Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Under the Gaoyang City Wall

The sun was setting slightly in the west, tinting Gaoyang's ancient city walls with a warm golden hue. Accompanied by Zhang Jingwei and Liu Yanzhi, Zhao Mingcheng leisurely climbed the wall's bridleway and gazed out into the distance. Beyond the city walls stretched fields and, beyond, rolling hills, a vibrant yet desolate scene reminiscent of a frontier land.

He looked around the small town, which he saw as vibrant and full of hidden surprises and even shocks. His tone was filled with genuine emotion and reluctance. "I wanted to stay here for a few more days to see how many 'surprises' you had yet to reveal. You, Gaoyang, are like a newly opened book. Every page surprises me, and I'm truly reluctant to close it."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingwei immediately and sincerely tried to persuade him to stay: "Teacher, if Gaoyang is not a place you would like to stay. Although I am not talented, I will do my best to make you feel at home."

Zhao Mingcheng slowly shook his head, his gaze retracting from the distance, becoming much more serious. "I can't do that. I've been away from the capital for quite some time, and matters at court are piling up. I must return. Some people in the capital...are wickedly ambitious, accustomed to trying to guess the emperor's intentions and stir up trouble. If they take advantage of my absence and mislead the emperor into thinking things they shouldn't, it would be a real misfortune for the country."

Zhang Jingwei's expression froze as he said respectfully, "Teacher, you hold the position of Prime Minister, a high position among officials. You are deeply concerned about the country and work day and night to share the emperor's worries. You are truly a role model for all officials. I admire you."

Zhao Mingcheng turned around, patted Zhang Jingwei on the shoulder, and a hopeful smile appeared on his face. "Zhang family boy, do a good job. When I return to the court, I will send someone to deliver you a letter from the palace. His Majesty's birthday is approaching, and the palace will hold a grand banquet. Then, you and I will meet again in the capital. It will also allow His Majesty to see with his own eyes what kind of young talent our great dynasty has hidden in this northern borderland!"

Zhang Jingwei was thrilled and bowed deeply, "Teacher, I thank you for your guidance! I will work diligently and live up to your high expectations!"

Zhao Mingcheng nodded, then looked at Liu Yanzhi beside him, his tone becoming more serious. "Yanzhi, regarding what I mentioned earlier about inviting Mr. Bing to come out of seclusion and teach the essence of the School of Mind at the Imperial Academy to set the record straight, please reconsider it carefully. Be sure to convey to your respected teacher the court's sincerity and urgent need."

Liu Yanzhi looked hesitant and said, "Rest assured, Your Excellency. I will convey your sincerity and the court's expectations to my master. However... my master has a calm and indifferent nature and has become increasingly reluctant to get involved in worldly affairs in recent years. I cannot guarantee whether I can persuade him."

Zhao Mingcheng sighed and said solemnly, "Yanzhi, you and I both understand that this is not for personal gain, but for the well-being of the world's academic elite and the stability of our country. The School of Mind has been corrupted for a long time and urgently needs a leader like Mr. Bing to rectify the situation. I hope that our respected teacher will put the world first..."

Liu Yanzhi once again solemnly promised: "Your Excellency's painstaking efforts, I understand. Your Excellency, rest assured, I will do my best to persuade him."

"Well, that's good." Zhao Mingcheng seemed to have put his mind at ease. He straightened his robe and said to the two of them, "Well, after sending you a thousand miles away, we must finally say goodbye. Let's say goodbye now."

Zuo Shiyi, who was standing nearby, also stepped forward and bowed to Liu Yanzhi and Zhang Jingwei: "Senior Yanzhi, take care! County Master Zhang, take care! See you later!"

Zhang Jingwei and Liu Yanzhi bowed in return, "Take care, Prime Minister/Teacher! Have a safe journey, Master Zuo Shiyi!" "Be careful!"

Zhao Mingcheng said no more. Accompanied by Zuo Shiyi, he turned and walked down the city wall. Beneath the wall, a seemingly unassuming but exceptionally sturdy carriage had been waiting for a long time, surrounded by more than a dozen guards, dressed in casual clothes but with sharp eyes and swords at their waists. Zhao Mingcheng boarded the carriage, and the convoy slowly started, raising a fine cloud of dust as it headed towards the end of the official road, eventually disappearing from sight.

Zhang Jingwei looked in the direction the convoy disappeared and murmured, "Teacher, it's already past noon and we're almost at Riyang (around 3 p.m.). I guess they'll be staying in Yunzhou City tonight, right?"

Liu Yanzhi shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the distance. He spoke with understanding, "No. You don't fully understand Prime Minister Zhao. He always has a starting point and an end point in everything he does. He rarely stops along the way, and he dislikes unnecessary socializing. This carriage will travel day and night, and unless it's necessary to change horses for supplies, it will go straight to the capital."

Zhang Jingwei was shocked when he heard this: "Travel day and night? Then... the journey is long, with mountains and rivers, isn't he afraid of encountering any accidents?" He knew that this new teacher had made many enemies.

Liu Yanzhi sighed, a trace of reminiscence flashing in his eyes. "Once... he was assassinated by the assassins sent by the treacherous ministers. He was in great danger and only managed to save his life thanks to the desperate fight of his guards. Since then..."

He paused, then continued, "The late emperor granted him the right to carry a 'palm thunder' (a short-handled musket) for self-defense. Since then, he seems to have had fewer concerns. Ordinary scoundrels would be terrified by the mere sound of thunder. But if they were to encounter a large force sent by political enemies..." A complex smile played across Liu Yanzhi's lips, "then he would be even less afraid."

Zhang Jingwei was puzzled: "Why?"

Liu Yanzhi looked at him and said word by word, "Because if he returns to the capital alive, then he will definitely die. This is the 'power' of the prime minister! A power that needs no words, yet is enough to strike fear into the enemy's heart."

Zhang Jingwei suddenly realized and took a deep breath: "Student... I learned it!"

At this time, Liu Yanzhi turned around and stopped looking into the distance. Instead, he smiled at Zhang Jingwei and said, "Okay, the Prime Minister has left. I, your teacher, will stay in Gaoyang tonight."

Zhang Jingwei quickly said, "I will go and arrange for a government inn right away and ensure that the teacher has a comfortable stay."

Liu Yanzhi waved his hand and looked at him meaningfully: "Why? You only let me stay at the inn, don't you want to invite me to your house for a visit and a cup of tea?"

Zhang Jingwei was speechless for a moment, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "This... my home is simple and messy, and my wife is... well... how dare you, teacher, condescend to me..."

Liu Yanzhi laughed heartily, his eyes seeming to see through his thoughts. "Alright, stop making excuses. I sense you're harboring questions, perhaps even a little uneasiness, and want to talk it over with me, right? Let's go, don't make it too complicated, just have a simple, homely meal."

Zhang Jingwei looked at his teacher's understanding eyes and knew that he could not hide it from him. His heart was also warmed. He respectfully stepped aside to lead the way: "Yes! I obey your command! Teacher, please!"