Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Just as Zhao Siye was inwardly marveling at how fortunate it was that the Great Yin Dynasty had welcomed a young and brilliant ruler at this critical moment, Qin Ji raised his hand, gesturing for Zhao Siye to look at the tea in front of him.

Zhao Siye had been experiencing great emotional ups and downs because of his disciple's matter, and only now did he notice that the cup of tea in front of him was poured by His Majesty himself.

He hurriedly declined, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind to me. I am ashamed and dare not accept such an honor."

Qin Ji raised his hand to stop him from refusing, and slowly said, "It wasn't enough to throw one of your disciples into jail, you also made things difficult for another one. The way you asked for your help this time is really not honorable. This cup of tea is both an apology to you and a thank you for your hard work in assisting the investigation. I hope you will not refuse."

Zhao Siye: "..."

He was also completely bewildered by the whole mess he had been through, and he was also angered by that young merchant's talk of returning favors.

According to Shang Jingming, His Majesty only ordered an investigation into those who were copycatting and selling exam questions; using him as bait was Shang's own idea.

If he had known that His Majesty was behind it all, he would have kept his anger inside rather than speak ill of His Majesty behind his back.

If there were any lingering resentment before, the Emperor's recent act of kindness left Zhao Siye and his disciples with nothing but gratitude. A slight embarrassment crossed his face as he rose and bowed, saying, "It was nothing at all. Even in my old age, if I am of any use, Your Majesty, please give the order. I will do my utmost, even unto death."

Qin Ji helped him up again, gesturing for him to sit. He personally handed him a teacup and said apologetically, "Testing people's hearts with narrow-minded methods is not the behavior of a ruler. I acted foolishly in this matter. You have served the Great Yin Dynasty your whole life and are now old and should be enjoying your retirement. However, because of my momentary lapse of judgment, you have been dragged into this mess as bait and pushed to the forefront of the storm. You have been tormented and restless. I have wronged you."

The teacup in my hand wobbled, and the tea almost spilled.

How could Zhao Siye possibly sit still?

Testing people's hearts with narrow-minded methods is not the way of a ruler. How heavy are the words when they come from the mouth of the supreme ruler.

Such a candid self-reflection is truly heartfelt.

He is an elderly and decrepit retired Director of the Imperial Academy. How could His Majesty possibly lower himself to such an extent?

He quickly put down his teacup and tried to kneel: "Your Majesty, you are too kind to this old minister. It is my honor to share Your Majesty's burdens. If Your Majesty needs anything, what difficulty is there in sacrificing these old bones?"

Qin Ji stopped him, saying, "I know of your loyalty, sir. That is why I cannot let a loyal minister like you feel disheartened. I hope you will not refuse this cup of tea."

Looking at the magnanimous emperor before him, Zhao Siye was filled with emotion.

If he had met such a wise ruler when he was young, why would he have wasted his years and lived with regret for the rest of his life?

Born at the wrong time!

He picked up his teacup and drank it down with a heart full of emotion: "Your Majesty's order was for my disciple and me to enter the Five Cities Military Command to assist Commander Shang in investigating the case of selling exam questions. How could we be accused of using it as bait? And how could we possibly feel disheartened?"

This statement effectively erases the claim that the person was acting as bait, thus confirming the claim that they were acting under orders.

Even if word gets out, it won't diminish Qin Ji's wisdom, nor will it cause the entire court to look askance.

Qin Ji appreciated his sentiment and sighed softly, "I am truly ashamed of Mr. Zhao's noble character and integrity."

Xie Wumian sat at the lower end of the table. Although he did not know the cause and effect of this matter, he could still hear his teacher's admiration and protection of His Majesty.

The current emperor's ability to treat virtuous and talented individuals with respect and to show compassion to retired officials is a magnanimity that is truly admirable.

The last trace of resentment in my heart because my teacher had suffered this ordeal for no reason vanished.

He still had doubts: if all of this was "bait," why was his junior brother really tortured?

Xie Wumian kept glancing at Shang Jingming.

Shang Jingming remained unmoved, his expression unchanged.

The purpose of this trip has been achieved: to eliminate the discord between the ruler and his ministers, to win back the loyalty of Zhao Siye and his apprentice, and to bestow favors upon Xie Wumian in order to prepare for future military campaigns by procuring supplies and transporting provisions. Not to mention, Qin Ji was very satisfied to be able to witness Zhao Siye and Xie Wumian reconcile.

He noticed the unusual interaction between Xie Wumian and Shang Jingming, and looked at Shang Jingming: "How's the investigation into the exam question trafficking case going?"

Shang Jingming glanced at Zhao Siye and respectfully said to Qin Ji, "With the help of Elder Zhao, we have checked the notes and identified the style of the fake questions. We have already identified several suspects and are just waiting to arrest them."

Qin Ji nodded slightly: "Now that we have identified the suspect, let's act quickly to avoid rumors spreading and damaging the reputations of Mr. Zhao and Pei Lian."

Shang Jingming said, "I have already laid a trap. Within three days, the perpetrator and the stolen goods will be caught."

Qin Ji turned to Zhao Siye: "Jingming was acting under orders and had no choice. I hope Mr. Zhao will forgive him."

This is the second time His Majesty has spoken up for that young Shang.

Zhao Siye couldn't tell for a moment which of Shang Jingming's previous actions were ordered and which were his own ideas.

Since using him as bait was His Majesty's decree, what about the grand "returning favor" performance staged in front of him just now?

If it was also done by order, His Majesty revealed the truth and resolved the long-standing misunderstanding between the master and disciple, allowing Wumian to stand in the examination hall again, which was already a great favor. Why go to such lengths?

By staging such a grand drama and repeatedly making provocative remarks, it seems as if they are trying to provoke the master and disciple and make them reconcile.

If it weren't for the fact that it was Shang Jingming who did this, and that his little disciple Pei Lian had never had any interaction with Shang Jingming, he would have thought that the young man Shang was possessed by his little disciple.

Before he could figure it out, Shang Jingming knelt down and begged for forgiveness: "I was eager to make a name for myself and acted rashly and violently, causing great distress to Mr. Zhao's two outstanding students. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

This confession was tantamount to taking the blame for "torturing" Pei Lian in front of Xie Wumian, and also taking the blame for making Xie Wumian suffer by performing opera in front of Zhao Siye.

Zhao Siye and Xie Wumian both looked at him at the same time.

The faint smile that had always been on Qin Ji's face disappeared.

...

The second update from yesterday is here, and the first update for today is around 1 PM.

We're 700 units short of generating electricity with love, everyone keep going!