Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Bian Hongzhen advised, "Just tell me about the gifts you're bringing, and I'll arrange them. The market is a mixed bag; why must you come here personally? If anything goes wrong, I will be held responsible to the death."

"And you're a father? Your son's chosen teacher is such a poor choice of gift?" Qin Ji glanced at him. "Using someone else's help shows no sincerity whatsoever."

Bian Hongzhen: "..."

Are you my son?

Also, are you really not a Yin-Yang official?

Late Emperor, is there anyone who can control your son?

Qin Ji saw a study and was about to go in when he suddenly remembered something and turned back to look at Bian Hongzhen with displeasure. "Watch your address. Get into character now. If you show weakness in front of Jiang Jibai..."

Qin Ji's eyes flashed with a fierce light.

Having received the Emperor's threatening gaze, Bian Hongzhen had no choice but to cooperate.

He straightened his clothes and stepped into the study before Qin Ji, turning back to smile at Qin Ji with a gentle and refined demeanor, "What kind of son walks ahead of his father?"

"Why are you glaring at me? You're supposed to be my son, and you have no manners at all."

Qin Ji: "..."

How dare you, Bian Hongzhen!

Your rudeness and overstepping of authority are unacceptable; I will have you executed!

Bian Hongzhen glanced at His Majesty's face, then retreated to a position shoulder to shoulder with Qin Ji under his deathly gaze, and coughed lightly with his fist to his lips.

He lowered his voice and said in a volume that only the two of them could hear, "Isn't this just a rehearsal beforehand? It's all a temporary measure, and I hope it hasn't offended you."

It's all for the sake of getting into character better, so as not to hold you back. I'm sorry to have troubled Your Majesty.

But don't worry, I've always spoiled my son, and I have a good reputation for it. Even if you're not that polite to me in front of Jiang Daru, he might not notice anything amiss.

"Those who are not yet deceased, Your Majesty, may you proceed?"

Don't think I can't tell you're threatening me.

Bian Yushu, you should get ready to change your father. I'm going to remove you from the Bian family genealogy!

Qin Ji narrowed his eyes, smiling innocently, "How could a son be so rude? Please go first."

Bian Hongzhen broke out in a cold sweat, took a step back, gestured for him to enter, and said with a smile, "You're joking."

Sigh, this won't work, that won't work either.

He's so hard to please, Da Yin is doomed.

Qin Ji snorted lightly, stepped over the threshold, looked at Bian Hongzhen, and raised an eyebrow. "That's true. Whether you're a son or a disciple, there must be rules. You can't just ignore the rules yourself out of pity and then advise your teacher to be magnanimous, don't you think?"

Bian Hongzhen's smile froze.

The father and son strolled around the market in a peaceful manner.

Seeing His Majesty's familiarity with the place, Bian Hongzhen thought to himself, "This is probably not His Majesty's first time visiting the market."

I'll have to give them a proper piece of advice later.

After selecting a set of writing implements, acquiring several rare books, and purchasing some fine wine and food, the two finally arrived at the Jiang residence with their bags full of gifts at lunchtime.

Uncle Li received the instructions early and warmly welcomed the people inside.

Bian Hongzhen calmly surveyed the small house.

The house, with its two courtyards, was small and secluded, yet it was full of life.

Against the wall stood a brand-new grape trellis, next to which was a small, neatly arranged vegetable patch. In the corner opposite the vegetable patch, several earthenware jars were piled up; it was unclear whether they were used for pickling vegetables or for holding water.

A few red plum blossoms peeked out from the neighboring yard above the pottery jar, their sparse shadows casting long shadows as they bloomed in the cold. Sparrows hopped about on the branches, adding a touch of charm and vitality to the house.

True masters often live in seclusion in the city; no wonder Jiang Jibai, despite being a native of the capital, did not have his doorstep overrun with students eager to become his disciples.

Who would have thought that someone of such extraordinary birth would live in such an inconspicuous alley and such an unremarkable little house?

Until a figure came into view.

Jiang Jibai stood in front of the main hall, dressed in a spotless white cotton robe with a fox fur cloak over it. His hair, as black as ink, was tied up with a bamboo hairpin. His eyebrows were sparse and long, and his eyes, like pine smoke, were warm and clear, making people forget the mundane world upon seeing him.

