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

On the afternoon of the day the decree was issued, Zhao Mingcheng returned to the Imperial Academy first.

His roommates, who had already heard the news, came forward to congratulate and bid him farewell upon his return, expressing their envy that he was "in the emperor's heart" and "bearing a heavy responsibility."

Zhao Mingcheng responded politely to each question, saying only that he was "dispatched by imperial decree and did his best in his humble capacity." His expression was calm, showing little excitement or fear.

After everyone had left, he sat alone at his desk, picked up his brush and wrote a short note to Li Jiong, which he then had his servant deliver to him.

Before long, Li Jiong arrived in a hurry.

"Brother Mingcheng!" Li Jiong entered the room with a complex expression on his face, showing concern, admiration, and a hint of reluctance at his friend's impending departure.

"I've heard of the imperial decree... It authorizes the dispatch of an envoy to the Hehuang region, whose reports will be delivered directly... His Majesty truly trusts my elder brother immensely! However..." He lowered his voice.

"I've heard things aren't peaceful in the Hehuang region. General Wang Shan just won a battle, but there's already discord among the generals, and the tribes are frequently rebelling. Brother, you must be extremely careful on your journey!"

Zhao Mingcheng invited Li Jiong to sit down, poured him a glass of water, and smiled.

"Brother Li, you are too kind. I am paid by the emperor and I should bear his worries. Since the emperor has given me this assignment, I should obey. Besides, being able to see the scenery of the Hehuang region and the situation of the non-Han tribes with my own eyes will greatly benefit my studies and knowledge."

Li Jiong sighed.

"Brother, I admire your magnanimity. However, the journey ahead is long, and the return date is uncertain. Without you at the Imperial Academy, I feel... something is missing. Those discussions on strategy, running on the football field..."

He said this, smiling somewhat sheepishly.

"By the way, my younger sister asked me to ask you about that policy essay on 'balancing leniency and severity' the other day. She's finished reading it and has some thoughts on it. She was planning to wait for you to write to her to discuss it, but now it seems..."

Zhao Mingcheng thought of that talented woman he had never met but already knew well.

"Please convey to your sister that Mingcheng has always hoped to hear her insights. This journey to the west will likely delay things for some time, but I will certainly consult her again when I return to the capital. I also ask you to focus on your studies at the Imperial Academy, and that one day, when you pass the imperial examinations and we serve as officials together, we can reminisce about our time together."

The two chatted for a while longer. Knowing that he must be busy before leaving, Li Jiong did not linger and stood up to give a respectful bow.

"Brother, take care! The Hehuang region is cold and harsh; please take good care of yourself. I am in Bianjing, awaiting your good news!"

"Brother Li, please take care as well." Zhao Mingcheng returned the greeting and saw Li Jiong to the outside of the study.

Watching my friend's departing figure, I felt a pang of parting. This relatively simple period of studying at the Imperial Academy was perhaps coming to a temporary end.

After leaving the Imperial Academy, Zhao Mingcheng returned home by carriage.

Zhao Xu granted Zhao Tingzhi special permission not to come to court today, and he and his wife, Lady Guo, were to wait in the main hall.

The news had already reached the household, and everyone felt both honored and worried.

Upon seeing his son enter, Zhao Tingzhi's expression was complex. His son's gaining the emperor's favor and being appointed to an important post was naturally a glorious event for the family and a promising future.

But what kind of place is the Hehuang region?

Newly developed lands were fraught with danger and conflict, inhabited by both Han and non-Han peoples, and suffered from a harsh and cold climate.

His son had never traveled far from home before, much less experienced the battlefields of the frontier. The fate of his son on this journey was uncertain. As a father, how could he not worry?

"Father, Mother," Zhao Mingcheng stepped forward to greet them.

"Mingcheng, you're back." Madam Guo spoke first, her eyes already slightly red. She held her son's hand and looked him up and down, as if trying to imprint his current appearance deep in her heart.

