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

The study in the Prince Duan's mansion was bright and clean, and the objects on the antique shelves gleamed warmly in the afternoon sun.

But at this moment, the air inside the room was so stagnant that it was hard to breathe.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) paced back and forth behind the large sandalwood desk, his hands behind his back, his steps hurried and heavy.

Zhao Xiaoyi sat on a chair to the side, drinking hot tea. His complexion had improved considerably.

Zhao Mingcheng stood with his hands at his sides in front of the table, having already given a concise report on the interrogation of Yang San.

When the name "Manager Wang of Baoshunhao" was mentioned, Zhao Ji stopped in his tracks.

"Baoshunhao?" Zhao Ji repeated the name, his eyes icy. "A mere gambling den owner dares to extend his reach into my residence and scheme against Sanlang?"

"It seems that Yang San was coerced and lured by him," Zhao Mingcheng said calmly. "Gambling debts are the chains, and family is the Achilles' heel. But how could a gambling den owner dare to plot such a thing if he had no one to rely on?"

The student just asked Master Liang to investigate the background of this Bao Shun firm; they should have some leads by now.

Before he could finish speaking, hurried yet light footsteps came from outside the study door.

Liang Shicheng pushed open the door and entered, his face covered in a thin layer of sweat. He first bowed to Zhao Mingcheng and Zhao Xiaoyi, then quickly walked to Zhao Ji's side and said in a deep voice.

"Your Highness, we've found it. The person registered with the government for Baoshun Company is a low-ranking official named Zhou Qin, who is a minor official in the granary department. He is usually very subservient."

But the old servant had someone inquire with a clerk he knew well, and learned that Zhou Qin's wife was the sister of a concubine recently taken by the second steward of Cai Chengzhi's household. The two families were quite close, and it was said that Zhou Qin's appointment to the granary department was also due to connections within the Cai family.

"Cai Jing!"

Zhao Ji spat out those two words through gritted teeth, his face instantly turning red. He slammed his hand on the desk, making the brushes on the brush holder jump.

"Good! Good for you, Cai Jing! Last time, the Tongwen Guan case caused chaos in the court. It wasn't enough to purge the old party; now he's set his sights on me?! Scheming against Mingcheng, scheming against Sanlang, stirring up trouble in my own residence! Does he really think I'm some clay or wooden sculpture that he can mold at will?!"

Emperor Huizong's chest heaved violently, his eyes blazing with anger, and he turned and walked outside.

"Guards! Change my clothes! Prepare my sedan chair! I must enter the palace immediately! I must see the Empress Dowager and the Emperor! I want to ask Cai Jing, what exactly is he trying to do by wreaking havoc on the imperial clan! Does he have any respect for the imperial family or the law?"

"Your Highness! No!" Zhao Mingcheng stepped forward and stood in front of Zhao Ji, bowing deeply and raising his voice.

"Mingcheng, why are you doing this?" Zhao Ji said angrily.

"Your Highness, please hear what I have to say!" Zhao Mingcheng did not back down, but looked directly at Zhao Ji with a calm and firm gaze. "Entering the palace now to directly confront Cai Jing is by no means the best course of action!"

"Isn't this the best course of action? Are we just going to let him bully me and swallow our anger?!" Zhao Ji glared at Zhao Mingcheng.

"Of course I can't tolerate it." Zhao Mingcheng shook his head, his tone softening, but every word was clear and forceful.

"Your Highness, it is precisely because we cannot tolerate this that we must plan carefully before acting, striking decisively and without hesitation, rather than acting rashly and falling into a passive position."

"Passive? We have witnesses and physical evidence. Yang San has confessed, and the connection between the gambling den and Cai Jing has been investigated. The evidence is irrefutable. What passive is there?" Zhao Ji was furious.

"Your Highness," Zhao Mingcheng took a deep breath and analyzed.

"Firstly, Yang San's account is only one side of the story; he can only point to Manager Wang of Baoshunhao. If Cai Jing denies it, or pushes out the steward or even Zhou Qin to take the blame, saying that he is a bully using his power, what can Your Highness do? Are you going to confront Cai Jing in front of the Emperor and argue whether the relatives of his servants were acting under his orders?"

Zhao Ji's expression froze.

"Secondly," Zhao Mingcheng continued, "the impeachment turmoil in the court has only recently subsided, and the Empress Dowager and the Emperor are already troubled. If the Prince's residence suffers repeated mishaps, which would alarm the Emperor at every turn, it might not only fail to achieve its goal but also displease the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, making them feel that the Prince's residence is not peaceful enough, thus adding unnecessary trouble and making His Highness appear to be not composed enough in handling matters."

These words touched upon Zhao Ji's concerns.

Emperor Huizong of Song was fearless, but he cared most about the opinions of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.

If he keeps reporting these things to others, it will only backfire, and he might not even be able to play with Mingcheng anymore.

