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

Chapter 82 The Aura of Home

At the end of September, Bianjing was no longer in the sweltering heat of midsummer; the sky was high and the clouds were light, and a refreshing autumn breeze was blowing.

In the afternoon, a group of people, covered in dust from their journey, slowly entered the city through the west gate.

The leader was Liu Zhongwu.

He escorted Zhao Mingcheng to the capital, and now that his mission was complete, he needed to return to his residence to hand over the goods before paying a visit to Zeng Bu's residence.

Zhao Mingcheng then changed to a small carriage with a blue curtain, without displaying the ceremonial entourage of a pacification envoy, and simply acted as an ordinary official returning home.

Even so, his scarlet official uniform and the calm demeanor tempered by years of frontier life still drew the attention of passersby.

As soon as the carriage passed through the city gate, a smart-looking servant emerged from the crowd, quickly approached the carriage, and smiled before even speaking.

"My lord! My lord, you're finally back! Afu has been sent by your husband and wife to welcome you home!"

Zhao Mingcheng lifted the carriage curtain and saw that it was his capable servant, Afu, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Ah Fu, it's been a few months since I last saw you. You seem to have grown taller. How are you, my husband and wife?"

"Great! Excellent!"

Afu said repeatedly, deftly helping the coachman lead the horse and guide the way, "Ever since they learned that you, young master, had arrived in the capital these past two days, your husband and wife have been talking about you every day. Your wife has been tidying up your courtyard again and again. This morning, she sent me to wait at the city gate. We've finally been waiting for you to return!"

Zhao Mingcheng felt a warmth in his heart and said no more, letting Afu lead the vehicle through the bustling streets and into the relatively quiet inner city alleys.

About 15 minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of a mansion that was not particularly grand, but had a clean and tidy entrance and exuded an air of scholarly elegance.

Above the black lacquered gate hangs a plaque that reads "Zhao Mansion".

Ah Fu had already rushed inside to report.

Zhao Mingcheng got out of the car, straightened his clothes, took a deep breath of the familiar air filled with the fragrance of grass and trees in his courtyard, and stepped onto the stairs.

As soon as they entered the front yard, they saw the main gate wide open, and their mother, Guo, came out first.

"Mother, your unfilial son Mingcheng has returned."

Zhao Mingcheng stepped forward hastily, lifting his robe as if to pay homage.

"My son!" Madam Guo rushed forward, disregarding etiquette, and grabbed Zhao Mingcheng's arms. "Let your mother see you—you've grown taller and stronger! But your face, your hands—"

Guo rubbed the rough skin on her son's hands, then looked up at his noticeably darker face, her heart aching. "My son, why have you gotten so dark? You must have suffered terribly in that harsh, cold border region of Hehuang!"

As his mother pulled him along, Zhao Mingcheng felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but a bright smile spread across his face. He squeezed his mother's warm hand in return, deliberately making his voice light and loud, "Mother, you've gone astray. In Hehuang, we may lack other things, but we have plenty of meat."

Qiang mutton is succulent, yak beef is chewy, and occasionally you can hunt gazelles and snow pheasants for a treat.

My son has meat at every meal, and he also inspects the tribe and reviews the troops every day, traversing mountains and valleys. If he doesn't get strong, wouldn't he become a voracious eater who only takes in food and never gives it back? It's true that he's a bit tanned; the sun in the Hehuang region is scorching, and the wind is like a knife. No matter how delicate his skin is, it won't take more than a few months to toughen him up."

Zhao Mingcheng's words were quite amusing, and the maids following behind Guo Shi covered their mouths and chuckled. Guo Shi was also amused and burst into laughter through her tears, giving him a light punch on the arm.

"You're such a chatterbox! So irresponsible. You do such a big thing outside, and then you come home and spout nonsense." Despite her words, the heartache in Guo's eyes softened considerably, and she pulled her son into the hall.

"Go in quickly. Your father is in his study. He dismissed the officials early because he knew you were coming back."

