Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

After being bombarded with complaints of favoritism from Doctor Liang, Qin Ji lifted his eyelids and glanced at the two wounded men on the bed.

Neither of them knew what Doctor Liang had said to them.

Bian Yushu obediently opened her doe-like eyes and looked over.

Shang Jingming seemed to want to bow to him, but because Doctor Liang was present, he couldn't do so. He propped himself up and nodded to show respect.

Qin Ji first looked at Bian Yushu's injuries, which made the little companion blush and hunch over like a boiled shrimp.

After cursing "unlucky brat" in his heart, he slowly walked to Shang Jingming's bedside and pulled down his silk trousers.

Shang Jingming's body stiffened into a stone in an instant.

Qin Ji ignored his tense expression, lifted his robe and sat down on the edge of the bed, then reached out his hand to Doctor Liang.

Doctor Liang was stunned for a moment, then a flash of inspiration struck him, and he understood what Qin Ji meant.

He took out some ointment from the medicine box and handed it to Qin Ji, without mentioning that the medicine had already been applied.

After administering the medicine, Dr. Liang closed the door and left, wisely leaving the "three brothers" some space to spend together.

The high and mighty emperor seemed to have lowered his stance and intended to apply the medicine to him personally. He dipped a wooden stick in the ointment and scraped it evenly along the edge of the porcelain box in a few strokes. The delicate, frost-like ointment dazzled Shang Jingming's eyes.

Even someone as composed as Shang Jingming was flustered and somewhat at a loss. He propped himself up to try and stop him, "Your Majesty, you mustn't."

Qin Ji simply extended two fingers and gently pressed them on Shang Jingming's shoulder, freezing the highly skilled commander of the Five Cities Garrison in place like a piece of wood, preventing him from moving.

The wooden sliver, coated with ointment, was gently applied to the broken skin, and a cool sensation completely suppressed the burning pain.

Shang Jingming's muscles were tense, and he was so at a loss that he didn't know what to do with his hands and feet. An indescribable emotion rose from the bottom of his heart.

This emotion is like a tender sprout breaking through the soil, eagerly trying to break free from the dark and sunless earth and chase after the sun high in the sky.

Since Qin Ji wanted to use him, he had naturally already thoroughly investigated Shang Jingming's situation.

He knew all too well what people who had never received love truly longed for.

Applying the medicine was merely a convenient gesture; while it was true that he intended to win over Shang Jingming's loyalty, it also reflected a degree of appreciation and care for this troubled young man.

"In less than a month since you took office, the纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy families who have indulged in pleasure) in the capital have already shown a completely new look. You have done a good job in this matter."

The familiarity of those words made Shang Jingming's heart tighten.

Fortunately, compared to his sarcastic tone last time, His Majesty's tone and word choice this time were noticeably more amiable.

This time, it was indeed a compliment.

The affirmation following the criticism was like a timely rain, soothing Shang Jingming's anxieties about the future.

He felt a surge of joy that he couldn't suppress, but he was also a little cautious because he had almost lost the hard-won opportunity to be promoted due to his dereliction of duty and punishment.

He dared not be complacent, carefully choosing his words to win Qin Ji's favor, "I am already extremely grateful that you are willing to give me another chance to make amends for my mistakes, and I dare not take your praise as anything more."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will investigate this matter thoroughly, expose the corrupt officials within the Five Cities Garrison, and give you an explanation."

A loud drum doesn't need to be struck again.

This kid is quick to understand; he knows exactly what needs to be done next and what will satisfy him.

Unlike some cheap tutors who need constant instruction, he is different.

Qin Ji was not offended by Shang Jingming's attempts to win him favor.

A person's past circumstances will be reflected in their words and actions like a brand.

Qin Ji could imagine that in Shang Jingming's past, he must have also tried to please his father, the Vice Minister of War, just as he had tried to please him.

Unfortunately, the result didn't look very good.

After applying the medicine to him, Qin Ji casually put the ointment aside.

"I will not tolerate you just because you are young and inexperienced, nor will I abandon you because of a momentary oversight."

