Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Bian Yushu didn't dare to breathe when she saw Qin Ji's extremely gloomy face.

Oh no, oh no, His Majesty must think his homework is too bad and wants to punish him, but he can't because he's injured, which is why he's so angry and looks so pale.

Have I disappointed His Majesty?

Thinking of this, Bian Yushu's expression changed several times. He bit his lip and went through a fierce internal struggle. Finally, he made up his mind, his eyes red, and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty is merciful and considerate of my old injuries, and is reluctant to punish me. But I know that I have failed Your Majesty's high expectations and have no face to face Your Majesty's leniency. I... am willing to accept the punishment."

As Qin Ji looked at the person kneeling below like a quail, many thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.

Bian Yushu's grandmother doted on him and didn't seem like the kind of person who would be ruthless enough to discipline him. His father and brothers weren't around to discipline him, so even if they wanted to give him advice, the incident had only happened a day or two ago, and news couldn't travel that fast from the capital to western Sichuan.

So, who is the "mastermind" behind him? The Bian family doesn't even have an elder who can control him now. Did he really suffer family punishment?

"Since you are willing to accept punishment, I will grant your wish." Qin Ji glanced meaningfully at the person lying on the ground, not daring to lift his head. "Thirty strokes of the bamboo cane, right here."

"Good fortune and prosperity".

As soon as the imperial edict was issued, Fulu immediately led people to bring over benches and bamboo planks.

Bian Yushu was also "invited" to the bench. His face was pale, but he didn't look as panicked as before.

He was the youngest child in his family. His mother had a difficult childbirth and, before she passed away, held the hands of his father and two older brothers, entrusting them to take good care of him. Therefore, from childhood to adulthood, his family treated him like the apple of their eye, spoiling and protecting him as if he were an innocent child. They didn't expect him to shoulder any of the family's burdens and only hoped that he would be happy.

Before he knew it, he had grown into a spoiled brat who amused himself. His grandmother still called him "my good grandson," and his father and brothers sighed at his writing. Fortunately, he still lived happily day by day. However, he always felt a sense of regret when he heard outsiders praising his two older brothers.

Of course, it's just a pity; he didn't have much motivation to change, after all, studying is so hard.

He was the little darling of his family, but a good-for-nothing in the eyes of outsiders.

He remembered what His Majesty had said to him while holding his hand in the carriage. His Majesty disciplined him strictly because he had high expectations for him. In His Majesty's presence, failing to learn properly would result in punishment.

Bian Yushu subconsciously felt that the push His Majesty gave him was the opportunity for him to take the first step towards change.

He didn't want to disappoint His Majesty either.

Bian Yushu gripped the stool legs tightly with both hands, but the moment the bamboo stick struck, she couldn't help but let out a painful groan.

His face was ashen, his body trembled violently, and he shakily raised one arm and bit it with his mouth, as physiological tears flowed silently down his face.

Qin Ji, watching from the head of the table, noticed something amiss after only a few moves; Bian Yushu's reaction was too intense.

Although he didn't scream or cry out in pain, his body was shaking so violently and his expression of pain was so real that it didn't seem like he was acting.

Bian Yushu was indeed injured.

Qin Ji immediately raised his hand to stop the punishment, which had only been one-tenth complete.

Bian Yushu broke free from the suffocating pain, raised her head, and through a mist of water, saw His Majesty expressionlessly dismiss the eunuch in charge of punishment and instruct Fulu, "Summon Imperial Physician He."

"Can you still stand up?" The tone softened considerably.

Seeing that His Majesty's expression had softened slightly, Bian Yushu wiped away his tears, nodded, and, with the help of a eunuch, stood up shakily. He was somewhat confused. "Your Majesty isn't going to punish me?"

"Take him to the side room."

The punishment was thus averted, and the head of the Imperial Hospital was specially invited. The eunuchs dared not neglect the matter and immediately and carefully helped the person to the next room.

Qin Ji glanced at the articles on his desk, picked up his pen and circled and revised them for a while, until Physician He came to report back to him.

Before Qin Ji could speak, Imperial Physician He proactively reported Bian Yushu's injuries in detail: "Your Majesty, the wounds on Young Master Bian's body do not seem to be caused by the bamboo canes used in the palace. Instead, they appear to be caused by the wooden sticks used to punish offending servants in various mansions."

Qin Ji put down his pen and casually asked, "Is it serious?"

"His injury hasn't been treated much, and he's developed a low-grade fever. Because he's young and in good spirits, he hasn't even noticed it himself. I'll prescribe a medicine and prepare some ointment for him to take internally and apply externally. After a few days of bed rest, he'll be fine."

Qin Ji nodded, signaling him to prepare the medicine. He then picked up the revised article and a few books, and had them taken to the side room.

When Bian Yushu saw him enter, she was startled and hurriedly tried to get up to greet him, but Qin Ji stopped her, saying, "There's no need for formalities while you're recovering from your injuries in bed."

Bian Yushu looked at Qin Ji's expression and felt slightly relieved. Remembering that His Majesty had only punished him with three strokes of the cane, yet had summoned the imperial physician and made him bedridden, he was deeply moved. "Thank you for your leniency, Your Majesty!"

Qin Ji sized him up, then cut to the chase without beating around the bush, "Who inflicted these injuries on you?"

Didn't he report it before?

Bian Yushu, not understanding, repeated in a low voice, "I received the family discipline myself."

"Family rules?" Qin Ji raised an eyebrow and sighed, "Bian Hongzhen usually has quite strict rules for disciplining his son."

Upon hearing this, Bian Yushu, fearing that His Majesty might misunderstand that his father was unkind, quickly explained, "My father is magnanimous and has never established strict family rules. This...this is..."

Qin Ji looked at him meaningfully, his tone slightly raised, "Deceive the emperor?"

Bian Yushu was so frightened by the words "deceiving the emperor" that tears welled up in her eyes. "I forced the servants to do this myself. I just felt guilty for failing His Majesty's kindness. I didn't mean to deceive the emperor."

"Your Majesty, can't this be considered family law?" Bian Yushu said, her voice trembling with tears.

This kid seems to have been completely fooled. How did that old fox Bian Hongzhen manage to raise such an innocent son?

Qin Ji remained silent for a moment.

Today was not a wise day.