Zhao Hu’s crying echoed through the courtyard. Even outside the large compound wall, it could faintly be heard, not to mention Zhao Cheng, who lived under the same roof.

Zhao Cheng frowned slightly, paused for a moment, then continued packing the books he was taking with him.

Zhao Zheng looked worriedly toward the main courtyard. “Father, Grandfather is crying very loudly. Won’t you go see?”

He’d seen his grandfather scold people, hit people, and throw tantrums, but had never seen him cry, especially cry so loudly. Zhao Zheng was very worried.

Zhao Cheng sighed. “You go. If I went, he’d only get angrier, which would be worse for his health.”

Zhao Zheng thought about it and agreed. He placed the book in his hand into the box. “Then I’ll go see. Father, don’t worry. I’ll fulfill your filial duties to Grandfather in your place.”

Zhao Cheng smiled and patted his shoulder.

Zhao Zheng was even more delighted. His father rarely patted his shoulder—he always preferred to pat his head, treating him like a child.

Zhao Zheng felt he had already grown up and had gained his father’s respect. He happily went out.

As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Zhao Hanzhang being led over by a servant. He quickly approached. “Grand General, Third Sister, are you here to see Father?”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded. “Go comfort your grandfather and have him curse your father a little less. Your father is excellent.”

Zhao Zheng saw her speak seriously and earnestly, clearly sincere, so he readily agreed and took the servant with him to see his grandfather.

Zhao Hanzhang walked into the study on her own. Zhao Cheng was holding two books, seemingly struggling over which one to bring.

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at the three large boxes on the floor and the books already nearly filling them. She casually picked up a book and flipped through it. “Uncle Cheng, isn’t bringing so many books on a journey rather cumbersome?”

Hearing her voice, Zhao Cheng turned around. Seeing it was her, he explained: “Several students from the Imperial Academy also want to travel for study and are going with me. These books are for them to study.”

“Moreover, when traveling for study, one inevitably must visit some renowned scholars and recluses. We can discuss books with them then.”

Zhao Hanzhang: “Traveling for study means observing worldly affairs and learning worldly principles. Uncle Cheng, if you bring so many books and fill up their time, where will they have time to experience the world’s hardships and joys?”

She tossed the book into the box. “In my opinion, you don’t need to bring even one. With you, a teacher well-versed in classics, if they have questions, they can just ask you. As for renowned scholars and recluses, you’re not book merchants or shopkeepers—why discuss books?”

Zhao Cheng: “…What do you know? These books I’ve collected from various places. Because they survived the ravages of war, not only are there gaps, but some content’s origins are unknown and need verification one by one.”

“I’ve gone through the books in the Zhao clan collection and the palace library. Much of the content contradicts itself and doesn’t make sense. I can only take them to consult some renowned scholars—they might know,” he added. “These years of warfare have lost many books and paintings. The palace library is too shabby—the collection doesn’t even fill the shelves on the first floor.”

Zhao Cheng had wanted to do this for a long time. Once he collected what he could find and confirmed the content’s authenticity, he’d send it to the publishing house for printing. Then the Imperial Academy could keep a copy, the palace could keep a copy, and he could keep a copy himself—this would benefit future generations.

Zhao Hanzhang touched her nose and smiled awkwardly. “I’ll note this matter. When the time comes, I’ll have the publishing house print them. My family will also keep a copy, and we’ll select some to sell in bookshops.”

Zhao Cheng didn’t object.

Zhao Hanzhang helped him pack while chattering: “Uncle Cheng, when you’re out there, observe carefully how the common people are doing. Whether good or bad, write to me often. It would be best if you asked more of the people you meet—ask them what they think the court should do to improve their lives.”

Zhao Cheng heard this and looked up at Zhao Hanzhang. He couldn’t help but sigh. “You are indeed more suitable than His Majesty. Sometimes I think, why not just let it be you? But I quickly regret it.”

“This world is thoroughly rotten. Rulers don’t act like rulers, subjects don’t act like subjects. Military generals constantly rebel, civil officials scheme for profit. The leading clans monopolize paths to advancement, wealthy families seize common people’s land. And among ordinary people, parents aren’t kind, children and grandchildren aren’t filial, siblings aren’t fraternal or friendly, and those who commit violence and evil are everywhere. This is all because morality has deteriorated and people’s hearts aren’t what they used to be.”

“The young emperor has never done anything wrong. If you replace him, even if you have great prestige, the world will despise you. Morality will only deteriorate further,” Zhao Cheng said painfully. “The Qin Dynasty was tyrannical and fell after the second generation. The Han replaced Heaven’s mandate and was legitimate, so it could last four hundred years. Both Wei and Jin were traitorous subjects, which is why we have this chaotic world’s calamity. Are you now going to follow in the footsteps of Wei and Jin?”

Zhao Hanzhang: “How does Uncle Cheng know I cannot establish a second Han Dynasty?”

Zhao Cheng saw that although her expression was calm, her tone was resolute. He knew she hadn’t listened to his advice. Finally, he sighed. “But once morality deteriorates, it becomes very difficult to repair.”

Zhao Hanzhang’s expression was resolute. “Education can make up for this. If you fear the people won’t be loyal and righteous, I’ll teach them loyalty and righteousness. If you fear they won’t be kind and filial, I’ll lead by example. I don’t believe social customs can’t be corrected.”

But Zhao Cheng was thoroughly pessimistic, his eyes reddening. “If Heaven is unwilling, no matter how hard you try, it’s useless. Your very standing is improper—who in the realm will be convinced?”

“Now everyone honors and respects you because you expelled the Xiongnu, recovered lost territory, and served the emperor with respect. Once you overstep your bounds, these praises will turn to curses heaped upon you. Can you bear it then?”

“I can still bear this little gossip and slander…”

“What if even Heaven opposes you?”

Zhao Hanzhang heard the anger in his voice and nearly couldn’t suppress her own fire. “What Heaven? I don’t believe in Heaven. I believe in the people. In my heart, the people are Heaven, and the people’s will is Heaven’s will. Whether they want me or the young emperor depends not on Heaven’s will, but on the people’s will!”

“The people’s will?” Zhao Cheng murmured. “Isn’t the people’s will also Heaven’s will? People’s hearts change. Right now you’re a loyal subject, a grand general, and the people’s hearts naturally think everything about you is good. But once what you do isn’t what they expect, will the people’s hearts still be with you?”

“When that time comes, you’ll be Sima Zhao, you’ll be a traitorous subject and rebel, and even the entire Zhao clan will be implicated.”

Zhao Hanzhang opened her mouth. The fire in her heart rapidly dissipated. She asked Zhao Cheng curiously: “Uncle Cheng, you’ve never liked the Sima family. You’ve also said that the current world’s injustice and moral decay is due to these hundred years of warfare, because the Jin court gained its position improperly. Since that’s the case, Jin will one day be replaced. Who do you think would be better to replace it?”

Zhao Cheng shook his head. “I’m not a fortune-teller. How would I know?”

“You’re not a fortune-teller, so how do you know that after I govern the country, social customs will decline and morality will deteriorate?”

Zhao Cheng directly blamed Guo Pu: “Master Guo said the Zhao clan rises through the people’s hearts and will also fall through the people’s hearts.”

Zhao Hanzhang was pleasantly surprised. “Guo Pu said this?”

Zhao Cheng nodded.

Zhao Hanzhang: “Isn’t this a good thing?”

Zhao Cheng: …

He looked at her in silence.