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

The exam date is getting closer and closer.

In the afternoon after school, Zhao Mingcheng was hunched over his desk in the dormitory, organizing his knowledge. These were some suggestions he had just come up with for the new examination method.

The source of the document is noted in small print as the "Tang Liudian" and the "Yuanfeng Kao Ke Ling" of the present dynasty.

Suddenly, a sound came.

"Is Young Master Zhao Mingcheng here?"

The voice was high-pitched and thin, the kind of voice unique to eunuchs.

Zhao Mingcheng paused, looked up, and the other two in the same study also put down their books and looked at each other.

This sound is extremely rare in the Imperial Academy.

Zhao Mingcheng got up and went out to greet him.

Standing outside the door was a pale-faced, beardless eunuch, followed by a young eunuch in blue robes, holding a brocade box in his hands.

"This must be Young Master Zhao?"

The eunuch looked Zhao Mingcheng up and down, his smile deepening.

Zhao Mingcheng bowed.

"Yes, and who are you, sir?"

"My name is Chen, and I am a eunuch in the Prince Duan's residence. I have been sent by the Prince to deliver a letter to you, young master."

Prince Duan's Mansion?

The other two people in the dormitory both gasped in unison.

Zhao Mingcheng's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm on the surface and cupped his hands in greeting.

"So it's Eunuch Chen. Thank you for your trouble. Please come in and have a word."

"No need. The Imperial Academy is a very important place, and it is not convenient for us to wait for you for long."

The eunuch Chen took the brocade box from the young eunuch and presented it with both hands.

"The Prince recently acquired some precious stones and, knowing that Young Master Zhao is an expert, he specially sent an invitation to the Prince's residence tomorrow to appreciate them together."

"His Highness also asked me to relay that he was still enjoying watching the young master play Cuju at Yichun Garden last time, and now that the Cuju field in the manor has been cleaned up, it's a good time for him to stretch his muscles."

Zhao Mingcheng took the brocade box, opened it, and found a gold-leafed invitation inside. Unfolding it, he saw the familiar handwriting:

[To Mingcheng: I have acquired a piece of bronze and stone inscriptions. Knowing that you, Mingcheng, are an expert in connoisseurship, I cordially invite you to my residence for a viewing. Also, the ball court in your residence has been newly renovated and can provide enjoyment for an entire day. I hope you will not refuse.]

The letter was written in a very polite manner.

Zhao Mingcheng smiled bitterly to himself.

This future Emperor Huizong of Song was indeed, as recorded in historical books, somewhat frivolous and even a bit "absurd".

Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) knew that the monthly examination at the Imperial Academy was approaching, yet he still sent an invitation to Zhao Mingcheng at this time, which was indeed somewhat disregarding others.

But then again, isn't this a kind of valuing?

If Prince Duan was merely being polite, he could have simply sent a servant to deliver the message. Why did he need to write the letter himself and even send a eunuch to deliver it?

"I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's kindness and dare not disobey." Zhao Mingcheng closed the visiting card, his tone respectful. "However, I am currently at the Imperial Academy and need to ask my academic officer for leave. Please wait a moment, Eunuch Chen."

"Please make yourself at home, young master." Eunuch Chen stepped aside, his smile unchanged. "I will wait here."

Zhao Mingcheng returned to his dormitory, quickly changed into clothes for receiving guests, and retied his hair.

He needs to go to the school office to ask for leave.

During the Song Dynasty, the Imperial Academy only had two days off per month.

Yes, you heard right, you only get two days off per month.

Moreover, he had already taken two days off this month, so Zhao Mingcheng had to apply for leave again.

Liu Xuelu, who was in charge of requesting leave, was an old scholar in his fifties who usually valued rules and regulations the most.

Upon hearing Zhao Mingcheng's purpose, his brows furrowed into a knot.

"Mingcheng, it's not that I'm inflexible."

Liu Xuelu stroked his sparse beard and shook his head.

"The private examinations are just around the corner, and all the students in the academy are studying diligently. What kind of talk will it be if you ask for leave to go out at this time? If other students follow suit, what will become of the rules of the Imperial Academy?"

"The Record of Learning is correct."

Zhao Mingcheng bowed, his tone sincere.

"I know it's inappropriate. However, His Highness Prince Duan personally sent the letter, and his words were earnest. If we were to refuse outright, it might offend His Highness's feelings and damage the reputation of the Imperial Academy. I think it would be better to first inform Chancellor Ye and ask him to make a decision."

Upon hearing "His Highness Prince Duan" and "the dignity of the Imperial Academy," Liu Xuelu indeed hesitated.

"Please wait here for a moment." Liu Xuelu stood up. "I need to report this matter to the Grand Master of Ceremonies."

……

At this moment, Ye Zuqia, the Imperial Academy Chancellor, was reviewing a lecture on the classics submitted by a doctor in the Chongwen Pavilion.

After listening to the lecture, the pen paused, and the ink splattered onto the paper in a small blot.

"Prince Duan invited Zhao Mingcheng?" He put down his pen, his brow furrowing slightly. "When did this happen?"

