Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Bian Yushu's words were resounding, causing the two people present to exchange a glance, a silent smile playing on their lips.

"A fledgling bird's wings have grown feathers; it will always want to fly in the sky. Why must you confine it to the ground, Bian Qing?"

Bian Hongzhen remarked with emotion, "Yushu has grown up."

Having said that, he picked up a wooden spoon, scooped a spoonful from the boiling tea, and added it to Qin Ji's teacup. "Yu Shu is unruly; I'm sorry to trouble Your Majesty with such care."

"If there is anything I have done poorly..." Bian Hongzhen could not bring himself to say the words "discipline casually." He forced himself to offer the teacup and gave a guilty smile. "Yushu has not suffered much hardship at home and may not be able to withstand too severe punishment. Your Majesty is magnanimous and I hope you will forgive him."

Bold!

Please forgive me?

Why don't you let your son grow more calluses on his butt!

Do you know how many beatings I took for him?

Do you know how ruthless Jiang Jibai is?

How could I possibly tolerate it?

I'll chop you up!

Qin Ji took the teacup, took a sip, and smiled in a way that was as warm as a spring breeze. "Yu Shu is innocent and simple, which pleases my heart. I will not mistreat him."

Where there's a ruler, there's a ruler.

Good fortune is plentiful.

Bian Hongzhen was "moved to tears" and said, "Your Majesty's kindness will never be forgotten."

Qin Ji put down his teacup. "Rest assured, my dear minister."

After waiting for a while without getting a definite answer, Bian Hongzhen could only chuckle awkwardly, "Don't worry, don't worry."

Fortunately, His Majesty did not blame him; he had been on tenterhooks just now.

Unfortunately, I couldn't persuade His Majesty. My son is in for a rough time. Alas...

Bian Yushu listened to his father's conversation with His Majesty and beamed with joy.

He didn't really care whether His Majesty was magnanimous or not; the most important thing was that his father no longer objected to him becoming His Majesty's apprentice.

And his father finally acknowledged that he's grown up!

Bian Yushu grinned for a while, then seemed to remember something, secretly tugged at Bian Hongzhen's sleeve under the tea table, and whispered with dissatisfaction, "I'm not that naughty... How many times have you used the word 'naughty' today?"

Is this the key point?

Bian Hongzhen patted his son's hand reassuringly under the table.

Silly boy, you insist on taking this teacher as your teacher. Your father can't help you. Good luck to you.

After clarifying the issue of Bian Yushu's education, the emperor and his minister enjoyed a cup of tea in a pleasant atmosphere.

"Back then, I was just a compiler who had been sitting on the sidelines in the Hanlin Academy for many years. I owe everything I have today to Your Majesty's appreciation."

"At that time, the court was in a state of chaos and corruption. Since you were unwilling to bribe Wang Jing, you naturally did not receive important positions. Your success today is not entirely due to my promotion, but also because you are a truly outstanding individual."

"What use is a thoroughbred horse without a discerning eye? I will never forget this kindness and virtue."

"If it weren't for you, my dear minister, I might already be nothing but a skeleton. It is thanks to someone like you, who refused to compromise your principles and upheld the right path, that we were able to rectify the situation and achieve the new atmosphere we see today."

The two spoke frankly and openly, exchanging compliments and flattery, which made Bian Yushu feel sleepy, but he dared not openly yawn.

"Your Majesty, the tea here is quite good."

"Junshan Silver Needle tea is made from the first snow of the year. If you like it, I will reward you with a jar."

"I am ashamed to accept this."

After drinking his eighth cup of tea, Bian Hongzhen could no longer drink. He cautiously probed, "Does Your Majesty have any task to assign me?"

Qin Ji paused, his hand holding the teacup, a troubled expression on his face. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke, his tone hesitant, "There is indeed something I need you to do, my dear minister, but..."

This seems to be a bit difficult.

His Majesty is waiting for me to speak.

If even His Majesty finds it difficult, how could Bian Hongzhen possibly make a definitive statement?

"If Your Majesty has any difficulties, please speak frankly. If it is within my power, I will do my utmost to share Your Majesty's burdens."

It demonstrates an attitude of not shirking responsibility, but also avoids taking on too much.

Qin Ji cursed the old fox in his heart again.

Qin Ji put down his teacup, sighed, and then asked, "Does my dear minister know Jiang Jibai?"

"A renowned scholar, he was only of age when he debated the classics with Yu Tingyuan, the headmaster of Songjian Academy, Li Yichang, a famous scholar from Jiangnan, and Liu Zongxue, the former Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, at the foot of Mangshan Mountain. They debated for three days without stopping, and in the end, all three gentlemen were impressed and said that he was a genius and had mastered the knowledge of ancient and modern times."