"I know the imperial decree... Your mother knows. It's a good thing that the Emperor trusts you, but that place... I've heard that ears can freeze off in winter, and the barbarians are ruthless... My son, you must be very careful! Have you brought enough clothes? Do you have enough money? Should we bring a few more capable servants with us?"

"Mother, don't worry, I will take good care of myself," Zhao Mingcheng reassured her gently.

"The Emperor has arranged for elite Western Army guards to accompany us, along with generals familiar with the situation in the barbarian lands. We will take good care of their luggage and valuables."

Zhao Tingzhi coughed, signaling his wife to calm down, then looked at his son and said in a deep voice.

"Mingcheng, the Emperor has entrusted you with this important task, which is your good fortune and the honor of the Zhao family. However, the border is not the same as the capital, and the situation in the Hehuang region is even more delicate. Your trip is ostensibly to appease the Emperor, but in reality, you are carrying out His Majesty's secret mission. You must keep a few points in mind."

"Please enlighten me, Father," Zhao Mingcheng said solemnly.

"First, observe more, listen more, and speak less. Especially when it comes to conflicts between generals or infighting among tribes, do not express your opinion lightly before you know the truth, and do not get involved. Your power of 'direct access to memorials' is a powerful tool, but also a source of disaster. Use it with utmost caution."

"Secondly, be mindful of your duties. Your responsibilities are to pacify, consult, and assist. Military actions are the responsibility of the generals and commanders, and are beyond your control, nor should you interfere. However, you may proceed cautiously with matters concerning tribal affairs and land reclamation, based on imperial decrees, to observe the results."

"Thirdly," Zhao Tingzhi emphasized, "that is, the reason why..."

"Only by protecting yourself can you serve the country. If you encounter any unclear matters, consult with General Liu Zhongwu. The Emperor's choice to send him on this journey must have a profound purpose. Do not be stingy with money and expenses; take care of the necessary arrangements. Your family has prepared enough silver for you; your mother will give it to you later."

Zhao Mingcheng noted them down one by one and bowed.

"Father's golden words of wisdom, I will always keep in mind and never dare to forget them."

Guo, standing to the side, couldn't help but wipe away her tears.

Zhao Mingcheng comforted his mother for a long time, promising that he would write letters often to let her know he was safe.

The family of three had a simple meal. During the meal, Guo gave many earnest instructions, while Zhao Tingzhi remained silent, only glancing at his son from time to time with a deep look in his eyes.

After the meal, Zhao Mingcheng went back to his room to pack his belongings.

Most of her clothes were thick and warm, and she carefully put away the silver notes and loose silver given to her by her father.

While they were busy, Afu quietly came in and whispered.

"Young master, are you really going that far? Why don't you... take me with you? I may not be very useful, but I can still serve tea and water, lead the horse, and watch the luggage..."

Zhao Mingcheng looked at the page who had followed him since childhood, and seeing that his eyes were also red, he felt a pang of tenderness and patted him on the shoulder.

"Afu, this journey is extraordinary and fraught with danger. If you stay in Bianjing and take good care of my father and mother, that will be a great achievement. The manor needs a trustworthy person."

Afu knew that the young master had made up his mind, so she could only nod, her voice choked with emotion.

"Ah Fu understands. Please take care, young master! Come back soon!"

……

The following morning, Zhao Mingcheng changed into a neat set of casual clothes and went to the Prince Duan's residence.

Upon seeing him, the gatekeeper immediately and respectfully led him in, taking him directly to Chengyanzhai in the back garden.

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) seemed to have no interest in painting or playing football today. He simply sat in his study, gazing out the window in a daze.

He was in a bad mood when he heard that Zhao Mingcheng was leaving the capital.

Upon hearing that Zhao Mingcheng had arrived, he turned his head, his face devoid of a smile, even showing obvious displeasure.

"Your subject Zhao Mingcheng greets Your Highness."

Zhao Mingcheng paid his respects in accordance with proper etiquette.

"Get up," Zhao Ji said in a somewhat indifferent tone, pointing to the chair next to him.

