Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

First, Qin Ji couldn't convincingly portray a poor scholar, so he never concealed his privileged background; his every word and action betrayed this. He had to cultivate an identity for himself that of a noble, high-ranking official, or a prominent family.

Secondly, although dinner consisted only of eggs, radishes, and cabbage, Gu Huaijin was clearly not good at cooking and was used to being waited on. Moreover, Qin Ji trusted his judgment; Gu Huaijin's speech, manners, and demeanor were undoubtedly shaped by his upbringing and upbringing. Given his privileged background, he was likely familiar with the prominent families of the capital. If Qin Ji were to fabricate a story, it would be easily exposed.

Qin Ji mentally went through all the ministers in the capital with the surname Bian that he could name, and was a little worried. If he pretended to be the child of a high-ranking official with the surname Bian, how could he stop Gu Huaijin from inviting his "father" to visit him?

When a son becomes an apprentice, a father can't just leave without showing any appreciation, can he?

Unless he is dead or not in the capital.

Qin Ji quickly thought of someone.

Bian Hongzhen, who was in his late forties but not yet fifty, was transferred to Sichuan as the Provincial Governor two years ago. He was not in the capital, but was a high-ranking official of the second rank. He also had a close relationship with Bian Hongzhen, so his status was just right.

Bian Hongzhen's mother was old and did not accompany him to his post, but stayed in the capital to live out her days. To reassure Bian Hongzhen, Qin Ji specially bestowed upon her many tonics and granted her the title of Second Rank Imperial Consort, as a sign that he would take good care of her. It is said that Bian Hongzhen also left his youngest son in the capital so that he could fulfill his filial duties to his grandmother.

Isn't that a perfect coincidence? They're about the same age, and he's a grandson raised by his grandmother. He's been spoiled and a bit of a troublemaker, which drove away the family's tutor. So he ran off to find a teacher on his own. How normal and suitable!

It's perfectly normal and appropriate for teachers to discipline children from time to time for their "spoiled habits" that they can't stand.

The dragon brain was smoking, and only a moment had passed. When Qin Ji mentioned his "father," there was a hint of hidden pride on his face. "My father is Bian Hongzhen, but he is rarely home and I'm afraid he cannot meet with the teacher. Please forgive me."

Jiang Jibai had heard of Bian Hongzhen, the Provincial Governor of Western Sichuan. He said that Bian was a pragmatic man who was promoted by the powerful minister Wang Jing before the current emperor took power, and that he had done a lot of good things for the people of the region.

Although they had never met, Jiang Jibai had a good impression of this person; Bian Feibai was actually his son.

It seems that the young man's earlier boastful ambition of "doing his best to benefit the people" was influenced by his father. Although his ideas are immature, with proper nurturing, he may very well become a pillar of the nation like his father in the future.

Jiang Jibai said, "Your father serves the country and seeks the well-being of the people. He is busy with countless affairs every day. There is no need to rush to meet him."

"How far have you progressed in your studies? Have you achieved any academic success?"

Qin Ji feigned embarrassment and lied, saying, "I have only studied the Four Books and Five Classics and have not achieved any official rank or fame."

Fortunately, Jiang Jibai hadn't had high expectations for Bian Feibai's studies anyway, as evidenced by the numerous Confucian sayings and poems he quoted when lecturing to farmers. What he valued in Bian Feibai wasn't his scholarship, but rather his intelligence, his love for the people, and his understanding of practical matters concerning people's livelihoods.

Among the sons of powerful and wealthy families in the capital, it is not difficult to find someone who has thoroughly read the Four Books and Five Classics by the age of sixteen or seventeen. However, it is not so easy to find someone who is sixteen or seventeen years old but has a thorough understanding of the autumn harvest, taxes, the plight of farmers, and the exploitation of the common people by lowly servants. They are extremely rare.

Bian Feibai was probably influenced by his father.

After gaining a general understanding of Bian Feibai's studies, Jiang Jibai gave him a few questions to test the student's abilities. "Go back and write a few articles, and hand them in to me in three days. I will then officially begin teaching you. From the start of the lessons, classes will begin at dawn and end at dusk, with one day off every ten days. Any objections?"

As the ruler of a nation, Qin Ji was extremely busy with state affairs. He didn't have time to study with Jiang Jibai every day. With only one day off every ten days, it was already a good thing if Qin Ji could attend one day out of ten. He quickly made up his mind and readily agreed, "Yes, teacher."

After leaving Jiang Jibai's residence, Qin Ji hurried back to the palace before the gates were locked.

He managed to catch up, but his injuries worsened, and he couldn't let the people serving him notice anything amiss.

Qin Ji reviewed memorials late into the night, then suppressed one of Bian Hongzhen's memorials: "Bian Hongzhen has governed effectively, and the harvest in western Sichuan this year is excellent. I wish to bestow favors upon him. What is the name of Bian Hongzhen's son who remained in the capital?"

Fu Lu searched his mind for a moment, then immediately bowed and said, "Bian Yushu."

Qin Ji raised his lips and said, "Draft an edict to bestow upon Bian Yushu the position of my study companion, and order him to enter the palace to report in two days."

If I fail to keep my promise in three days, it won't be on my intentions.

The youngest son of the Bian family was to enter the palace to accompany his teacher, and he didn't have time to stay by his teacher's side all the time. He could only visit the teacher during his days off. Wasn't that a solution?

As expected of me, I am truly a genius.

The eunuch, holding the pen, obeyed the order and wrote furiously.

Fu Lu couldn't help but sigh inwardly. His Majesty had always valued Bian Hongzhen. His youngest son was able to serve as His Majesty's study companion, so his future prospects must be bright. The Bian family was truly a family of great wealth and honor.