Zhao Mingcheng's words calmed Zhao Ji down.

Seeing that his anger had subsided, Zhao Mingcheng slowly began to speak.

"Your Highness, to strike a snake, strike its vital spot. Filing a complaint against the emperor is an open secret. Cai Jing has been cultivating his influence for many years, with his cronies spread far and wide and his information network extensive. If Your Highness enters the palace now, I'm afraid that before your sedan chair even reaches the palace gates, he will have already gotten wind of it and either destroyed any evidence, arranged for a scapegoat, or cleverly defended himself."

If Your Highness cannot produce irrefutable evidence to kill him in one blow, it will only alert the enemy, making him more prepared and harder to deal with in the future.

Zhao Ji no longer said he wanted to go to the palace immediately, but his anger had not subsided. He sat back down in his chair and said in a muffled voice.

"Then what do you suggest we do? Are we just going to let it go like this? Let him laugh behind our backs?"

"Of course it doesn't count." Zhao Mingcheng walked to the table, his gaze sweeping over Zhao Ji and Zhao Xiaoyi, who was listening intently to him.

"The student has a plan that might leave him speechless, stripped of his henchmen, and with nowhere to seek justice."

"Oh? Speak quickly!" Zhao Ji leaned forward.

Zhao Xiaoyi also looked over curiously.

"We won't charge him with instigating the crime," Zhao Mingcheng said slowly, a cold glint in his eyes. "That's too complicated, too far-reaching, and prone to unforeseen changes. But we will charge him with... receiving stolen goods and running a gambling den."

Both Zhao Ji and Zhao Xiaoyi were taken aback.

Zhao Mingcheng continued his explanation, clearly and logically.

"The case is right before our eyes. Yang San, a gambler at the Prince Duan's residence, was addicted to gambling and had accumulated huge debts. Instigated by the gambling den owner, he took a risk to steal a piece of property from the Prince's residence in order to pay off his gambling debts. He went to the gambling den to sell the stolen goods and attempted to make up for his losses with the proceeds. The Prince's residence discovered the theft, tracked down the whereabouts, and caught the thief red-handed."

"This plan..." Zhao Ji pondered.

"Your Highness, this plan has several advantages," Zhao Mingcheng said.

"First, it's perfectly legitimate. The Prince's mansion was robbed, so it's only right and proper for us to report it to the authorities and investigate the stolen goods. No one can find fault with that. The Kaifeng Prefecture must accept the report."

"Secondly, we will strike at the heart of the matter. Baoshun was one of Cai Jing's outposts for accumulating wealth and gathering information from the streets. By shutting it down on legitimate grounds and arresting the manager and key members, we can cut off a finger and destroy an ear. With the criminals caught red-handed and the evidence irrefutable, the gambling den will surely collapse."

"Third," Zhao Mingcheng's tone turned cold.

"We can force Cai Jing to make a choice. After the incident, he only has two paths. Either use his connections to protect the gambling den and the manager, but in that case, his connection with the gambling den will be hard to hide. Is it worth getting burned for a gambling den?"

He either has to cut his losses and abandon the piece altogether.

Emperor Huizong and Emperor Xiaoyi nodded in approval of the plan.

The prince's mansion was robbed, the gambling dens were scrambling to recover the stolen goods, and their dens were raided. How pleasing to the ear it sounds!

The anger on Zhao Ji's face had been completely replaced by an expression that was a mixture of excitement and coldness.

He clapped his hands.

"Brilliant! Mingcheng, this plan is brilliant! Using the most legitimate reason, we've raided his den of iniquity and arrested his henchmen! Let him suffer in silence, unable to express his bitterness! Just thinking about Cai Yuanchang's face when he hears the news makes me feel so satisfied!"

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) stood up, full of vigor and high spirits.

"That's settled then! Mingcheng, whatever stolen goods you need, take whatever you like from the treasury! Jade, antiques, gold and silver, take whatever you fancy! If you need money to bribe the officials, just ask Liang Shicheng for it! I'm going to shut down Baoshunhao today!"

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Zhao Mingcheng didn't stand on ceremony; time was of the essence, and arrangements had to be made immediately.

"Master Liang," he said, looking first at Liang Shicheng, "I'll need you to make another trip to see Yang San later."

"Please give your orders, young master." Liang Shicheng bowed.

"Go and tell him," Zhao Mingcheng said calmly, yet with an undeniable resolve.

"If he wants to live and protect his family, there is only one way right now."

He insisted that he owed a huge debt to Baoshun Company and, under someone's instigation, stole a piece of mutton-fat white jade amulet with the inscription "Fu Shou Ru Yi" from the Prince's Mansion, then went to a gambling den to sell it in an attempt to recoup his debts.

