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In the scholarly atmosphere of Xueyuan Academy, the roof is made of overlapping glazed tiles, and when the sunlight shines through the gaps, it casts mottled shadows. Many calligraphic works and poems are hung on the walls, exuding an air of elegance.
Zhao Qinglan dressed as a man that day, wearing scholar's robes, buried in a book, filled with joy in his heart.
Today's learning topic is "Mencius," a classic that he is already familiar with. However, in this era, the interpretation of it has given him a fresh perspective and broadened his knowledge.
As an archaeologist with a deep curiosity for ancient culture, this kind of learning experience is right up his alley. Sometimes, he even thinks that if he couldn't return to modern times and had to spend his whole life here, it wouldn't be so bad after all.
While Zhao Qinglan was immersed in his books, he noticed a group of scholars not far away engaged in a quiet discussion. In their conversation, one name was mentioned repeatedly—Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan's extraordinary knowledge not only commands admiration, but also exudes a faint air of a true gentleman," said one of the scholars with a rather excited tone.
"Exactly, I heard about his recent performance at the debate conference, which has amazed everyone. His talent and vision are truly something to be reckoned with," added another scholar.
"That's right, after all, he is now a member of the royal family, and his future prospects are limitless. His father, Xiao Shunzhi, is a younger relative of Emperor Gao of Southern Qi, currently serving as the Intendant of Danyang and titled as the Marquis of Linxiang County."
Upon hearing these conversations, Zhao Qinglan couldn't help but be shaken. For a woman with a male soul, such news was undoubtedly very attractive. As a daughter of the Zhao family, she naturally wouldn't miss any information related to the royal family.
So, she got up and headed to where those scholars were.
Suddenly, Zhao Qinglan heard someone whispering next to him, "Although the people of the Xiao Family have now become part of the royal family, it is also based on the fact that they killed Liu Yu of the Southern Song Dynasty to ascend the throne. Although Liu Yu's own unpopularity is the main reason, over the years, the people of the Xiao Family have always been walking on thin ice, fearing that any slight mistake could cost them their lives."
Unable to hold back, Zhao Qinglan interjected, "Isn't it supposed to be a good thing to be part of the royal family? How did it turn out like this?"
The man turned to look at Chao Qinglan, furrowing his brows, and then sighed, " Zhao Qinglan, if you understand the current situation of Southern Qi, you will understand that royal bloodlines can sometimes be a burden, an unshakable shackle."
Beside him, the student Sun Yuan added quietly in the shadows, "Brother Zhao, perhaps you don't quite understand, the Southern Dynasties' throne has always been suspicious, and the political situation between the north and south is even more turbulent. The frequent changes of the throne have caused many people to not see the royal identity as an honor, but rather to live in fear and caution, worrying that they might be implicated at any time in the future."
Upon hearing these words, Zhao Qinglan couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart, and he asked again, "Is it really this dangerous?"
Sun Yuan glanced at Zhao Qinglan, as if weighing whether he was trustworthy, and finally nodded, "Indeed, so if you intend to approach the Xiao Family, you should consider it carefully."
Zhao Qinglan listened and just gave a faint smile, as if not taking the words to heart. He got up gently and walked towards Xiao Yan.
In the quiet and quaint corner of Xueyuan Academy, Zhao Qinglan and Xiao Yan unexpectedly meet. Zhao Qinglan presents himself in men's clothing, wearing a simple yet loose scholar's robe and a plain headscarf.
In this scholarly environment, the two sat facing each other, discussing the classic Confucian thoughts and The Art of War.
"Young Master Xiao, in Confucianism, it is said, 'The superior man is open and at ease; the petty man is anxious and tries to be.' What are your thoughts on this?" asked Zhao Qinglan, her smile revealing a profound wisdom.
Xiao Yan responded, "A true gentleman has a broad mind and acts in accordance with his words, while a petty person harbors ulterior motives and speaks insincerely. This reminds us to maintain a sincere heart and not let fame and fortune influence us."
Listening, Zhao Qinglan smiled slightly, thinking that Xiao Yan was indeed remarkable. He secretly observed Xiao Yan's eyes, gestures, and even subtle changes in tone, all of which showed that this young royal descendant possessed exceptional wisdom.
"If we apply this ideology to the governance of the country, I wonder if our Southern Qi can become even stronger?" Zhao Qinglan deliberately spoke vaguely to test Xiao Yan's thoughts.
"If we can govern the country according to the principles of Confucianism, Southern Qi will definitely be able to resist the aggression of Northern Wei and ensure a better life for the people." But a hint of worry was revealed in Xiao Yan's eyes.
Zhao Qinglan suggested softly, " Mr. Xiao, why not make a promise? If you have the opportunity to control the power of the country in the future, try to make it happen."
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up as he looked at Zhao Qinglan and said, "I will remember this promise. But what about you?"