Just then, the door to the study on the west side creaked open, and Zhao Tingzhi stood with his hands behind his back under the eaves.

"Father." Zhao Mingcheng straightened his clothes, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to the ground respectfully. "Your son has returned."

Zhao Tingzhi walked down the steps and offered a helping hand.

"It's good that you're back safe and sound. A real man serves his country, and experiencing hardships is his duty and a form of tempering."

His gaze swept over his son, and he saw that although he was travel-worn, he stood tall and straight, his eyes shining with a deep light. His mature and composed demeanor was far superior to that of the naive students in the Imperial Academy of the past, and he was truly gratified.

The family of three entered the main hall, where a maid served them hot tea and snacks.

Guo kept asking her son questions about his daily life, including his clothes, food, and shelter.

Zhao Mingcheng answered patiently one by one, choosing the most interesting, novel, and safe answers possible.

For example, the Tibetan tribes' horse racing festival, the unique watchtowers of Qingtang City, fishing in the Huangshui River, and the bloody battle and killing of powerful figures at Heishitan were all omitted to avoid worrying his mother.

Even so, Guo could be heard to express his amazement and sigh at times.

After catching up on everyday matters, Zhao Mingcheng had his servants carry two large boxes over.

Upon opening it, one box contained top-quality snow leopard pelts, silver fox pelts, and purple lambskins, all with glossy fur, clearly of the finest quality.

The other box contained precious medicinal herbs such as old ginseng, cordyceps, and snow lotus, carefully wrapped in oil paper; these were all gifts brought back from the Hehuang region.

"Father, Mother, these are some local items I brought back from the Hehuang region. The furs can be made into fur coats to keep warm, and the medicinal herbs can be used for nourishment and health. They are just a small token of my appreciation," Zhao Mingcheng said.

Zhao Tingzhi picked up a piece of cordyceps of excellent quality, looked at it, and nodded in praise.

"This is indeed a rare cordyceps, with abundant medicinal properties. The skin is also of excellent quality. Mingcheng is very thoughtful."

The things Zhao Mingcheng brought back were quite rare in Bianjing, and they were exactly what his parents liked.

After talking for a while, Guo saw that the father and son seemed to have something important to discuss, so she stood up and said.

"You two talk. I'll go to the kitchen to see how the dinner preparations are going. Mingcheng, tonight we'll have your favorite crab-stuffed orange and exquisite peony fish. Don't say you have no appetite."

"Thank you, Mother. I will eat more," Zhao Mingcheng replied with a smile.

After Guo left, only the father and son remained in the hall.

Zhao Tingzhi's expression turned slightly solemn, and he gestured for Zhao Mingcheng to follow him to the study.

"Sit." Zhao Tingzhi sat down in the main seat and gestured for Zhao Mingcheng to sit as well. He personally poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards him. "Regarding the Hehuang region, I have already seen a copy of your report in the Hall of State Affairs. Later, reports from General Hu and General Zhong also arrived one after another. In the Battle of Heishitan, you achieved a victory with fewer troops, sweeping away the enemy's stronghold. What is even more commendable is the post-battle handling, which was well-organized and timely. Even Prime Minister Zhang had to admit at the court meeting that your measures were effective and your contributions to the frontier were significant."

Zhao Tingzhi spoke calmly, but the satisfaction and pride in his eyes were undeniable.

"In just a few months, you have managed to quell internal strife, defend against external threats, forge alliances with various tribes, cultivate land and facilitate trade in such a chaotic place, and even train a fighting army. Your actions and words far surpass those of ordinary border officials. As your father, I am extremely gratified."

"Father, you flatter me." Zhao Mingcheng bowed and said, "This is due to the Emperor's trust, the soldiers' bravery, the people's loyalty, and the strong support of General Hu, General Zhong, and others. It is not my achievement alone."

I simply keep in mind my father's teachings: to prioritize national affairs and the people, to adapt to local conditions, and to balance leniency with severity.

