Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Fang Yanqing took in the glances exchanged between his teacher and junior brother. He wiped his face with the cloth handed to him by a servant and generously extended his hand to Qin Ji, "Junior brother, can I borrow that ointment again?"

Qin Ji looked down.

The cheap second brother's other hand, which was hanging under the table, was frantically gesturing for him to give money.

Bold!

Fang Yanqing, how dare you!

You dare to extort my money?

I'll chop you down sooner or later!

While cursing inwardly, Qin Ji obediently took out the Jade Complexion Cream from his sleeve and handed it to him with his right hand, along with a piece of silver from his left hand under the table.

Fang Yanqing discreetly slipped the silver into his sleeve, took the jade cream, and haphazardly rubbed it on his bruises with water from the copper basin. His expression became even more sincere. "I was ambushed by those students at Mangshan earlier, and I accidentally tripped and fell, hitting my face."

"I didn't expect my junior brother to have such a useful ointment. It's so effective that it won't show on my face when I go out, saving me from having people staring at my face and asking me what's wrong."

There's clearly something fishy going on between the second disciple and the youngest disciple; it's not as simple as the second disciple claims.

But it was the second disciple who was injured, and it was also the second disciple who gave the explanation.

Since the second disciple is willing to protect the younger disciple, it's clear that their relationship isn't too bad.

Jiang Jibai believed it was better for his disciples to resolve their own affairs and not interfere.

He didn't press further: "Let's eat."

Shen Jiangliu, who had witnessed his two junior brothers' under-the-table transaction, was speechless.

Fang Yanqing, Fang Yanqing, one day you will realize that not just anyone can be beaten with a bamboo pole.

Some people just want to strain their ears by knocking.

Some people have exterminated Fei Jiuzu (a member of his family).

Everyone had their own thoughts while eating the meal.

Jiang Jibai would occasionally ask Fang Yanqing about his recent situation.

Fang Yanqing answered in detail.

Shen Jiangliu interjected with a few words here and there.

Qin Ji kept stirring up trouble, saying things that were neither here nor there.

By the time the meal was over, Fang Yanqing knew that the more he said, the more mistakes he would make, and his face was already turning slightly pale.

He couldn't help but glance at Qin Ji several times.

Why is it so difficult to fleece this junior brother?

Senior Brother and Junior Brother, both from wealthy families, how come they're both so stingy?

It's just a small piece of silver, why go to such lengths to swindle him?

After dinner, the group sat idly in the front hall for a while.

Having gathered all the necessary information, Jiang Jibai stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and said, "The wine I brewed before the New Year should be almost ready by now. I'll go open a jar and have a taste."

Qin Ji's ears twitched when he heard the word "wine".

When the grape trellis collapsed, the Poison Master promised to give him two jars of grapes.

Just as he was about to get up, Jiang Jibai stopped him, "It's just a taste first. It should be even better after aging for a while. Don't open the ones for you yet."

"Yanqing, come with me to get it."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yanqing's expression changed slightly, and Qin Ji and Shen Jiangliu both turned their gazes to Fang Yanqing's face.

Qin Ji, unusually, did not feel sour.

The tone was neither warm nor cold, and the gesture of inviting him alone.

Fang Yanqing is a blessed man!

Qin Ji calmly took a sip of tea.

Shen Jiangliu racked his brains to see if he had committed any crimes recently.

Another one was folded in.

Of the three disciples under their master, he was the only one who remained intact.

The saying goes, "If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; if the rabbit dies, the fox will grieve."

Fang Yanqing still wanted to salvage the situation a little, so she took out a large stack of letters from her book box and handed them to Jiang Jibai. "Teacher, I've written back to every single letter you sent me. Would you like to take a look?"

Qin Ji asked coolly, "Why didn't Second Senior Brother send it? Is there no messenger from our hometown?"

Fang Yanqing: "..."

It's just a piece of silver.

That's enough!

Jiang Jibai put the letter away, then his indifferent gaze fell on the young disciple who was trying to stir up trouble.

He successfully shut the young disciple's mouth from stirring up trouble.

