Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Many thoughts flashed through Jiang Jibai's mind in an instant.

He had already reached the pillar at the corner. If he quickened his pace and left, the Imperial Guards wouldn't notice him, but they would definitely spot the piece of clothing caught under the door. Either these Imperial Guards would be silenced without anyone noticing, or he would gain a reputation for being a young philanderer with no morals.

If he were to turn back, he might be able to preserve the Emperor's reputation, but if he were to uncover the palace's secrets, it would likely be exposed to the one inside, making it a dangerous situation that would be more trouble than it's worth.

Jiang Jibai made a decision in an instant. He walked out unsteadily, leaning on a pillar, to attract the attention of the Imperial Guards. As he passed through the palace gate, he subtly kicked the exposed half of his bright yellow robe inside, concealed by his wide sleeves.

"I'm not a big drinker, so I went out to change my clothes and slipped and fell. I apologize for troubling everyone and making you all come all this way for nothing."

Jiang Jibai, dressed in plain white robes and not in official attire, was unidentified by the imperial guards. "Who are you?" they asked.

Just as Jiang Jibai was about to speak, the young eunuch who had led the way earlier came over and said, "This is the great scholar Jiang Jibai. He is going to the washroom to change his clothes because he was unable to hold his liquor during the banquet."

The imperial guards checked the eunuch's identification token and, after confirming his identity was correct, bowed and let him pass, saying, "Mr. Jiang, please forgive my rudeness."

This man was almost made Grand Tutor, and he was someone of importance to His Majesty, so the Imperial Guards were naturally much more polite to him.

Jiang Jibai returned the greeting and said, "It is the Imperial Guard's duty to protect the capital. How could I have offended them? General, you flatter me."

The young eunuch immediately said, "You will be meeting the Emperor soon, so the Imperial Kitchen has prepared a hangover soup. Mr. Jiang, this way please."

Jiang Jibai then realized what the little eunuch had been doing when he disappeared for a while. "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

After the commotion outside subsided for a while, Qin Ji led Bian Yushu out of the hall.

Bian Yushu straightened his disheveled clothes and cautiously observed Qin Ji's indifferent expression. He was completely bewildered and full of doubts, but dared not utter a sound.

His Majesty's face looks terrible! Bian Yushu felt an increasing pressure and suffocation.

Qin Ji's expression was naturally not good.

He noticed that Jiang Jibai had kicked the exposed part of his clothes inside earlier, and combined with the commotion he and Bian Yushu had made, Qin Ji quickly realized that Jiang Jibai had misunderstood something.

The monarch was morally deficient, and instead of offering advice, the monarch helped to conceal and cover it up, flattering and currying favor with the king.

What a noble gentleman who is unmoved by fame and fortune! What a reclusive scholar who refuses to compromise his principles!

What was originally a fairly satisfactory candidate for a "henchman" suddenly became neither appealing nor worth discarding.

Qin Ji couldn't help but recall some past events with Wang Jing.

"It's just killing a servant, how can that be considered immoral? You rule the world, you are the supreme ruler, if you want to kill him, then he deserves to die, the fault lies with him, not you."

"Reading is mentally taxing. Since you say you have a headache, it's no problem for you to rest for a few more days. Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance."

"How could you not govern the country well? Your Majesty is skilled at employing people, and we, your ministers, will each perform our duties and share your burdens."

But just another Wang Jing.

……

Jiang Jibai had just returned to the banquet when he was summoned by His Majesty.

Just now...Isn't His Majesty's summons a bit too fast?

Jiang Jibai, filled with concern for the nation, walked along the long palace path led by palace servants.

As dusk fell, palace lanterns were lit along both sides of the palace road.

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and maids carrying various fruits, vegetables and snacks can be seen busily shuttling back and forth everywhere.

Jiang followed the young eunuch leading the way through the palace gates without looking to the side, and arrived outside the Qianzheng Hall.

Fu Lu immediately stepped forward, forcing a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum, and invited the man inside, saying, "Mr. Jiang, please wait a moment; His Majesty will be there shortly."

Inside the Qianzheng Hall, tea and snacks were already laid out on the small table beside the chair, and wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner. A screen stood between the chair and the desk, perhaps to block the view of those who might be spying on the emperor's face.

The screen was semi-transparent, and in the candlelight, the outlines of the desk and throne could be vaguely seen.

Jiang Jibai took his seat under Fu Lu's guidance, and then saw the palace servants who were serving tea leave without looking to the side, led by Fu Lu. He was left alone in the huge Qianzheng Hall.

This secretive and covert operation made countless thoughts race through Jiang Jibai's mind.

Faced with the choice between being silenced or being kept quiet, Jiang Jibai leaned towards the latter.

After waiting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, accompanied by the light sound of boots on the ground, a figure emerged from the inner room of the Qianzheng Hall, casting a shadow of himself sitting on the throne on the screen.

Jiang Jibai bowed deeply and said, "This humble subject, Jiang Jibai, pays his respects to Your Majesty."