Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Shang Jingming's gaze met that of the incomparably noble person before him. His Majesty's unfathomable eyes did not reveal much emotion, yet his heartstrings still trembled uncontrollably.

Because he knew very well in his heart.

The ruler of the Great Yin Dynasty would not get angry because his subjects did a good job.

Only his teachers would be angry that he disregarded his injuries and was too eager to achieve results.

This realization was like a thunderbolt shattering the heavy boulder that had been pressing on his heart. With the boulder gone, the seed that had been buried deep in his heart for years finally broke through the soil and sprouted a tender bud.

Shang Jingming pulled his knees back an arm's length, placed his hands on the blue bricks, and touched the ground with his forehead.

His eyes stung a little, his world was filled with the sound of his heart pounding, and his breathing became rapid.

He heard his own slightly choked voice say, "Jingming... I've worried your teacher."

Compared to his usual cleverness and quick wit, and his eloquence at their first meeting, this statement seemed somewhat weak, but it was the first step he took in truly embracing the role of a disciple and striving to win over Qin Ji.

Qin Ji had elicited the answer he wanted, and naturally wouldn't let Shang Jingming make a mistake.

He crouched down and placed his finger on Shang Jingming's uninjured shoulder.

"I am giving you fifteen days, and while I certainly expect you to perform even better, it is absolutely not based on you risking your life or putting yourself at risk."

"Whether as the King of Da Yin or as your teacher, I hope you can plan carefully, turn danger into safety, and serve me with your skills to become my champion marquis; rather than being trapped by self-proof, taking risky measures, and losing your life at any time, suffering a hasty defeat. This would be a huge loss for the court and for me."

"You have the ability and the potential. Your future is far more than just being a minor commander of the Five Cities Garrison. Don't be too hasty and blind yourself to the bigger picture."

Shang Jingming's eyes were slightly moist, and his kneeling body trembled uncontrollably.

This was not only because His Majesty had, for the first time, so openly promised him a future far beyond the command of the Five Cities Garrison.

It was also because His Majesty had such high expectations of him. He analyzed things meticulously and patiently, truly treating him as a disciple and caring for him with all his heart.

What merit or ability does he possess?

Shang Jingming closed his eyes, swallowing the tears welling up in his throat. "Jingming knows he was wrong."

"Considering your sincerity and the fact that you were injured to atone for your sins, I'll remember this beating for now."

"Submit the evidence to the Ministry of Justice. Once your shoulder injury has healed, you can submit your nameplate to enter the palace yourself."

"Yes."

But the conversation doesn't end here.

Qin Ji wanted more than just Shang Jingming's "acknowledgment of his mistakes"; he was after the boy's inner conflict. So, he pressed on, asking, "Why did I take you as my disciple?"

He took advantage of Bian Yushu's apprenticeship ceremony.

At the time, I felt like I'd been hit by a huge pie, but upon reflection, I felt surprisingly unsure of myself.

Shang Jingming's fingers, which were pressed against the ground, curled slightly. The complex emotions in his heart swirled around his lips a few times before he uttered a less embarrassing statement: "The timing was perfect... I seized the opportunity?"

Qin Ji said unhappily, "Do I have to accept everyone present as my disciple? Is it so easy and cheap to be my disciple?"

Shang Jingming's eyes flickered slightly, as he keenly discerned the purpose behind His Majesty's question from His Majesty's displeasure, and the surging emotions in his heart almost burst forth.

But he... wanted to hear his teacher say it himself, wanted his teacher to personally commit his heart to something. So he pretended to be oblivious, slightly raising his head, and asked "uncertainly," "Because His Majesty wants to use Jingming?"

Why does the clever second disciple suddenly become a blockhead, unable to understand anything?

He was possessed by the eldest disciple of the sect?

Qin Ji narrowed his eyes slightly.

They're all ancient foxes, yet he's turning into a ghost storyteller here?

Shang Jingming felt his hair stand on end under the Emperor's gaze, but out of a little selfishness, he gritted his teeth and refused to change his words.

Seeing Shang Jingming's slightly nervous expression, Qin Ji suddenly smiled, looking relaxed, "Commander Shang, asking questions you already know the answer to in front of your sovereign and teacher will come at a price."

Shang Jingming knew what the price would be, his ears turned slightly red, but his tense expression relaxed a little. "Jingming is willing to pay the price."

Qin Ji looked him up and down.

This kid's tough as nails, he's really not afraid of getting beaten up.

"stand up."

Qin Ji pressed Shang Jingming back onto the couch.

Just then, a servant brought over medicine and a clean cotton cloth. Without saying a word, Qin Ji picked up the cloth, moistened it with warm water, wiped away the bloodstains on his shoulder, and then poured on some hemostatic powder.

The moment the powder was poured on, Shang Jingming was stung by intense pain, his face turned pale, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

Just when he thought he would never hear His Majesty's personal approval.

A voice pulled him away from the excruciating pain in his shoulder.

"If I wanted to use you, I would promote you. Why would I need to take you as my disciple? Do I have to take every useful person as my disciple? Wouldn't that make all the civil and military officials your fellow disciples?"

"I accepted you as my disciple not because you 'piggybacked' on Yu Shu's apprenticeship ceremony, nor because you are particularly useful."

Upon hearing this, Shang Jingming suddenly looked up at the person who had treated his injuries.

As their eyes met, Shang Jingming heard his emperor, his teacher, say calmly and firmly, "I only value you as a person, and I think I should take this lad under my wing as my disciple, that's all."

Shang Jingming's lips moved slightly, but he hadn't had a chance to say anything yet.

A scream rang out from the doorway, "Stop! Stop! What the hell are you wrapping up! A rice dumpling?"

Qin Ji reluctantly released his grip.

Doctor Liang rushed in, quickly loosened the bandages on Qin Ji's wound, and while treating Shang Jingming, glared at Qin Ji, "Wrapped so tightly, not a bit breathable! Just wait for this kid's wound to fester and ooze pus!"

Dr. Liang smacked Shang Jingming on the head in exasperation, "Are you a blockhead? Don't you know how to cry out in pain? He's bandaged up like this, and you don't feel a thing?"

Qin Ji glanced at him sideways.

Do you even know who I am, yet you glare at me like that?

Do you not want your entire family anymore?

Shang Jingming: "It didn't hurt much, I didn't feel anything. It was an honor that he personally bandaged me up."

You've been brainwashed so much your brain is broken?

He kindly stood up for Shang Jingming, but Shang Jingming didn't appreciate it.

Doctor Liang rolled his eyes. This kid had been punished until his skin was torn open once or twice, and this time he had such a big bloody hole in his shoulder. Bandaging him would be another ordeal.

Anyone who is favored will cause a huge uproar.

As it turned out, this kid actually sided with his biased older brother.

Poor thing.

Dr. Liang, who had been abducted from his bed in the middle of the night and vomited the whole way, glared at Qin Ji once again.

You can know a person's face but not their heart. What kind of people are these?

unlucky!

Qin Ji: "..." You're getting cocky? Just you wait.