Fang Yanqing followed Jiang Jibai to fetch the wine with a death-defying spirit.

After dismissing the servants, only Shen Jiangliu and Qin Ji remained in the front hall.

Shen Jiangliu dared not remain seated before Qin Ji any longer and rose to bow.

After all, this was the Jiang residence, and who knew when Jiang Jibai might suddenly appear again? Qin Ji didn't put on airs, took a sip of tea, and said, "Sit down."

Shen Jiangliu sat down as instructed.

He found it hard to believe that the imposing young emperor before him had just been punished by his teacher.

How many times has this happened?

How could a teacher possess such abundant martial virtue?

After considering for a moment, Shen Jiangliu lowered his voice and said, "This afternoon, a grandmother and grandson from Ning'an were found..."

Before he could finish speaking, Qin Ji tapped the wooden table, "I already know about the directions Fang Yanqing gave them."

The grandfather and grandson received directions at the foot of Mang Mountain.

They couldn't even explain the origins of the student who guided them, but His Majesty could tell them in an instant.

His Majesty, Second Junior Brother, and Teacher all attended the Mangshan Poetry Gathering.

Shen Jiangliu reasonably deduced that His Majesty was present. "You've already seen them?"

Qin Ji held the teacup and turned it around, looking at the pattern on it: "I've seen it before."

"May I ask, how do you intend to handle this matter?"

Qin Ji put down his teacup, leaning his elbow on the armrest of his armchair. "If I were to suppress this matter, would Censor Shen remain silent, send that grandfather and grandson away, and shut your mouth?"

Shen Jiangliu's tone was tactful, but his attitude was firm: "I'm afraid not."

Qin Ji raised an eyebrow. "Then what was your purpose in informing me beforehand?"

He was, after all, a junior disciple who had been accepted into the master's tutelage.

Informing Xiao Kongfengmei in advance would prevent him from being caught off guard by this matter in the imperial court, and it could be considered that he had fulfilled his duty as a senior brother.

Shen Jiangliu remained silent.

Qin Ji's voice carried a chilling undertone, "Aren't you afraid that if I find out about this, I'll deal with that grandfather and grandson before you can even offer your advice?"

"If Your Majesty truly intended this, the grandmother and granddaughter would not have arrived at my residence safely." Shen Jiangliu smiled and said confidently, "Your Majesty is exceptionally wise and would never do anything to deceive yourself or whitewash the situation."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ji leaned back in his chair, looking dejected, and said sarcastically, "So, even Censor Shen can use flattery now?"

Shen Jiangliu showed no sign of flattery, remaining completely composed. "I never use flattery or fawning."

To be honest, coming from Shen Jiangliu, these words actually sounded somewhat believable, and it was strangely satisfying to hear.

A faint hint of satisfaction flashed across Qin Ji's eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. "Then Censor Shen should do what he should do and say what he should say. I am exceptionally wise; how could I not handle such a small situation?"

Shen Jiangliu thought about it and agreed.

So what if he spouts a few words at me? I can handle a small hole honeycomb briquette.

He could even withstand the teacher's slaps, and after being slapped, he could still sit calmly on the throne without changing his expression.

Your Majesty is no ordinary man.

I wonder what this gathering is for today, or what happened at the poetry recital?

It seems we'll have to turn to the miserly guy and ask him for advice.

Shen Jiangliu suddenly stood up, picked up the cushion he was sitting on, and said, "I don't know what's wrong with me lately, but even though it's a cold snap in spring, I'm still particularly sensitive to heat. Junior brother, aren't you cold? Do you want to add one?"

Qin Ji: "..."

Are you afraid I don't know you know I got a beating?

Believe it or not, I'll silence you.

"You should keep it for Fang Yanqing."

Qin Ji pricked up his ears to listen to what was happening.

Why can't I hear any crying?

Surely not one or two people can be completely fearless of pain?

This time, the poison master is definitely biased!

Qin Ji slammed his fist on the table, furious. "It seems Fang Yanqing is useless too!"

Shen Jiangliu: "?"

...

The second update is here.

Goal achieved! Double updates tomorrow!