Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Faced with the choice between a disguise and good fortune, Qin Ji could only tearfully choose to first create a disguise.

"Don't you know why I'm going to the poetry gathering today?" he mumbled.

The purpose of attending the poetry gathering was something his junior disciple had mentioned to him last time.

It is said that the scope of this year's spring imperial examination has been expanded, and His Majesty has asked him to observe the academic atmosphere in various regions.

"Do you think Pei Lian is a good candidate?"

That kid needs more experience and needs to learn from his mistakes. Of course, it's not appropriate for a bodyguard to say that.

The secret guards are responsible for gathering information on talented individuals for His Majesty, observing their conduct, and recording their personality traits, rather than overstepping their bounds and interfering in the development of talent.

"This kid is quite capable, I was just trying to provoke him and see his temperament, who knew he would be so unreliable..." Qin Ji said anxiously, turning to look at the bamboo clapper in Jiang Jibai's hand.

I suppose I still have good fortune.

Poison Master, you haven't been convinced so easily, have you?

Logically speaking, Jiang Jibai had no right to interfere in matters concerning his junior disciples, nor should he meddle too much.

But the way this junior disciple is handling his duties is far too careless.

Jiang Jibai frowned slightly. "Judging from his temperament, why does he have to deliberately rub salt in people's wounds?"

Using unchangeable external factors such as height, appearance, or disability to attack others is despicable and unbecoming of a gentleman.

Qin Ji slowly moved his throat.

Good fortune...maybe I can still try harder?

—Why did you hit a nerve? He's only fifteen. Do you think he's not old enough to grow any taller?

The words of encouragement lingered on his lips before he swallowed them back down.

No, with Jiang Jibai's keen perception, he might just see that he's here to stir up trouble, which would be counterproductive.

Qin Ji struck a balance, neither appearing overly honest and unassuming, which would be inconsistent with his usual style, nor seeming to be stirring up trouble for no reason. "It was my oversight that caused this slight oversight, but I was only trying to complete His Majesty's mission..."

Qin Ji perfectly demonstrated his mentality of "knowing it was wrong" but "not wanting to be punished".

Logically speaking, such a pretext should have made Jiang Jibai not only furious but also displeased.

Jiang Jibai did indeed frown.

However, it wasn't entirely because of the younger disciple's attempt to shirk responsibility.

Instead, I felt something was off.

Based on my understanding of him, I can imagine that he would certainly not approve of him deliberately using someone's sore spot to attack others.

This kid may seem unruly, but he actually knows how to reflect on himself and keeps his teachings in mind.

Two weeks ago, my junior disciple had spoken out of turn in an attempt to defend him, saying some indiscreet things at the Si Ding Zhai. As a result, he punished himself and was heartbroken.

How could he so brazenly spout such nonsense so soon after the incident?

At that time, the young disciple kept saying that he knew he was wrong.

Jiang Jibai later reflected on the matter and felt deep regret, even worrying that it would leave a shadow on his young disciple.

How could a junior disciple not be extra careful when preparing to speak rudely, given that such a short time has passed since an incident that almost cast a shadow over his life?

Unless he did it on purpose from the beginning.

But why would he do this on purpose?

Jiang Jibai's eyes deepened slightly as he sized up the young disciple who was turning his head and staring at the bamboo stick in his hand.

He placed the bamboo clapper aside, observing his young disciple's reaction discreetly, and slowly said, "Since it's for His Majesty's sake, then I can't blame you. I misunderstood you. Get up."

No child?

Why is this not what I imagined?

Poison Master, have you changed your agent?

How could my good fortune possibly grow legs and run away?

Qin Ji found it hard to believe.

Something's not right, something's very wrong.

Qin Ji suddenly looked up and met Jiang Jibai's eyes.

Jiang Jibai smiled gently at him, "What's wrong? You don't need your master to discipline you for just these two skills, do you?"

A string of thoughts flashed through Qin Ji's mind. To avoid arousing Jiang Jibai's suspicion, he "overjoyed" quickly lifted his lower garment, "You really spared me? Then you're not allowed to settle scores later!"

Jiang Jibai glanced at him and said, "Don't worry."

After saying that, he actually intended to leave the study.

What exactly is this drug addict up to?

Qin Ji was completely bewildered. "Where are you going?"

Jiang Jibai replied, "Go and arrange for the kitchen to prepare a larger dinner to welcome Yanqing back."

Yanqing, Yanqing!

You poison master!

I haven't even given you enough blessings yet, and I'm already preoccupied with welcoming your cheap second disciple!

Enraged, Qin Ji ignored the lingering pain in his back and, as if finding evidence, jumped up from the bed. "Now that Fang Yanqing is back, you're even being so perfunctory in your teaching of me?"

"Where is it considered perfunctory?"

Jiang Jibai turned around. "I won't punish you, okay? Do you want to get beaten up?"

Qin Ji was about to continue his accusations when he suddenly shut his mouth.

You poison master, your true intentions are not what they seem!

He retorted defiantly, "Who wants to get beaten up for no reason? Poison Master!!!"

That kid's really daring. Ever since he blurted it out, people don't keep their insults to themselves anymore; they just say them to his face.

Jiang Jibai returned, sat down on the edge of the couch, dusted off his clothes, and said slowly, "Yes, who would want to get beaten up for no reason?"

Hearing him say this, alarm bells rang in Qin Ji's mind.

Sure enough, Jiang Jibai followed up with his next sentence.

"Tell me, what's bothering you so much?" Jiang Jibai patted the seat next to him gently, as if he wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk.

Qin Ji frowned, knowing that things were probably not going to be easily fooled.

Jiang Jibai was sharp-minded and insightful.

If he doesn't explain things clearly today, Jiang Jibai won't touch him again.

Qin Ji moved his lips, adopting a serious expression, "It's not what you think."

Jiang Jibai asked meaningfully, "What do you mean?"

Qin Ji cut to the chase and said, "It's not because I feel guilty about what happened at Songjian Academy last time that I'm looking for a beating."

The kid was right. Apart from this, Jiang Jibai couldn't think of any other reason for his junior disciple to seek punishment in this way.

After all, he felt guilty for punishing himself because of his inappropriate words, so he wanted to get punished again by saying something inappropriate.

This inference seems quite reasonable.

Qin Ji looked into Jiang Jibai's eyes: "Teacher, could you punish me without asking why?"

...

Second update delivered! Goal achieved! Double updates tomorrow!