"Just now, a eunuch from the Prince Duan's residence delivered the visiting card directly to the study." Liu Xuelu presented the visiting card.

"This humble official dares not act on his own initiative, and has come specifically to request instructions from the Chancellor."

Ye Zuqia accepted the visiting card, read it carefully, and remained silent for a moment.

"What do you think?" he asked Zhou Xuelu.

"I think this is inappropriate," the scholar said frankly.

"With the private exams approaching, students should focus on their preparations. Although Zhao Mingcheng is intelligent, this private exam is no small matter."

"If he is delayed by attending the banquet and fails to meet the required standard in the exam, wouldn't that be a pity? Furthermore, if this precedent is set, what will become of the Imperial Academy's rules if other members of the imperial family or powerful figures follow suit?"

Ye Zuqia nodded, then shook his head.

"What you say makes sense," he said slowly. "But Prince Duan is not an ordinary member of the imperial family, and he is also favored by the Empress Dowager. The Imperial Academy cannot ignore his feelings."

"Call Zhao Mingcheng here, I'll ask him myself."

When Zhao Mingcheng was led into Chongwen Pavilion by the school clerk, Ye Zuqia was standing by the window with his hands behind his back, looking at a pomegranate tree in the courtyard.

"Student Zhao Mingcheng greets the Chancellor."

Zhao Mingcheng bowed respectfully.

Ye Zuqia turned around and his gaze lingered on his face for a moment.

The young man stood straight, his eyes clear, showing neither panic nor smugness.

"Mingcheng, Prince Duan invited you to appreciate bronze and stone artifacts, and also to play Cuju (ancient Chinese football)?" Ye Zuqia asked bluntly.

"Yes. That's what it says on the visiting card."

"Do you know that the private examination is in three days?"

"The students know."

"Then do you know that this private examination is no ordinary one?" Ye Zuqia took two steps closer, lowering his voice.

"The questions this time were personally overseen by the Chongzheng Hall. They test your practical skills, your knowledge, and your stance. If you fail, not only will your future be ruined, but your father will also lose face."

Zhao Mingcheng looked up and met Ye Zuqia's gaze.

"The students understand, and it is precisely because they understand that they are even more determined to keep their appointment."

"Oh?" Ye Zuqia raised an eyebrow.

"Your Excellency is here to receive the title of Grand Master of Ceremonies," Zhao Mingcheng said slowly.

"His Highness Prince Duan invited the students, ostensibly to enjoy playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football), but in reality, he valued the Imperial Academy."

"If the students refuse, His Highness may not blame them, but he will inevitably think that the students are pedantic and do not know how to be virtuous. This is the first point."

"Secondly, His Highness Prince Duan is fond of epigraphy, skilled in calligraphy and painting, and adept at Cuju (ancient Chinese football). These are all refined pursuits. I accepted the invitation to exchange ideas with him, and our conversations revolved around scholarship and the arts. This exchange has also broadened my horizons and was not merely a playful activity."

"Thirdly," he paused, his voice becoming even more steady, "I have prepared a policy outline and have a clear understanding of the situation. I dare not say I am absolutely certain of success, but I will certainly live up to the expectations of the Chancellor and the Imperial Academy. I will keep my appointment today and return this afternoon without delaying my evening studies."

Ye Zuqia stared at him, then suddenly smiled.

"You certainly know how to talk. Now let me ask you, since you say you have a good idea, can you guess what kind of questions will be asked in this policy debate?"

This was a test; Ye Zuqia wanted to see how deep Zhao Mingcheng's knowledge was.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Mingcheng spoke.

"I dare to speculate that the hottest topic in the court recently is the situation on the northwest border. Since Chongzheng Hall has personally intervened in the private examination of the Imperial Academy, the exam questions must be related to practical matters."

"The most pressing practical matters at present are land reclamation and the performance evaluation of officials. Therefore, the students believe that the policy essay questions will likely revolve around the benefits of land reclamation and the performance evaluation of officials."

A look of surprise flashed in Ye Zuqia's eyes.

This guess is quite accurate.

They had carefully considered the test questions before deciding on them, and they were even locked in a cabinet.

Zhao Mingcheng actually managed to guess almost everything?

"How did you come up with that idea?" Ye Zuqia asked.

"The students are just making wild guesses," Zhao Mingcheng said.

"Emperor Shenzong's reforms were originally intended to enrich the country and strengthen its military. The current emperor is continuing Shenzong's legacy, and opening up the northwest border and establishing military settlements to secure the borders are of paramount importance."

"The difficulty of land reclamation lies not in the clearing of wasteland, but in the perfunctory work of officials and the falsification of assessments. What the court needs are not scholars who talk about principles but practical talents who can get things done. Therefore, I believe that the Imperial Academy's private examination this month will test this."

Ye Zuqia remained silent for a long time before finally nodding.

"Since you understand, I won't say any more."

He walked back to his desk and sat down.

"I've granted you leave, but there are a few things you need to remember."

"Please speak, Master of Ceremonies."

"First, be careful in your words and actions at the Prince Duan's residence, and do not disgrace the Imperial Academy. Second, you must return before Shenshi (3-5 PM) without delay. Third," Ye Zuqia looked at him, his gaze deep.

