Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

The imperial eunuch's words were like a resounding slap in the face to everyone in the Shang family except for Shang Jingming.

Shang Yu silently accepted the imperial decree and expressed his gratitude. Feng Jiqin did not show it on his face, but his fear of his stepson had reached its peak.

The two brothers, Shang Jingyan and Shang Jinghe, looked at Shang Jingming, who was kneeling at the front with his father.

They could never feel close to their half-brother.

In their memory, the eldest brother would always say something inappropriate when the family was getting along well, often targeting their mother and clashing with their father, eventually ruining the atmosphere and causing the family to part on bad terms.

They had listened to their father and tried to send out signals of goodwill, but their eldest brother treated them lukewarmly, always keeping a distance. They were more like guests living under the same roof than brothers.

Over time, they became unwilling to put on a show of goodwill towards their elder brother's cold shoulder.

Now that their elder brother has gained His Majesty's favor and become a highly sought-after figure, they feel a mix of envy, jealousy, and unease.

Shang Jingming accepted the imperial decree with unwavering eyes, ignoring the stares of those around him.

His father's dissatisfaction, his stepmother's jealousy, his brothers' unease, and the servants' inquiries were all like a thick fog. Things that could have easily hurt him suddenly seemed as light as dust, unable to stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.

He carefully put away the "Fu" character bestowed by His Majesty, and followed the eunuch who came to deliver the imperial decree out of the Shang residence without looking back.

The wind of the dead of winter, mixed with snowflakes, stung my face.

Shang Jingming bent down to board the carriage to enter the palace, and a drop of water fell onto the carriage shaft.

He raised his hand to touch his face and realized that he had been crying tears of joy without even realizing it.

teacher……

He silently repeated the unfamiliar yet familiar name to himself.

They were like devout believers, yet also like innocent children whose grievances were carefully caught.

...

Just as Shang Jingming was sitting in the carriage on his way to the palace, the Bian family also received the Emperor's blessing and the imperial decree summoning Bian Yushu to the palace for a meal.

Unlike the tense atmosphere among the merchants, Bian Yushu was surrounded by her grandmother and brothers like a mascot.

Grandmother smiled broadly, patting his hand, "Good, good, good, I knew my youngest grandson would be the most promising."

His older brother patted his head and smiled as he reminded him, "The palace isn't as comfortable as home. There are many rules, and you might not even get enough to eat. When you come back, we'll have a proper celebration for you."

The second brother pulled his face like dough, "Yushu, you've really made something of yourself! From now on, your second brother will be relying on you for guidance. I support you in surpassing Bian Hongzhen and crushing him on the beach as soon as possible, so I won't have to put up with his cowardice anymore!"

Bian Hongzhen slapped Bian Yulou aside, then politely dusted off his clothes. "I think you're just looking for family discipline during the New Year."

Bian Yushu quickly shielded her second brother behind her, looking at Bian Hongzhen with pleading eyes, "Second brother is still injured, Father, you can't do this to him..."

Bian Hongzhen glanced indifferently at his second son, who was hiding behind his youngest son and looking smug.

The little dog's injuries were so minor that even after a night's sleep, they probably wouldn't be found again. The brat turned around and went to Yushu to complain.

Yu Shu has been crying and accusing him several times in the past two days, guarding against him like a thief, afraid that he will beat up his second brother again.

It was one thing for the second son to cause this trouble, but Bian Hongzhen felt even more suffocated when he thought about his son having to dine with His Majesty.

Fortunately, he inquired with the eunuch and found that, in addition to his son, the merchant was also among those invited.

It can't be... but it shouldn't be that bad either; there's a more likely other possibility.

"Following the custom of the late Emperor, the evening dinner on the 28th of the twelfth lunar month is His Majesty's family banquet, which should be eaten with the empress, princes, and princesses. However, since His Majesty has not yet been married, he has invited you two young people to accompany him." Bian Hongzhen asked, "Is that kid Shang Jingming the same as you?"

Bian Yushu naturally knew what his father meant by "just like you." Upon hearing this, he hurriedly looked around and only breathed a sigh of relief when he found that there were no servants beside him. He nodded slightly.

Although they offered tea and acknowledged His Majesty as their teacher, this relationship was never made public.

He had no intention of flaunting his identity; he only thought that everything depended on His Majesty's plans.

Seeing his son nod, Bian Hongzhen smiled slightly, "His Majesty has bestowed blessings upon you and summoned you to the palace for a private meal. Such favor is evident to everyone in the court. It cannot be simply summarized as being in the Emperor's heart."

From today onwards, Yu Shu and Shang Xiaozi will truly be considered extremely popular.

However, this inevitably puts the two in the spotlight, making them easy targets for envy.

My son is pure and simple, with a childlike heart. How could he possibly cope with all the open and hidden attacks coming from all sides?

Bian Hongzhen couldn't help but worry, "Now that you've become a favorite of His Majesty, you should be more careful in your actions. Next year, your eldest and second eldest brothers will both remain in the capital. If you encounter any uncertainties, consult with them more often."

Bian Yushu nodded obediently, "Father, don't worry. His Majesty taught me to speak and do less and observe more in front of outsiders. If someone asks me to do something, I'll pretend to be sparing with words and just turn around and ask them what to do. They'll teach me."

Such favor and care.

Bian Yuheng's eyes flickered slightly as he glanced at his younger brother.

Bian Yulou was speechless with astonishment.

Madam Bian smiled so broadly her teeth showed, "My dear grandson is so lovable. His Majesty is wise and has excellent taste."

Bian Hongzhen didn't know what to say.

Throughout history, probably no minister has ever dared to be so open and completely trusting of the emperor.

But this road is especially suitable for my son.

Rather than having Yu Shu, who is not good at interpersonal relationships, learn to be cunning, it would be better to make the most of his strengths and be a loyal minister.

Most importantly, His Majesty must not doubt it.

This was actually a huge gamble.

With worries about his son's future, Bian Hongzhen nodded slightly. "It's getting late, let's get ready to leave."

After seeing his son off onto the carriage, Bian Hongzhen gave him a few more instructions.

"After dinner, send someone to deliver a message that your father will come to the palace gate to meet you."

Bian Yushu nodded: "If Your Majesty wishes to keep us in the palace overnight, shall I send someone to deliver a message?"

Bian Hongzhen: "...Okay."

Judging from the extent of His Majesty's dedication to educating his son, it may not be what he thinks; perhaps Jiang Daru has misunderstood.

Moreover, there's also the young scholar Shang; both of them have become His Majesty's teachers, which shows that the son is not an exception.

Seeing that His Majesty was bestowing blessings and summoning the two of them to the palace for a meal, it seemed he intended to openly announce their master-disciple relationship to the world. If he truly harbored improper intentions, why bother with the complicated master-disciple title?

Bian Hongzhen looked at his bewildered son and then thought of the emperor, who was the same age but sat alone in the palace, his thoughts unfathomable.

He chuckled and shook his head, unable to suppress his amusement at his own needless worry these past few days.

"His Majesty has been very kind to you. Occasionally, when no one else is around, you can set aside your social status and treat him as a teacher you respect, love, and rely on. But you must be careful not to go too far."

Bian Yushu's doe eyes flickered, and she nodded guiltily, "I will."

It seems he has already done so.

Well... is it okay to be a little more unrestrained?

Bian Yushu seemed to be deep in thought.

Seeing his son lost in thought, Bian Hongzhen didn't say anything and lowered the carriage curtain.

He was quite confident in his son's talent in this area.

My son has a natural talent for charming people; he knows exactly how to please them.