Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Bian Dou simply summarized Jiang Jibai and Bian Hongzhen's words at the door that day as "Lord Bian was persuaded by Mr. Jiang's sincerity," without going into details.

Qin Ji originally intended to summon Bian Dou for a consultation.

During the Lunar New Year's Eve, Biandou was well protected, and Qin Ji thought of exempting him from punishment. However, he had a lot of government affairs to attend to, and by the time he had dealt with them, Biandou had already received his punishment and was lying down.

The idea of ​​asking Biandou for details was temporarily shelved.

I didn't expect Bian Hongzhen to bring it up today.

Qin Ji coughed lightly and made a hand gesture.

A rustling sound came from the woods, and Red Bean, who was hiding in the shadows, wisely moved a little further away.

The red beans were used to plug the ears, ensuring that His Majesty could not hear the conversation between the emperor and Lord Bian, and also ensuring that they could be rescued in time in case of any disturbance.

Bian Hongzhen's sudden mention of this matter was certainly not intended to rub salt in his wounds or cause him any discomfort.

Based on his previous advice, it's not hard to imagine that Jiang Jibai must have said or done something.

At least it could persuade Bian Hongzhen, giving him a plausible reason not to stop Jiang Jibai's overstepping of his bounds.

Qin Ji cut to the chase: "How did your teacher convince you?"

Just as Bian Hongzhen was considering whether to phrase it more tactfully, Qin Ji added, "I want to hear the exact words."

Bian Hongzhen gave His Majesty a deep look, then lowered his voice, "Mr. Jiang said that if his disciple makes a mistake, he, as the teacher, cannot shirk his responsibility."

People are different; he may not be able to empathize with you, but he can still understand your feelings.

If I still cannot accept this, he is willing to share the responsibility with you if you make mistakes in the future.

His teachings to you... I, as a father, can be emulated by him.

Bian Hongzhen paused slightly, then slowly said, word by word, "Unconditionally demand its return."

Unconditional return...

It would be difficult to find another person in the world as selfless and devoted to his disciples as Jiang Jibai.

Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher are the fundamental social order, but also the dividing line between social status.

There is no essential difference between a teacher and a student, just as there is a vast difference in the relationship between a ruler and a subject; it's simply a matter of the size of the gap between them.

It is considered natural for teachers to discipline students when they make mistakes, so how can we talk about sharing responsibility?

How can you talk about demanding repayment unconditionally?

If he were to set aside his status as a monarch, would there really be a teacher like Jiang Jibai who was unconventional, treated him as an equal, tolerated his pride and disrespect, and even apologized to him repeatedly?

Being able to become Jiang Jibai's disciple by sheer chance was probably the most fortunate thing in his life.

It can be said that his ancestors truly blessed him this time.

Spring had not yet arrived, and the north wind swept through the forest, leaving Qin Ji somewhat lost in thought.

After a long while, as if waking from a dream, he smoothed his sleeves, which were fluttering in the wind, lowered his eyes to hide the emotion in them, and said, "I understand."

Perhaps Bian Hongzhen is right.

If he hesitates and refuses to take the first step towards honesty, when will the time come for honesty?

Perhaps he should be bolder and have more confidence in Jiang Jibai.

But in any case, he needs to make sufficient arrangements in advance and cannot rush in recklessly without any preparation.

He wanted Jiang Jibai to be just like him, unable to let go and unable to relinquish his attachment.

How did she gradually play the victim to make Jiang Jibai feel sorry for her?

Unrestrainedly open the screen more often to increase Jiang Jibai's appreciation of him?

These all seem somewhat insufficient.

He sets a trap for Jiang Jibai, then appears as a great hero to save his life.

Qin Ji felt a little guilty. How was this any different from the grand performance he was putting on?

If Jiang Jibai finds out, even the little bit of affection they had before will be worn away.

Qin Ji was extremely troubled.

He'll have to go back to the palace and figure out what to do.

After seeing Bian Hongzhen off, Qin Ji led Bian Yushu on their journey back to the palace.

Bian Hongzhen bid farewell to his family and boarded a carriage bound for western Sichuan.

Bian Hongzhen urged the driver to hurry along the road, and finally, at sunset, they entered the post station a hundred miles away.

The coachman untied the horses and led them away to feed them hay.

Bian Hongzhen was about to rest when he leaned over the table to blow out the oil lamp.

A familiar smiling face peeked in through the window.

Bian Hongzhen: "...How did you promise me that?"

Bian Yulou pursed her lips, feeling a little guilty. "Can't I go back on my word after agreeing?"

Wasn't that just a temporary expedient because he felt sorry for his father's hands?

Does this mean that fathers are allowed to enforce strict family rules, while their sons are not allowed to outwardly comply but inwardly defy them?

Bian Hongzhen frowned deeply, his voice unusually sharp, "Nonsense! The court has appointed you as a principal officer in the Ministry of Revenue; how can you treat this so lightly?"

Bian Yulou dared not meet his gaze. "I have already submitted my resignation."

"Has the Ministry of Personnel approved it?"

Bian Yulou dared not utter a sound.

"Without even receiving approval, you acted first and reported later. How is this any different from ruining your future?" Bian Hongzhen was so angry that he abandoned all decorum, slamming his fist on the table and standing up. "If the Ministry of Personnel doesn't sentence you to permanent employment, it would be a disservice to your audacity today!"

Knowing he was in the wrong, Bian Yulou patted Bian Hongzhen's back to help him catch his breath. "The conditions in western Sichuan are harsh. You don't even have a son to serve you. I submitted my resignation on the grounds of filial piety. The Ministry of Personnel won't find any fault with it and will approve it. They might even let me continue in my original position."

"At most..." Bian Yulou considered his words carefully, then held up a little finger, "...leaving a little earlier, it's no big deal."

"You!" Bian Hongzhen slammed his hand on the table, and under his son's stubborn gaze, he pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. "Are you still thinking about going to the Jizhi Prefecture as a spy?"

Bian Yulou vehemently denied it, saying, "Heaven and earth bear witness! You've already used your family's rules, how could I dare to have such thoughts?"

He looked into Bian Hongzhen's eyes and said, "I'm really worried about you. Your health isn't very robust to begin with, and once you get busy, you work yourself to the bone. It's only when you have a son by your side that I can feel at ease."

Bian Hongzhen tried to find a trace of pretense in his son's eyes, "Didn't Yuheng stop you?"

Bian Yulou betrayed his brother without any sense of loyalty, saying, "With you all alone out there, Bian Yuheng might not be able to rest easy either. He's a man of his word; he promised to stay in the capital and doesn't want to break his promise. I'm different..."

"Yuheng knows what's important. After learning about your plans, it's impossible for him to just let you go to western Sichuan with your father," Bian Hongzhen retorted in a deep voice.

Bian Yulou seemed to realize something, his expression changed, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "My brother has made a three-point agreement with me."

"You can even go back on your promises to your father, so why should Yuheng believe your three rules?"