"I want to see your true abilities in this month's private examination. If you don't achieve a top grade, you will be rejected by the Prince Duan's residence and the Imperial Academy."

This is pressure, but also expectation.

Zhao Mingcheng bowed deeply and solemnly.

"The students will keep your teachings in mind and will never dare to fail the high expectations of the Chancellor."

……

The news of Zhao Mingcheng asking for leave before the exam quickly spread throughout the Imperial Academy.

When he returned to the dormitory to pack his things, a number of people had already gathered at the entrance.

Some were from the same study, some from neighboring studies, and others had come to see what was going on. When they saw him come out, they all looked at him differently.

Everyone was talking at once, saying all sorts of things.

"Brother Zhao, I've heard that the Prince Duan's mansion has an extremely rich collection, with every piece of bronze, stone inscriptions, calligraphy, and painting a treasure?"

"Brother Mingcheng, the Prince has invited you; could it be to recommend you for an official position?"

"Brother Mingcheng, could you please put in a good word for me with Prince Duan? I am..."

Zhao Mingcheng ignored what these people were saying. He stuffed several scrolls into his cloth bag and wondered what else he needed to bring.

After tidying up, just as they were about to reach the gate of the dormitory, they saw Li Jiong rushing over.

"Brother Mingcheng!" Li Jiong exclaimed, clearly having run there. "I heard you took leave?"

"Indeed, Brother Li, I have an appointment to keep." Zhao Mingcheng stopped in his tracks.

"But your exam..."

"Don't worry, it won't be a problem." Zhao Mingcheng patted his shoulder. "I'll be back tonight. You can go over your strategy again as I've explained. If you have any questions, come find me tomorrow."

Li Jiong looked at him with genuine concern in his eyes.

"Then you... be careful. The Prince Duan's residence is nice, but it has strict rules. Don't make any mistakes."

"I understand, thank you for reminding me, Brother Li." Zhao Mingcheng felt a warmth in his heart.

My brother-in-law is an honest man.

The two walked out side by side.

As they walked through the corridor, Li Jiong whispered.

"Mingcheng, don't take those gossips from your classmates to heart. They're just jealous."

"I know," Zhao Mingcheng said nonchalantly. "It's perfectly normal for some people to be envious and others to feel sour. The important thing is to have a clear sense of right and wrong, to know what you should and shouldn't do."

Upon arriving at the gate of the Imperial Academy, the carriage from Prince Duan's residence was already waiting.

The green canopy and red wheels, bearing the sign of the Prince Duan's Mansion, attracted the attention of passersby.

A eunuch was standing next to the car. When he saw Zhao Mingcheng come out, he hurriedly came forward to greet him.

"Young Master Zhao, please get in the carriage. His Highness has instructed us to take you to his residence."

Zhao Mingcheng turned around and cupped his hands in greeting to Li Jiong.

"Brother Li, see you later."

"Brother Mingcheng, I'll see you again." Li Jiong stood by the door, watching him get into the carriage, which slowly drove away and disappeared around the street corner.

On his way back to the dormitory, Li Jiong overheard small groups of people discussing the matter:

"Tsk tsk, did you see that? The Prince Duan's carriage came to pick him up personally. Zhao Mingcheng has quite the influence..."

"Zhao Mingcheng is truly talented; he excels in calligraphy, painting, seal carving, and football—everything he does catches the prince's eye. Could you do the same?"

"What if I have to take the private test? There are only three days left..."

"Why are you worrying? Zhao Mingcheng's studies have always been good. Besides, even if he fails the exam, with Prince Duan's connection, why should he have any worries about his future?"

"That's true. Comparing yourself to others is just asking for trouble."

Li Jiong shook his head, ignoring these words, and quickened his pace to return to his dormitory to study.

……

Inside the carriage of Prince Duan's residence, Zhao Mingcheng was leaning against the carriage wall, resting with his eyes closed.

The invitation from Prince Duan came suddenly, but it wasn't entirely without warning.

I did leave a deep impression on him at the last gathering.

Calligraphy, painting, seal carving, and Cuju (ancient Chinese football) all suited the prince's tastes. This invitation, ostensibly to appreciate Cuju, was actually to deepen their friendship.

It's just that the timing was chosen at this time...

A bitter smile appeared on Zhao Mingcheng's lips.

This future artist-emperor's inherent "willfulness" was already showing at this time.

No wonder Zhang Dun later said, "Prince Duan is frivolous and cannot rule the world."

Old Zhang has a really good eye for people.

That's just Zhao Ji's personality. When he's happy, he doesn't care whether you're taking an exam or not. He'll see you whenever he feels like it, and even the most important things will have to wait.

However, this may also be an opportunity.

Soon after, the carriage turned into a quiet street, with high walls and deep courtyards on both sides, and few pedestrians.

We're almost at Prince Duan's residence.

Zhao Mingcheng straightened his clothes, the thoughtful look on his face fading away, replaced by a gentle and proper smile.

A voice came from outside the curtain:

"Young Master Zhao, we have arrived at the Prince's residence."