Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Stepping out of the palace gates once more, Fang Yanqing glanced back at the majestic gates and the long palace path, a sense of relief at escaping death welling up inside him.

As the evening wind blew in, it blew in through his wide blue robe, brushing against the fabric of his back, which was soaked with cold sweat, making him shiver.

He climbed onto the carriage with his slightly weak feet.

The servant driving the carriage asked, "Young master, shall we go straight back to the manor?"

The carriages, horses, and servants were all prepared by Shen Jiangliu.

After the imperial examination, fearing retribution from his teacher, he tried to avoid the teacher as much as possible, staying at his senior brother's house to eat and drink... in order to maintain the friendship between the two brothers.

However, the servant's mention of returning to the mansion at this moment did not refer to the Shen residence, but rather the Jiang residence.

Today he is taking the palace examination, and after the exam, he will naturally have to visit his teacher. His senior brother will probably go after he finishes his duties as well.

Fang Yanqing did not answer the servant's question, which the servant taking as tacit agreement. He flicked his whip and spurred the wheels forward.

Amidst the clatter of wheels rolling over stone slabs, a slightly somber voice rang out in the carriage: "To the market."

The driver was somewhat surprised, but he didn't ask any further questions. He pulled on the reins and changed course to the market.

As evening falls, the market is at its busiest time of day, filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and haggling over prices.

Fang Yanqing went to the money exchange to withdraw some cash and then fought his way in and out of the market seven times.

He first took the carriage to the carriage shop, left the carriage there to exchange for new saddles and horseshoes, and then went to buy dry rations and water bags.

They even purchased a lot of commonly used medicinal herbs in case of emergency.

With his thick skin and years of bargaining experience, Fang Yanqing finally managed to get everything he needed for his escape at a reasonably satisfactory price by having "an elderly teacher above him and a bunch of hungry villagers below him".

Finally, he led his servants to move the items one by one onto the repaired carriage.

As the servant carried the items, he asked curiously, "Young master, are you buying so many things because you're going on a long trip?"

Fang Yanqing casually replied, "After the palace examination results come out, I might be assigned to a local post. It's better to be prepared than not."

In fact, with his top score in the imperial examination, he had a greater chance of entering the Hanlin Academy, but the servant didn't understand these things and just took what he said as true.

Fang Yanqing glanced at the sky and the shops in the market that were starting to pack up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said, "Let's hurry, curfew is coming soon."

The servant nodded and quickened his pace to continue moving things with him.

The dried meat shop owner packed up his stall, intending to close the door and let this stingy customer do whatever he wanted. However, seeing the soldiers from the Five Cities Garrison gradually appearing on the street and preparing to begin their patrol, he grumbled and stepped forward to help him. "The two copper coins I earned from you aren't even enough for my fee for helping out."

Fang Yanqing skillfully said flattering words: "Boss, you're making a fortune! I'll recommend more customers to buy things from you in the future."

The shopkeeper rolled his eyes. "A teacher of your age? Or some helpless villager crying for food?"

Fang Yanqing wasn't embarrassed at all. He patted the dust off his hands, gave a thumbs up, and said, "Boss, you've worked hard. You're kind to people, and your business will surely prosper and your wealth will flow in!"

I didn't get any money from him, but I did get a lucky saying.

For those in business, a smiling face is never a bad thing. The shop owner glanced at him, went back inside, and put the shop door back on. "Well, I'll take your good wishes then. Everything's packed up. Curfew's coming up soon, so hurry back."

Fang Yanqing leaned against the carriage wall and looked at the young man who had been silently helping him move things along with the dried meat shop owner since the beginning.

Everything's been moved, why isn't this person leaving yet?

He silently clutched his purse. "Are you an employee at this shop? I didn't ask you to help out; it was voluntary."

The young man nodded in agreement, "The young master didn't call me."

Fang Yanqing's heart skipped a beat, and she asked hesitantly, "Then why are you still standing here? Curfew is about to start... Aren't you leaving?"

The young man said, "Young master's carriage is already full, there's no room left, is there? I can give you a ride."

Fang Yanqing's Adam's apple bobbed, and his gaze followed the young man to a carriage parked at the street corner. He waved his hands repeatedly in refusal, saying, "You're too kind. We can squeeze in. How could I trouble you? No need, no need."

The young man stepped forward, put his arm around Fang Yanqing's shoulder, and said politely, "It was nothing, no trouble at all. May I ask this way, sir?"

Fang Yanqing: "...Thank you for your trouble."

If you don't show me the dagger hidden in your sleeve, see if I'll go with you!

When they reached the carriage at the street corner, the young man gestured for them to proceed.

Fang Yanqing stared at the carriage curtain, nervously swallowing and holding his breath. He then put on a warm smile again, raised his hand to lift the curtain, and said, "I was just worried that I bought too much stuff and there wasn't enough room in the carriage. Thank you for your help, brother..."

Eyes facing each other.

Fang Yanqing's enthusiastic smile visibly turned into shock. He scurried into the carriage, slid down to his knees at the feet of the person inside, and whispered, "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Qin Ji watched with great interest his second senior brother's excellent performance for a while, playing with a hidden arrow in his sleeve. "Today is the palace examination. It would be too inappropriate for me, as the junior brother, not to come and check on things."

Qin Ji paused slightly, then drew out his voice, "Second Senior Brother, don't you think so?"

Fang Yanqing stared at the metallic-looking hidden arrow in His Majesty's hand, and swallowed hard. "What merit do I, your student, possess to deserve such concern from Your Majesty?"

A faint chuckle rang out from inside the carriage. "What's Second Brother doing buying all this stuff?"

Before Fang Yanqing could offer any excuses, the young man at the head of the table spoke in an even gentler tone, yet with a chilling intent, "Could it be... that you're planning to flee to avoid punishment?"