Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Qin Ji forced a stiff smile. "If I said I was just admiring the snow and not eavesdropping, would you believe me?"

Bian Hongzhen maintained his smile: "I believe you."

The king of a country squatted on the rooftop to eavesdrop.

Did he say anything he shouldn't have?

Wait, what did Jiang Daru ask me before we came out?

Oh, homosexuality.

Haha, God bless Da Yin!

Jiang Jibai reached for his waist, only to find nothing.

I'm meeting my apprentice's father today, so I didn't wear any accessories.

He maintained his smile with regret, "Why didn't you wear warmer clothes while enjoying the snow? You've only been feeling better for a few days; what if you catch another chill?"

"I..." Qin Ji was about to argue that he had brought a blanket, but after stiffly looking around the roof, he swallowed the rest of his words.

That damned lentil, didn't it know to leave the blanket behind?

When I get back, I'll show you what it means to live up to your name!

Seeing his young disciple's stammering manner, Jiang Jibai turned and went into the bedroom, leaving the emperor and his subject staring at each other expressionlessly.

Qin Ji: What did Jiang Jibai whisper to you just now?

Bian Hongzhen: Your Majesty, the great scholar Jiang suspects that you have homosexual tendencies. Is his suspicion true?

The two stared at each other, but neither could figure out what was going on. Then, Jiang Jibai came out of the house.

Bian Hongzhen immediately reached out his hand, his voice warm and indulgent, "Feibai, why aren't you coming down? What are you doing squatting on the roof? You'll catch a cold..."

Bian Hongzhen's tone gave Qin Ji goosebumps.

He stole a glance at Jiang Jibai, who was walking over with a cloak, his face expressionless, then took a step back. "I think the view from the rooftop is quite nice."

Jiang Jibai walked to the eaves, smiled and nodded to Bian Hongzhen, then looked up and said in a gentle and refined manner, "Come down."

Just as Bian Hongzhen was about to look up and offer another word of "advice," a handsome young man landed beside him with the creaking sound of boots on the snow.

Bian Hongzhen glanced at His Majesty "without showing any emotion".

To be fair, despite Mr. Jiang's gentle and mild-mannered appearance, His Majesty does listen to what he says.

Qin Ji muttered to Jiang Jibai, "Fine, I'll come down, why are you being so fierce?"

Bian Hongzhen: "?"

Wasn't Jiang Daru's tone quite amiable?

They even brought a cloak over; where's the fierceness?

Although the tone was polite, it only contained two words. Bian Hongzhen believed that His Majesty was not yet accustomed to this commanding tone.

He quickly maintained his "doting" persona and smiled apologetically at Jiang Jibai, saying, "This child is used to being pampered at home, please don't mind, and be more understanding."

Jiang Jibai wrapped the young disciple in his cloak and smiled politely at Bian Hongzhen, "It's nothing, just a little childish tantrum, very cute."

Bian Hongzhen looked at His Majesty, who was wrapped up tightly in a cloak, and said, "...Yes, yes, cute. I think he's cute too. He's truly my son."

Qin Ji: "..." How awkward is that?

After reading the Emperor's expression, Bian Hongzhen tactfully glanced at the sky and said, "I have troubled you for so long, and I apologize for disturbing Mr. Jiang's rest. Thank you for your hospitality."

"We are old friends, yet strangers at first sight. I am deeply fortunate to have met Mr. Jiang today and have gained another kindred spirit. If Mr. Jiang has the time in the future, I would be honored to have you visit my home for a chat. I will certainly welcome you with open arms."

Jiang Jibai returned the greeting with a cupped hand, "Brother Bian, you are too kind. I am very pleased to have had such a pleasant conversation with you. I will definitely pay you a visit when I have time in the future."

After exchanging a few polite words, Bian Hongzhen prepared to leave.

Today was a day off, and Qin Ji wanted to stay and listen to Jiang Jibai's lecture, but Bian Hongzhen was still his "father" after all, so Qin Ji had no reason not to see him off since he was leaving.

Just as he was about to follow, Bian Hongzhen, being very sensible, said, "The carriage is right outside. Fei Bai has just recovered from a cold and has been exposed to the wind on the roof for who knows how long. Let's not see him off. Go inside and warm yourself by the fire."

Jiang Jibai nodded slightly to Qin Ji, "Listen to your father, go."

These few steps are nothing compared to Bian Hongzhen's old fox nature; he's unlikely to let him down.

Qin Ji was too lazy to listen to their pleasantries, and "obediently" nodded, "Take care, Father."

After saying that, he darted into the study.

Bian Hongzhen shook his head "helplessly" and said "indulgently," "This kid."

Jiang Jibai smiled and gestured for him to leave, "I'll see Brother Bian out."

The two chatted and laughed as they reached the door.

Bian Hongzhen then said many things like "Please take care of me, Mr. Jiang" and "I hope you will understand."

Seeing how much Bian Hongzhen doted on his son, Jiang Jibai couldn't help but wonder if he should consult the father about his own methods of educating his young disciple.

Although the traditional Chinese social hierarchy is based on Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher, and people often take teachers as their role models, elders generally assume that teachers have the right to discipline children.

They can both hit and scold.

Many people would even say, "Sir, you don't need to be so polite. This kid needs to be disciplined."

But Brother Bian seems to dote on his young disciple, so he probably never flicked a single fingernail at home.

He was quite strict with his disciples, and if he didn't ask them first, he was afraid that it would be difficult to control their discipline in the future. Brother Bian didn't say anything, but he was afraid that he would feel sorry for them and couldn't bring himself to speak up.

It's better to speak frankly first.

Jiang Jibai coughed lightly. "Brother Bian, Feibai has become my disciple, and I will certainly do my best to teach him. However..."

Bian Hongzhen said politely, "Mr. Jiang, please speak freely."

Jiang Jibai said tactfully, "I have always treated my disciples equally. If they do anything wrong, I will inevitably give them some pointers so that they can correct it in time."

Bian Hongzhen was completely bewildered. He cupped his hands and said, "Of course. Mr. Jiang has devoted himself to Fei Bai, and I am deeply grateful."

Seeing that Bian Hongzhen hadn't grasped the underlying meaning, Jiang Jibai had no choice but to get straight to the point and explain, "I am very strict with my disciples, and I use beatings as a form of punishment. It's inevitable that my disciples will suffer under my care. I've noticed that Brother Bian is quite fond of Feibai, and I feel uneasy if I don't explain this to him. I'm afraid Brother Bian won't be happy about it."

Bian Hongzhen kicked the threshold and almost fell flat on his face.

...

Old Jujube: Terrified.jpg