If he confesses in court, the Prince's Mansion will guarantee his family's safe departure from the capital and, in consideration of his past service, will provide them with a settlement allowance sufficient for a comfortable life in the countryside. However, if he dares to recant his confession or dabble in anything else…”

Zhao Mingcheng didn't continue speaking, but only glanced at Liang Shicheng.

Liang Shicheng wore a chillingly indifferent smile.

This is something he's been doing for a long time.

"Young master, rest assured. It is my duty to tell people to say what should be said and forget what should not be remembered. I will make sure that he will sign the document willingly and obediently, without making a single mistake."

"Thank you for your trouble." Zhao Mingcheng nodded, then turned to Zhao Ji, "Your Highness, about the stolen goods..."

Zhao Ji addressed Liang Shicheng directly.

"Shicheng, go to the storeroom and fetch that palm-sized mutton-fat white jade scepter of good fortune and longevity that the Emperor bestowed upon me for my birthday two years ago! I need the one with a lustrous texture and clear carving!"

"Yes." Liang Shicheng accepted the order and hurried away.

Before long, Liang Shicheng returned carrying a brocade box. Upon opening it, he found a flawless, smooth, and lustrous jade ruyi with clear auspicious and longevity patterns, clearly no ordinary item.

Zhao Ji glanced at it and nodded.

Zhao Mingcheng took the brocade box, but did not close it immediately.

He pondered for a moment, then looked up at Zhao Ji and said.

"Your Highness, to prevent Manager Wang from fleeing at the first sign of trouble, or from destroying evidence in a desperate act, we need to send a reliable and alert person ahead to secretly control the situation at Baoshun Store. Once I arrive with the Kaifeng Prefecture constables, we can coordinate an attack from within and capture him in one fell swoop."

"That makes sense!" Zhao Ji said. "Who do you think should be sent?"

Zhao Mingcheng's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Gao Qiu, who had been standing by the door.

"Gao Qiu".

Gao Qiu immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"I'm here."

"Take six skilled and clever guards from the Prince's Palace, change into civilian clothes, and head immediately to Baoshun Shop in the south of the city." Zhao Mingcheng handed the brocade box to Gao Qiu, who quickly accepted it with both hands.

"Take this jade ruyi with you. When you arrive at the destination, observe secretly. If you see that Manager Wang shows any signs of running away, or if there is any unusual activity in the gambling house, show your Wangfu waist token to keep him in check and control the front and back entrances."

Remember, your primary task is to prevent the person from escaping; only then should you properly store the stolen goods.

Zhao Mingcheng stared into Gao Qiu's eyes.

"Afterwards, once I arrive with the constables from Kaifeng Prefecture, you must identify this jade ruyi as stolen goods recovered from the gambling den. This matter is of great importance; it requires boldness, meticulousness, and adaptability. Can you handle it?"

Holding the priceless jade ruyi, Gao Qiu felt as if it weighed a ton, but a surge of excitement and pride welled up within him, a feeling of being given a great responsibility.

This shows the trust that Young Master Zhao has in him!

It was a benefactor who gave him this opportunity!

Gao Qiu had been waiting for this day all his life—to be used by a powerful person.

He took a deep breath and said resolutely.

"Rest assured, young master! I will not fail you! I will keep a close watch on Baoshun Store and will not let that manager surnamed Wang escape even a step! As for this jade ruyi, I will risk my life to arrange it smoothly!"

"Alright." Zhao Mingcheng nodded. "There's no time to lose, you should set off immediately."

"yes!"

Gao Qiu carefully tucked the brocade box into his bosom, bowed to Zhao Ji, Zhao Xiaoyi, and Zhao Mingcheng, then turned and strode away quickly, his steps steady and powerful.

"Your Highness," Zhao Mingcheng said to Zhao Ji at the end, "I will take the Prince's name card and the police report to Kaifeng Prefecture in person. I need two guards from the Prince's Mansion to accompany me as witnesses."

"Granted!" Zhao Ji waved his hand and said to Liang Shicheng.

"Shi Cheng, send two of your most capable guards to accompany Ming Cheng. Also, immediately draft a formal report of theft and request for assistance in the investigation, in my name, and affix my personal seal! Be quick!"

"This old servant will take care of it right away!" Liang Shicheng replied and hurriedly went out to make arrangements.

Before long, everything was ready.

The document, stamped with the Prince Duan's bright red seal, and two elite guards from the Prince's residence were already waiting outside the door.

Zhao Mingcheng bowed to Zhao Ji and Zhao Xiaoyi.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, I will be going now. Please await good news regarding matters at the manor."

Zhao Ji walked up to him, patted him firmly on the shoulder, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.

"Mingcheng, go ahead and do it! I'll take full responsibility! Today, Baoshun Company will be wiped off the map in Bianjing!"

Zhao Xiaoyi nodded slightly.

"Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Zhao. Please be careful."

Soon, from the side gate of the Prince Duan's mansion, Zhao Mingcheng, Liang Shicheng, and Gao Qiu set off in turn.