"It's good to have a sense of crisis, but don't be overly concerned about gains and losses."

"You are a talented general whom I have chosen. As long as you do your job well, you will have a vast world to roam in the future."

Shang Jingming's throat tightened slightly, and his heart warmed slightly. "Yes."

Having struck at the snake's vital point, and having delivered both the stick and the pie, Qin Ji rose with satisfaction.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the cheap reading companion, who had been playing in the background for half the day, poking the pillow in his arms repeatedly.

Hmm, it's a bit sour.

Following Bian Yushu's gaze, Qin Ji saw the medicine placed on the wooden table.

Qin Ji: "..."

It's true that I didn't apply any medicine to you.

You're so lucky, you didn't even get a scratch. Do you expect me to rub it for you with my hands?

How audacious! Spoiled and arrogant!

Through the thin blanket, Qin Ji slapped him across the face. "This is the second time. You haven't improved at all."

"Woo~"

Bian Yushu hugged her pillow and whimpered pitifully, looking like a wronged child.

The innocent, watery eyes of the little deer pierced Qin Ji's already dwindling conscience.

To make matters worse, a envious gaze drifted over from the other side of the couch.

Qin Ji: "..."

What's there to envy?

Are you envious of the blessing of being slapped?

You've got good taste, kid!

...

Balancing things is an art.

Poison Master is a situation.

...

Not long after Shen Jiangliu returned to the capital, he acquired many new items.

After making the house feel more lively, he invited Jiang Jibai to stay for a few days to warm his home.

This wasn't because he wasn't afraid of Jiang Jibai's martial virtue; it was just that he hadn't seen him for a year and had accumulated a lot of things he wanted to ask him. With his teacher staying at his residence, he could save himself a lot of trouble traveling back and forth.

Shen Jiangliu has considerable experience in water management.

The master and apprentice discussed the river and canal map on the table for a while and both gained a lot.

Shen Jiangliu was about to call a servant to refill his tea when he heard a commotion outside, seemingly mixed with the crowing of roosters. He summoned Old Qian and asked, "What's all this noise outside?"

"I was just about to report this matter to you, young master."

"A messenger from the West Market entertainment venues sent several cages of fighting cocks, saying that Big Beard from the Wool Gang had mentioned them to the young master at the entertainment venues, and they were sent for the young master's enjoyment."

Before Shen Jiangliu could figure out what was going on, an interested gaze swept over from the side.

The gaze was neither too intense nor too faint, sending chills down one's spine and making one's whole body tense.

No, I didn't do it, who would want to harm me?

Jiang Liu was shocked and sat up straight, quickly disclaiming any involvement, "Absolutely not! Are they mistaken?"

Seeing the young master's reaction, and then looking at Jiang Jibai, Old Qian cleverly came to the young master's rescue, "I was just wondering about that too. The young master doesn't usually have such a hobby, so I came over to report it immediately."

Seeing that his eldest disciple's expression seemed genuine, Jiang Jibai stood up first and said, "Let's go take a look."

It really was sent to the wrong address.

The people at the teahouse stared at Shen Jiangliu, looking him over from the left and right, and confirmed that he was indeed not one of the young masters from before.

After checking the address, he slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Wrong, wrong, I misread it, it's next door."

"I knew you weren't among the gentlemen I saw at the entertainment venue earlier. I'm sorry, I'm sorry to bother you."

The leader directed his men to move the fighting cock away. Before leaving, he glanced at the imposing gate of the villa next door, clicked his tongue, and asked Shen Jiangliu, "I wonder who lives next door? This house is really grand."

Shen Jiangliu was startled, but before he could stop him, Old Qian had already blurted it out.

"The son of the Sichuan Provincial Governor is said to be surnamed Bian."

Jiang Jibai: "..."

The Provincial Governor of Western Sichuan had only one son in Beijing.

His troublesome little apprentice.

Shen Jiangliu noticed with his sharp eyes that Jiang Jibai's gaze had begun to turn dangerous.