ends, that feeling comes rushing in.

Having said that, he ignored everyone's reaction, pushed through the crowd, and rushed out of the hall.

There was a moment of silence in the hall, followed by a burst of good-natured laughter.

"Brother Zhao, slow down!"

"I'll hear what Brother Zhao has to say when we get back!"

Without looking back, Zhao Mingcheng practically ran out of the lecture hall, turned the corner, and headed straight for the outhouse.

The Imperial Academy's outhouse was located on the west side of the school buildings, in a separate small courtyard, and it was quite clean.

Zhao Mingcheng rushed in, and after resolving this major life event, he finally breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling completely relaxed.

Just as he walked a distance away.

"Brother Zhao, please wait."

The voice came from behind Zhao Mingcheng.

Were all students at the Imperial Academy in the Song Dynasty this enthusiastic?

Did you chase someone all the way to the bathroom?

Zhao Mingcheng turned around in confusion and saw an unfamiliar young man, about sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing the long robes commonly seen on students of the Imperial Academy. He had a dignified appearance and a scholarly air about him.

Judging from the color of his robe, he should be an inner student—the Imperial Academy is divided into three classes: outer, inner, and upper. Inner students are considered to be top students.

"Who is this, sir?" Zhao Mingcheng asked, bowing respectfully.

"I am Li Jiong, a student of the Inner Court." The young man returned the greeting with a gentle smile. "I have come here without permission to learn about epigraphy. I hope Brother Zhao will not take offense."

It turned out he wanted to learn some knowledge, and Zhao Mingcheng relaxed.

"Brother Li, you're too kind. What may I ask you?"

The two walked side by side under the corridor. It was during the break between classes, and the corridor was filled with students in twos and threes, some discussing their homework and others chatting.

Li Jiong took out a folded piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it, and found it to be a rubbing.

"This is a rubbing of a bronze mirror from a family collection. The pattern is unique, and neither my classmate nor I can decipher it. I heard that Brother Zhao is an expert in epigraphy, so I came here specifically to ask for your guidance."

Zhao Mingcheng took it and examined it closely.

The rubbing features typical Han Dynasty bronze mirror decorations, with a knob base in the center, an inscription around the perimeter, and then mythical beast patterns.

But strangely, the design of the mythical beast is different from that of common Han mirrors; it looks more like…

"This is the 'Kui Phoenix Pattern'," Zhao Mingcheng said, pointing to the patterns.

"But look, this phoenix head, dragon body, and curled tail actually combine the characteristics of the Kui dragon and the phoenix. This pattern is commonly seen in the mid-Western Han Dynasty, especially around the time of Emperor Wu."

"If this mirror is intact, its diameter should be about five inches, and there should be inscriptions such as 'its inner quality is clear and bright' on the edge."

Li Jiong's eyes lit up when he heard this.

"Brother Zhao is indeed learned! This mirror was indeed obtained from a Western Han Dynasty tomb, and it is 4.8 inches in diameter. The inscription on the edge reads 'Pure within, so bright and clear,' but unfortunately, it was not fully rubbed during the rubbing process."

That's it.

Zhao Mingcheng returned the rubbing to Li Jiong.

"The value of this mirror lies not only in its age, but also in its decoration—this kind of kui-phoenix pattern is extremely rare. I have only seen three or five of them. Brother Li, you must be a great collector to have this in your possession."

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Li Jiong's face.

"I do enjoy collecting, but my knowledge of epigraphy is only superficial. Brother Zhao, could you elaborate a bit more on 'around the time of Emperor Wu'? How can you be so sure it refers to that period?"

That's a very good question.

Zhao Mingcheng became interested and started talking as they walked.

"Look at the bronze quality, the script of the inscription, and the style of the decoration. Mirrors from the early Western Han Dynasty were mostly simple and plain. During the reign of Emperor Wu, the country was powerful and the craftsmanship was exquisite, so the decorations became more complicated. By the late Western Han Dynasty, they tended to be simple again."

"Your mirror, with its intricate yet orderly patterns and flowing lines, is a hallmark of its heyday, and this inscription..."

Zhao Mingcheng started by talking about bronze mirrors, then about bronze ware, and finally about the smelting technology of the Han Dynasty.

Li Jiong listened intently, asking questions from time to time, and the two became more and more congenial as they chatted.

"I see," Li Jiong remarked with a sigh.

"In the past, I only knew how to follow the map and identify things by comparing them with the 'Illustrations of Antiquities' and 'Illustrations of Antiquities,' but I didn't know that I should start by looking at the craftsmanship, calligraphy, and the evolution of patterns. Today, listening to your words is better than reading books for ten years."

"Brother Li, you flatter me," Zhao Mingcheng said with a smile. "I've just been pondering this over the years, looking at more actual objects and comparing more rubbings."

The two had reached the courtyard in front of the schoolhouse. There were stone benches and tables under the trees in the courtyard. Li Jiong invited Zhao Mingcheng to sit down and took out a small notebook from his pocket.

