Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Bian Hongzhen was about to take the wine pot and say that he could do it himself when Qin Ji's staring gaze fixed him on his seat, rendering him unable to move.

The liquor poured down, making a soft, dripping sound that sent chills down Bian Hongzhen's spine.

He wore a "kind" smile, but his legs under the table were taut and straight. The chair seemed to have thorns on it, yet he dared not move.

After all, as His Majesty said, Jiang Daru is very perceptive, and no slightest movement can escape his eyes.

The wine was poured to about seven-tenths full. Qin Ji smiled broadly and said with a quick sip of his lips, "Father, please enjoy."

Bian Hongzhen was about to toast Jiang Jibai when he heard the word "father" and his hand trembled, almost spilling the whole glass of wine.

Your Majesty, you don't need to act so realistically!

Although not all of it was spilled, quite a bit was spilled on his hands, which naturally attracted Jiang Jibai's attention.

waste!

Just as Qin Ji was about to defend him, Bian Hongzhen took out a handkerchief and wiped his face, "scoldingly" saying, "I've never seen you call me 'Father' much, but you seem to be getting all the credit in front of your teacher. Didn't you think it was childish?"

With just a few words, he shifted his earlier outburst to the idea that "his son rarely acts cute, and the father is flattered," making it seem perfectly natural.

Qin Ji was fairly satisfied with this compensation. He walked up to Jiang Jibai, poured wine, and muttered to Bian Hongzhen, "I'm in a good mood today. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you're still not happy?"

Bian Hongzhen chuckled and looked at Jiang Jibai, "This kid has been spoiled by his family since he was a child, so he speaks rather casually. I've never been able to do anything about him, so please don't take offense, Mr. Jiang."

He raised his glass and said, "I have been living far away in western Sichuan for many years, unable to take care of my family. Fei Bai owes much to Mr. Jiang's careful guidance. I am ashamed."

"Brother Bian, you are truly meritorious for guarding this region and protecting the people." Jiang Jibai calmly picked up the wine poured by Qin Ji, glanced at the young disciple beside him, and said to Bian Hongzhen with a smile, "Feibai is also very close to Brother Bian, which is why he appears so lively and youthful in front of you."

Is it only in front of you that I act so unrestrained, showing my youthful nature?

I've never seen a His Majesty like this before; no one would believe it if I told them.

"Yes, yes, yes." Bian Hongzhen smiled and raised his glass to Jiang Jibai.

The wine was poured by His Majesty himself, which can be considered as benefiting from Mr. Jiang's influence; he can brag about it for a lifetime.

Jiang Jibai returned the toast, his wide sleeves naturally half-drooping to cover the wine cup as he drank it all in one gulp.

Bian Hongzhen glanced at the Emperor beside him, then looked at Jiang Jibai's smooth and flowing drinking movements.

I envy you, drinking so calmly without even knowing who poured your wine.

Qin Ji kicked Bian Hongzhen under the table.

What are you looking at?

Jiang Jibai will see the problem soon!

Bian Hongzhen quickly averted his gaze and continued toasting Jiang Jibai, even making clear arrangements for Qin Ji, "You should sit down and eat too. There are no outsiders here, just me and your teacher. Mr. Jiang isn't one to concern himself with such formalities, is he?"

Jiang Jibai smiled regretfully, "Of course, Feibai, sit down and eat."

I guess I benefited from my junior disciple's father's fame.

This kid is already being nice by not making me pour him drinks on a regular basis.

He can't enjoy any of the benefits of his apprentices.

Qin Ji shoved the wine jug into the servant's hand and unceremoniously found a seat to sit down.

Jiang Jibai on the left, Bian Hongzhen on the right.

I guess I got to enjoy Bian Yushu's best viewing spot.

Bian Hongzhen and Jiang Jibai exchanged pleasantries, though they didn't have much in common. After a while of mutual flattery, the conversation naturally turned to Qin Ji.

Bian Hongzhen smiled broadly, "Feibai is a very smart child. Mr. Jiang, please put in a lot of effort, and he will surely make a name for himself."

I blurted it out, and almost my entire family was wiped out. What a close call!

There's nothing wrong with what you said, but it just feels a little awkward.

The kind of father who has an inexplicable confidence in his son doesn't sound humble at all.

Who would have thought that a powerful regional official, a pragmatic man handpicked by the current emperor, would act like this when he becomes a father?

They're quite spoiled.

Jiang Jibai, a man of considerable experience, glanced at his young disciple who had almost shoved food up his nose and said with a smile, "That makes sense. Feibai may seem carefree, but he is shrewd and calculating, and is quite clever. He is sure to have a bright future."

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Jiang. Your judgment is definitely correct."

"Brother Bian comes from a family with a long tradition of scholarship, and his children are all accomplished. Fei Bai is first-rate in both character and ability. I am just stating the facts."

Qin Ji could no longer eat the food on his chopsticks.

Although what you are saying is the truth, why does it sound so unpleasant to me?

Is it praising me or criticizing me?

Qin Ji was about to speak to stop him, but hesitated and finally put the food in his mouth.

To be honest, it's quite a novel feeling to hear "elders" talk about themselves.

I've never experienced that before.

Qin Ji's ears turned red, and he decided he could listen to a few more words.

"Feibai is young but a gem, a treasure left by my wife. Although there are some unpleasant rumors outside, they are just jealousy that I have a good son. Please don't take them seriously."

"Brother Bian, rest assured. Fei Bai has been under my tutelage for some time now, and I know him quite well. He won't be bothered by those slanderous rumors."

"That's good, that's good. I'm relieved to hear you say that, sir."

"You're too kind, Fei Bai is a wonderful child."

"He truly is my son."

"As expected of Brother Bian's son."

Qin Ji had never heard Jiang Jibai praise him so lavishly before, but it was too exaggerated for one to bear and the other to agree with everything. It was unbearable to listen to.

Qin Ji put a piece of food in each of their bowls, saying, "Although what you said is all correct, the food will get cold if you don't eat it."

Looking at the food in their bowls, the two of them sighed inwardly, "We're getting lucky again!"

Bian Hongzhen was overwhelmed with gratitude, holding the bowl with tears streaming down his face, exclaiming, "So filial!"

Jiang Jibai nodded solemnly, chuckled, and picked up some food, saying, "Respected Master."

Qin Ji: "..." Eat yours!

The three of them ate together in a harmonious atmosphere for a while.

Jiang Jibai put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and casually asked, "Brother Bian is so fond of Feibai, how come he was chosen by His Majesty to serve him at such a young age?"

Qin Ji paused, his chopsticks still.

...

The second update is here, the event continues.

Goal achieved! Double update tomorrow!