"Sit down. I heard that the Emperor has assigned you a good post? The Acting Pacification Commissioner of the Hehuang Region? Tsk tsk, quite a prestigious title, and you can even submit secret reports directly to the Emperor. Congratulations on your promotion, Zhao Fuyu."

Zhao Ji's words were clearly tinged with bitterness and dissatisfaction.

Zhao Mingcheng knew perfectly well that Zhao Ji was annoyed that he had been suddenly sent on a long mission without prior notice, and was likely unhappy because he would be away from Bianjing for a long time and would not be able to spend much time with him.

"Your Highness is too kind," Zhao Mingcheng said with a wry smile. "This is an order from the Emperor, and I have no choice but to obey. Although I am called an envoy to pacify the borderlands, I am really just running errands and going to those bitterly cold frontiers to endure the wind and sand and listen to the Huqin. It is not as pleasant and comfortable as being in the Prince's mansion with Your Highness, organizing books and paintings, and playing ball together."

Emperor Huizong snorted, his expression softening slightly, but he was still sullen.

"You know that much! Your Majesty is really inconsiderate. There are so many people in the court, why send you! The Hehuang region is in chaos after the war, what's the point of trying to appease them? You're a scholar, what good can you expect from meddling in the affairs of those warriors and barbarians? What if something goes wrong..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his worry was evident.

Zhao Mingcheng knew that this prince truly regarded him as one of his own.

He said seriously.

"I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's kindness. His Majesty trusts me and has entrusted me with this responsibility. I will do my best to live up to His Majesty's grace. As for my safety, His Majesty has made proper arrangements for protection. Your Highness need not worry too much."

Emperor Huizong of Song was still sullen, fiddling with a paperweight on the table, when he suddenly spoke.

"I heard that your elder brother originally intended to grant you a position as a high-ranking official, but you declined? Is that true?"

Zhao Mingcheng nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I believe that the state has its own laws and regulations for selecting officials. I wish to advance through the imperial examination, as this is the proper path."

Zhao Ji stared at him, his gaze becoming somewhat strange.

"Just because of... this?? Mingcheng, that's a directly appointed official position."

Zhao Mingcheng met his gaze and spoke frankly.

"I told Your Majesty that this is one of the reasons, and there is another reason."

"Oh? What's the reason?" Zhao Ji became interested.

Zhao Mingcheng took a deep breath, his voice steady yet clear.

"I told Your Majesty that my only wish was to be able to freely enter and leave the Prince's residence after returning from the westward journey, no longer subject to the ten-day limit imposed by the Imperial Academy, so as to better assist the Prince in organizing books, paintings, and classics. Your Majesty asked me what my wish was, and I only mentioned this request. Your Majesty has granted it."

Emperor Huizong was stunned, and the paperweight in his hand fell to the table with a "thud".

He stared wide-eyed at Zhao Mingcheng, as if he were seeing him for the first time.

To be granted a position in the Imperial Academy and directly appointed to a substantive post—this is the shortcut to success that countless scholars dream of!

The emperor had made a solemn promise, yet he so easily rejected it.

In return, all he got was the privilege of "free access to the Prince's Palace," a privilege that might be worthless to others but was incredibly comforting and practical to Zhao Ji.

"Mingcheng, you...you're so confused." Zhao Ji's throat bobbed, his voice a little dry.

"You don't want a real official position, but you want to be able to come to me anytime?"

"In my heart, being able to stay by Your Highness's side and help Your Highness do things you like is more important than a piece of official paper."

Zhao Mingcheng spoke sincerely.

"Your Highness has treated me with sincerity, and I will repay you with sincerity in return. I can earn my official position and future prospects through my own abilities. But the friendship I have with Your Highness, and the joy we share in our leisure time, are unique and irreplaceable."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji felt a surge of warmth rush to his heart, and his nose even felt a little sore.

Having grown up in the palace, he had seen plenty of flattery and exchanges of benefits. He had never seen anyone value his friendship so "unconditionally".

