Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Perhaps because he had been dealt a severe beating the previous time, and Qin Ji was busy with state affairs, this period of calm lasted until mid-September.

Bian Yushu has been behaving very well these days, and Qin Ji has asked Shen Yun about the situation several times.

Shen Hanlin had a good impression of Bian Yushu, saying that although his foundation was weak, he was diligent and dared to ask questions when he encountered something he didn't understand. He also stayed at home on his days off to study hard and made rapid progress.

There were no ministers to be summoned today, and the memorials had been mostly reviewed. Seeing that it was still early, Qin Ji summoned Bian Yushu to his side.

Perhaps it was because he had used up too much energy, but Bian Yushu seemed a bit listless, lacking the vitality he had when we first met.

Qin Ji knew that he had been too pressured before and that Bian Yushu had been under a lot of stress lately. Seeing his pitiful state, he wanted to take him out for some fresh air. "Get ready, come with me out of the palace."

"Yes." Bian Yushu instinctively obeyed the decree, but after realizing what His Majesty meant, she suddenly raised her head, her eyes sparkling, "Today isn't a day off, can I leave the palace too?"

Qin Ji raised an eyebrow. "Don't you want to go?"

"I want to go, I want to go!" Bian Yushu nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

Although the palace is nice, the rules are strict. You have to be careful with every word and action, and you can't move around freely. It's like being in prison.

He used to be a spoiled brat who spent his days gambling and chasing dogs, and he's been cooped up for so long that he's almost gone sick.

Although following His Majesty restricts my actions and I have to follow the rules, it's always good to be able to go out and explore.

……

Qin Ji once again left the palace in the Bian family's carriage.

This time, he not only brought lentils, but also lucky bamboo shoots.

He intended to purchase a private residence in the capital under the name of Bian Yushu, so that he would have a place to stay outside the palace.

Most importantly, aside from regular interactions with Jiang Jibai, gifts are always expected during holidays. If they continue to use the Bian family as a front, it's not only inconvenient but also risky, and they can't expect the entire Bian family to cooperate in this charade.

Purchasing a private residence in Bian Yushu's name is different. Not only can all his dealings with Jiang Jibai take place through this residence, but it can also withstand scrutiny.

Qin Ji didn't need to personally handle the selection of the house and servants; Fu Lu had already taken care of everything perfectly. Today, all Bian Yushu needed to do was sign a contract with the original owner in the presence of a broker, pay the taxes at the government office, affix the contract, and stamp it with the official seal. That would complete the transaction.

Qin Ji also went to check out the new house.

The contract signing went smoothly, but the carriage stopped unexpectedly on its way to the new house.

They were riding in the Bian family's carriage. Since Fu Lu wasn't suitable to appear, Bian Yushu asked, "What's going on?"

The coachman hurriedly said, "Young master, it is the carriage of the Vice Minister of War."

Bian Yushu lifted the carriage curtain, intending to have his personal attendant, Banhe, who was riding beside him on horseback, inquire about who was sitting in the other party's carriage. However, he immediately spotted Guan Yan, the lackey of Shang Jingming, the eldest son of the Vice Minister of War, and his face instantly fell.

Bian Yushu and Shang Jingming were both playboys who spent their days gambling and chasing dogs. They had so many grudges against each other that they could talk about them for three days and three nights without finishing.

Considering Qin Ji was in the car, Bian Yushu suppressed her temper and spoke politely, "Go tell Shang Jingming that I have a distinguished guest in my car and ask him to make way."

Even if the person sitting in the carriage opposite was Shang Jingming, who had always been at odds with Bian Yushu, or even if it were the Vice Minister of War himself, Bian Yushu would not give way to him when Qin Ji was in the carriage.

There is no reason for a ruler to yield the way to his subject.

Before Banhe could even get over, the other party clearly recognized that the person in the carriage was Bian Yushu.

Shang Jingming was much more direct than Bian Yushu. He lifted the curtain, stuck his head out, and said, "A good dog doesn't block the way!"

This statement was tantamount to insulting Qin Ji, who was sitting in the carriage, as well. This was unacceptable!

Bian Yushu now revered His Majesty the most, and in a fit of fervor, he disregarded everything else. He immediately lifted the carriage curtain, jumped down, and began to hurl insults at Shang Jingming, "Who do you think you are, daring to bark like that here?"

Shang Jingming, a rebellious child at heart, jumped off the carriage and started shoving Bian Yushu, saying, "What, you little chick-like body? You want to fight?"

Just as Bian Yushu lifted the carriage curtain, Shang Jingming vaguely saw that there were still people in the carriage. He assumed they were Bian Yushu's cronies and decided to join in the insults, saying, "Even if you and the guy in the carriage were tied together, you wouldn't be a match for me, you weaklings."

Shang Jingming was the son of the Vice Minister of War. He had practiced martial arts since childhood, was taller and bigger than Bian Yushu, and pushed Bian Yushu so hard that he stumbled.

"Shang Jingming, you've gone too far!" Hearing his arrogant words, Bian Yushu couldn't bear it any longer and threw a punch at Shang Jingming's face. However, he was clearly no match for him and not only missed, but also took several punches.

Seeing that Bian Yushu was at a disadvantage, Banhe quickly went to help his young master.

"Banhe, hit him! Make him pay!"

Upon seeing that two of the other men were attacking his young master, Guan Yan rushed over to help.

The attendants of the Bian family and the merchants stepped forward one after another.

Some helped, others tried to break up the fight; the two carriages were blocking the narrow road, creating a chaotic scene.

Even the patrolling officers and soldiers of the Five Cities Garrison were alarmed.

It's said there was a fight.

When they asked around, they found out that both sides were powerful young men they couldn't afford to offend. The officers and soldiers were completely bewildered and lamented their bad luck.

The two young masters refused to give up, and the two sides fought fiercely. The soldiers couldn't stop them and would often get caught in the crossfire and get punched.

A cold voice, neither too loud nor too soft, suddenly rang out from inside the carriage, "Bian Yushu."

The chaotic scene and noisy environment caused Bian Yushu, who had just been hot-blooded and threatening to teach Shang Jingming a lesson, to suddenly freeze in place.