""

"Not arrogant or impatient, very good." Zhao Tingzhi nodded, then changed the subject slightly.

"Your return to the capital this time is not only for reporting on your duties, but His Majesty will probably give you an important position. Recently, when His Majesty was discussing matters with several ministers in the Chuigong Hall, he mentioned your affairs with the Hehuang region several times, and his words were full of praise."

Minister Zeng has spoken up for you many times, but there are dissenting voices in the court. Although Minister Zhang acknowledges your achievements, his eagerness to expand the borders remains unchanged, and he may not fully agree with your policies of "using barbarians to control barbarians" and "emphasizing appeasement over suppression".

Furthermore, your early and sudden achievements will inevitably arouse envy. Tomorrow's audience with the Emperor is of utmost importance, and you must proceed with extreme caution.

"I understand, son." Zhao Mingcheng's expression hardened. "Tomorrow I will be careful with my words and actions, report the truth, and neither boast of my achievements nor shift blame."

Zhao Tingzhi pondered for a moment, as if he had thought of something, and asked.

"By the way, Mingcheng, a few days ago, a merchant caravan came to our house and delivered some things, saying you asked them to send them. It's called 'Snowy Fragrance'? What is this? It doesn't seem to be a regular tribute from the Hehuang region."

Knowing his father was meticulous and would surely ask about this matter, Zhao Mingcheng was prepared and smiled slightly.

"Father, please understand. This fragrant balm is a secret recipe I learned from a tribe I encountered in the Hehuang region. It is made from snow-covered flowers and herbs and has the effect of moisturizing the skin and preventing frostbite."

Its aroma is delicate and elegant, and its preparation method is unique. The child found it interesting, so he used his private money to buy the recipe, made some improvements, and created this product.

Thinking that Bianjing's winters are dry and might be useful, I brought some back and sent them to the mansion's storeroom for my father and mother to use.

As for the rest—”

Zhao Mingcheng kept it a secret, saying, "This item might have some other minor uses, but I'll let my son know later. Things aren't settled yet, so I dare not speak rashly."

Zhao Tingzhi was a man of great stature. Hearing his son's ambiguous words and the fact that the item was purchased with "private funds" and "for other purposes," he knew that the item was probably not simple and might be related to his son's future plans.

He knew his son must have meant something by saying that, so he didn't press further and simply said...

"Since this is your private matter, you may handle it yourself. Just remember not to tarnish your reputation for petty gains, and even more so, never compete with the people for profit, lest you give them a handle to use against you."

"Father's teachings are etched in my mind," Zhao Mingcheng solemnly replied.

Zhao Tingzhi looked at the sky outside the window.

"You have just returned to the capital today and must be tired from your journey. Please rest early. Tomorrow the Emperor will summon you. When you respond, the key points are: first, to be truthful; second, to be logical; and third, to be tactful."

Your merits and demerits will be judged by the Emperor. There is no need to boast or be overly modest. The Emperor is a wise ruler and knows what is going on. As for the possibility of being asked about future strategies for the Hehuang region and your views on border affairs, you should have a plan in mind and can adapt accordingly.

"Yes, I have made preparations." Zhao Mingcheng stood up, bowed, and said, "Father, please rest early as well."

The father and son exchanged a few more pleasantries before a maid came to invite them, saying that the lady had prepared a family feast.

The dinner was held in the flower hall of the back residence. Although it was just the three of them, Guo had put a lot of effort into the preparation, and the dishes were plentiful and exquisite, mostly Zhao Mingcheng's old favorites.

During the meal, Guo kept serving dishes, and Zhao Tingzhi also relaxed for once, asking about the customs and people of the border region, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

After dinner, Zhao Mingcheng returned to his long-lost courtyard. Everything was as it had been, but it was spotless and the bedding was freshly washed and dried, giving it the feel of home.

Hot water was already prepared, washing away the dust of the journey. Lying on the soft and comfortable bed, Zhao Mingcheng felt little sleepy.

The turning point in the history of the Song Dynasty is drawing ever closer.

>