"To be honest, Brother Zhao, I've been organizing my family's collection of rubbings of ancient inscriptions recently, and I have some questions I'd like to ask..."

He opened the notebook and pointed to one of the pages.

"For example, regarding this rubbing of the Zhang Qian Stele, I've seen several versions circulating, with differences in the characters and strokes. I don't know which one is the genuine one?"

Zhao Mingcheng leaned closer to take a closer look.

That was a partial rubbing of the Zhang Qian Stele, and it was indeed a different version.

He carefully compared the two, pointed out the characteristics of several key strokes, and shared his insights on distinguishing genuine from fake.

Li Jiong nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, then suddenly sighed.

"If my uncle were here, he would surely have a much more congenial conversation with Brother Zhao, as his expertise in epigraphy far surpasses mine."

"Oh? I don't know who your uncle is?"

"My uncle, Li Gong, whose given name is Gefei, is currently an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites," Li Jiong said casually. "He is also a collector. A few years ago, he compiled a book called 'A Record of Famous Gardens in Luoyang,' which Brother Zhao may have heard of."

Zhao Mingcheng was about to nod when he suddenly froze.

Li Gefei?

Li Gefei, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites?

Isn't this his future father-in-law?

He slowly turned his head and looked at the gentle and refined young man beside him who was studying the rubbings with his head down.

Historically, Li Qingzhao did indeed have a cousin named Li Jiong, but there are few records of him.

At this time, Li Jiong was studying in Bianjing and was staying at his uncle Li Gefei's house.

So, this Li Jiong in front of him is his future brother-in-law.

"Brother Zhao?"

Li Jiong noticed that Zhao Mingcheng's expression was strange and asked in confusion.

"Ah, it's nothing." Zhao Mingcheng came to his senses and smiled. "So you are the young master of the Li family. My apologies. I have read Li's 'Records of Famous Gardens in Luoyang'. The writing is elegant and the research is detailed. I have benefited greatly from it."

"Uncle will be pleased to know that Brother Mingcheng speaks so highly of you," Li Jiong said with a smile.

The two continued walking, and the conversation naturally turned to stone inscriptions, from Han dynasty steles to Wei dynasty steles, and then from inkstones to bronzes.

Li Jiong comes from a family with a strong academic background and has extensive knowledge; Zhao Mingcheng has a solid academic foundation from his previous life, plus the accumulation of knowledge from the original body, so he can often offer some unique insights.

The two hit it off as they chatted, and it seemed as if they had known each other for a long time.

"Uncle, it would be best if you could mentor the younger generation. If you have some free time in the future, Brother Zhao, please come to visit my uncle. We can appreciate the bronze and stone artifacts together then."

Zhao Mingcheng had already confirmed in his heart that his brother-in-law, Li Jiong, was an honest man.

"Then Mingcheng thanks Brother Li in advance."

As they talked, the two walked side by side toward the lecture hall, the bamboo shadows swaying and the morning light filtering through the branches and leaves.

"By the way, Brother Zhao," Li Jiong suddenly remembered something, "this month's private examination tests policy essays. How is your preparation going, Brother Zhao?"

During the Song Dynasty, the Imperial Academy held private examinations every month, also known as monthly exams. May was the second month, and according to the Imperial Academy's custom, the exams consisted of policy essays.

Zhao Mingcheng smiled and waved his hand.

"What else can we do? We just need to read more model essays and memorize some classical allusions."

"Just a few days ago, the professor admonished me, saying that the key to policy essays is clear reasoning and eloquent expression, and that piling up flowery language is the worst thing. I have been rereading Han Yu's articles these days to learn his writing style."

"Brother Zhao is indeed more pragmatic." Li Jiong nodded. "I do prefer Liu Zongyuan's argumentative essays; they are vigorous and his reasoning is quite thorough, but..."

He lowered his voice.

"In the past, when I went home on my days off, I would always hear my uncle talking about the struggle between the old and new parties, and I also heard many classmates say that this policy proposal would probably be directly related to the new law."

Li Jiong's idea actually coincided with Zhao Mingcheng's.

In the second year of Yuanfu, the undercurrents of struggle between the old and new parties were surging.

Especially in the small political arena of the Imperial Academy, it was common to discuss current affairs and the new and old parties, not to mention the use of examinations to test political stances.

"Brother Li is right to remind me," he said in a low voice. "If we are truly examining current affairs, we must present our arguments fairly and impartially."

"That's exactly right," Li Jiong said with a smile. "However, with Brother Zhao's talent, you must be more than capable of handling this. The other day, your essay 'On Rites, Music, and Penal Administration' was read aloud by the professor in class, who praised it highly."

As they talked, they walked back to the vicinity of the lecture hall. The bell was about to ring, and the next class was about to begin.

"I have benefited greatly from today's conversation with Brother Mingcheng." Li Jiong solemnly cupped his hands in greeting. "If you have some free time another day, please come and visit me."

The bell rang.

"Let's go back to the lecture hall first," Li Jiong said. "We'll talk another day."

"Let's talk another day."