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The man looked up from the note and asked Zhao Yuhuan, "You saw with your own eyes that this was written by Shi Jin?"
Zhao Yuhuan nodded and replied, "Yes."
The man pondered for a moment and said, "It does have some literary flair, but the handwriting..."
Zhao Yuhuan nodded again, saying, "I also noticed that the style of writing is indeed quite similar to that of Father."
This man was Song Zhezong, Zhao Xu. He nodded and then shook his head, saying, "This person's handwriting is closer to that of the second prince."
Zhao Yuhuan slightly inclined her head and said, "The second uncle's handwriting was taught by you."
Zhao Xu frowned slightly and murmured in acknowledgment, asking, "What is the relationship between Shi Jin and the second prince?"
Zhao Yuhuan thought for a moment and shook her head slightly, saying, "They probably do not know each other, but the second uncle owes Shi Jin a significant favor."
"Oh? What happened?" Zhao Xu set the note down and looked at Zhao Yuhuan.
Zhao Yuhuan then recounted what had happened in front of Great Xiangguo Temple today. She had already arranged for someone to investigate Shi Jin on her way back to the palace, so she was naturally aware of today's events.
Zhao Xu listened without comment and after a moment said lightly, "The second prince's upbringing is indeed commendable." He handed the note back to Zhao Yuhuan and asked, "That Liao person must be Yelü Xiaor?"
Zhao Yuhuan nodded in agreement, saying, "He is using the alias Xiao Ao. He arrived yesterday with only a few servants and is staying at Yaoyue Tower. His two younger sisters, Yelü Nan Xian and Yelü Yuliyan, are also traveling with him."
Zhao Xu snorted coldly and said, "He certainly has some nerve; he isn't afraid of losing his head!"
Zhao Yuhuan replied, "I have heard that this person is exceptionally gifted and quite brave; he might be difficult to deal with."
Zhao Xu shook his head. "Bravery alone can be managed; the trouble lies here." He pointed at his head and continued, "I have heard that he studies military strategy extensively and is quite respected in court—much better than his foolish father."
A cold glint flashed in Zhao Yuhuan's eyes as she said, "Then perhaps..."
Zhao Xu shot her a glance and scolded, "Childish talk! If something were to happen to him on our side, even if his father does not care for him, it would still lead to a major conflict."
At this point, he suddenly stopped and said suspiciously, "Do you think that old fool might be doing this on purpose to use us as a pawn?"
After pondering for a moment, Zhao Yuhuan replied, "It's hard to say. I have heard that Yelü Nan Xian who came with him has been promised to Li Qianshun of Western Xia..."
The father and daughter exchanged serious glances.
Although there had been no military conflict for several years in the Three Kingdoms, relations were delicate with each side having its own thoughts.
With one being the queen of Western Xia and the other a prince of Liao Dynasty, if something were to happen within Song territory, it would truly be a major incident—providing Liao Dynasty and Western Xia with a reason to join forces militarily.
Zhao Xu couldn't help but frown. He was determined to recover Yan Yun and conquer Western Xia; however, he was also self-aware. Although both Liao Dynasty and Western Xia had seen declines in their national strength in recent years, their alliance would not be something the Song court could withstand.
He was unsure if there was such a conspiracy behind this group of people, but he couldn't let his guard down.
Zhao Yuhuan spoke up, "Why not clarify their identities and send them out of the country politely?"
Zhao Xu thought for a moment and shook his head. He had no good feelings towards the Liao people; they were nothing but a troublesome bunch, and he wished they would leave as soon as possible. However, doing so would make it seem like his side was feeling guilty.
Still, safety was a concern; these people could not cause any incidents within Song territory.
"Arrange for more people to keep an eye on them over there, and make sure no one really takes that kid's head!"
Zhao Xu felt a bit frustrated at the thought of having to arrange bodyguards for this group.
Zhao Yuhuan nodded in agreement and then remembered something. She said, "That Shi Jin seems to get along quite well with that Yelü kid; perhaps we can let him gather some information."
Zhao Xu snorted, "Since they are getting along so well, can he be trusted?"
Zhao Yuhuan did not respond directly but said, "Today, Shi Jin even wrote a poem."
"Mm?" Zhao Xu looked at her in confusion.
Zhao Yuhuan recited softly, "One should strive to be a hero in life; even in death, one should be a ghostly champion. To this day, I think of Xiang Yu and refuse to cross the river east!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xu's expression changed slightly. After a moment, he chuckled and said, "This kid has quite the ambition; he has some backbone."
Zhao Yuhuan smiled and nodded, saying, "Precisely because of this, I think it might be worth a try. Moreover, his skills are quite good; if he works for me, it would be easier to protect and look after them."
Zhao Xu nodded in agreement with her suggestion.
Suddenly, Zhao Xu asked, "How old is Shi Jin?"
Zhao Yuhuan paused for a moment; although Shi Jin was only fourteen, he was tall and had a composed demeanor that made him seem older. She uncertainly replied, "He calls Su Jian his cousin; he should be around sixteen or seventeen."
"What does he look like?"
"Not inferior to Wang De," Zhao Yuhuan answered.
"Oh, Wang De looks like your aunt; he's quite handsome, so that's good looks," Zhao Xu expressed some curiosity about Shi Jin.
"Cousin is refined while Shi Jin is valiant; their temperaments are quite different," Zhao Yuhuan remarked.
Zhao Xu nodded. The father and daughter exchanged a few more words, and due to Zhao Xu's diligent work and numerous affairs, Zhao Yuhuan took her leave first.
Just as she was about to step out, Zhao Xu suddenly asked, "Yuan'er, you are fifteen this year, right?"
Zhao Yuhuan paused, looked at Zhao Xu, and nodded.
Zhao Xu seemed to be lost in thought but did not say anything further. He waved his hand, and Zhao Yuhuan left.
After returning to her palace, Zhao Yuhuan dismissed everyone and sat alone at the desk, taking out two pieces of paper and placing them side by side for a closer look.
The two pieces of paper contained the same content; one was sharp and free-spirited, while the other was gentle and casual, yet there was a strange harmony between them. Her gaze lingered mostly on Shi Jin's piece.
In the vast palace, the candlelight flickered, casting shadows on her delicate face that appeared to change with the light.
After a while, she sighed softly, "Who exactly are you?"
At that moment, Shi Jin was also somewhat puzzled. "Since Li Gefei has appeared, then Li Qingzhao should be around too," he muttered to himself.
"I wonder how old she is now; however, I dare not copy her verses anymore."
Li Shishi watched Shi Jin mumbling to himself and lightly coughed before saying, "Young Master, the tea has cooled; its effectiveness will diminish."
Shi Jin came back to his senses, took the teacup, drank a sip, and felt a bit of spiciness as it went down—this was made from ginger slices and scallions based on his own prescription.
After finishing a few sips, a layer of fine sweat broke out on him, and he immediately felt much lighter.
He handed the teacup back to Li Shishi and casually asked, "Have you prepared your medicine?"
Li Shishi nodded and said, "Young Master, there is an ingredient in the facial ointment that the pharmacy does not have."
"What ingredient?"
"Badger oil."
Shi Jin was taken aback for a moment before recalling that this substance might not be commonly used in pharmacies.
He nodded and said, "You can go rest for now; we will go to the market tomorrow."
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