Even the slightly gaudy fox fur cloak did not diminish his composure and elegant demeanor.

No wonder His Majesty, dressed in white dragon robes, wanted to become his disciple and take him into his fold.

Putting everything else aside, his looks and demeanor alone are enough to captivate anyone.

Bian Hongzhen cupped his hands in greeting from afar and said, "Mr. Jiang's reputation resounds throughout the scholarly world, and I have long admired him. I never imagined that I, Feibai, would be able to become your disciple by chance. It is truly an honor."

"In the past six months, Fei Bai has relied heavily on your care."

Jiang Jibai returned the greeting, glanced at Qin Ji standing behind Bian Hongzhen, who was idly treading on the snow, and smiled faintly. "Fei Bai is intelligent, diligent, and lively. It is my honor to have him as my teacher."

"It's freezing outside, but we've warmed the wine inside. Please come in, Lord Bian."

Bian Hongzhen acknowledged that Bian was intelligent, diligent, and eager to learn.

Lively and cute?

Who are you talking about? His Majesty?

Bian Hongzhen couldn't help but glance at His Majesty several times, which greatly displeased Qin Ji. However, due to Jiang Jibai's presence, he could only feign embarrassment and cough lightly, "Am I not smart? Am I not studious? Am I not lovable?"

"Give me some face in front of the teacher!"

Bian Hongzhen had never seen anything like this before, and he almost choked on his saliva. Composing himself, he chuckled at Jiang Jibai, "Feibai is usually quite witty, Mr. Jiang, please don't take it to heart. You are Feibai's teacher, it's too formal for you to address me like that. If you don't mind, how about calling me Brother Bian?"

Jiang Jibai witnessed their interaction.

The young disciple spoke without any respect, yet Bian Hongzhen showed no sign of reprimand, instead telling him not to take it to heart. This demonstrates the genuinely good relationship between father and son; the Sichuan Provincial Governor, as rumored, doted on his son.

How could someone who dotes on his son like this let Bian Feibai become a bodyguard?

Jiang Jibai suppressed his doubts and readily agreed, "Brother Bian, please come inside."

They entered the house together, and Bian Hongzhen ordered someone to present the gift. He said with a smile, "Feibai supervised me to choose this myself, afraid that I would do something perfunctory. He is very sincere towards you, even I have to give him some space."

These words not only expressed Qin Ji's sincerity but also carried a hint of jealousy, sounding like a father being jealous of his teacher. It didn't seem out of place coming from a father who doted on his son.

Qin Ji expressed satisfaction, but his face betrayed his dissatisfaction, saying, "I just picked it randomly."

"Don't always expose my past in front of Mr. Jiang," Qin Ji muttered, tugging at Bian Hongzhen's sleeve.

Jiang Jibai was used to his junior disciple's behavior and didn't find it strange. He laughed and said, "Since you picked it randomly, I'll just keep it as a keepsake."

Qin Ji immediately bristled: "No!"

Looking at the master and disciple, Bian Hongzhen smiled, his soul seemingly leaving home.

Your Majesty, did you just tug at my sleeve?

Your Majesty, are you being coquettish with Jiang Jibai?

Is this how you and Jiang Daru usually get along, Your Majesty?

Your Majesty, are you possessed by a ghost?

After all, they had been acting partners for many years, so Bian Hongzhen kept a straight face, exchanged a few pleasantries with Jiang Jibai, and the two walked to the dining table.

Bian Hongzhen looked at Qin Ji.

His Majesty is still standing...

How can His Majesty stand while he sits?

Bian Hongzhen was preparing to use the excuse that it was a family dinner and there weren't many rules to let his "son" sit down.

Jiang Jibai sat down naturally and said to Qin Ji with a smile, "Feibai, go and pour your father a cup of wine first."

Qin Ji looked at Bian Hongzhen, picked up the wine pot, and walked toward Bian Hongzhen "happily".

Bian Hongzhen: "..." Please don't come any closer.

Drinking this wine will shorten your lifespan.

The kind where nine generations of relatives are punished together.

...

I had a bit of writer's block today, but here's the first update!

The second update will be around midnight. The event continues, and we're still 500 more participants than we need. Because I updated late, it's been postponed to 1:00 AM, so I can achieve my goal of two updates tomorrow!