Since then, Jiang Jibai's fame has spread among scholars, and students who want to become his disciples and receive his guidance are as numerous as fish crossing a river.

Unfortunately, he was a free spirit, his whereabouts unpredictable. Although he traveled extensively to teach and educate all, he never stayed in one place for long, nor was he willing to serve the court.

Bian Hongzhen observed Qin Ji's expression and asked, "Does Your Majesty already have information about Mr. Jiang's whereabouts and wish to invite him to serve?"

This is indeed a tricky situation.

Although Bian Hongzhen had long heard of his reputation, he was not really confident that he could recruit him on behalf of His Majesty.

"Not exactly."

If it's not asking him to come out of retirement, then what is it?

Bian Hongzhen was a little confused. "What does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"My dear minister, you may not know this," Qin Ji said slowly. "A few months ago, I heard that Jiang Jibai had arrived in the capital. I sent officials from the Ministry of Personnel to visit him three times, hoping to invite him to serve as Grand Tutor."

Although Bian Hongzhen was far away in western Sichuan, he had heard about this matter. Jiang Jibai's refusal of the imperial court's offer of service was within his expectations.

If he truly wanted to become an official, the imperial court had issued a summons for him when he was famous for his philosophical discussions at Mangshan.

If it was because he couldn't stand Wang Jing's power and the chaotic state of the court, then a little over a year ago, when His Majesty first assumed power, he issued an edict to recruit talented people from all over the country, and Jiang Jibai was able to answer the call and enter officialdom.

They all refused, which shows that their true intentions lay elsewhere.

Over the years, he has traveled around giving lectures, and he is willing to offer guidance to anyone who seeks his advice, regardless of their social status or level of education.

His current reputation in Shilin is unparalleled.

Even if His Majesty wanted to make such a person Grand Tutor, it would be difficult to force him to do so.

"I have heard of this matter, but I fear that the great scholar Jiang's ambitions lie elsewhere."

Qin Ji lamented, "Such a talented person cannot serve the court. I am heartbroken whenever I think of this. Therefore..."

Upon hearing the word "therefore," Bian Hongzhen knew the important part was coming, so he sat up straight and listened attentively.

"Therefore, I borrowed Yu Shu's identity, disguised myself as a white dragon, and personally contacted Mr. Jiang."

Bian Hongzhen: "?"

Is this how things developed?

The emperor, posing as Yu Shu, left the palace and made contact with Jiang Jibai.

Have safety measures been implemented effectively?

Is this appropriate?

How can you say that leaving the palace is as simple as going to the toilet?

and many more!

Bian Hongzhen's pupils dilated in shock. He slammed his fist on the table and stood up. "Your Majesty, you were dressed in black, carrying Yu Shu, and sneaking over the city wall at night?!"

Qin Ji coughed lightly and tapped the tea table with his fingers. "That's not the point. Let me finish."

Isn't that the point?

Isn't that the point?

Your subject wishes to offer this advice!

Bian Hongzhen felt like he was suffocating, clutching his chest, "Please speak."

"I have become a disciple of Jiang Jibai."

Given His Majesty's character and talent, it is not surprising that Jiang Jibai would accept him as a disciple.

Although His Majesty's move was outrageous, successfully becoming Jiang Jibai's disciple can be considered a roundabout way to save the country.

Although he didn't enter officialdom, how can he not be considered a Grand Tutor?

Bian Hongzhen calmed down, sat back down at the tea table, and advised, "Please make sure you bring enough guards. A son of a wealthy family should not sit under a dangerous roof. Your safety is related to the country, and you cannot be careless in the slightest."

"As for the matter of scaling the city walls at night," Bian Hongzhen said, pounding his chest and stamping his feet, "Your Majesty must never do it again."

Qin Ji ignored it completely and continued to emphasize the key point, "But now a problem has arisen..."

His Majesty has already become Jiang Jibai's disciple, so why would he need to help him?

Bian Hongzhen sensed something was amiss, pinched his philtrum, and said, "Tell me."

Qin Ji calmly took a sip of tea. "Any decent teacher wouldn't go so far as to not even inform the student's father, would they?"

Bian Hongzhen: "..." This sounds familiar.

"Mr. Jiang said he wants to meet with my father."

Bian Hongzhen: "..."

Your subject will go to the imperial mausoleum and fetch your father's coffin.

...

First update delivered!

Same as yesterday, update at 11 or 12.

Today's "powered by love" effort is a bit short, still 600 views short. Whether there will be a double update tomorrow depends on everyone (winking wildly~).