In Zhao Ji's view, Zhao Mingcheng's actions were simply a re-enactment of the ancient virtue of "a scholar will die for one who understands him"!

My best buddy! This is my best buddy!

"Mingcheng..." Zhao Ji stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of Zhao Mingcheng. He patted his shoulder hard, and for a moment he was speechless. A thousand words were stuck in his chest, and in the end, he could only say one sentence.

"What...what can I say! I'll remember this kindness!"

He turned around and loudly gave instructions to Liang Shicheng, who was standing outside the door.

"Shicheng! Immediately give the order to prepare a banquet in the flower hall! Open that jar of Jade Essence Spring wine that was once prized in the palace! Today, I, the King, will give Mingcheng a proper farewell feast!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Liang Shicheng bowed and agreed, then hurried off to carry it out, secretly marveling at Zhao Mingcheng's methods.

The banquet in the flower hall of Prince Duan's mansion.

Seasonal dishes, imperial wine, and exquisite tableware.

Emperor Huizong personally poured the cups and frequently urged the emperor to drink. He recounted the fun times they had shared, such as appreciating paintings, playing football, and chatting. He would sometimes laugh heartily, and at other times feel saddened by the impending separation.

"Mingcheng, we don't know how long this journey will take. If you need anything from the Hehuang region, just write to me! I may not have much else, but I can manage to cover your basic needs."

Emperor Huizong was already somewhat intoxicated, patting his chest.

"Your Highness's kindness is appreciated, but His Majesty has already made arrangements, so I dare not trouble Your Highness any further," Zhao Mingcheng said.

"Hey, the Emperor is the Emperor, and I am I!" Zhao Ji waved his hand. "You are a member of my Prince Duan's household. If I don't take care of you, who will? Shi Cheng, is everything prepared?"

Liang Shicheng quickly stepped forward.

"Your Highness, everything has been prepared as you instructed."

He waved his hand, and several eunuchs carried over several chests.

Zhao Ji pointed and said.

"In this box are the finest fox fur and mink wool, as well as a coat stuffed with camel hair. I've heard that the Hehuang region is bitterly cold, so this will be useful. This box also contains spices such as benzoin and styrax, which can dispel the miasma and foul smells of the borderlands."

This box contains compressed tea, wax tea, and rock sugar. The food there is rough; at least you can brew some tea for yourself. Oh, and this too…”

Emperor Huizong picked up a flat sandalwood box, opened it, and inside was a beautifully decorated short dagger inlaid with gold and jade.

"I'll carry this dagger for self-defense. It's not as good as a thousand soldiers, but it might come in handy in a critical moment. I also have two hundred taels of silver ingots for the journey."

The gifts were so generous and practical that they far exceeded what was common.

Zhao Mingcheng stood up, straightened his clothes and composed himself, and bowed deeply to Zhao Ji.

"Your Highness's generous gift and profound kindness are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten! I will certainly fulfill my duties diligently and live up to Your Majesty's grace and Your Highness's kindness today!"

"Why are we talking about this!" Zhao Ji helped him up, his eyes also a little red.

"The most important thing is that you come back safe and sound! We still need to keep playing football after you return; I'm waiting for you to figure out a new formation!"

The banquet ended, and the sun was already setting in the west.

Zhao Mingcheng bid farewell to Zhao Ji, carrying with him a heart full of warmth and heavy gifts.

Emperor Huizong escorted him to the second gate, watching him board the carriage in the twilight, still waving goodbye.

The carriage departed from the Prince Duan's residence and merged into the streets of Bianjing at dusk.

Zhao Mingcheng leaned against the carriage wall, the short dagger given to him by Zhao Ji tucked into his pocket, feeling both calm and full of fighting spirit.

The events and people in the capital have come to a temporary end.

Ahead lay the unfamiliar Hehuang region, shrouded in historical mists, and a brand new battlefield where he would personally manipulate his destiny and accumulate capital.

The wind howls, the Bian River is cold, the brave warriors march west, when will they return?