Zhao Qinglan responded with a faint smile, "If your power and influence continue to grow, I will do everything in my power to assist you and together we can achieve our vision." In this ancient and elegant academy, the hearts of these two young people were deeply connected in this moment.
In a corner of Xueyuan Academy, the peaceful atmosphere was suddenly disrupted by a burst of noisy voices, as if someone was passionately debating something. Chao Qinglan furrowed his brow and looked in the direction of the sound, while Xiao Yan also cast a curious glance in that direction.
"What's happening?" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, his voice tinged with a hint of confusion.
"I'm not sure, should we go take a look?" Zhao Qinglan's expression carried a hint of curiosity, but inside, she was pondering. Such a debate was not common in the academy.
The two of them stood up in unison and walked towards the source of the sound. As they approached, they saw several students surrounding a young person, their brows furrowed and their expressions serious.
"What trivial matter are you debating about again?" Xiao Yan commented with a hint of disdain.
Zhao Qinglan smiled at him, "Perhaps, but debate is still part of learning, isn't it?"
Xiao Yan revealed a bitter smile, "I just hope it's not another argument over those stale topics."
Zhao Qinglan stood up gently and suggested, "Why don't we go over and take a look?"
When they arrived, they saw several students surrounding a scholar holding the "Zuo Zhuan" and speaking loudly, "You people only understand studying, but you don't understand that war is the key to everything!"
Another scholar retorted, "War is indeed important, but without the moral teachings of Confucianism, even if you win the war, what good will it do? It's difficult to prevent becoming like the barbarians of the Northern Wei."
Zhao Qinglan's eyes lit up with a glimmer, this was the topic that interested him. He stepped forward lightly and interjected with a smile, "Excuse me, everyone. But I have to ask, can't war and morality coexist?"
The crowd fell silent instantly, all eyes focused on him.
Xiao Yan couldn't help but show a slight smile, standing quietly beside Zhao Qinglan, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Zhao Qinglan continued, "Sun Tzu once said, 'military affairs are a nation's great matter, the ground of death and life, the path of survival and destruction, so they must be examined.' And the Confucian school also emphasizes benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust. Aren't these the very foundation of governing the country and securing the state?"
The whole room fell into contemplation once again.
"Xiao Yan finally spoke, ' Brother Zhao, why don't we integrate morality into strategy instead of seeing them as opposing forces?'"
Zhao Qinglan looked at Xiao Yan from the side, and their eyes met, understanding each other without saying a word.
"What a perfect combination of morality and strategy!" the scholars praised one after another.
At this moment, a waiter hurried over and whispered some information to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan's expression immediately turned serious. "Brother Zhao, please excuse me, I need to leave first."
Zhao Qinglan nodded in understanding, "Young Master Xiao, the matter is important and should be prioritized."
Watching Xiao Yan leave, Zhao Qinglan couldn't help but feel a bit worried, but she also knew that as a member of the royal family, Xiao Yan's future path was destined to be filled with bloodshed and turmoil.
The remaining students, seeing this, also gradually dispersed and returned to their respective desks to continue their studies.
During the turbulent era of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the rule of the Southern Song Dynasty was coming to an end. After Emperor Liu was deposed, the Northern Wei seized the rare opportunity. Under the pretext of "suppressing the remnants of the Liu Song," they launched a massive war in the south, intending to plunge the Southern Song and Southern Qi into chaos and reap benefits from it.
A general of the Northern Wei firmly stated, "The current chaos in the south is the perfect opportunity for us to launch a swift attack and seize the south."
However, the military strategist of Southern Qi calmly responded, "The northerners think that we, Southern Qi, will be in disarray, they are too confident, but they do not know that the unity of Southern Qi is not to be underestimated."
The war lasted for two years, during which Southern Qi demonstrated an incredible defensive capability, successfully repelling multiple attacks from Northern Wei. In a crucial battle, a Southern Qi general cleverly utilized the terrain, setting up an ambush and successfully repelling the elite forces of Northern Wei.
As the war continued, Northern Wei and Southern Qi finally decided to send envoys for peace talks. Despite one of Southern Qi's envoys being assassinated by remnants of Liu Song on the way, this did not prevent the two countries from reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Emperor Gao of Southern Qi said lightly to the eunuch in the palace, "These disturbances are just fleeting clouds, the most important thing is that the overall situation has been determined."
The envoys of Northern Wei couldn't help but sigh, "Southern Qi is truly as renowned as they say, both its people and its emperor are extraordinary." In the following years, Northern Wei and Southern Qi continued to send envoys, maintaining a delicate and peaceful relationship.
During those five years, the border between the North and South remained peaceful, a period later referred to by historians as "The rule of perpetual brightness," a rare long period of peace in the history of the Southern Dynasties.
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